I should have known better really, given that last Frontier game, Planet Coaster, literally tells you to go watch a YouTube video or three to understand its systems and mechanics. That’s because, although Frontier is an expert at creating management sims, it apparently sucks at the tutorials. Never before has a simulation title made me feel more connected to my creations. Being able to take in the ridiculous detail in which these dinos are rendered - from a real, human scaled viewpoint - is mind-blowing.
Being able to leap into your Ranger Jeep or descend from above in an ACU helicopter only serves to add to the incredible immersion Evolution is offering. Who knew? Even better, you can get even more friendly with your dinos by getting down on their level. Turns out dinosaurs can get lonely, or be totally irritated by additional scaly friends. Keeping them from trying to take out all of your guests is a careful balancing act between making sure they’ve got enough space in their enclosure, ensuring just the right amount of trees, food, water and - depending on the species - fellow dinos to frolic with. Each dino has a status panel that you can view to check up on how happy they are, although, trust me, you’ll know when they’re not.
Regardless of the species, it feels like each dinosaur has a distinct personality, and that doesn’t just come from not the way they behave - or misbehave - in the park.
