Jurassic World Aftermath

{{short description|2020 video game}} {{Use mdy dates|date = February 2025}} {{Infobox video game | title = Jurassic World Aftermath | image = Jurassic World Aftermath cover art.png | caption = | developer = Coatsink Software | publisher = Coatsink Software Oculus Studios (Quest) | series = ''Jurassic Park'' | engine = | platforms = Oculus Quest Oculus Quest 2 Nintendo Switch PlayStation 5 | released = {{ubl|'''Quest headsets'''|December 17, 2020 (Part 1) September 30, 2021 (Part 2)|'''Nintendo Switch'''|November 10, 2022|'''PlayStation VR''' '''PlayStation VR2'''|February 22, 2023}} | genre = Stealth | modes = Single-player }} '''''Jurassic World Aftermath''''' is a 2020 virtual reality stealth game developed by Coatsink Software and published by Oculus Studios for the Oculus Quest and Oculus Quest 2. It is based on the ''Jurassic Park'' franchise.<ref name="Sheridan">{{cite web |last=Sheridan |first=Connor |title=Jurassic World Aftermath is basically a "raptor in the kitchen" simulator and it's out Thursday |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/jurassic-world-aftermath-is-basically-a-raptor-in-the-kitchen-simulator-and-its-out-thursday/ |website=GamesRadar |access-date=December 25, 2020 |date=December 16, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://nerdist.com/article/jurassic-world-aftermath-vr-game-oculus-quest/ |title=JURASSIC WORLD AFTERMATH Brings Dinos to VR | website= nerdist.com |date=September 17, 2020 | access-date=17 September 2020}}</ref> It takes place on the island of Isla Nublar, two years after the events of the 2015 film ''Jurassic World''. For much of the game, the player is hunted by velociraptors while proceeding through a facility on the island.

''Jurassic World Aftermath: Part 2'', a continuation in the form of paid downloadable content (DLC), was released in 2021. A non-VR version for Nintendo Switch without involvement from Oculus, titled ''Jurassic World Aftermath Collection'' and containing both parts, was released by Coatsink the following year. A VR version of ''Jurassic World Aftermath Collection'' was released by Coatsink for the PlayStation 5 via PlayStation VR2 in 2023.

==Gameplay== ''Jurassic World Aftermath'' is a stealth game played from a first-person perspective.<ref name=Perry/> It takes place on Isla Nublar, two years after the events of ''Jurassic World'',<ref name=Squires>{{cite web |last=Squires |first=John |title=VR Experience 'Jurassic World Aftermath' Brings Dino Terror to the Oculus Quest |url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/video-games/3632071/vr-experience-jurassic-world-aftermath-brings-dino-terror-oculus-quest-trailer/ |website=Bloody Disgusting |access-date=December 25, 2020 |date=September 16, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Denzer |first=TJ |title=Jurassic World Aftermath VR will put you up against deadly dinos on Oculus Quest |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/120398/jurassic-world-aftermath-vr-will-put-you-up-against-deadly-dinos-on-oculus-quest |website=Shacknews |access-date=December 25, 2020 |date=September 16, 2020}}</ref> and prior to the events of ''Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom''.<ref name=Anderton>{{cite news |last=Anderton |first=Ethan |title='Jurassic World Aftermath' Trailer: This VR Game Will Have You Hiding from Velociraptors |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/jurassic-world-aftermath-trailer/ |access-date=December 25, 2020 |work=/Film |date=December 17, 2020}}</ref> The player takes control of Sam, a silent security expert who is sent to the island to infiltrate its ruins and obtain information. Their plane crashes on the island after an encounter with a ''Pteranodon''.<ref name=Sheridan/><ref name=Volpe/><ref name=Anderton/> The player is aided by an offscreen partner named Dr. Amelia "Mia" Everett,<ref name=Volpe/> who is injured following the plane crash and stays behind.<ref name=Anderton2/><ref name=IGN/> From her location, she provides the player with mission objectives and updates.<ref name=Volpe/>

