Revisiting the Legacy of John Hammond
Since the first time I watched John Hammond make mistakes in the original 1993 movie, I’ve been fascinated by the idea of recreating that ambitious, yet risky vision. Over the decades, various park-management games have given me opportunities to indulge this obsession—some disappointing, others surprisingly engaging. Now, with Jurassic World Evolution 3, the developers aim to deliver the most comprehensive dinosaur park experience yet, packed with features that push the boundaries of what’s possible in the genre. And honestly, all it took was that iconic T-Rex roar to get me hooked.
Enhanced Creativity and Realism
One of the main frustrations with earlier titles in the series was their somewhat limited scope compared to Frontier’s other successful franchises like Planet Zoo and Planet Coaster. The good news is that Evolution 3 appears to finally bring the full suite of Frontier’s advanced features into the Jurassic universe. This means you can expect a deeper level of customization and realism.
Build and Design Like Never Before
Players will be able to craft their parks with a vast array of resizable and re-colorable props, including hotels, gift shops, and staff facilities. Terrain editing is more flexible than ever—you can sculpt landscapes, create waterfalls, and design dinosaur enclosures that incorporate natural rock formations instead of relying solely on electric fences. The goal is to make every element feel authentic to the Jurassic World universe, so props are designed with a more grounded aesthetic, aligning with the franchise’s iconic look. This blend of sandbox freedom and franchise authenticity promises a truly immersive experience.
Introducing Dinosaur Breeding and Growth
Perhaps the most exciting addition is the new dinosaur breeding system. Unlike previous games that depended on artificial fertilization and incubation, Evolution 3 lets you clone fertile dinosaurs, set up nests, and even crossbreed to create unique skins, traits, and personalities. This introduces a new layer of strategy, as you’ll manage juvenile dinosaurs and adult populations, each with distinct characteristics.
With over 80 species included initially, the game will feature juvenile models, and adult males and females will display sexual dimorphism—like male Triceratops with larger frills. This means a total of more than 240 different dinosaur and prehistoric reptile models, adding variety and realism to your park.
Different species will have unique social behaviors. For instance, a male T-Rex will not tolerate other males, but groups of females can coexist peacefully. Some dinosaurs will only nest away from human activity or other species, creating new challenges for park management.
Global Locations and Themed Environments
Evolution 3 will take players to diverse parts of the world, including the rugged mountains of Japan and the sunny Mediterranean island of Malta. Each location will feature its own flora, terrain, and aesthetic props, adding a global flavor to your park. The game includes themed sets—such as East Asian, Alpine European, classic Jurassic Park jungle, and modern Jurassic World designs—that help you customize your environment further.
While climate management isn’t as intense as in Planet Zoo, each biome will present unique objectives and client demands. Some may focus on maximizing ticket sales and luxury accommodations, while others prioritize conservation efforts and scientific research.
The Future of Coexistence and Conflict
The game introduces the Dinosaur Integration Network (DIN), reflecting a shift toward a more ‘living with dinosaurs’ philosophy. The idea is that dinosaurs now roam freely in the wild, and humans are learning to coexist with them rather than imprisoning them. The franchise’s original spirit remains strong, allowing players to build parks reminiscent of the classic films.
However, a darker subplot hints at a secretive organization opposed to DIN, which could introduce sabotage and chaos—adding an intriguing element of danger. Past games have shown storms and equipment failures causing dinosaurs to escape, but this new threat suggests sabotage by malicious actors could also disrupt your park’s peace.
New Security and Management Tools
Managing dinosaur safety is evolving with new tools. For example, fences no longer automatically warn you of damage or attacks. Instead, you’ll need security cameras covering your enclosures to receive notifications about breaches or injuries. If your cameras fail, be prepared—just like in real life, you’ll need a solid legal and operational backup plan.
Building the Ultimate Dinosaur Park
As a fan of detailed customization, I’m genuinely excited about how much control Frontier is giving players. Watching a baby Triceratops frolic in the grass is adorable—and breeding mechanics open endless possibilities for creating your perfect prehistoric environment. As a paleontology enthusiast, I’d love to breed feathered raptors—though the developers are tight-lipped about whether that’s possible, so we’ll have to wait and see.
Jurassic World Evolution 3 is scheduled for release on October 21 for PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC, promising to be the most ambitious dinosaur park simulation yet. Whether you want to recreate the classic films or push the boundaries of your imagination, this game offers the tools and features to make your Jurassic dreams come true.