Second Extinction (2020)

Imagine placing Turok and Left 4 Dead in a blender and firing it up. As a result, Second Extinction is born. I remember when the very first trailer for Second Extinction was shown and the concept was immediately appealing. Pushing itself as a cooperative first-person shooter with up to three players, the main aim is to tackle mutated dinosaurs that have taken over the planet.

Now, it is worth noting that Second Extinction has been in early access on PC since the tail end of 2020. This has been fortunate to allow for some thorough testing of the title to build the foundations for the future of Second Extinction. I’ll get this out of the way nice and state that if you’re looking for a deep intuitive campaign with an engaging narrative, then this isn’t that game. If you are looking for that horde-esque type experience where teamwork and communication are vital, then this game suits you.

Intro

2E is a FPS in which you move long distances across an open map towards checkpoints, shoot dinosaurs and put objects in/on other objects (eggs/bombs). After completing a mission you have to walk another long distance to the extraction point.

The Good

• Some neat abilities.
• Dinosaurs.

The Bad

• Lots of walking.
• Combat feels wonky like everything lags a bit.
• You mostly face the same three types of theropods (raptors and the like).
• Big dinos are excessive bullet sponges with weak spots.
• Clunky match making.

The Ugly

• Infinitely respawning enemies.

• 2E has been in Early Access since October 2020. That's generally a bad sign. I also had a CTD after my second of three matches.

• This game has a typical levelling/unlock system that is really grindy. For instance, each weapon can have X amount of upgrades (10 for pistol, dunno about other weapons) and you have to unlock both an upgrade point and the upgrade slot. At first you can get 1-2 unlocks per completed match but requirements quickly get more demanding, including enemy loot. New weapons also have to be unlocked ("research" is the currency for upgrades) and have level caps too.

• There is also the usual daily missions/loot box nonsense. And this game costs €25 on Steam!

• Big dino's constantly stun-lock you. Smaller once sometimes do the same.

Conclusion

The game is bad and the developers clearly have zero respect for your time. Don't bother.