FossilFuel promised a thrilling blend of survival horror and dino-stomping action, but unfortunately, it stumbles and roars its way into a pit of disappointment. While it gleams with flashes of intriguing ideas, like its multi-ending structure and unique setting, the game is ultimately hindered by clunky mechanics, questionable design choices, and a narrative that never fully ignites.
Jurassic Jank:
From the outset, FossilFuel’s technical shortcomings are difficult to ignore. Clunky movement plagues every step, making even basic navigation a chore. Aiming feels imprecise and floaty, turning combat into a frustrating exercise in bullet-sponging and cheap deaths. Environments, while initially atmospheric, quickly reveal their repetitive textures and bland layouts. Technical hiccups, from frequent stuttering to occasional crashes, further chip away at the immersion factor.
Graphics: 7
Sound: 5
Controls: 3
Story: 3
Engaging: 4
Overall: 4.4
Lost in the Labyrinth:
The labyrinthine Sierra facility, the game’s main setting, initially presents a sense of exploration and dread. However, this quickly devolves into aimless backtracking and confusing level design. Puzzles, instead of offering clever challenges, often rely on obtuse solutions and cryptic clues, leading to tedious trial-and-error rather than satisfying deduction. The vastness of the environment feels empty and underutilized, with sections that seem shoehorned in, contributing to a jarring sense of disjointedness.
Dino Disappointment:
The titular prehistoric predators, initially awe-inspiring, quickly degenerate into repetitive bullet sponges. Their AI fluctuates wildly, from lumbering brutes to impossible-to-hit blurrs, creating an inconsistent and often unfair challenge. Boss fights, hyped as epic dino smackdowns, fall flat due to unimaginative design and clunky mechanics, leaving you more relieved than exhilarated.
Narrative Nonsense:
The story, a mishmash of sci-fi tropes and environmental anxieties, struggles to find its footing. Voice acting ranges from decent to downright cringeworthy, and character motivations are often muddled and inconsistent. The multiple endings, while offering some replayability, ultimately feel unearned, lacking the emotional weight they strive for.
Fossil Fuel Fizzle:
FossilFuel had the potential to be a unique and thrilling experience, but unfortunately, it stumbles on its own feet at every turn. Unpolished mechanics, frustrating design choices, and a forgettable narrative make this dino-infested adventure a slog rather than a thrill ride. If you’re looking for a truly terrifying and engaging survival horror experience, or a satisfying dino-blasting extravaganza, steer clear of FossilFuel and look elsewhere. This prehistoric predator is best left extinct.