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When ‘Turrican 3’ was released at the end of 1993, it split the fandom of this saga in two: those who found it brilliant and those who disliked it, because of the modified gameplay, which contained far more action than ever before. In contrast to the two prequels, the several levels were quite straightforward and well hidden secrets were very rare. Players with a distinctive curiosity were out of place – ‘cause of this, the game had lost much of its charm...
Because the sales figures of ‘Turrican II – The Final Fight’ were disappointing (almost everybody had played the title, but just a few people had bought it), the German development team Factor 5 decided to release future parts of the saga only on video game consoles. ‘Mega Turrican’ on the Mega Drive marked the commencement of that intention...
So, Kaiko (‘Gem’X’, ‘Super Gem’Z’, ‘Apidya’) stepped into the breach and worked on a ‘Mega Turrican’ version for the Amiga. But near completion serious problems appeared. So, the team around Peter Thierolf turned to Factor 5. Finally, it was done and the game was released in autumn 1993 under its full name ‘Turrican 3 – Payment Day’ – compatible to each Amiga model and ironically earlier available than the Mega Drive version...
But is the third part a masterpiece or a keen disappointment? Let’s see...
The Intro...
‘Eons have passed, since mankind last heard of the evil ‘Machine’. But now, after many generations enjoyed freedom and peace in the galaxy, the dark forces assemble again. In a sweep of terror ‘The Machine’ destroys dozens of planets and enslaves hundreds of peaceful people. Their cries are heard throughout the farthest reaches of the galaxy. Only one force is left which can rescue the lost souls: the brave fighters of the ‘USS Freedom Forces’. Led by Bren McGuire these men fight for the innocent. As Bren receives the last message of a young and beautiful girl crying in despair he slips into his assault suit. A lone warrior against the evil hordes of ‘The Machine’, Bren jumps out of the ship to face the ultimate challenge...’
‘Turrican 3’ starts with an impressive intro, which bears a striking resemblance to Japanese manga comics. Right at the beginning it emerges that ‘The Machine’ – arch-enemy of the second part – terrorizes the galaxy again. So, freedom fighter Bren McGuire slips in his ‘Turrican Assault Suit’ to serve up justice once more. The title tune, which you can hear during the entire intro sequence, sounds phenomenal and fits very well to the event. Also this time Chris Hülsbeck was responsible for the complete soundtrack – and had done a great job...
Next the main menu of the program appears: here you’ve the chance to choose one of four degrees of difficulty: ‘Easy’, ‘Normal’, ‘Hard’ and ‘Maniac’. You can also activate/deactivate ‘rapid fire’ and select between joystick or joypad control (recommendable). Furthermore you’re able to listen to the background musics of the several levels. But watch out: playing the program on ‘Easy’ level, the game ends after world 2-2...
By pressing the fire button, the action starts...
World 1-1:
The adventure begins in a futuristic genetic engineering lab. All-around there are medicine cabinets, alcoves and other strange devices. It seems that Sega’s Cybercop thriller ‘ESWAT – City under Siege’ was the inspiration for the graphical design of the first world – also there you catch sight of a similar setting. Apparently the just mentioned alcoves contain prototypes of a new species. When Bren McGuire, alias Turrican, fires towards them, the safety glass splits and the disgusting creatures fall to the floor. Certainly he should destroy them immediately, to avoid to getting in trouble! Bren manages that with one of his numerous arms...
Like in the legendary prequels you’re in possession of a large arsenal of weapons – some of these arms hadn’t changed – others had been modified. First of all is the ‘multiple’, a powerful spread shot. Next one is the laser – this time it glows green and features a round form. The ‘rebound’ is completely new – similar to ‘R-Type’ it splits up and wriggles along the floor and the ceiling. Also new is the homing missile – that flies towards the next enemy. Very handy! The smart bombs however, are well-known (all adversaries on the screen will be eliminated) and the shield protects Turrican for a limited time against enemy weapons and fire...
Of course you can imitate Samus Aran and transform into the indestructible gyroscope again – by being in this state you’re able to spread mines, which detonate after a very short time. But be careful – a continuous usage of it (like in the second part) isn’t possible anymore. While using this special skill an energy bar decreases – when it’s empty, a further transformation is not accomplishable! When you’ve entered the next level, it’ll be refilled...
