Developed by Infinigon S.L. and published by Outright Games, Gigantosaurus: Dino Sports brings the popular TV show to life in a family-friendly sports party game. It’s already the third Gigantosaurus title, and it’s being released on all major platforms – we’re checking it out on a PlayStation 5.
This new game takes players back into the prehistoric world of Gigantosaurus, where they can once again take on the roles of Mazu, Rocky, Bill, and Tiny. Competing in the “Giganto Games” (just in time for Paris 2024!), players engage in eight diverse mini-games, each offering a blend of sports-inspired fun. As with most Outright titles, the premise is straightforward: race, fly, and blast your way towards a good finish, and you might earn the Super Giganto Pineapple.
The variety of events is one of the game’s strong suits, although those who are used to playing party games will find that having just eight events is underwhelming. But from rock climbing and gliding to running and triathlons, each game on offer brings a fresh experience, and there’s enough to keep young players in particular engaged. We really liked Stunt Surf, which has you navigating obstacles on a wooden log and has a very arcade-like feel to it. Another highlight is rock climbing, which, despite some initial difficulty, is quite rewarding once you get comfortable with it – making is a suitable choice for older players as well.
Controls across the mini-games are generally intuitive, designed to be easily grasped by younger players. This accessibility is further enhanced by the inclusion of two difficulty levels: one for kids and another for older siblings and grown-ups, which is a very thoughtful design choice that ensures that the game can be enjoyed by the whole family, catering to different skill levels.
Visually, the game stays true to the TV show’s colorful 3D animation style, with vibrant and engaging environments. The character models are especially well-rendered, and the animation is smooth, which fans of the show will love. The audio complements the visuals perfectly, featuring upbeat music and charming sound effects. The familiar roars of Gigantosaurus and the playful banter between the dino friends add an extra layer of fan service that young ones will appreciate.
However, Gigantosaurus: Dino Sports is not without its drawbacks. As mentioned before, with only eight mini-games, the variety might feel insufficient, especially for older players – though we realize there has to be a delicate balance here so as to not overwhelm younger players. And while the challenge mode adds some replayability by encouraging players to achieve high scores and gold medals, it’s not that different from the main games, which can become repetitive over time.
Another minor shortfall is the lack of a cohesive narrative or more show-like content. While the game leverages the beloved characters from the TV show, it doesn’t weave them into a story, making the game’s series of events feel somewhat disconnected from one another. This is a bit of a missed opportunity to engage players further, as it would be easy to link these events together with a few cutscenes.
In terms of multiplayer, the split-screen mode definitely shines as the highlight of the game. It’s perfect for a family game night with younger players, and the ability to create custom tournaments allows for personalized gameplay experiences, so you’re not stuck playing that one sport that your little one just doesn’t get into.
Overall, Gigantosaurus: Dino Sports succeeds in delivering a fun, engaging experience for its target audience. Its cute visuals, accessible controls, and varied mini-games make it a fun choice for younger players and their families. It may not offer enough depth for hardcore gamers or those seeking a more extensive single-player experience, but it fulfills its promise of offering a lighthearted, prehistoric-themed sports competition.
Score: 7.0/10
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