For much of the game, the player moves through the N.M.S. Genetics Centre, while being hunted by velociraptors, the primary enemies. The player must use stealth and distractions to avoid the raptors, who can be lured away with the use of an alarm or radio.<ref name=Sheridan/><ref name=Volpe/><ref name=Anderton/> Two other dinosaurs, ''Dilophosaurus'' and ''Tyrannosaurus'', also briefly appear as enemies.<ref name=Perry/> The player cannot fight against any of the animals and must instead avoid them.<ref name=IGN/><ref name=TheGamer/> Sound is emphasized in the game, as listening to the environment is often necessary to proceed with success. Running creates noise, which can attract the raptors, making slow movements necessary.<ref name=Volpe/> Minigames and puzzle-solving also make up aspects of the gameplay.<ref name=Perry/><ref name=IGN/><ref name=Up-Review/> The island's facility has doors leading into five different areas, and a switch must be activated to access each area. The final two areas are absent from the game and are included in the DLC,<ref name=TheGamer/> titled ''Jurassic World Aftermath: Part 2''. It includes new mini-games and dinosaur interactions, and concludes the storyline.<ref name=Road>{{cite web |last=Lang |first=Ben |title=Exclusive Preview: 'Jurassic World Aftermath – Part 2' Will Bring New Dino Gameplay & Story Conclusion |url=https://www.roadtovr.com/jurassic-world-aftermath-part-2-preview/ |website=Road to VR |access-date=September 30, 2021 |date=September 29, 2021}}</ref>

==Development and release== ''Jurassic World Aftermath'' was developed by Coatsink Software, based in the U.K.<ref>{{cite web |last=Skrebels |first=Joe |title=Thunderful Group Acquires Jurassic World Aftermath Developer |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/thunderful-group-acquires-jurassic-world-aftermath-developer |website=IGN |access-date=December 25, 2020 |date=October 5, 2020}}</ref> Coatsink conceived the game in 2019, after approaching Universal Pictures about developing a ''Jurassic World'' game.<ref name=Sheehan>{{cite web |last=Sheehan |first=Gavin |title=Interview: Jurassic World Aftermath Devs Discuss Part 2 |url=https://bleedingcool.com/games/interview-jurassic-world-aftermath-devs-discuss-part-2/ |website=Bleeding Cool |access-date=November 9, 2021 |date=November 9, 2021}}</ref> The game was revealed in September 2020,<ref name=Squires/> and was published by Oculus Studios on December 17 the same year.<ref name=Feltham>{{cite web |last=Feltham |first=Jamie |title=Quest Is Hiding Unfinished Games In Its Holiday Content Push |url=https://uploadvr.com/editorial-quest-is-hiding-unfinished-games-in-its-holiday-content-push/ |website=UploadVR |access-date=December 25, 2020 |date=December 20, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Metz |first=Axel |title=Jurassic World: Aftermath brings stealthy dino horror to Oculus Quest 2 |url=https://www.techradar.com/news/jurassic-world-aftermath-brings-stealthy-dino-horror-to-oculus-quest-2 |website=TechRadar |access-date=December 25, 2020 |date=December 18, 2020}}</ref>

The game is reminiscent of a scene in the first ''Jurassic Park'' film, in which characters use stealth to avoid raptors in a kitchen.<ref name=Sheridan/><ref name=Volpe/><ref name=Anderton/> Brian Gomez, an executive producer for Universal Games and Digital Platforms, said: "There were countless hours spent trying to balance the velociraptor because she was just so damn good. AI really [progressed] to the point where it was very few of us that could actually survive her. And I think we finally got to the point where, when you first start, you're probably going to die a lot. You're going to die a lot until you start learning her behavior and … reading her body language and audio cues".<ref name=Volpe>{{cite news |last=Volpe |first=Joseph |title='Jurassic World Aftermath' lets you play VR hide-and-seek with a cartoon velociraptor |url=https://mashable.com/article/jurassic-world-aftermath-oculus-quest-vr/ |access-date=December 25, 2020 |work=Mashable |date=December 16, 2020}}</ref>

The game uses cel-shaded animation,<ref name=Anderton/> similar in appearance to a comic book. This was done in order to produce dinosaurs with a less-threatening appearance, in an effort to appeal to a wider audience. Gomez said: "We wanted it to still be scary and affecting and immersive, even if it wasn't filmic — like photo-realism. But we also didn't want it to be so intimidating and so scary … [for] a huge portion of the ''Jurassic'' audience that doesn't want a totally visceral R-rated horror experience".<ref name=Volpe/> Jeff Goldblum and BD Wong recorded dialogue for the game, briefly reprising their roles as Dr. Ian Malcolm and Dr. Henry Wu. The characters are heard, but do not make a physical appearance.<ref name=Volpe/><ref name=Anderton/><ref name=Up-Review/> Laura Bailey provides the voice for Dr. Amelia "Mia" Everett.<ref name=Volpe/>

''Jurassic World Aftermath: Part 2'', also developed by Coatsink, was released on September 30, 2021,<ref name=Road/><ref>{{cite web |last=Wacholz |first=Charlie |title=Jurassic World Aftermath: Part 2 is available now |url=https://www.androidcentral.com/jurassic-world-aftermath-part-2-available-now |website=Android Central |access-date=October 7, 2021 |date=September 30, 2021}}</ref> as paid downloadable content.<ref name=Volpe/><ref name=TheGamer2>{{cite web |last=Switzer |first=Eric |title=Facebook Is Being Dishonest About These Unfinished VR Games |url=https://www.thegamer.com/oculus-vr-jurassic-world-galaxys-edge-unfinished/ |website=TheGamer |access-date=December 25, 2020 |date=December 20, 2020}}</ref> The game was originally meant as a single release, but the development team switched to remote work as the COVID-19 pandemic began, and this disrupted the team's schedule. Rather than delay the entire game, the team chose to split it into two parts and release the latter when it was ready.<ref name=Sheehan/><ref name=Road/> As a result, the storyline had to be rearranged significantly. The ending for the first half was initially a scene meant to occur at a different point in the game. The later release for ''Part 2'' allowed the team to incorporate more features than originally planned. This included a second interactive encounter with a ''T. rex''. Prior to the delay, there were only plans for a second ''T. rex'' appearance in the form of a cutscene.<ref name=Sheehan/> Goldblum and Bailey reprise their roles for the game's second part.<ref name=Mercante>{{cite web |last=Mercante |first=Alyssa |title=Jurassic World Aftermath Part 2 is coming this September |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/jurassic-world-aftermath-part-2-fgs-august-2021/ |website=GamesRadar |access-date=August 27, 2021 |date=August 26, 2021}}</ref>

A Nintendo Switch port, titled ''Jurassic World Aftermath Collection'' and containing both parts, was released on November 10, 2022.<ref>{{cite web |last=Norman |first=Jim |title=Jurassic World Aftermath Collection Unearths November Release Date On Switch |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/10/jurassic-world-aftermath-collection-unearths-november-release-date-on-switch |website=Nintendo Life |access-date=October 20, 2022 |date=October 17, 2022}}</ref><ref name=Bell>{{cite web |last=Bell |first=Lowell |title=Jurassic World Aftermath Collection Review |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/jurassic-world-aftermath-collection |website=Nintendo Life |access-date=November 12, 2022 |date=November 12, 2022}}</ref> The Switch version lacks virtual reality gameplay. Coatsink stated that the game was ported to a non-VR console "to allow people without access to VR, or who suffer from motion sickness from VR, to play too".<ref>{{cite web |last=Deschamps |first=Marc |title=Jurassic World Video Game Announced for Nintendo Switch |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/jurassic-world-aftermath-collection-announced-nintendo-switch/ |website=Comicbook.com |access-date=October 20, 2022 |date=October 18, 2022}}</ref> A VR version of ''Jurassic World Aftermath Collection'' was released on February 22, 2023, as a launch title for the PlayStation VR2.<ref>{{cite web |last=Tailby |first=Stephen |title=Avoid Deadly Velociraptors in Jurassic World Aftermath Collection, Coming to PSVR2 |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2022/11/avoid-deadly-velociraptors-in-jurassic-world-aftermath-collection-coming-to-psvr2 |website=Push Square |access-date=November 3, 2022 |date=November 2, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Lyles |first=Taylor |title=Every PlayStation VR2 Launch Game |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/every-playstation-vr2-launch-game |website=IGN |access-date=March 9, 2023 |date=February 17, 2023}}</ref><ref name=MC-PS/>

== Reception == {{Video game reviews | MC = NS: 62/100<ref name="MCNS">{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/jurassic-world-aftermath-collection/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch|title=Jurassic World Aftermath Collection (Switch)|website=Metacritic|access-date=March 9, 2023}}</ref> PSVR2: 64/100<ref name=MC-PS>{{cite web |title=Jurassic World Aftermath Collection (PSVR2) |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/jurassic-world-aftermath-collection/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-5 |website=Metacritic |access-date=March 9, 2023}}</ref> | OC = 40% recommend<ref name="opencritic">{{cite web|url=https://opencritic.com/game/10699/jurassic-world-aftermath|title=''Jurassic World Aftermath''|publisher=OpenCritic|access-date=May 30, 2026}}</ref>  | IGN = 8/10<ref name=IGN/> | NLife = NS: 6/10<ref name=Bell/> | Play = PSVR2: 7/10<ref>{{cite magazine |date=April 2023 |title=Jurassic World Aftermath Collection |magazine=Play |location=United Kingdom |issue=25 |page=66}}</ref> | TA = NS: 3/5<ref name="TA">{{Cite web|last=Musgrave|first=Shaun|url=https://toucharcade.com/2022/11/15/neogeo-pocket-color-selection-vol-2-switch-review-oddworld-soulstorm-jurassic-world-eshop/|title=SwitchArcade Round-Up: Reviews Featuring 'NEOGEO Pocket Color Selection Vol.2', Plus the Latest Releases and Sales|website=TouchArcade|date=November 15, 2022|access-date=November 21, 2022}}</ref>  | agg1 = | agg1Score = | agg2 = | agg2Score =  | rev1 = Android Central | rev1Score = ''Part 1'': 3.5/5<ref name=Android/> ''Part 2'': 4/5<ref name=Android2>{{cite web |last=Sutrich |first=Nicholas |title=Jurassic World Aftermath Part 2 review: More dinos, more terror, more money |url=https://www.androidcentral.com/jurassic-world-aftermath-part-2-review |website=Android Central |access-date=October 29, 2021 |date=October 18, 2021}}</ref> | rev2 = TheGamer | rev2Score = 3/5<ref name=TheGamer/> | rev3 = ''Multiplayer.it'' | rev3Score = PSVR2: 6.5/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Sorino |first=Francesco |title=Jurassic World Aftermath Collection: la versione PS VR2 arriva tra gli artigli di un velociraptor! |url=https://multiplayer.it/recensioni/jurassic-world-aftermath-collection-psvr2.html |website=Multiplayer.it |access-date=March 9, 2023 |language=it |date=March 2, 2023}}</ref> | rev4 = ''UploadVR'' | rev4Score = 3/5<ref name=Up-Review/>  | award1Pub = | award1 = | award2Pub = | award2 = }}

''Jurassic World Aftermath'' received "mixed or average" reviews according to review aggregator Metacritic.<ref name=MC-PS/><ref name="MCNS"/> Fellow review aggregator OpenCritic assessed that the game received weak approval, being recommended by 40% of critics.<ref name="opencritic"/> Critics stated that the game would appeal to fans of the ''Jurassic Park'' franchise.<ref name=Perry/><ref name=TheGamer/><ref name=Up-Review/><ref name=Android/> The graphics and sound were generally praised.<ref name=Perry/><ref name=IGN/><ref name=TheGamer/><ref name=Up-Review/><ref name=Android/><ref name=Hillery/> Harry Baker of ''UploadVR'' wrote: "Despite not being photo realistic, there's something about the comic book-inspired look that almost helps immersion — instead of being hung up on how everything looks compared to reality, you're immediately immersed in a terrifying comic book world littered with dinosaurs".<ref name=Up-Review>{{cite web |last=Baker |first=Harry |title=Jurassic World Aftermath Review: Satisfying Stealth Falls Short |url=https://uploadvr.com/jurassic-world-aftermath-review/ |website=UploadVR |access-date=December 25, 2020 |date=December 23, 2020}}</ref> Eric Hillery of Bleeding Cool wrote that the graphics are "more than enough to make the idea of being eaten or jump-scared downright unpleasant, but without bringing the type of gore that some users might find traumatizing".<ref name=Hillery>{{cite web |last=Hillery |first=Eric |title=Life Continues To Find A Way In VR's Jurassic World: Aftermath |url=https://bleedingcool.com/games/life-continues-to-find-a-way-in-vrs-jurassic-world-aftermath/ |website=Bleeding Cool |access-date=December 25, 2020 |date=December 24, 2020}}</ref>

Ethan Anderton of ''/Film'' was critical of the cel-shaded animation, calling it his only major disappointment with the game. He concluded that while he would prefer "a little more variety in the puzzle gameplay as the story progresses and gets more challenging, it's the thrill of being hunted on the abandoned property of Jurassic World that makes this virtual reality experience a solid experience".<ref name=Anderton2>{{cite news |last=Anderton |first=Ethan |title='Jurassic World Aftermath' Review: This Hair-Raising Stealth Game Keeps You on Edge But Needs More Variety |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/jurassic-world-aftermath-review/ |access-date=December 25, 2020 |work=/Film |date=December 17, 2020}}</ref> Nicholas Sutrich of Android Central called it "the Jurassic game I've always wanted to play", praising the simplicity of the gameplay and story. However, he criticized the AI, stating that the raptors mostly behave like guards patrolling an area, rather than the intelligent animals depicted in the films.<ref name=Android>{{cite web |last=Sutrich |first=Nicholas |title=Jurassic World Aftermath review: Making dinosaurs terrifying again |url=https://www.androidcentral.com/jurassic-world-aftermath-review |website=Android Central |access-date=January 7, 2021 |date=January 5, 2021}}</ref>

Alex Perry of Mashable opined that the game's premise of sneaking past raptors was "irritating and tedious", and stated that the game "harkens back to an archaic era of stealth game design where detection means failure". Perry concluded that the kitchen scene in the first film "is a classic, to be sure, but it doesn't work as the basis for an entire video game. Only the most devoted ''Jurassic Park''-heads should go anywhere near this game".<ref name=Perry>{{cite web |last=Perry |first=Alex |title='Jurassic World Aftermath' shows VR doesn't make a bad game good |url=https://mashable.com/article/jurassic-world-aftermath-review/ |website=Mashable |access-date=December 25, 2020 |date=December 17, 2020}}</ref> Baker also found the gameplay to be repetitive.<ref name=Up-Review/> Eric Switzer of TheGamer praised the stealth gameplay and compared it to ''Alien: Isolation'', while writing that ''Aftermath'' "engages your body better than any other non-workout VR game I've played".<ref name=TheGamer>{{cite web |last=Switzer |first=Eric |title=Jurassic World Aftermath Review: Stealth VR Done (Almost) Right |url=https://www.thegamer.com/jurassic-world-aftermath-review/ |website=TheGamer |access-date=December 25, 2020 |date=December 21, 2020}}</ref>

Francesco Destri, writing for ''IGN Italia'', praised the game for its tension and variety of gameplay.<ref name=IGN>{{cite web |last=Destri |first=Francesco |title=Jurassic World Aftermath – Recensione |url=https://it.ign.com/jurassic-world-aftermath-pc/176918/review/jurassic-world-aftermath-la-recensione |website=IGN Italia |access-date=December 25, 2020 |language=it |date=December 21, 2020}}</ref> Benjamin Bullard of Syfy Wire stated that the game has an appropriate level of anxiety like the films, and wrote: "It's fun to feel that first 'gotcha' fright of being snuffed out by a clever raptor, though the brutal difficulty of escaping, once you've been spotted, means you'll be setting out from a previous checkpoint more than once". He concluded that the game is "half a day well spent…so long as you don't mind a good cliffhanger".<ref name=Syfy>{{cite web |last=Bullard |first=Benjamin |title=The Week in Gaming: Milla Jovovich on her 'embarrassing' favorite game; Jurassic World Oculus hands-on; & more |url=https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/week-in-gaming-milla-jovovich-favorite-game-jurassic-world-VR |website=Syfy Wire |access-date=December 25, 2020 |date=December 18, 2020}}</ref>

Hillery considered the game too short, at approximately three hours.<ref name=Hillery/> Some reviewers criticized objects throughout the game that are not interactive.<ref name=IGN/><ref name=Android/> Others complained of the game's abrupt ending and the need to purchase DLC.<ref name=TheGamer2/><ref name=IGN/><ref name=Up-Review/><ref name=Feltham/><ref name=Android/> Baker stated that the game felt "rushed, repetitive and oddly-paced" because of the ending, and wrote that "it does feel like this game was originally meant to release as one whole portion, not two".<ref name=Up-Review/>

Switzer praised the game's second part, calling it "so much more dynamic and engaging" and stating that the climax "makes the entire journey worth it".<ref>{{cite web |last=Switzer |first=Eric |title=Jurassic World Aftermath Part 2 Finally Delivers The Dinos |url=https://www.thegamer.com/jurassic-world-aftermath-part-2-impressions/ |website=TheGamer |access-date=October 7, 2021 |date=October 5, 2021}}</ref> Baker enjoyed the game's final two hours, calling them "the best of the entire experience, Part 1 included", but he stated "everything leading up to that feels like a retread". He found ''Part 2'' to be "laboriously repetitive" and was critical of the overall story.<ref name=Baker2>{{cite web |last=Baker |first=Harry |title=Jurassic World Aftermath: Part 2 DLC Review – Same, But Different |url=https://uploadvr.com/jurassic-world-aftermath-part-2-dlc-review/ |website=UploadVR |access-date=October 7, 2021 |date=October 6, 2021}}</ref> Sutrich praised the additions in ''Part 2'', but found the gameplay linear. He was disappointed by the minimally interactive environments, but applauded the voice acting, calling Goldblum's performance "superb".<ref name=Android2/> Baker, however, was critical of his voice acting: "Given Goldblum is usually full of charisma, it's telling that his sections mostly fall flat here, just like Part 1".<ref name=Baker2/>

Reviewing the Switch port, Lowell Bell of ''Nintendo Life'' praised the audio but found the gameplay repetitive. He concluded that ''Jurassic World Aftermath'' worked better as an immersive VR game, while calling the reworked Switch controls "a little clunky and dull" by comparison.<ref name=Bell/>

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== * [https://www.oculus.com/jurassic-world-aftermath/ Official website]

Category:2020 video games Category:Jurassic Park (franchise) video games Category:Meta Quest games Category:Nintendo Switch games Category:Stealth video games Category:Video games developed in the United Kingdom Category:Video games set in Costa Rica Category:Video games set on fictional islands Category:Coatsink games Category:PlayStation 5 games Category:PlayStation VR2 games Category:Single-player video games Category:Oculus Studios games