Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Jurassic Park: Rampage Edition picks up right where its Genesis predecessor left off, doubling down on the run-and-gun side-scrolling action that fans of the series love. You again slip into the shoes of Dr. Alan Grant, armed with a tranquilizer gun, grenades, and a handful of other weapons that gradually unlock as you progress. The core loop revolves around navigating through lush jungles, high-security laboratories, and even broken-down InGen outposts, all while facing off against prehistoric terrors and well-armed corporate mercenaries.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

One of the most welcome changes in Rampage Edition is the expanded enemy roster. Dinosaurs remain the showstoppers—Velociraptors, Dilophosaurus, and Triceratops still pose lethal threats—but now you’ll also contend with InGen agents bent on capturing DNA and eggs. These human foes add a fresh layer of strategy: they wield stun guns, fire pistols, and sometimes swarm in groups, forcing you to juggle the threat of both beast and bullet. This variety keeps each level feeling dynamic, whether you’re clearing out a nest of baby raptors or holding your ground against a platoon of black-ops soldiers.

The controls feel tight and responsive, with Dr. Grant moving, jumping, and aiming with precision. Platforming sections are more ambitious than in the first game, demanding careful timing and occasional backtracking. Collectibles—ranging from extra health packs to ammo caches—are thoughtfully placed, rewarding exploration without bogging down the pace. Overall, Rampage Edition delivers a satisfying balance of fast-paced combat and light puzzle elements, making every playthrough a polished, adrenaline-fueled romp through Isla Nublar.

Graphics

Visually, Rampage Edition refines the 16-bit aesthetic that defined the original Genesis title. Sprites are larger, more detailed, and animate with greater fluidity, giving each dinosaur a genuine sense of weight and menace. The color palette has been expanded—rich jungle greens, moody lab blues, and fiery volcanic reds all pop vividly on screen, helping to differentiate environments and heighten immersion.

Backgrounds are layered and lush, with parallax scrolling adding depth to jungle canopies and facility interiors alike. Tiny details—a flickering light in a maintenance tunnel, rust on metal walkways, or the shimmering wings of a pteranodon gliding overhead—underscore the production team’s dedication to atmosphere. Boss encounters, such as a showdown with a mutant T. rex, are framed by dramatic setpieces that push the Genesis hardware to its limits.

While the on‐screen action occasionally dips in frame rate during the busiest firefights, it never detracts significantly from the experience. Sound effects—roars, gunfire, and the crackle of electrical traps—pair seamlessly with a bombastic soundtrack that channels John Williams’ iconic themes while injecting fresh, pulse-pounding rhythms. All told, Rampage Edition looks and sounds like a console title years ahead of its time.

Story

Jurassic Park: Rampage Edition builds on the first game’s loose narrative framework, thrusting Dr. Grant into a dire race against time. InGen, licking its wounds from past failures, has sent in specialized agents to reclaim dinosaur DNA for nefarious purposes—whether to resurrect the park or forge a terrifying living army. The stakes are higher, the conspiracy deeper, and the moral lines blur as you confront both prehistoric predators and ruthless mercenaries.

The plot unfolds through brief cutscenes and on-screen text that strike a nice balance between exposition and pacing. You’ll witness the fallout from Site B’s collapse, read intercepted InGen communications, and occasionally receive radio updates from Dr. Ellie Sattler, who provides mission objectives and narrative context. These story beats, though concise, do a commendable job of motivating your next objective—rescuing trapped researchers, destroying cloning vats, or escaping collapsing bunkers.

Characterization remains minimal—Grant is the silent action hero, InGen scientists are shadowy figures, and antagonists speak in terse radio chatter—but it’s enough to keep you invested. Occasional environmental storytelling, like abandoned research logs or graffiti scrawled on lab walls, adds texture without pausing the action. For players seeking blockbuster thrills rather than deep narrative twists, Rampage Edition’s plot hits the sweet spot.

Overall Experience

Jurassic Park: Rampage Edition stands out as one of the Genesis library’s most exhilarating side-scrollers. It refines the formula of its predecessor with smarter level design, a broader enemy roster, and heightened production values. Whether you’re fending off raptors in overgrown ruins or blasting InGen troopers in a neon-lit lab, the game delivers consistently engaging setpieces from start to finish.

Replay value is bolstered by hidden bonus stages, multiple difficulty settings, and a time-attack mode that challenges you to master levels with speed and precision. Co-op wasn’t included, unfortunately, but the solo experience is so well-paced and varied that it seldom feels repetitive. Fans of ’90s action games will appreciate the satisfying learning curve and the triumphant sense of achievement when you conquer a tough boss or discover a secret area.

Ultimately, Rampage Edition is a must-have for Genesis collectors and retro enthusiasts alike. It captures the wonder and danger of Jurassic Park while injecting enough new ideas to distinguish itself from the first game. If you’re in the market for a high-octane platformer brimming with dinosaurs, mercenaries, and explosive setpieces, this rampage is one you won’t want to miss.

Retro Replay Score

6.4/10