Jurassic World Evolution 2 Review
Jurassic World Evolution 2 is the much-anticipated sequel to Frontier’s Jurassic World Evolution. Like what should be a proper sequel, Jurassic World Evolution 2 aims to surpass its predecessor by building on its core mechanics while introducing new features, dinosaur behaviors, and more options to customization. In many ways, Jurassic World Evolution 2 achieves this goal, as it delivers a bigger and better experience that will satisfy its two main audiences: park simulator enthusiasts and fans of the iconic film franchise. However, all of the customization options, game modes, and new features found in Jurassic World Evolution 2 come with a steep learning curve that can be overwhelming for novice players.
One thing players will notice first upon booting up Jurassic World Evolution 2 is its stellar graphics. Each of the dinosaurs in the game is highly detailed, and players can even customize their appearance through different skins. While the realistic look of the dinosaurs and buildings are pleasing to look at, the game’s aesthetics really shine in its environment. Every area in Jurassic World Evolution 2 feels vibrant and alive, especially when exploring with land and air vehicles, which play an important role in specific game modes. Jurassic World Evolution 2 features four game modes, each offering a unique way to experience the game. While having four game modes accessible right from the start might be too much, it all comes down to what players want to get out of the game. Returning players and management sims can enjoy Challenge and Sandbox modes, as it tests players’ management skills while also allowing them to build the park of their dreams. In contrast, movie fans who crave the original Jurassic World story will enjoy the Story Campaign and Chaos Theory modes, though the short campaign is basically a tutorial in all but name. However, its short length is a good thing, as it puts the spotlight on Jurassic World Evolution 2: Chaos Theory’s new game mode.
In Chaos Theory, players revisit all five Jurassic films by placing them in key moments that result in “What if…?” scenarios. Players get the chance to rewrite history, starting with John Hammond asking players to build the first Jurassic Park, to the events leading up to the escape of the dinosaurs in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. Those who prefer to explore just a few movies will be happy to know that Chaos Theory doesn’t require players to meet certain conditions to access each movie, as all five are unlocked in beginning. One of the most exciting things about Jurassic World Evolution 2 is the quality of life improvements available. The game features more than 75 species of dinosaurs, including new sea and flying types, which are more vibrant compared to the first game. These creatures are highly detailed and can be customized with different skins. In addition, the behavior of the dinosaurs is emphasized which now has a little more life than in the first game, and players can now add Ranger posts inside the enclosures, making it easier to check the dinosaurs and replenish their feeders. However, it is worth pointing out that the improved dinosaur realism also means that players have to pay more attention to them. Each creature is susceptible to injuries and various diseases, which means that players need to calm them down and take them to the new medical facility immediately. Additionally, raising dinosaurs requires a lot of micromanaging to ensure they live long and happy lives. Mixing two or more species of dinosaurs requires players to pay careful attention so that all their environmental needs are met without them fighting for resources and territory.
The same concept applies to the management aspect of the game. Frontier has clearly done its due diligence and implemented most of the fan-requested features, such as the ability to manipulate time, which is a handy feature when doing tasks that take quite a while to complete. Jurassic World Evolution 2 also offers an easier way to fulfill the power requirements. Instead of placing substations that must be connected to powerlines, players can now power their parks through a backup generator. The generator eliminates the need for powerlines, allowing players to design their parks without ruining the overall aesthetic. But it’s still possible to do it the old way because backup generators have drawbacks. Dinosaur creation also features a new mechanic to achieve a deeper management experience. Players must now manually hire scientists, and each candidate will have different skills, specialties, and salary ranges that players must balance for the benefit of the park. For example, one scientist might speed up hatching, while another might have a better deal for fossil extraction. Overall, these changes make the game better and far superior to its predecessor. However, much like dinosaur care, all of these changes add to the number of things players must manage to ensure their park runs smoothly. The new generator that should make running a park easier runs on fuel that must be replenished regularly. Failure to do so will result in a blackout, which means the electrified fences will stop working.
It is also worth noting that scientists players cannot work around the clock. After doing a certain amount of tasks and expeditions, these scientists need to rest, and every time they do it costs the players money. The same concept applies to visitors, who are now grouped into four categories with different needs. All of these guest needs must be met, and their safety must be made a top priority in order to achieve a high park rating. While all this micromanaging can easily overwhelm players, the game balances it out with plenty of customization options. When starting a park in Sandbox mode, players can choose from various options regarding dinosaur care, such as dinosaur health, behavior, needs, and more. The game also allows players to remove power requirements, generate unlimited currency, manipulate weather patterns, and other useful modifiers. While the park building aspect of Jurassic World Evolution 2 has many similarities to its predecessor, it offers a greater level of personalization. Shops and other buildings can now be customized from their design, architecture, and coloring, making it easy for builders to achieve their preferred park aesthetic. Various types of decoration are also available, such as outdoor seating for a restaurant. Also, players will choose the interior modules of each establishment, whether they want it to have an aquarium, arcade, or fish tank. Each of these indoor modules will attract certain types of guests, so players must mix and match to make sure everyone is happy.
Overall, Jurassic World Evolution 2 lives up to its promise to surpass its predecessor thanks to improved dinosaurs, deeper management simulation mechanics, and game modes geared toward different players. While Chaos Theory lets players revisit and rewrite iconic moments in the film franchise, Sandbox Mode is undoubtedly the heart and soul of Jurassic World Evolution 2 for the way it highlights all the new features and enhancements. The only downside of having a game full of so many features and gameplay mechanics is that it can easily become overwhelmed. Not to mention, Jurassic World Evolution 2’s deep user interface and menu system can also be confusing, especially for beginners. However, all these minor issues wash away with practice, and the customization options allow players to reduce the difficulty to their liking. Ultimately, Jurassic World Evolution 2 is a great sequel to the first game. Not only did Frontier manage to implement fan feedback, but it also introduced new features that make managing a dinosaur park an enjoyable experience. Jurassic World Evolution 2 will be released on November 9, 2021, for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Today Technology was provided with a PS5 digital code for this review.