The (invisible) weapon blocks of the first two parts were replaced by special extra containers: those contain several icons, which will enlarge the effect of the different weapon systems. Furthermore you’ll find ‘power-up hearts’ (gives you additional life energy) abovementioned shields and extra lives. Those won’t appear when you play the game in ‘Maniac’ mode – here you’ve only three lives for the whole game...
One of the most criticized points of the program was the nonexistent ‘surround’ – that special weapon, which made the series so famous. It was replaced by a ‘plasma-rope’ – with its help the player’s able to reach higher sections or to get over deep abysses. Nevertheless it can’t hold a candle to the legendary ‘surround’...
Fortunately another traditionally feature hadn’t changed: the cute (and pitiable) ‘walkers’ get into the act again! Also this time Turrican can use them as a ‘trampoline alternative’. However, they’d been graphically enhanced – just like the whole game itself! Its design is similar to a Far Eastern video game. The same applies to the main character – especially the animation of his demise looks like ‘hara-kiri’. But you shouldn’t consider that graphical realignment as a drawback – it’s just a different style...
A few steps from the start, Turrican comes across a far-off platform – now he has to make use of his new ‘plasma-rope’. That’s easy to handle: by holding down the fire button and moving the stick/joypad to the left or to the right, you’re able to aim it at the respective point. After that you’ve to release the button again – now the rope is anchored at the aiming point. By moving the stick ahead, Bren climbs up – moving it to both sides, he starts to swing. A very useful utensil...
Every now and then the player comes across diamonds, just like in the two prequels – in each world a specified amount of them is hidden...
A special focus should be placed on the green, eruciform creatures, which crawl around here and there. If they’re in danger, they imitate Turrican and roll themselves up into a ball – like him; in this state they’re invulnerable! So, he has to wait until they transform back into their primary form – in the meantime he has to evade them. The ‘rolling effect’ of these enemies looks absolutely incredible – just one of many effects, the program comes up with...
Furthermore you’ll come across sundry elevators (in style of ‘Impossible Mission’), columns of fire, which gush up as well as spring guns, which give you a hard time. Naturally the obligatory boss waits for Turrican: in the first level it’s an ornery giant worm. But after a few shots it backs down really fast – no problem! Finally Turrican awaits a hellride on a crashing elevator – including uninvited guests...
World 1-2:
A consistent continuation of the previous section. Nevertheless two specific features are worth mentioning: for one thing the neat 3D effect of the gene mutants, which jump out from behind, for another thing the fact, that this section is a well hidden bonus level in the Mega Drive version – there you’ve to fulfil special conditions to enter it...
World 1-3:
Here’s the domicile of the main boss of the first world: a huge, slimy gene monster, which vulnerable point are its eyes. But afore Bren McGuire has the opportunity to plunder some extra containers...
World 2-1:
Now Turrican finds himself in a disused sewage treatment plant: all-around water drops off the leaky pipes and most of the plant is inundated. The graphical style of this section reminds of the second level of ‘R-Type Delta’. Also here the player comes across spring guns - moreover the little ‘walkers’ appear again. But new occupants populate the area, too: red crabs throw bubbles towards Bren, humongous sea snakes and electric eels swim in the water and waterfalls block the way...
Furthermore the rotating platforms represent a specific feature – if you stay too long on them, they’ll lose their balance and turn on its own axis. Thereupon Turrican falls to the ground. That rotation effect looks great, too, and will make techie’s hearts leap for joy...
After the first half of the section, the water level increases dramatically – so, the player is forced to swim and dive respectively. After you’ve reached the end of the plant, it goes downwards...
World 2-2:
Now you find yourself under the water surface. The whole place is overrun with sea dwellers: jellyfishes, squids, crabs, mussels and swimming ‘walkers’ keep Turrican on the go. Apart from that, this level is a real treasure trove of extra containers and diamonds...
After its extensive exploration, Bren faces the boss of that section: a horrible giant octopus. Also here ‘Turrican 3’ differs from ‘Mega Turrican’ – the octopus acts much more aggressive in the Mega Drive version. Furthermore you can destroy its tentacles in the Amiga version – on the 16-bit console this isn’t possible. However, also here that beast looks awesome...
