[Dual Evaluation] A Review of Turbo Overkill

Turbo Overkill, developed by Apogee Entertainment and Trigger Happy Interactive, is a rapid-fire first-person shooter that’s now storming its way onto consoles with its Mature rating. Let’s delve into the heart of Turbo Overkill and see what makes this fast-paced FPS tick!

In this joint review, Ceidz and EdEN share their experiences with Turbo Overkill on both PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, offering insights from both platforms.

Imagine stepping into the shoes of Johnny Turbo, a formidable, augmented hero equipped with concealed arm rockets and a chainsaw that extends from his lower leg for some serious enemy slicing. With its captivating cyberpunk visuals, Turbo Overkill sets itself apart as possibly the most brutal FPS to date from Apogee. Johnny returns to a familiar place called Paradise, only to find it overrun by Syn, a rogue AI, and its legion of mechanized henchmen. Desperate to escape his past, Johnny takes on the seemingly impossible task of annihilating this superior AI, contending with rival bounty hunters, all while navigating the volatile landscape of Paradise.

As a fan who grew up with iconic FPS games of the past, my anticipation was high for Turbo Overkill on the Switch. Originally available on Steam in 2023, it’s now moved onto the Nintendo platform. In the game, you take control of Johnny Turbo, a powerhouse with built-in arm rockets and a knee-mounted chainsaw.

Returning to the troubled streets of Paradise, Johnny finds it in disarray. Syn’s malevolent influence has thrown the city into havoc, spreading like wildfire and leaving Paradise in ruins. Your mission becomes clear: eliminate the AI’s minions and ultimately take down Syn.

Turbo Overkill is all about fast-action shooting. You control Johnny with the left stick, aiming with the right, and can switch perspectives with the D-Pad. Jump and double jump with the B button and dash with R. The X button lets you use your grapple hook, and L activates a chainsaw slide. Your primary and secondary attacks are mapped to ZR and ZL. The weapon wheel, accessible via the D-Pad, allows for quick transitions, and you can unleash micro-missiles with Y. For a little time manipulation, there’s Turbo-Time—which you can initiate with the right stick—to slow everything down, giving you the tactical edge in battle.

The gameplay loop is engaging and straightforward: defeat enemies to earn money, allowing you to buy more augments, upgrade weapons, and unlock abilities in your skill tree. Each boss you beat gives you its unique augment, necessary for maintaining your edge. Repeat this process across over two dozen challenging levels.

As EdEN pointed out, Turbo Overkill’s pace and violence justify its Mature rating on the PlayStation 5. The post-apocalyptic backdrop fits nicely with the gritty, pulse-pounding action. The Campaign Mode explores Johnny Turbo’s story alongside AI Syd and the plight of Paradise, while Arcade Mode simplifies the chaos, and Endless Mode tests your skills endlessly.

From the start, Turbo Overkill drags you into relentless action, picking up immediately after the first cutscene. The tutorial level—a whirlwind of orientation and action—sets the tone, solidifying its Mature rating through intense enemy encounters where their blood paints the scenery. The controls are smooth, with intuitive button mapping enhancing the fluid combat experience. Johnny’s chainsaw slide is a thrilling maneuver, adding to the game’s breakneck speed and chaotic flair. A minor quibble is the main menu’s lack of support for the Circle button as a back function, contrary to PlayStation norms.

Five difficulty levels ensure accessibility for players of varying experience. Virgin Blood offers a gentler introduction, while Regular Joe provides a balanced challenge. Street Cleaner and Serve Me Pain ramp up the enemy’s speed and lethality, culminating in the fearsome Murder Machine difficulty where precision is paramount, as enemies become significantly deadlier, and resources scarce.

Turbo Overkill’s aesthetic evokes a 90s feel but with a modern twist—classic gaming nostalgia meets high-detail graphics and textures. The exaggerated field of view amplifies the breakneck speed, especially on the PS5’s consistent 60 FPS, though the low perspective feels a tad quirky, akin to being just a couple of feet tall.

There’s a comprehensive trophy list available, with a coveted Platinum trophy at the end of your achievement journey. You’ll tackle challenges ranging from episode completions and difficulty level triumphs to collecting in-game items and survival milestones in Endless Mode.

Playing Turbo Overkill felt like revisiting and refreshing beloved 1990s PC FPS classics like Doom. The campaign was rich in exploration and excitement, and the gameplay blend of fast-paced, outrageous combat with straightforward fun was immensely gratifying.

Having launched on Steam in 2023, Turbo Overkill has made its leap to both Nintendo Switch and PlayStation consoles. As you embody Johnny Turbo, you’ll navigate a once-familiar but now perilous Paradise, striving to defeat Syn. Despite a resolution downgrade on the Switch relative to the PS5, done to preserve a smoother frame rate, it remains a thrilling experience, albeit with slightly longer load times. The game is priced at $19.99, with a single purchase allowing you digital access to both PS4 and PS5 versions, thanks to Cross-Buy functionality.

(Disclaimer: Our Turbo Overkill review was conducted using copies provided by Apogee Entertainment for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch platforms.)