Turbo Overkill, developed by Apogee Entertainment and Trigger Happy Interactive, is a lightning-fast first-person shooter that has finally graced console players with its presence. Dive into our Turbo Overkill review to discover more about this Rated M spectacle!
In this dual review feature, Ceidz and EdEN tackle Turbo Overkill, sharing insights from their experiences on both PlayStation and Nintendo Switch.
Imagine stepping into a world teeming with stunning cyberpunk aesthetics, where Turbo Overkill stands as Apogee’s most brutal FPS offering. You embody Johnny Turbo, a cybernetically enhanced powerhouse equipped with concealed arm rockets and a chainsaw emerging from his leg, perfect for slicing foes wide open with a slide.
Returning to his hometown, Paradise, Johnny is met with a dismal reality: the entire populace has fallen under the possession of Syn, a rogue AI leading an army of cybernetic minions. Driven by a desperate need to escape his past’s shadows, Johnny embarks on a daunting mission to annihilate the most formidable AI ever constructed. But he’s not alone in this pursuit; rival bounty hunters are also vying for Syn’s bounty. Indeed, nothing comes easy in Paradise.
As a long-time aficionado of classic FPS games, I was eager to see what Turbo Overkill had in store for Nintendo’s platform. Initially launched on Steam in 2023, the game has now transitioned to the Nintendo Switch. In Turbo Overkill, you step into the boots of Johnny Turbo, whose augmentations include formidable arm rockets and a chainsaw that springs from his leg.
Johnny’s return to Paradise reveals a bleak transformation. The malevolent rogue AI, Syn, sows chaos and devastation, akin to a rapidly spreading virus, threatening everyone’s existence. Your task? Neutralize Syn’s minions and ultimately dismantle Syn itself.
As an FPS, Turbo Overkill offers a control setup that’s fairly intuitive. You maneuver Johnny with the left stick and aim using the right. A press of the D-Pad changes your perspective, and the B button lets you jump or double jump, while R lets you dash. Utilize the X button for your grapple hook, and trigger the chainsaw slide with the L button. And then there’s the combat to master.
Your primary attacks are linked to the ZR button, with secondary ones on the ZL. Weapon switching is a breeze with the D-Pad, and your arsenal includes micro-missiles launched using the Y button. Turbo-Time, activated with a press of the right stick, slows down the action, enabling you to precisely dismantle enemies in a heartbeat.
The core gameplay loop is straightforward but satisfying. Defeat adversaries to earn cash, which can then be spent on augmentations, weapon upgrades, and unlocking skills. Each defeated boss grants a special augment to keep you at the forefront over the course of two dozen levels.
Reflecting on EdEN’s insights, Turbo Overkill’s frenetic pace and gratuitous violence earn its mature rating on PlayStation 5. Set in a post-apocalyptic backdrop, it presents a Campaign Mode delving into the story of Johnny Turbo, AI Syd, and Paradise. For those seeking straightforward action, Arcade Mode awaits, along with an Endless Mode to test your mettle.
From the initial cutscene, the game catapults you into relentless action. The tutorial-level introduction sets a blazing speed, living up to the game’s name and rating.
The viscera-splattering combat is smooth, aided by intuitive control mapping. Sliding around with a leg saw attached feels exhilarating and adds to the chaotic thrill. Yet, a minor gripe lies in the menu, where the PlayStation standard of using Circle to go back is oddly unsupported.
Turbo Overkill’s difficulty settings cater to a wide range of players. From the easier Virgin Blood to the daunting Murder Machine, each setting tailors the game’s challenge, whether it’s reducing enemy strength or ramping it up to monstrous levels.
Graphics-wise, Turbo Overkill marries modern tech with the classic FPS vibe of the ’90s. Its retro aesthetic, powered by high-polygon models and pixelated textures, resembles staples like Doom and Heretic, enhanced by a wide field of view for a sense of blistering speed, especially on the PS5’s smooth 60 fps performance. However, the character’s viewpoint is peculiarly low, akin to someone just a few feet tall, necessitating some acclimatization.
For trophy hunters, Turbo Overkill offers a full suite culminating in a Platinum trophy. Achievements include completing various difficulty modes, collecting all tech-chips and cassette tapes, and besting waves in Endless Mode.
Turbo Overkill crafts a modern homage to FPS classics, offering an engaging campaign full of high-paced, mindless shooting fun.
Originally launched on Steam in 2023, Turbo Overkill has seamlessly transitioned to the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation platforms. Again, your mission as Johnny Turbo involves tackling the AI Syn’s malevolent forces head-on.
Though on Switch the resolution drops compared to the PS5, this compromise ensures a stable frame rate. Load times on Switch extend a few seconds longer than on the PS5, where the SSD shines. Priced at $19.99, Turbo Overkill offers Cross-Buy on PlayStation, granting both PS4 and PS5 versions without additional cost.
Please note, this review is based on copies for the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch provided by Apogee Entertainment.