After you’ve beaten the monster, it goes up to the sky...
World 3-1:
The prelude to the next world takes place in the clouds. Turrican stands on a steel girder, which is transported by a flying carrier. Somehow he must make his way down. To do so, he jumps on the cargo of a nearby ship. All along annoying ‘walkers’ attack him. To make matters worse, the transport ships drop their cargo after a short time – and with it Bren! So, you’ve to hurry to cope with your fate...
The background graphics with their pastel-coloured shades remind of Thalion’s beautiful jump’ n’ run ‘Lionheart’. Sadly it has to give way to a most grim setting...
World 3-2:
After the ‘touchdown’ our hero finds himself at a huge scrap yard. A dark cloud ceiling covers the surrounding area in an ominous light. All over the place you’ll come across mountains of garbage and the ruins of a bombed out city in the background are the silent witnesses of a once glorious past...
This level, as well as the following, represents a kind of ‘showdown of bosses’: everybody gets his comeuppance! The first candidate is an old acquaintance – the floating iron fist of the first part. That has had its days and almost awaits its definitively scrapping! A few steps away Turrican comes across a flying security droid – that aims its searchlight right on Bren McGuire and fires at him...
When this problem is solved, the next challenger awaits – the notorious (and battered) robot of ‘Turrican II’. Its tactic hadn’t changed – by using high jumps it tries to cook the freedom fighter’s goose. Fortunately it isn’t able to shoot, because its weapon had been destroyed...
Meanwhile you’ll be bothered by annoying ‘walkers’ as well as small ‘morning stars’ (also a relic of the second part). And beware of the swinging wrecking balls, too...
World 3-3:
When the player enters this last section of the third world, he has to deal with a ‘stone crusher’, which is mounted on a tank. At its front there’s an additional flame thrower. So, the motto is ‘shoot and run for cover...’
After that the well-known security droid asks for the next dance. Finally you fight against the main boss of the scrap yard: a little impressive container crane...
World 4-1:
Of course ‘Turrican 3’ contains the traditionally ‘Aliens’ world, too – but in view of the level design it’s more similar to the first part (with exception of the second section). Constantly you’ll come across slanting platforms - so, primarily you should make use of the gyroscope...
All-around smirking ‘Alien’ grimaces ‘decorate’ the surrounding area and a greenish background, which changes its shape permanently, generates additional fear. In contrast to ‘Mega Turrican’ that doesn’t pulsate in the Amiga version. To be honest, the graphics of the whole fourth world are very dull! Strictly speaking, the same applies to the scrap yard, too. Here, the Mega Drive counterpart with its 64 colours looks far better....
Also the several enemies are all but colourful: ‘face huggers’, giant flies, full-grown ‘Aliens’ as well as strange, rolling objects are a little sallow...
World 4-2:
In the second section Turrican is on board the ‘Bionic Train’. That transported him straight into the ‘Alien Queen’s’ headquarter. ‘Cause he’s a stowaway, the other ‘passengers’ charge at him – so, he had no other choice but to take the bull by the horns...
That’s like running the gauntlet: you jump from wagon to wagon and have to resist the numerous enemies. When Bren had finally reached the exit, the boss of the level blocks his way: a floating head, which is surrounded by slimy orbs. That wouldn’t be misplaced even in the ‘Contra/Probotector’ series...
World 4-3:
Just like World 1-2 a consistent continuation of the subject matter. At the end of the level, the ‘Alien Queen’ in person awaits Turrican – prepared for the ultimate duel...
World 5-1:
Finally Bren McGuire enters the last world: a high-tech factory. That is similar to the Detroit motor mill of ‘Super Shinobi’. Here, ‘The Machine’s’ forces offer strong resistance: ‘walkers’ run amok, floating robots spit fire, massive hammer pins try to squash Turrican like a bug and reverse running assembly lines make it difficult to infiltrate the factory...
