[Dual Review] An In-depth Analysis of Turbo Overkill

Turbo Overkill, developed by Apogee Entertainment and Trigger Happy Interactive, has made its mark on consoles with its fast-paced, mature-rated FPS experience. Originally launched on Steam in 2023, this adrenaline-fueled shooter has finally arrived on the Nintendo Switch. Let’s dive into our Turbo Overkill review as experienced on both PlayStation and the Switch by Ceidz and EdEN.

Turbo Overkill, boasting jaw-dropping cyberpunk visuals, is probably the most ferocious FPS Apogee has released to date. You step into the shoes of Johnny Turbo, a character enhanced with hidden arm rockets and a chainsaw emerging from his lower leg, perfect for slide-slicing his foes into pieces. Johnny’s return to his hometown, Paradise, reveals a paradigm shift—its populace is under the control of Syn, a rogue AI, alongside its augmented minions. Driven by a desperate need to escape his past mistakes, Johnny embarks on a seemingly impossible mission to annihilate the greatest AI ever constructed. But lookout, other bounty hunters are in the mix, eager to grab the bounty before him. Paradise is anything but simple.

Growing up with legendary FPS games, I was eagerly anticipating what Turbo Overkill could offer on the Nintendo Switch. Now Johnny Turbo, augmented with arm rockets and a lethal chainsaw leg, is back in action as he fights to save Paradise from Syn’s chaotic grasp.

As Johnny re-enters Paradise, chaos reigns supreme with Syn’s possession spreading like wildfire. The gameplay’s objective is straightforward: eliminate Syn’s minions, and face Syn’s wrath in a high-stakes showdown. Navigating this perilous world requires mastering the basics: use the left analog stick to move Johnny and the right for aiming. Perspective switch with the D-Pad, jump with B, dash using R, employ the grappling hook with X, and activate that deadly chainsaw slide with L. Primary and secondary attacks are at your disposal with ZR and ZL, and the weapon wheel allows quick swaps via the D-Pad. Unleash micro-missiles with Y, and when the opportunity strikes, activate Turbo-Time with the right stick to slow the world around and inflict maximum damage.

The rhythm of the game hinges on upgrading Johnny’s skills and weapons by accumulating cash from defeated foes and bosses, unlocking special augments along the journey through two dozen levels.

EdEN’s perspective paints Turbo Overkill as a frantic FPS that earns its mature rating on PlayStation 5, filled with post-apocalyptic intensity. Beyond the main Campaign Mode, you can dive into Arcade or challenge yourself with Endless Mode. The action starts right after the initial cutscene, with the tutorial level immersing you in the deep end.

Turbo Overkill brings visceral action, with blood splattering visually over your screen as controls remain responsive and intuitive. The thrill of sliding into combat with a chainsaw-leg takes the chaos to a new level, though the lack of standard menu navigation can be a tad frustrating.

With varied difficulty settings, Turbo Overkill caters to a spectrum of FPS players. From the less challenging Virgin Blood to the grueling Murder Machine, there’s a setting for everyone. Each setting tweaks enemy aggression and gameplay dynamics, ensuring that every choice delivers a tailored experience.

Visually, the game marries 1990s FPS aesthetics with a modern touch. Its environments and models simultaneously feel like a nod to classics like Doom, yet boast a high-polygon look enhanced by pixelated textures. It runs smoothly at 60 FPS on PlayStation 5, though the point of view can feel constrained, akin to viewing the world from a low vantage point.

For trophy hunters, Turbo Overkill brings a full suite to conquer, with a mix of bronze, silver, and gold trophies leading to that coveted Platinum. Various achievements are spread across difficulties and modes, offering depth and replayability.

Turbo Overkill is a throwback and a fresh take at the same time, delivering nostalgia and heart-pounding action. Its campaign is fun, mixing frenetic battles with moments to flex your FPS skills.

Originally a Steam title, Turbo Overkill now on Switch and PlayStation doesn’t come without its compromises. On the Switch, expect a dip in resolution and load times compared to the PS5, explained by the console’s hardware limitations versus the SSD power of the PlayStation.

For just $19.99, Switch users and PlayStation owners (courtesy of Cross-Buy) can experience Johnny Turbo’s relentless quest. Turbo Overkill offers a unique blend of retro style and cutting-edge gameplay, making it a must-explore for FPS enthusiasts wanting a wild, thrilling ride.

This review of Turbo Overkill rests on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch experiences thanks to copies from Apogee Entertainment.