Co-op dinosaur horror hits Steam

Jaw Drop Games has released in Early Access the game Deathground about a small group of people trying to survive inside a science complex packed with predatory prehistoric reptiles. It’s already being compared to Alien: Isolation, only instead of a space monster with acid for blood you’ve got dinosaurs of every kind—from tiny compsognathus to a house-sized T-rex. In short, a real treat for «Jurassic Park» fans. But what else makes this project interesting?

The story unfolds inside the mysterious AEON complex, where scientists ran experiments and accidentally unleashed razor-toothed lizards back from extinction. Since then the place has looked like something out of a post-apocalypse: vines hang unchecked among the ruins and dangerous creatures prowl about. Yet this is exactly where a handful of brave souls must go to complete a mission and earn a worthy reward. You can enter the map solo or as a squad of up to four. Every character carries tools for dealing with the beasts—be it a motion tracker straight out of «Aliens» or a dart gun loaded with tranquilizer. There are also canisters of chemicals and incendiary mix.

The heroes have to move stealthily, because each level has far more dinosaurs than humans. Attract attention and the whole team risks death. You can hide from pursuit in dark corners, under tables, inside lockers and containers. Even tall grass works as cover. Before every raid you’re allowed to tweak the reptiles’ looks: make them bald like in Steven Spielberg’s film or feathered in places, the way paleontologists picture them today. BAFTA-nominee David Housden is known to have written the game’s soundtrack. Right now reviews are mixed—gamers criticize the weak AI and the technical side in general.