A recent PlayStation 5 exclusive known among fans as a “Dino Crisis spiritual successor,” titled Code Violet, has launched to disappointing responses from both players and critics. This has left many in the gaming community seeking alternatives for their dinosaur-themed gaming desires. For those looking for a different experience, there is another upcoming title that may capture that nostalgic thrill.
The original Dino Crisis, released in 1999 on the PlayStation, is often fondly remembered as “Resident Evil with dinosaurs,” blending core survival horror elements with the thrill of prehistoric creatures. The game emphasized resource management, challenging puzzles, and tense encounters with formidable foes. Its sequel, Dino Crisis 2, shifted towards a more action-oriented gameplay style, marking a departure from the survival horror roots established by its predecessor. Subsequent entries in the series did not fare as well, leading to a growing sentiment among fans for a proper revival of the franchise.
Despite ongoing requests for a new Dino Crisis installment or a remake of the original, Capcom has remained largely silent, although they have acknowledged the interest in surveys over the years. This has left fans, including some high-profile voices in the gaming community, feeling frustrated and hopeful that the company will eventually respond to their pleas.
In light of this, many have sought out spiritual successors, but few have found offerings that resonate. Developer Teamkill Media recently released Code Violet as a PlayStation 5 exclusive, citing concerns over the potential for “vulgar” mods on PC—a statement later removed from social media. The game features a main character whose design has raised eyebrows, with gameplay trailers highlighting questionable camera angles. The community has speculated that the exclusive status may also be linked to easier refund processes on consoles compared to platforms like Steam or the Xbox Marketplace, although this remains a matter of conjecture.
After watching gameplay footage, many in the community are hesitant to invest the £39.99/$49.99 price tag, signaling that interest in Code Violet may be waning as the initial excitement dissipates.
Looking Ahead to Turok: Origins
For those still yearning for a compelling dinosaur-themed gaming experience, there is another title on the horizon that could fit the bill. Turok: Origins, announced at The Game Awards in 2024, marks a return for the iconic franchise that first captivated players in 1997 with Turok: Dinosaur Hunter on the Nintendo 64. While the series has had its ups and downs, the announcement trailer for Turok: Origins suggests a promising revival, blending both first and third-person perspectives along with a co-op campaign.
Developed by Saber Interactive, known for the co-op zombie shooter World War Z, Turok: Origins has garnered cautious optimism from fans. The trailer included a mix of cinematic elements and gameplay snippets, enough to spark some excitement for the series’ long-awaited comeback. While anticipation is building, the game does not yet have a confirmed release date, although a late 2026 launch for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S is being hoped for.
Ultimately, as both Code Violet and Turok: Origins vie for the attention of dinosaur enthusiasts, the gaming community’s appetite for well-executed narratives and engaging gameplay remains unquenched. The landscape for dinosaur-themed games has been sparse, and as developers explore the genre, the hope persists that they will deliver experiences that honor the legacy of titles like Dino Crisis and the original Turok. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, so too does the demand for innovative and thrilling forms of entertainment.
