Turbo Overkill, developed by Apogee Entertainment and Trigger Happy Interactive, is an adrenaline-charged first-person shooter that’s been deemed suitable for mature audiences. This thrilling game has finally leaped onto the console stage. If you’re curious about what Turbo Overkill has in store, join us as we delve into its intense gameplay and captivating story.
This review is a joint effort from Ceidz and EdEN, who played Turbo Overkill on both PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. Here’s their collective take on this explosive game.
In Turbo Overkill, you’re thrust into a vibrant cyberpunk world, wielding unprecedented firepower as Johnny Turbo. This character is uniquely equipped with explosive arm rockets and a chainsaw that emerges from his lower leg, perfect for slicing through foes with style and precision.
As the story unfolds, Johnny finds himself back in Paradise, his old hometown now under the control of Syn, a sinister AI. The entire city’s populace has fallen under Syn’s influence, with legions of augmented minions wreaking havoc. Haunted by past mistakes, Johnny takes on the daunting task of dismantling this AI, though bounty hunters stand in the way, each vying for glory and reward.
Growing up amidst the legacy of classic FPS games, I was keen to explore what Turbo Overkill had in store for Nintendo Switch. After making its debut on Steam in 2023, the game has seamlessly transitioned to Nintendo’s handheld system. Players step into Johnny Turbo’s shoes, an individual of immense potential thanks to his formidable arsenal, including those iconic leg rockets and leg-mounted chainsaw.
Upon his return, Johnny faces a dire situation: the rogue AI Syn has turned Paradise into a dystopian nightmare, spreading like a digital plague. The mission laid before you is clear-cut: dismantle Syn’s forces and eliminate the AI’s threat once and for all.
As a first-person shooter, Turbo Overkill hands you intuitive controls: maneuvering Johnny relies on the left stick, while the right stick is reserved for aiming. A quick D-Pad press lets you switch your view, while buttons handle jumping, dashing, and deploying your handy grapple hook. The L button brings your chainsaw sliding into action, making for an exhilarating combat experience.
Your primary attack is mapped to ZR, with ZL handling secondary fire. If you need to switch weapons, just use the D-Pad to access your armory. Fancy causing a localized apocalypse? Fire micro-missiles with the Y button or activate Turbo-Time by pressing the right stick, slowing the world to a crawl and giving you the tactical edge.
Gameplay in Turbo Overkill revolves around understanding its loop: take out enemies to earn currency, which in turn lets you boost your augments, upgrade weapons, and enhance your skillset. Triumph over bosses to gain special powers and keep the cycle in motion across over 20 robust levels.
As EdEN pointed out, Turbo Overkill is more than just a frenetic shooter. On the PS5, it plunges you into a bloody, post-apocalyptic setting where violence feels right at home. The game comes with various modes, from the narrative-driven Campaign Mode to a pure action Arcade Mode, and an Endless Mode to test your sheer endurance.
My introduction to Turbo Overkill was undeniably intense. Right after the first cinematic ends, chaos ensues. The tutorial, or initial level, thrusts you into an unrelenting storm of activity, living up to the game’s mature rating.
The game revels in its visceral combat, with enemy blood painting the screen. Controls are thoughtfully mapped for fluidity, allowing for dazzling slide attacks with your leg-mounted chainsaw. However, a small quirk is the main menu’s lack of standard PlayStation button configurations.
Turbo Overkill offers five difficulty tiers, catering to a broad spectrum of players—from novices to veterans. Virgin Blood dials down the enemy’s prowess, whereas the lethal Murder Machine setting demands mastery, pushing every element of play to the extreme.
In terms of style, Turbo Overkill pays homage to the FPS classics of the ’90s. Its high-poly models and pixelated textures echo pioneering titles like Doom, while a wide field of view amplifies the retro feel. Gameplay is rendered at a crisp 60 FPS on PS5, though players may find the low point of view a bit unconventional initially.
Of course, no modern game is complete without a full suite of achievements. Turbo Overkill delivers a comprehensive list, including a Platinum trophy for those inclined to complete its challenges, from dispatching enemies en masse to nailing high-speed runs and collecting hidden treasures.
Playing Turbo Overkill is a breath of nostalgia mixed with modern flair, capturing the essence of beloved ’90s shooters yet delivering it with today’s finesse. Its campaign is a joy, with chaotic battles straddling the line between strategic and downright exhilarating.
Originally launched on Steam, this action-packed shooter is now available on both Nintendo Switch and PlayStation. While the Switch version sacrifices some resolution for performance stability, the PS5 version takes full advantage of SSDs to ensure quick load times. Moreover, it’s a Cross-Buy on Sony’s console—grab it once and enjoy it on either PS4 or PS5. At $19.99, it’s an exhilarating ride well worth the investment.
Disclaimer: This review of Turbo Overkill was made possible thanks to copies provided by Apogee Entertainment for both PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch.
