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Jurassic World Evolution 2

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Jurassic World Evolution 2
Item: Jurassic World Evolution 2
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2021

GenresAdventure, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Simulation, Top-Down Perspective, Strategy, Single Player

AvailableNov 9, 2021

PlatformPC, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5

DeveloperFrontier Developments

Overview

Jurassic World Evolution 2 is the much-anticipated sequel to Frontier’s ground-breaking 2018 management simulation, Jurassic World Evolution, offering an all new narrative campaign voiced by cast members from across the Jurassic World film franchise, exciting new features, four engaging game modes, and an expanded roster of awe-inspiring dinosaurs.

Elsewhere

7.7

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Jurassic World Evolution 2’s story mode is a mixed bag—Chaos Theory dazzles with creative movie scenarios, but the main campaign stumbles with shallow, rushed storytelling and repetitive missions, leaving its potential largely unfulfilled.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

10%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

69%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

21%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Jurassic World Evolution 2 receives mixed reactions, with some critics highlighting its creative elements and potential. Notably, the Chaos Theory mode is frequently praised as a standout feature, offering players the chance to recreate iconic movie scenarios and explore alternate outcomes from the franchise’s lore. Critics like Finger Guns and COGconnected commend this mode for its engaging, imaginative approach, blending familiar film moments with gameplay creativity. Additionally, some reviewers, such as Impulsegamer, acknowledge the campaign’s short but enjoyable experience, noting that its simple missions are fun despite their brevity. The game’s attempt to shift focus from profit-driven park management to conservation efforts—highlighted by GameSpew and Hardcore Gamer—is seen as a fresh narrative angle, though it doesn’t fully translate into a compelling story. However, the main campaign is widely criticized for its lack of depth and engagement. Multiple reviewers, including Areajugones, Atomix, and PlaySense, describe it as a “thinly veiled tutorial” with an uninspired plot and repetitive mission design. The narrative is often dismissed as a weak pretext for gameplay, with GamingBolt and Metro GameCentral pointing out its limited scope and failure to expand on the franchise’s established universe. Critics like PC Games and IGN note that the story feels rushed, consisting of only five missions completed in under two hours, while Destructoid and Gfinity criticize its abrupt ending and lack of resolution. The inclusion of the CIA and government agencies is also seen as confusing or superficial, with But Why Tho? finding the premise “weird” despite its thematic ambition. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Jurassic World Evolution 2’s story mode falls short of expectations, serving more as a functional tutorial than a meaningful narrative. While the Chaos Theory mode and creative mechanics offer some redeeming qualities—recognized by IGN France, GamesRadar+, and Xbox Tavern—the main campaign is repeatedly criticized for its shallow storytelling, lack of emotional investment, and failure to capitalize on the franchise’s potential. As PC Gamer and Hobby Consolas note, the game’s narrative feels like a missed opportunity, prioritizing gameplay mechanics over a cohesive or impactful story. Despite some positive elements, the majority of reviewers agree that the story is a significant drawback, leaving players wanting more depth and innovation from a franchise with such a rich cinematic legacy.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Jurassic World Evolution 2 delivers ambitious management systems and fresh modes like Chaos Theory, but its labyrinthine micromanagement, repetitive tasks, and underdeveloped mechanics drown out innovation, creating a polarizing experience between fans of depth and critics of tedium.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

