While getting to see documentaries of a game's creation and various gameplay segments from its levels are always fun, and generally give a decent idea of what a game is about, there's nothing like actually going hands on with a game and getting a real feel for how it plays. I got to do just that today with Touchstone and Propaganda Games' upcoming first-person, sci-fi shooter, Turok , and I was quite impressed.

It is actually quite fitting that I mentioned the “making of” documentary and gameplay segments, not just because we have been showing them here on our site, but because what we have been seeing in Awakening the Giants and the gameplay segments really does give a good idea of what to expect when playing the game. Many of the game's features, that have been shown in the videos, can be seen quite easily. The human enemies really do try their best to pull any combat situation to their advantage, flanking you if you give them the chance, and the dinosaurs are just as savage as promised. Of course, how you engage your enemy is up to you. In the short time I played I tried both the straight forward, guns blazing approach and stealth tactics. I enjoyed both, though I think I need a bit more practice with sneaking to get really good at the stealth tactics.

The game's levels are full and lush, and you really do get a sense that you're lost, trying to find your way through a massive jungle, complete with gigantic trees and thick brush. What really helps the game along and keeps the action tight though, are the quick load times and smooth gameplay. While there is a bit of loading to get into your game, once you've started there is virtually no loading (unless you die), and this really makes the action feel continuous.

Another aspect that tightens up Turok 's atmosphere is the presentation of the story. The levels I played brought me in to the game's universe and gave me a good feel for the characters. That is likely thanks to, both, good writing and good acting. What more is there to say than the characters seem “human”. Of course, one can't mention that a game's characters seem “human” without mentioning its graphics and animation, and it's clear that the team at Propaganda Games has done a good job in that department.

From what I've seen, it looks like Touchstone and Propaganda Games have a hit on their hands. I can't wait to play through the full campaign and explore the game in its entirety. Turok will be releasing this coming Tuesday, February 5 ^th for Playstation 3, Xbox 360 and PC and is rated M for Mature.