This time a kind of huge, armed ‘ball bearing’ acts as middle boss. Two projectile guns spin around Bren and fire at him. When you’d mastered this situation, a few steps away the next boss waits: a giant ‘walker’. Immediately it draws a bead on Turrican. Its weak point is located on its back...
When it finally falls to pieces, among other things, the well-known cannons of the first part appear – after that the unavoidable confrontation with ‘The Machine’ follows...
The Final Battle – Round 1:
At first the coward sends his minion: that sprays and prays and additionally debris falls from above towards Bren McGuire. Every now and then he opens a huge iron gate and pops through his hideout – that’s the right moment to attack him. After a short time he’s defeated and ‘The Machine’ pays the lone warrior the compliment of fighting against him...
The Final Battle – Round 2:
Now the very final battle starts: ‘The Machine’ throws fireballs and laser volleys towards poor Turrican. In anger he fires back and tries to hit the eyes of his adversary – those represent the only vulnerable point. At last his arch-rival has to surrender - but he has a last ace up his sleeve...
The Final Battle – Round 3:
Finally he transforms into a humanlike form and teleports himself randomly from one point to another. To make matters worse, he fires target-oriented projectiles as well as elastic ‘rubber bullets’ at Bren – but that’s no advantage to him anymore...
A very last shoot and he’s finished! In a gigantic explosion ‘The Machine’ perishes – hopefully he’ll never come back...
The End...
‘As ‘The Machine’ and its planet blew to pieces, Bren had brought peace and freedom to the galaxy. Freeing himself from the ‘Turrican Suit’ he moved towards the girl he rescued...
Silently Bren and beautiful Juko watched the sunset on earth and finally forgot about the terrors they had experienced. But the struggle between good and evil did not end. Soon the brave fighters could be forced to confront new dangers beyond their imagination. The adventure is just beginning...’
At last the player becomes witness of a wonderful outro: Bren McGuire and Juko - the girl which appears in the intro - cuddle up together and enjoy the above-mentioned natural spectacle. During it you can hear an excellent tune, which even outclasses the previous background musics – incredible...
So, why ‘Turrican 3’ had met with a divided response at its release? Perhaps, the answer to that question lies in the way of the level design, which – as I said before - is quite straightforward. Furthermore the nonexistence of the ‘surround’ represents a very dubious decision on the part of the development team...
But maybe the program’s just missing the ‘soul’ of its creator Manfred Trenz – sadly he wasn’t involved in the project anymore...
Okay, probably the third part of the saga can’t hold a candle to its famous precursors - nevertheless this episode belongs to the very best action games for the Amiga family! It can easily rival with genre competitors like e.g. ‘Wolfchild’, ‘Assassin’ or even ‘Midnight Resistance’...
All in all ‘Turrican 3 – Payment Day’ is a more than worthy conclusion of the trilogy...
‘Don’t hesitate to use all the powers given to you... The challenge awaits...’
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The graphics of the game aren’t as good as those of the two prequels – particularly the scrap yard and the ‘Alien’ cave with their shades of grey are quite colourless. On the other hand, the genetic engineering lab, the sewage treatment plant and the factory are very colourful – almost as colourful as in the Mega Drive version. Also the scrolling (as soft as butter) and the animations are great: especially the main character comes up with cool motions, but the same applies to his adversaries. The different effects (explosions, swirling columns of fire, rolling caterpillars, rotating platforms, 3D animations) look absolutely great – the splendid intro is an eye-catcher, too...
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Again sound magician Chris Hülsbeck pulls out all the stops of his skills: the complete soundtrack (especially the end tune) is a single catchy tune! In stark contrast to ‘Mega Turrican’ - there the music sounds quite tinny. So, it’s no real surprise that it was later released on CD – together with the tracks of the other parts. Certainly also the sound-fxs are of first-class quality...
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Because of the four different degrees of difficulty, ‘Turrican 3’ is a game for novices as well as absolute pros. The control is no problem, too – nevertheless a joypad is preferable to a stick, because the functionality of a second button will be supported. Furthermore the loading times are extremely short and are barely noticeable...
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| ‘Turrican 3 – Payment Day’ is much better than its reputation! This episode represents a phenomenal concluding part of the series and therefore it’s absolute recommendable for fans of the steely mercenary... |
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