49%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

45%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Jurassic World Evolution 2 receives mixed praise for its expanded management systems and new features. Critics like Metro GameCentral and Vandal highlight improvements in mechanics, such as enhanced quality-of-life updates, deeper park management options, and the introduction of modes like Chaos Theory, which add strategic depth. TheGamer notes that streamlined park management, simplified path placement, and time-speeding features make the experience more accessible, while COGconnected praises herbivore dinosaurs living off ground cover and automated ranger stations as clever innovations. The game’s variety of modes—Campaign, Sandbox, Challenge, and Chaos Theory—offers flexibility, with Destructoid and TheXboxHub emphasizing its structured and open-ended appeal. These elements suggest the game successfully builds on its predecessor’s foundation, offering a more nuanced simulation experience for fans of the genre. However, the gameplay is frequently criticized for being overly complex and repetitive. Multiple reviewers, including Gamer.nl, Hey Poor Player, and SpazioGames, describe the micromanagement as tedious, with excessive focus on minor details like dinosaur comfort or staff scheduling that detracts from enjoyment. IGN Italia and Wccftech point to limited automation and repetitive tasks, while Checkpoint Gaming and GameWatcher note underexplained mechanics that force players into trial-and-error scenarios. The challenge mode’s frustration and the lack of meaningful variety in dinosaur behaviors (as highlighted by Screen Rant and Multiplayer.it) further amplify these issues. Even with new features like marine dinosaurs or improved AI, many critics argue that the game’s core systems feel stagnant, leading to a sense of monotony over time. Overall, the consensus among critics is split between appreciation for the game’s ambition and frustration with its execution. While TheGamer and Destructoid praise the Chaos Theory mode and deeper mechanics as engaging, others like IGN and Atomix argue that the simplified systems lack the depth of other park simulators. The repetitive nature of micromanagement and underdeveloped features (as noted by Games.cz and Xbox Achievements) create a polarizing experience, with some players finding it rewarding and others dismissing it as tedious. Despite improvements in accessibility and variety, Jurassic World Evolution 2 struggles to balance its intricate management systems with the streamlined, enjoyable gameplay expected from modern simulation titles.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Jurassic World Evolution 2 dazzles with lifelike dinosaurs and cinematic details, yet technical flaws, repetitive assets, and lackluster innovation undermine its potential.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

70%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

30%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Jurassic World Evolution 2 receive widespread praise for their attention to detail, particularly in dinosaur modeling and animations. Critics like IGN France highlight improved lighting effects and a greater variety of dinosaurs, while GameSpew and Destructoid commend the lifelike animations and immersive environments. The game’s ability to capture the essence of the Jurassic Park franchise is frequently noted, with Push Square emphasizing its faithful recreation of movie-like locations and music. Many reviewers, including IGN Italia and GAMINGbible, praise the visually stunning dinosaurs, which are described as majestic, wondrously recreated, and rich in detail. The game’s environments also benefit from diverse biomes and improved design freedom compared to its predecessor, as noted by Metro GameCentral and Game Informer. Even critics who point out flaws acknowledge the strong foundation of the visual design, with Guardian calling the dinosaurs “lifelike” and Shacknews enjoying the first-person exploration of enclosures. However, several critics highlight technical and aesthetic shortcomings that detract from the experience. But Why Tho? and GameWatcher point to performance issues on older hardware, including crashes, frame drops, and glitches, while PlaySense and SpazioGames criticize outdated environments, limited customization for park structures, and a lack of harmony in the overall aesthetic. IGN France and XboxAddict note that the graphics fall short of current standards despite improvements, with issues like texture pop-in, poor draw distance, and repetitive assets. COGconnected and Impulsegamer mention limited customization options for buildings and lifeless animations, while Multiplayer.it and Game Rant observe that the game’s visuals, though impressive, lack innovation compared to other management titles. These critiques suggest that while the game’s visual ambition is evident, technical limitations and design choices sometimes undermine its potential. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward appreciation for the game’s visual strengths despite notable flaws. The dinosaurs and environments are consistently praised as a highlight, with many reviewers recognizing the effort to blend cinematic aesthetics with gameplay. However, technical issues, performance inconsistencies, and a lack of innovation in certain areas—such as customization and environmental variety—are recurring criticisms. IGN and Eurogamer Italy acknowledge improvements over the first game, while Wccftech and Finger Guns note that it still falls short of benchmarks set by games like Planet Zoo. Despite these drawbacks, the visual design remains a strong selling point, with many critics agreeing that Jurassic World Evolution 2 successfully captures the franchise’s spirit, even if it doesn’t fully meet modern graphical expectations.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Jurassic World Evolution 2 dazzles with lifelike dinosaurs and cinematic details, yet technical flaws, repetitive assets, and lackluster innovation undermine its potential.

