Turbo Overkill Review – Get a (Chainsaw) Leg Up

Right off the bat, the publisher of the game doesn’t hold back in its description. “Turbo Overkill is the most savage FPS ever released by Apogee.” Considering its history – namely with the trend-setting Duke Nukem 3D – that sure is saying a lot. But then you see the developer that made the game – Trigger Happy Interactive. So now you know you’re likely in for something good.

The game focuses on a hero trying to overcome a dominant AI in a Blade Runner-esque future, where all bets are off. Along with contending with minions, our well-armed hero must also contend with bounty hunters. So it’s up to you, your arsenal of weapons, and your super-awesome chainsaw leg to clean house.

Turbo Overkill is absolutely relentless, moving at a feverish pace and delivering satisfying first-person shooting action. It’s loaded with upgrades galore, along with the kind of weaponry that would make fans of this genre drool. It also looks and sounds refreshing, like something you’d find straight out of the 90s era.

Its pacing may be a bit much for some, but never mind. If you’re looking for some fresh FPS stomping ground or just want a free-for-all bashfest to ease your stressful day, Turbo Overkill easily fits the bill.

Turbo Overkill In a Dystopian Future? Gasp!

That’s right, the future sucks. At least, in Turbo Overkill it does. An AI by the name of Syn has practically taken over, and our hero, Johnny, finds himself having to save Paradise. But Syn is prepared, bringing tons of mindless minions and dangerous bounty hunters to bring Johnny down. He’s got this handled though.

The game doesn’t have any kind of tutorial, instead throwing you head-first into the action. But it won’t take long to get used to the gameplay. It follows general FPS gameplay rules – shoot or be shot – but throws in plenty of neat tricks. This includes a boosting Turbo Time mode, along with wall-running techniques and an insanely great melee trick – the Chainsaw leg. That’s right, you can launch into a sliding attack and turn unexpecting foes into sashimi in milliseconds. Bosses might take a lot longer, however.

While the game is definitely on the fast side (around 60-120 FPS without holding back), that’s not a bad thing. In fact, pacing works fundamentally well in Turbo Overkill. (It does have Turbo in the title, after all.) You’ll go at breakneck speeds through shooting and platforming sections without missing a beat. And the fact you can execute so many stylish kills never gets old. Plus you can upgrade weapons and other abilities, really getting the most out of your cyberpunk hero.

I feel that the only real drawback to the game is that it might be too fast for some. Doom Eternal wasn’t even this fast, my word. But I believe once you get used to the pacing – which won’t take long, I promise – you’ll adapt it fairly easily. Just give it a chance and trust chainsaw leg.

Plus the game is a mere $20 ($5 more if you want the art book and soundtrack, completely optional). That makes it a swell deal. And even with its lack of multiplayer (which would’ve been truly bonkers), there’s more than enough here to slice into.

Unpacking Turbo Overkill’s Presentation

Next, let’s get to the visuals and sound – which are a party in themselves.

I’ve already touched upon Turbo Overkill’s wild frame rate. Even on the Nintendo Switch, it runs like a beast. But it also looks the part wonderfully, with a fine use of colors within its indoor and outdoor environments. On top of that, the carnage is wonderfully captured without going into, erm, Overkill, as it were. And the enemy design is varied, especially with the superb boss battles. Be prepared to go to war over these.

Likewise, the audio really knows how to go into overdrive. The sound effects are pretty much spot-on, and the soundtrack pumps all sorts of techno beats into the mix. Again, if it’s catchy enough for you, you can spend an additional $5 to acquire the digital soundtrack. For some, it may just be worth it. Plus the voicework is top notch, with the hero sounding like he wants to be Duke Nukem. Hey, who doesn’t?

Turbo Overkill Won’t Wear You Down

Even with its frenetic, excessive speed, Turbo Overkill is a sense of wonder. It delivers satisfying carnage to an umpteenth degree, and gives you plenty of extras to pack on. It also includes a presentation that delivers on every front, really making you soak in the cyberpunk settings. Oh, and, of course, that glorious carnage.

We already have some amazing FPS games out there. But gosh darn it, Turbo Overkill definitely finds its place on the stack. Add this to your library and embrace the chainsaw leg. (Well, not too tightly now.)