[Dual Analysis] Turbo Overkill Critique

Turbo Overkill, the adrenaline-pumping first-person shooter crafted by Apogee Entertainment and Trigger Happy Interactive, has finally arrived on consoles. Packed with intensity and rated M for mature audiences, you might wonder what the buzz is all about. Let’s dive into our detailed review!

In this double-edged review, both Ceidz and EdEN share their experiences with Turbo Overkill on PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, giving you a comprehensive view from both console viewpoints.

Imagine stepping into a cyberpunk universe that’s dripping with style and savagery. Turbo Overkill, by far the wildest FPS from Apogee, immerses you in this world as Johnny Turbo. This protagonist isn’t your run-of-the-mill shooter character—he’s equipped with some serious hardware, including hidden arm rockets and a chainsaw that extends from his leg. It’s a combination that allows you to unleash chaos on any foe that dares to cross your path.

Johnny finds himself returning to his hometown, Paradise, only to discover it overrun by Syn, a rogue AI corrupting the populace into augmented minions. As Johnny grapples with his troubled past, he takes on the Herculean task of annihilating Syn, a task complicated by rival bounty hunters who are eager to beat him to the punch. In Paradise, it’s never just a walk in the park.

For those nostalgic about old-school FPS games, Turbo Overkill offers a delightful dive back with its futuristic flair on the Nintendo Switch. Initially launched on Steam back in 2023, it has now made the transition to consoles. As Johnny Turbo, you wield devastating arm rockets and a leg-mounted chainsaw to wreak havoc among Syn’s minions.

Returning to Paradise, Johnny quickly realizes just how dire things have become. Syn’s influence spreads like a wildfire, threatening to envelop the entire city in chaos. Your mission is simple: battle through waves of minions and rise to the occasion to permanently shut down the rogue AI.

As with any engaging FPS, Turbo Overkill ensures fast-paced gameplay using intuitive controls. Maneuver Johnny with the left stick, use the right for precision aiming, and switch perspectives using the D-Pad. Jumping is handled by the B button, dashing by R, and your trusty grapple hook by the X button. Enter chainsaw slide mode with the L button, and let the mayhem begin.

Your arsenal is diverse, featuring primary and secondary fire options, a handy weapon wheel, micro-missiles with the Y button, and the show-stopping Turbo-Time feature. Turbo-Time allows you to slow down time and dominate the battlefield with unmatched efficiency.

The gameplay cycle centers on eliminating enemies to earn cash, which can be spent on new augments, weapon upgrades, and skill unlocks. Bosses drop special augments essential for progression through the game’s expansive levels.

EdEN mentioned the captivating allure of Turbo Overkill’s relentless pace on the PS5. With its post-apocalyptic vibe, the game delivers a gripping campaign mode revealing the intricate story of Johnny Turbo, AI Syd, and the perilous world of Paradise. If you’re looking for something straightforward, the Arcade Mode sharpens your skills, while the Endless Mode tests your prowess in high-octane battles.

Initially, the game’s non-stop action took me by surprise, plunging me right into the chaos post-cutscene. Turbo Overkill truly lives up to its mature rating with its unabashed violence.

The game’s mechanics are fluid, with control mapping that feels natural and responsive. The chain-sawing slide is exhilarating, adding to the frenzy. However, minor menu quirks, like the unconventional use of the Circle button for backwards navigation, can be a bit puzzling.

Turbo Overkill caters to gamers of all skill levels with five difficulty settings. Whether you opt for the relaxed “Virgin Blood” or the nail-biting “Murder Machine,” there’s a challenge tailored to your experience. Each level increases enemy aggression and speed, with “Murder Machine” pushing you to bring your A-game, making even health packs a scarce resource.

Visually, Turbo Overkill pays homage to 90s classics through its pixelated textures and exaggerated viewpoints, reminiscent of gems like Doom and Heretic. Coupled with a fast-paced 60 FPS on PS5, the game looks and feels invigorating, though the perspective might seem quirky at first, as if you’re not quite the towering hero you expected.

Completing the game is rewarding, featuring a full trophy list for the avid collector. Achievements span across completing various episodes, survives waves in endless modes, and meeting different in-game accomplishments, and it’s satisfying to tick each box as you dive deeper into the game.

For fans of fast-paced FPS games, Turbo Overkill is a nostalgic trip back to the glory days with its chaotic yet satisfyingly high-speed gameplay. Originally debuting on Steam, it has now brought its thrilling combat to Nintendo Switch and PlayStation. Despite some graphical downgrades on the Switch to maintain performance, it remains a fascinating experience, and the cross-buy feature is a perk for PlayStation players—getting both PS4 and PS5 versions at no extra cost with a single purchase.

This review is based on copies of Turbo Overkill generously provided by Apogee Entertainment for both the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, ensuring a broad perspective on the game’s performance across platforms.