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Jurassic World Evolution 2 nails nostalgia with John Williams’ themes, Jeff Goldblum’s charm, and immersive dinosaur sounds, but stumbles on uneven voice acting, underused classics, and technical audio hiccups.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

44%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

51%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Jurassic World Evolution 2 received generally positive feedback from several critics, particularly for its nostalgic ties to the franchise’s iconic audio elements. Many praised the inclusion of John Williams’ orchestral themes, with Impulsegamer highlighting the "orchestral music reminiscent of John Williams" that enhances the game’s atmosphere, while SpazioGames noted the presence of original compositions by Williams himself. The game also features recognizable dinosaur sounds and environmental effects that contribute to immersion, as mentioned by GamingBolt, who specifically commended the "sounds of the dinosaurs" for their quality. Additionally, the return of Jeff Goldblum as a narrator was frequently cited as a standout element, with Push Square noting his "trademark style" and IGN Adria acknowledging his role in tying the series together. Voice acting from original cast members like Bryce Dallas Howard and B.D. Wong also added authenticity, as highlighted by Multiplayer.it and TheXboxHub. However, several critics pointed out inconsistencies and shortcomings in the sound design and music. Checkpoint Gaming criticized the "muted" audio experience, noting that iconic Jurassic Park themes were underutilized, while Hey Poor Player described voice acting as "bland and lacking energy." Issues with impersonators were also raised, such as Hardcore Gamer’s critique of a "Chris Pratt soundalike" for Owen Grady, which felt unconvincing. Technical flaws, like IGN France’s mention of "bugs with sound effects," further detracted from the experience. Some reviewers, including XboxAddict, noted that while the John Williams-inspired soundtrack was effective, certain voice actors failed to match the original cast’s quality. Additionally, We Got This Covered and Areajugones pointed out that while some aspects of sound design were strong, others felt minimal or underdeveloped. Overall, critics largely agreed that Jurassic World Evolution 2 leverages its franchise heritage to deliver a nostalgic and immersive audio experience, particularly through its music and dinosaur sound effects. While there were mixed reactions to voice acting—especially regarding impersonators and tonal consistency—the game’s reliance on iconic themes and John Williams’ compositions resonated with many. GamingBolt, Impulsegamer, and TheXboxHub emphasized the strengths of the sound design, while Checkpoint Gaming and IGN France highlighted areas needing improvement. The consensus suggests that while the audio elements are a strong suit for fans of the series, they occasionally fall short in execution, leaving room for refinement in future entries.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Jurassic World Evolution 2 dazzles with Jeff Goldblum’s charm and Bryce Dallas Howard’s depth, yet uneven supporting voices and a flimsy story mar its potential, delivering a bittersweet, inconsistent triumph.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

30%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

64%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Jurassic World Evolution 2 receives largely positive feedback, particularly for its inclusion of recognizable film actors who lend authenticity to the experience. Critics like Destructoid and Metro GameCentral highlight Jeff Goldblum’s performance as a standout, noting his ability to enhance immersion with his trademark charm, while Bryce Dallas Howard’s return as Claire Dearing is similarly praised for adding emotional depth. Impulsegamer and Push Square emphasize that Goldblum’s portrayal of Dr. Ian Malcolm is entertaining and integral to the game’s appeal, especially in modes like Chaos Theory. The presence of original cast members, such as B.D. Wong as Henry Wu, also contributes to a sense of nostalgia and connection for fans, with CGMagazine and TheXboxHub acknowledging their roles in enriching the narrative. Overall, the return of key actors is seen as a significant strength, bridging the gap between the game and its cinematic roots. However, several critics point out inconsistencies and shortcomings in the voice acting, particularly with supporting characters. Metro GameCentral and Hardcore Gamer note that replacement voice actors for some roles, like Chris Pratt’s Owen Grady, fall short of expectations, with IGN and PC Gamer criticizing the absence of Pratt’s involvement as a missed opportunity. Atomix and Gamers Heroes mention that imitators or less convincing performances detract from the experience, while Finger Guns and Checkpoint Gaming argue that the underdeveloped story limits the impact of even strong voice work. Additionally, IGN Adria and Hardcore Gamer highlight uneven quality, with some dialogue feeling unconvincing or cringeworthy. These critiques suggest that while the core cast shines, the supporting voices often fail to meet the same standard, creating a mixed impression. The overall consensus among critics is that Jurassic World Evolution 2’s voice acting is a double-edged sword—celebrated for its iconic returns but hindered by uneven execution. Destructoid and PlaySense praise the charm of familiar voices, while IGN and PC Gamer acknowledge the nostalgic value despite flaws. However, the lack of consistency, particularly with secondary characters and the narrative’s depth, prevents the voice acting from fully realizing its potential. As Hardcore Gamer and IGN Adria note, the quality varies widely, with some performances standing out while others feel underwhelming. Ultimately, the voice work is seen as a key asset for fans but not a definitive strength of the game, reflecting a balanced yet critical reception across the board.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Jurassic World Evolution 2 is a polished but flawed experience, with PS5/Xbox Series X enjoying smoother performance while older platforms face bugs, crashes, and frame drops—highlighting uneven technical execution across systems.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

