The Dino Crisis franchise, one of Capcom’s forgotten gems, recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. The series first launched on the original PlayStation in 1999, achieving great success with sales that rivaled Resident Evil. However, after a poorly received third title, the series was abandoned by Capcom.
Despite being stuck in obscurity for decades, Dino Crisis retains a dedicated fan base, especially for the original title, with many still hoping for a revival of the series. Fans argue that with modern technology, a reboot could elevate the franchise to new heights, particularly with updated graphics and mechanics to appeal to current gamers. Here are some interesting facts about the Dino Crisis games you should know.
A Resident Evil Legacy
The similarities between Dino Crisis and Resident Evil are no coincidence. Both games were helmed by the same creative director, Shinji Mikami, who played a pivotal role in defining the horror genre in video games. Mikami worked on both projects, ensuring that Dino Crisis carried the same sense of tension and meticulous level design as Resident Evil.
Moreover, many gameplay mechanics, such as the fixed camera angles and the use of doors to mask loading screens, were directly borrowed from Resident Evil. After his work on these titles, Mikami went on to found Tango Gameworks, where he developed The Evil Within, which also features many horror design elements seen in his earlier games. However, Mikami recently left Tango Gameworks, making way for new personal projects.
During an interview, Mikami shared his thoughts on the future of “Dino Crisis”, mentioning that while he was interested in a remake, he believes that the current gaming landscape has changed drastically, especially with the success of “Monster Hunter”. He commented, “Even if I decided to do a remake or a new version of Dino Crisis, I don’t feel like there’s much room for that kind of game right now.”
“Dino Crisis” fans were even more excited when Capcom announced “Exoprimal“, a dinosaur-themed online shooter, which initially drew comparisons to the classic series. However, Mikami made it clear that the similarities are superficial: “The concept is very different from Dino Crisis. I think the fans had their expectations raised, but here we are.“
The Mystery Behind Regina’s Name
Regina, the protagonist of Dino Crisis, has a name that has intrigued fans over the years. Many players are unaware that “Regina,” along with “Gail” and “Rick,” are actually code names used by the members of the S.O.R.T. (Secret Operation Raid Team). These code names were adopted by the characters to maintain their secrecy during missions.
However, the game never revealed their real names, leaving this detail as an open mystery. This kind of ambiguity contributed to the allure surrounding Regina, who remains one of Capcom’s most iconic and memorable protagonists.
The Forgotten FPS Experience
In 2002, Capcom released a first-person spin-off of Dino Crisis for the PlayStation 2, titled Dino Stalker in the West. This game, known as Gun Survivor 3: Dino Crisis in Japan, followed the trend of adapting horror franchises into first-person shooters, as seen with Resident Evil: Survivor.
Although the title tied into the events of Dino Crisis 2, it did not achieve the same success and was quickly forgotten by most fans. One of the primary criticisms was its limited gameplay and heavy focus on action, which alienated players who were expecting a more intense horror experience. Despite this, some enthusiasts still view the game as an intriguing footnote in the franchise’s history.
The Birth of “Panic Horror”
In an effort to distinguish Dino Crisis from other franchises, Capcom devised a marketing strategy that introduced a new form of horror, branded as “Panic Horror.” While Resident Evil focused on survival horror, which emphasized resource scarcity and the fear of managing supplies, Dino Crisis highlighted the constant tension of being prey hunted by dinosaurs.
This idea of being relentlessly pursued by prehistoric predators set it apart from the slower-paced zombies of Resident Evil. However, panic horror never caught on as a distinct genre, and today, the game is widely considered a traditional survival horror title. Nonetheless, players from that era fondly remember the adrenaline rush brought by the game’s chase mechanics.
Connections with Resident Evil 3
During the simultaneous development of Dino Crisis and Resident Evil 3, the two games ended up sharing some interesting connections. One notable crossover was the inclusion of playable demos for both games, allowing players to preview each title before their official releases.
Additionally, Resident Evil 3 featured a special skin inspired by Regina, the protagonist of Dino Crisis. Players could unlock this skin for Jill Valentine, complete with Regina’s signature red hair, creating a fun crossover for fans of both franchises. This kind of easter egg was a clever way for Capcom to link its major horror titles and increase their appeal to dedicated players.
Unrealized Projects for Game Boy Color
Following the success of Resident Evil on the Game Boy Color, a project to adapt Dino Crisis for the handheld console was also in development by Fluid Studios. Although fans were excited to see how a 3D dinosaur game would translate to the Game Boy Color, the project was canceled before it could be released.
Rumors suggest that some elements from this version were repurposed in Resident Evil: Gaiden, another Game Boy Color title that also faced a troubled development. To this day, fans wonder what it would have been like to play Dino Crisis on a portable system, and whether the title could have introduced the series to a new generation of players.
Had Dino Crisis actually made it to the Game Boy Color, the series’ story could have been very different. However, considering the issues that Resident Evil: Gaiden faced on the same system — from graphical limitations to compromised gameplay — it may have been for the best that this project never came to fruition. The difficulties of adapting a game as intense and atmospheric as Dino Crisis to the Game Boy Color’s limited hardware would have been significant.
It’s possible that the end result could have damaged the series’ reputation, much like Gaiden did. On the other hand, if done well, it could have been an intriguing way to introduce the franchise to a younger audience or even expand the series’ reach. Still, given its history, it’s perhaps a relief that Dino Crisis has remained in the realm of more powerful consoles, where its visual and mechanical impact could be better explored.
Appearance in Ace Attorney anime
An unexpected tribute to the Dino Crisis series can be found in the Ace Attorney anime. In the second season of the animated series, two episodes feature characters clearly inspired by Regina, Gail, and Rick, the protagonists of Dino Crisis. This special cameo was a heartfelt gesture from Shu Takumi, who directed the first two Dino Crisis games and also worked on Ace Attorney.
While the characters’ appearance in the anime doesn’t have a major impact on the plot, it serves as a fun easter egg for keen-eyed fans, further cementing Dino Crisis’s legacy within Capcom’s roster.
The Peculiar Ancient Costume
Among the most memorable rewards for players who completed Dino Crisis multiple times was the Ancient Costume, an outfit that dressed Regina as a prehistoric inhabitant. In addition to its humorous appearance, the costume also altered some of the game’s weapons, transforming, for example, the grenade launcher into a fish.
These kinds of unlockable content were a hallmark of games from that era, rewarding dedicated players with quirky, non-canonical items. The Ancient Costume quickly became a fan favorite, not just for its comical look, but for showcasing Capcom’s creativity in designing thematic costumes.
Fan-Made Recreations
Solo developer Stefano Cagnani is recreating the classic survival horror game Dino Crisis using the powerful Unreal Engine 5. The project, called Project Crisis, now has a playable demo available for download, allowing fans to experience first-hand this modern reimagining of one of the most beloved PlayStation 1 titles while we still wish for an official remake like Capcom loves doing with Resident Evil.
The Project Crisis demo gives players the opportunity to explore detailed environments and face off against terrifyingly realistic dinosaurs, all with visuals enhanced by the cutting-edge technology of Unreal Engine 5.
