The highly anticipated Jurassic World Evolution 3 has arrived, and Frontier’s latest dino park simulator is already proving to be a monumental success. While sequels often risk playing it too safe or feeling like a mere cash grab, this new installment has completely defied those expectations. Fans are showering it with praise, making it the highest-rated entry in the series based on its initial Steam user reviews.
My own experiences with the JWE series are filled with fond memories, particularly those hilarious moments when disaster struck. I vividly remember my wife and I laughing hysterically as a particularly crafty velociraptor, which we affectionately nicknamed (with a colorful expletive), made a meal out of our unsuspecting park guests. Yet, the joy isn’t just in chaos; it’s equally satisfying when everything runs smoothly—your exhibits are magnificent, visitor numbers are soaring, and the gift shops are bustling.
One of Jurassic World Evolution 3‘s most exciting new features is a fully-fledged dinosaur breeding system. By strategically placing nest sites in enclosures with compatible male and female dinosaurs, players can now witness the birth of adorable baby dinos exploring their park! These juveniles inherit genetic traits from their parents, influencing their appearance and behavior. Some species will form tight-knit family units, while others integrate into larger herds. This isn’t just a cute addition; it’s a strategic layer, as young dinosaurs have unique needs, such as requiring accessible lower feeding dispensers. It’s a charming detail that adds depth to the park management challenge.
Players will also enjoy greatly expanded freedom in park creation, highlighted by a powerful new terrain manipulation tool. Beyond that, a captivating globe-trotting campaign sends players to diverse and unexpected locations, challenging them to establish parks in places like Nevada, Japan, China, and Malta.
These significant upgrades, additions, and innovations have been met with overwhelming positivity in the game’s first 24 hours. On Steam, user reviews currently boast a ‘very positive’ rating of 92%, surpassing the lifetime scores of both its predecessors (86% for JWE and 90% for JWE 2). Unless unforeseen issues arise, this positions it as the standout entry in the franchise. Players are especially praising the stunning visuals and impressive optimization, even on older PC hardware. Unsurprisingly, the adorable new breeding mechanic and the presence of baby dinosaurs are proving to be major highlights.
Critics have also contributed strong review scores, with the game’s average on aggregators like Metacritic (82) and OpenCritic (83) already exceeding those of previous installments.
This latest release marks a significant victory for Frontier Developments and dedicated Jurassic World fans. Whether you’re a seasoned park manager who can differentiate an Ankylosaurus from an Ankylodocus, or simply seeking an engaging new management simulation, Jurassic World Evolution 3 presents an excellent choice. We’re eager to hear your thoughts on the game, and of course, adorable baby dino pictures are highly encouraged!