14%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

65%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

22%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Jurassic World Evolution 2 varies significantly across platforms, with several positives noted by critics. On PS5, reviewers like Atomix praised its commendable stability and improved AI for dinosaurs, while Eurogamer Italy highlighted faster loading times. Destructoid called it "polished compared to its predecessor," and Impulsegamer acknowledged a user-friendly UI despite occasional bugs. For PC, Checkpoint Gaming noted smooth performance, and Multiplayer.it emphasized substantial technical improvements over the original game. On Xbox Series X, Generación Xbox and TheXboxHub praised stable frame rates and optimized controls, while IGN France acknowledged good optimization despite minor issues. PS4 saw mixed feedback: Hobby Consolas called it "smooth," but Video Chums criticized "riddled bugs." Xbox One had some positives, like SomosXbox’s mention of optimized controls on new consoles, though others like Comicbook.com and Cultured Vultures highlighted severe glitches. However, technical issues plagued several platforms. On PS5, critics like Gamers Heroes and Hardcore Gamer criticized a "cumbersome interface" and sluggish vehicle controls, while IGN Adria and PlaySense noted stability problems and frame rate drops. Xbox Series X faced challenges too: IGN France reported frame rate drops as parks expanded, and TrueAchievements mentioned crashes and aggressive texture pop-in. On PC, But Why Tho? highlighted crashing issues on older systems, while Games.cz and GRYOnline.pl cited AI flaws and collision problems. Xbox One had notable bugs, including dinosaurs falling through maps (Cultured Vultures) and game-breaking glitches (Comicbook.com). PS4 saw similar struggles, with Video Chums calling the experience "frustrating" due to critical bugs, while GameMAG noted minor performance issues on older hardware. These problems often undermined the gameplay despite underlying improvements. Overall, critics generally agree that Jurassic World Evolution 2 is a technically solid game but with platform-specific flaws. The PS5 and Xbox Series X received the most balanced reviews, with praise for optimization and stability (e.g., Impulsegamer, Multiplayer.it) despite minor bugs. PC performance was mixed, with some users enjoying smooth gameplay (Checkpoint Gaming) while others faced glitches (But Why Tho?, Games.cz). Xbox One and PS4 versions struggled more, particularly with older hardware, as noted by Cultured Vultures and Video Chums. While the game’s core mechanics and visuals were appreciated, technical hiccups—ranging from AI pathfinding issues to frame rate drops—diminished the experience for many players. The consensus leans toward a "polished but imperfect" title, with platform-specific optimizations playing a key role in its reception.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Jurassic World Evolution 2 delivers creative park-building and nostalgic Jurassic Park twists via Chaos Theory, but restrictive content locks, grindy repetition, and a undercooked campaign dampen its replayability for all but die-hard fans.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

43%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

54%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The reviews for Jurassic World Evolution 2 highlight several positive aspects of its replay value, particularly through its diverse gameplay modes. Critics like PC Gamer and CGMagazine praise the sandbox mode as a core feature that allows players to experiment with park design and dinosaur management, offering creative freedom once content is unlocked. The Chaos Theory mode is frequently cited as a standout element, enabling players to rewrite key events from the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World films, which adds narrative variety and nostalgia for fans (TheGamer, Shacknews). Additionally, Game Informer and GamingBolt note that the game’s challenge modes, along with its extensive dinosaur roster and bioengineering mechanics, provide enough content to keep players engaged beyond the main campaign. The inclusion of multiple objectives and scenarios—such as Challenge Mode and Sandbox Mode—creates a sense of flexibility, appealing to both casual and dedicated players (Destructoid, PlaySense). However, several critics point out significant limitations that hinder replayability. Many express frustration with the initial restrictions on the sandbox mode, which requires unlocking content through other modes like the campaign or challenges (IGN Italia, Gamer.nl, COGconnected). This structure can feel restrictive for players seeking immediate creative freedom, as noted by XboxAddict and SpazioGames. Others criticize the repetitive tasks and grindy elements that detract from long-term engagement (Digitally Downloaded, Jeuxvideo.com), while Cultured Vultures and IGN France argue that the game lacks depth for management enthusiasts. The short campaign mode is another recurring issue, with Screen Rant and Everyeye.it noting it feels like an unfinished tutorial, though they acknowledge the Chaos Theory mode’s potential to offset this. These critiques suggest that while the game offers variety, its design choices may alienate players looking for seamless, open-ended experiences. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward acknowledging Jurassic World Evolution 2 as a game with decent replay value for fans of the franchise and simulation genres, despite its flaws. While Game Rant and Areajugones highlight the multiple modes and customization options that enhance longevity, others like MGG and Jeuxvideo.com caution that the need to unlock content and repetitive mechanics may limit appeal for some. The game’s strengths—particularly its Chaos Theory mode and sandbox flexibility—are balanced by its structural constraints, creating a polarizing experience. Ultimately, reviewers agree that while Jurassic World Evolution 2 offers enough variety to justify multiple playthroughs for dedicated fans, it falls short of delivering the deep, unstructured replayability that some players might expect (IGN, Hey Poor Player).

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

61%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

38%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall verdict of Jurassic World Evolution 2 is largely positive, with many critics praising its improvements over the original and its appeal to fans of the franchise. Reviewers like IGN France highlight new content and refined mechanics, while COGconnected applauds the engaging Chaos Theory mode and visually stunning dinosaurs. The game’s ability to deliver a fun park-building experience is frequently noted, with GameSpew calling it a “must-play for fans of Jurassic Park” and TheXboxHub emphasizing its successful evolution from the predecessor. Game Rant and IGN Italia commend deeper management mechanics and improved dinosaur behavior, while Guardian praises its visual beauty and nostalgic charm. These positives suggest the game succeeds in capturing the essence of the franchise and offering a rewarding experience for enthusiasts. However, several critics point to significant flaws that detract from the experience. Gamer.nl expresses strong disappointment, calling it a failure to deliver an enjoyable experience for fans, while Screen Rant criticizes repetitive gameplay and “alienating execution.” Issues like micro-management frustrations are recurring complaints, with SpazioGames and Games.cz noting that the game suffers from the same problems as its predecessor. Technical bugs (e.g., Video Chums) and a lack of innovation (e.g., Jeuxvideo.com) further undermine its appeal. IGN Italia and Checkpoint Gaming highlight that while the visuals are impressive, the gameplay’s artificial difficulty and shallow campaign fail to satisfy deeper management sim fans. These criticisms underscore a gap between the game’s ambitions and its execution, particularly for players seeking complexity or originality. Despite mixed reception, the consensus among critics leans toward acknowledging Jurassic World Evolution 2 as a solid sequel that balances charm with flaws. While IGN and PCGamesN note its visual and mechanical improvements, they also point to areas needing refinement, such as depth and customization. Fans of the franchise generally find it enjoyable, with MondoXbox and Multiplayer.it praising its expansion on the original’s mechanics. However, purists may find it lacking, as XboxAddict and Gamer.nl argue it prioritizes nostalgia over innovation. Overall, the game is seen as a worthwhile experience for Jurassic Park enthusiasts but one that struggles to fully satisfy those seeking a deeper or more polished management sim. The mixed feedback reflects its position as a competent but imperfect sequel, with its strengths in presentation and fan service outweighing its technical and design shortcomings for many players.

TL;DR

Jurassic World Evolution 2 delivers polished park-building fun with dazzling visuals and fan-service nods, but repetitive mechanics, technical glitches, and a lack of innovation leave it stranded between nostalgia and ambition—winning over enthusiasts but falling short for deeper sim fans.

MONSTER

Reviews

101 reviews found

100

TheGamer

Nov 5, 2021