The premise (as far as we can gather) of Dinotopia is that humans and dinosaurs live in peaceful co-existence.

Kept as pets, or used a la Fred Flintstone in the workplace, dinos are an alternate cow: docile, useful, great eatin'. Some are even smart enough to hold conversations and dress in bodices. The whole 'dinosaurs and humans sharing living quarters making for an orgy of explosive gameplay' thing looks a little unlikely. Don't worry, BC seems to be coming along nicely. Not so with Dinotopia though. It's a bit flaccid to say the least, and although clearly taking cues from the likes of Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic, it has very little to warrant buying it.

As Drake Gemini (yeah, that's really his name), you must complete various tasks for various dinosaurs, with the promise of various rewards which you will then need in order to complete the next task. The problem though, is the task structure, which seems to range from collecting fruits (snore) to following an agonisingly linear path swinging a club at a sparse and stupid enemy. The combat is weak, especially when complicated combos earned through experience don't actually enhance your attacks, and the collision detection is transparent, especially when flying Skybax through canyons - you can hit rocks that are at least five feet away.

Ironically, one of the major faults with Dinotopia also happens to be one of the reasons why you should buy it. You'll never hear funnier, more atrocious voice acting in your whole gaming career. It's appalling, but so funny - a cross between Irish, Scottish, Cockney and Hindi.

An intentional plus point though, is the look of the game. It's certainly not the hokiest design we've seen and comes across in parts as rather quaint and appealing. The lighting effects are "ooo, aahhh"-inducing, and the appearance of a grazing diplodocus here and there will have you thinking you're in Jurassic Park. For all the incidental decoration though, Dinotopia still suffers by having all the substance of meringue.

It may be going for a snip at £20, but regardless of whether you pay that or double it, you're essentially paying good money to be bored. It's not that Dinotopia does things badly, but you'll feel like you've played it so many times before. There was never a moment during play that we felt surprised or enthralled by what was happening on screen - a bad sign for a title that is packed with such potential. It's dinosaurs by numbers, and dinosaurs should never be by numbers. They should be walloping great meat-chewing monsters, not bonnet-wearing party hosts who go to great lengths to impart on you their recipe for apple pie.

1. It's got dinosaurs!
2. Looks quite pretty
3. The hilariously bad voice acting

1. Too predictable
2. Seen it all before
3. The dinosaurs bake cakes, dammit!

Power
It was never going to be hugely innovative for a budget title, but graphically it does the job.

Style
There are some great Dinotopia paintings on the net. Now that's style. This, though? Oh dear, no.

Immersion

Trudging from one dumb battle to the next makes your attention wander. Oh look, a puppy! See?

Lifespan
Who knows? You'll wake up in a pool of drool not sure of where you are or how you got there.

Summary
You'll have dino-flavoured déja vu followed by an inevitable meander into the land of nod. It's all a bit dull and plodding.