[Dual Analysis] Turbo Overkill Evaluation

Turbo Overkill, a collaboration between Apogee Entertainment and Trigger Happy Interactive, burst onto consoles with its fast-paced action and dark cyberpunk world. This Mature-rated first-person shooter (FPS) promises an adrenaline-packed experience, and here’s what we found.

Both Ceidz and I, EdEN, had the chance to dive into Turbo Overkill on the PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. Here’s our collective take on this intense game.

Imagine the raw energy of cyberpunk aesthetics fused with brutal FPS mechanics—this is Turbo Overkill. You step into the shoes of Johnny Turbo, a heavily augmented hero equipped with concealed arm rockets and an innovative chainsaw embedded in his leg designed for slicing foes in style.

Returning to the neon-lit chaos of Paradise, Johnny discovers a living nightmare. The city’s inhabitants are under the spell of Syn, a rogue AI, assisted by an army of biomechanical minions. Desperate to solve his past misdeeds, Johnny must undertake the seemingly impossible task of obliterating this formidable AI. He’s not alone, though; rival bounty hunters are also in pursuit of this dangerous AI, making Paradise a treacherous battlefield.

As a veteran of classic FPS games, my expectations for Turbo Overkill on Nintendo’s console were high. Originally debuting on Steam in 2023, the game’s transition to the Nintendo Switch offers players the wild ride of Johnny Turbo’s combat exploits, from rocket-fueled punches to literally cutting down enemies with a chainsaw leg.

Johnny’s return to the chaotic streets of Paradise uncovers its grim reality. The rogue AI Syn, having seized control over the city’s population, now poses a pandemic-level threat. Your ultimate quest is to battle through Syn’s minions and plot a course to terminate the AI saga once and for all.

In navigating this adventure, you’ll steer Johnny around with the left joystick while using the right for precise aim. The game offers a quick way to swap perspectives using the D-Pad. Jump and double jump with the B button, dash using R, and use your grapple with X. The chainsaw slide can be unleashed with the L button, and varied attacks will keep you engaged.

Shooting is seamless and intuitive with the ZR button controlling your primary, and ZL handling secondary attacks. The D-Pad’s left and right open your weapon wheel for tactical swapping. Added firepower like micro-missiles can be launched with Y, and you can engage in Turbo-Time by pressing the right stick which slows down everything around, letting you strategize mid-battle.

The gameplay loop is straightforward: defeat enemies, earn money for upgrades, and improve your skill tree. Boss fights unlock special augments, pushing you to dominate over two dozen intricate levels.

As Ceidz pointed out, the game’s post-apocalyptic atmosphere complements its gory battles, consistent with its Mature rating. Dive into its main Campaign Mode to delve deeper into the story of Johnny Turbo and combat against AI Syn. If you prefer direct action, Arcade Mode awaits, or challenge yourself with Endless Mode to test all you’ve learned.

Beginning the game is a rush, with nonstop action from the first cutscene. The tutorial level itself is an explosion of mayhem that exemplifies the game’s mature themes. The violence is front and center, with vivid enemy dismemberment rendered graphically intense. Controls are thoughtfully arranged for fluidity, making running and chainsaw sliding both entertaining and satisfying. Just note, the main menu design doesn’t adhere to the PlayStation’s traditional Circle button for going back, which can be a slight hitch.

Turbo Overkill is accommodating with five difficulty settings catering to everyone. Virgin Blood eases you in with enemies at half strength, while Regular Joe offers a standard challenge. Street Cleaner and Serve Me Pain ramp up difficulty significantly, and Murder Machine mode demands precision shooting, multiply enemy ferocity with extra challenges to ensure survival is earned, not given.

Stylistically, the game offers a modern yet nostalgic experience, drawing on the high-polygonal but pixelated texture charm reminiscent of Doom. A wide FOV and smooth 60 fps on the PlayStation 5 enrich the dynamic pace. One peculiar thing is Johnny’s seemingly low perspective, reminiscent of being within arm’s reach of the action, which might take some acclimatization.

The game is equipped with a full trophy roster including a Platinum trophy. Achievements are diverse, from completing game episodes to finding collectibles like tech-chips and cassette tapes or accruing vast amounts of in-game currency.

Turbo Overkill’s nostalgic touch pays homage to iconic 1990s PC FPS games like Doom and Heretic. The campaign is not only thrilling but seamlessly integrates frenzied action with mindless shooting indulgence.

First launched on Steam in 2023, Turbo Overkill brings its thrills to both Nintendo Switch and PlayStation, with players assuming Johnny Turbo’s powerful persona complete with arm rockets and a leg-embedded chainsaw. Paradise now a dystopian disaster, Johnny’s mission is straightforward but dangerous: eradicate Syn’s minions, paving the way to destroy the rogue AI.

For Switch users, expect resolution compromises compared to the PS5 version, adjusted to maintain smoother framerate. Additionally, loading times differ noticeably, thanks to the PS5’s SSD efficiency. The game’s up at $19.99 and is available as a Cross-Buy title on PlayStation, offering both PS4 and PS5 versions without added cost.

Please note, this review of Turbo Overkill is based on copies provided by Apogee Entertainment for PS5 and Nintendo Switch, delivering non-stop action straight to your console.