[Dual Analysis] Turbo Overkill: A Comprehensive Review

Turbo Overkill, crafted by Apogee Entertainment and Trigger Happy Interactive, has sped onto consoles, offering a blistering, mature-rated FPS experience. Here’s our insight into the game from both the PlayStation and Nintendo Switch angles.

In the visually arresting world of cyberpunk, Turbo Overkill stands out as Apogee’s most ruthless FPS venture. Your alter ego, Johnny Turbo, is armed to the teeth—or rather, legs—with hidden arm rockets and a leg-mounted chainsaw that you use to literally tear through the chaos in his once-idyllic hometown, Paradise. It’s here where a rogue AI named Syn has enslaved the population, forcing Johnny to confront his troubled past while also dealing with bounty hunters hot on his heels for the ultimate AI takedown.

Growing up with classic FPS games ignites an anticipation to see what Turbo Overkill delivers on Nintendo’s console. Initially launched on Steam in 2023, it has now transitioned to the Nintendo Switch, bringing with it the high-octane antics of Johnny Turbo. This character is a force to be reckoned with, thanks to some futuristic augmentations and a lethal chainsaw leg.

Upon Johnny’s return to Paradise, he discovers a town ravaged by Syn, an AI that’s causing havoc with pandemic-like speed. Johnny’s task is nothing short of monumental: confronting an army of minions and ultimately, Syn itself.

As a typical first-person shooter, you’ll navigate Johnny with the left analog stick while aiming with the right. Switching views with the D-Pad and utilizing jumps and dashes with the B and R buttons respectively, you’re set for dynamic gameplay. Weapons and special moves, like the trusty grapple hook and chainsaw slide, are just a button away, making every encounter with enemies thrilling and immersive.

Your arsenal’s primary attack maps neatly to the ZR button, while secondary techniques use the ZL button. Fancy some variety? The weapon wheel, accessed via the D-Pad, offers just that. And for heightened control, Turbo-Time slows down the action so that you can strategically dismantle foes.

Your adventure means taking out enemies to earn cash. This in turn funds augments and weapon enhancements through a well-thought-out gameplay loop spread over two dozen adrenaline-fueled levels.

As EdEN keenly observed, Turbo Overkill on PlayStation 5 is a frenetic FPS swimming in M-rated glory. Set against a post-apocalyptic backdrop, its campaign lets you unravel Johnny Turbo’s story while surviving the gauntlet of Syn’s mechanized minions. Opt for Arcade or Endless Modes if you want a stripped-down or challenge-driven experience.

The action doesn’t relent after the opening cutscene, diving into a tutorial level that’s anything but basic. Turbo Overkill truly lives up to its mature rating with intense, graphic encounters and intuitive control schemes. Each swift chainsaw slide is gratifying, though the menu’s lack of PlayStation-standard navigation is a minor hitch.

The game accommodates varying player skills with five difficulty modes, from the accessible Virgin Blood to the intense Murder Machine, which ratchets up enemy speed and damage acutely. It’s a mode that demands precision if you aim to survive its relentless assault.

Turbo Overkill’s design smartly echoes the 1990s FPS aesthetic, with polygonal visuals and pixelated textures akin to Doom and Heretic, yet enhanced for the modern era. Despite the incongruous, low-set point of view, the 60 FPS fluidity and fast-paced action keep the game engaging, particularly on the PlayStation 5.

Trophy hunters will find a comprehensive list entailing 25 Bronze, 14 Silver, and 2 Gold achievements. Challenges range from level completion across different difficulties to amassing wealth, collecting hidden items, and enduring Infinite Mode’s tough waves.

Ultimately, Turbo Overkill rejuvenates classic FPS vibes from the 90s with its chaotic fun and visually stimulating experience. The campaign offers thrilling escapades, ensuring every moment is packed with engaging, explosive gameplay.

Despite performance differences between consoles—taking a slight graphical dip on the Switch—the game retains its pulse-pounding essence. For PlayStation users, a single purchase even grants access to the PS4 and PS5 versions. All in all, Turbo Overkill’s console leap offers an exceptionally gripping ride for FPS aficionados.

This review is based on copies provided by Apogee Entertainment for the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch.