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The Carnivores games were a series of first-person shooting video games released by Action Forms: Carnivores, which was released in 1998, Carnivores 2, released in 1999, and Carnivores: Ice Age, released in 2001, all for the PC. In addition, Carnivores Cityscape (developed by a different company) was released in 2002.

Carnivores

Carnivores is a Fantasy First-Person Shooter developed by Action Forms in 1998 for the PC. Carnivores, released shortly after WizardWork's successful Deer Hunter, proves itself to be more than "just another Deer Hunter clone" by adding two major twists to the genre: allowing the hunter to hunt dinosaurs, and allowing the dinosaurs to hunt the hunter as well. The Carnivores 2 sequel gives slightly better graphics, a new format, more dinosaurs and weapons, brand new maps, and an improved AI. Carnivores Ice Age offers a whole new take on the series with animals from the Ice Age and levels to fit the theme.

Storyline

Carnivores, once one starts playing, doesn't really provide much in the way of a story line - the player picks a weapon, a dinosaur, and a hunting area, and they hunt. This basic formula of the absence of a storyline in gameplay is continued by Carnivores' two sequels. However, there is an 'official' storyline behind the game, as provided below:

On a routine exploration mission in 2190 A.D., science vessel FMM UV discovered a planet with suitable climate for humankind. During the initial scouting expedition, this young planet, code-named FMM UV-32, was declared inhospitable for colony life, due to its unstable terrain and immense population of prehistoric reptiles. News of this amazing planet spread, and articles on the "Dinosaur Planet" lead an earth corporation to purchase the rights to the planet and create DinoHunt Corp. DinoHunt creates the opportunity for paying customers to become dinosaur hunters for the first time in 50 million years. You are the newest client of DinoHunt Corp.

Gameplay

The gameplay of the original Carnivores remains constant throughout the series, with few changes. The game opens with a login screen, where users can make a new account or load a previous one. If creating a new account, they will be asked to read and approve a "waiver", stating that the player releases DinoHunt Corp. of any responsibility in the case the player is injured or killed (an interesting sidenote is that the player can't really be injured in any of the games - the closest the player can come is staying underwater or walking through lava, in which cases a health bar pops up; when attacked by dinosaurs, however, any hit is an instant death).

If accepted, the game proceeds to the main menu. If declined, the program exits. From the main menu players can view their hunting statistics, enter a hunt, view their trophies in the trophy room, change game settings, view the developer credits, or exit the game. In the hunt screen, you must pick a location, animal(s) to hunt, weapon(s), and supplies. Choosing any supplies decreases the total amount of points you can get on any hunt by a set percentage, except for the tranquilizer, which increases the amount of points obtained. Information on each item is provided. In Carnivores, what dinosaurs, areas and weapons the user can choose depends on that user's rank.

After the player has selected their settings, they can hunt. During the hunt, the player is provided with an on-screen compass and a wind direction indicator, which can be activated or deactivated with the CAPS-LOCK key. Sometimes the player spawns near a huntable animal, which is bad if the animal is a carnivore. The player can also draw weapons (with the number keys), look at the island map (TAB), or use binoculars. When a kill is made, the player's trophy is picked up by a ship, unless tranquilizer mode is used. If the player is killed, all points and trophies earned in that session are lost. The player can choose to exit the map or respawn on the map anytime by pressing ESC-Y or ESC-R, respectively. If the player dies, he must choose to either exit or respawn. The player can be killed by drowning, burning in lava, or by being attacked. The player can't be killed by falling from any height, so climbing mountains is an often-used strategy when hunting carnivores.

Areas

In Carnivores, the player gets six areas to hunt in:

• Woods of Turan Choks
• Basmachee Rocks
• Jungles of Gravitsippa
• The Pyramids of Shmu-Hadron
• The Ancient Temple
• The Great Lake

Animals

Throughout the series, the animals are divided into two groups: Those that can be hunted for points (pointable animals), and those that can't (nonpointable animals). Those animals worth points are further divided into carnivores and herbivores. Note that some herbivores can also kill the player. Each game has a unique set of animals.

• Nonpointable animals:
  • Moshops
  • Galimimus
  • Dimorphodon
• Pointable animals:
  • Herbivores:
    • Parasaurolophus
    • Pachycephalosaurus
    • Stegosaurus
    • Triceratops
  • Carnivores:
    • Allosaurus
    • Velociraptor
    • Tyrannosaurus Rex

Weapons

Three weapons are provided in Carnivores:

• X-Bow
• Shotgun
• Sniper Rifle

Supplies

Carnivores offers several optional supplies for the player to use:

• Cover Scent
• Radar
• Camouflage

In addition, the player always has these supplies:

• Dinosaur Call
• Wind Direction Indicator
• Map
• Binoculars
• Compass

Carnivores 2

The storyline of Carnivores 2 is almost identical to that of the first one, and the game gives the impression that the DinoHunt Corp. has found new dinosaurs and built new technology.

Gameplay

Gameplay in Carnivores 2 is very similar to that in the original Carnivores, except that Carnivores' ranking system has been replaced by a point system in Carnivores 2. Note that the point system isn't new to Carnivores 2, it was just hidden behind Carnivores' ranking system such that when a player accrued a certain number of points, they gained a rank. The player starts with 100 points, and the selection of a starting area, dinosaur(s) and weapon(s) use some of these points. In addition, the player may choose what time of day to hunt, from Dawn, Day, or Night. The only difference between each time of day is the atmosphere; carnivores, for instance, are just as active in the Day as at any other time.

Areas

Five hunting locations are available in the game, each with a unique difficulty and setting. The descriptions provided are from the game's hunt menu.

Delphaeus Hills

The smallest island on the tour. The rolling hills surround an enormous bay. Impassable mountains make deadly traps for the unwary. In the center of the island is a large chasm of unknown origin, and the deserted remains of an archaeology outpost.

Fort Ciskin

A good sized area consisting of dense pine forests encircling a murky swamp. In the southwest corner lies an abandoned settlement guarded by a towering "Dinosaur Wall", that now lies in ruins from the fury of a T-Rex.

Vengar Fjords

Lush pockets of vegetation, and thousands of inlets cover this area. This beautiful but treacherous piece of land includes an ancient volcano. Be careful when wandering the virtual maze of water and mountains created by glaciers millions of years ago.

Manya Jungle

Ringed with snow-capped mountains, this hunting area is rumored to be a nesting ground for some of the larger dinosaurs. Muddy marshes to the southwest, and a long abandoned "Dinosaur Wall" make this one of the most mysterious areas on the tour.

Mount Ravan

This island, broken by waterways and mountains is the most difficult by far. The frozen peaks of Mt. Ravan overlook a thick tropical forest that may quickly become a deadly maze where hidden danger abounds. Be careful of the active lavaflow to the south as well.

Animals

• Nonpointable animals:
  • Moschops
  • Gallimimus
  • Dimetrodon
  • Dimorphodon
  • Pteranodon
  • Brachiosaurus
• Pointable animals:
  • Herbivores:
    • Parasaurolophus
    • Ankylosaurus
    • Stegosaurus
    • Chasmosaurus
  • Carnivores:
    • Allosaurus
    • Velociraptor
    • Spinosaurus
    • Ceratosaurus
    • Tyrannosaurus Rex

Weapons

The number of weapons has been doubled from Carnivores to Carnivores 2:

• Pistol
• Shotgun
• X-Bow
• Double-Barrel (DB) Shotgun
• Rifle
• Sniper Rifle

Supplies

The supply list is almost identical to that of the original, with a few additions.

• Radar
• Cover Scent
• Double Ammo
• Camouflage

Tranquilizer can also be selected to increase the number of points obtained in hunts.

Carnivores Ice Age

Gameplay

For the Ice Age sequel, the storyline is an addition to the original storyline. DinoHunt Corp. scientists discover Ice Age animals living in the Arctic regions of planet FMM UV-32, and they set up a separate hunting program for big game living there. It also features better gameplay and a new supply drop feature, which can be used once per hunt and refreshes the player's supplies. One more addition is the existence of a "secret animal" that can be unlocked by obtaining 1000 points.

Areas

Along with its predecessors, the Ice Age sequel has five maps, each with a unique difficulty and setting.

McRath Island

This island covered with lakes and frigid swamps is swarming with icy

formations. Primitive trees cover this otherwise barren area, making good cover for hunter and prey alike.

Ravaren's Bridge

This series of islands covered with lakes and frigid swamps is connected by an elevated bridge system. Pine trees cover this otherwise barren area, making good cover for hunter and prey alike.

Ring of Infernus

Naturally secluded by a ring of extinct volcanoes, this area is a unique blend of desolate tundra and beaches that contrast sharply with the snow-covered peaks.

Dry Nodus Lake

Small mounds and swamp are all that remain of a disappearing lake on this snowy island. Cut by glaciers into treacherous canyons and rivers, an unwary hunter can easily become trapped in the narrow areas.

The Giant's Boot

This area is named for the boot print-shaped lake in the western part of the island. Thick forests and numerous rolling hills make perfect hiding spots for dangerous prey. It is the most dangerous island available to hunt.

Animals

• Nonpointable animals:
  • Archaeopteryx
  • Wild Pig
• Pointable animals:
  • Herbivores:
    • Brontoteriy
    • Giant Deer
    • Wild Hog
    • Woolly Mammoth
    • Woolly Rhinoceros
  • Carnivores:
    • Sabre-Toothed Tiger
    • Wolf
    • Diatryma
    • Cave Bear
    • Secret Animal

Weapons

• Pistol
• Shotgun
• X-Bow
• Double-Barrel (DB) Shotgun
• Rifle
• Sniper Rifle

Supplies

• Camouflage
• Radar
• Cover Scent
• Double Ammo
• Supply Drop

Mistakes and Trivia

As with most dinosaur games, there are inaccuracies.

Carnivores 1 and 2

• All the animals are sized incorrectly, most notably the carnivores like Velociraptor and Ceratosaurus, which are too large, and Spinosaurus and Allosaurus, which are too small.
• The dinosaurs are all from different periods, and Pteranodon, Dimorphodon, Moschops, and Dimetrodon are not dinosaurs at all (although the game never says they are).
• Dimetrodon, Velociraptor, and Chasmosaurus appear to be Edaphosaurus, Utahraptor, and Triceratops, respectively, instead of the animal they are identified as.
• The Tyrannosaurus can only be killed by being shot in the eye.
• The Brachiosaurus cannot be killed. Also, the Brachiosauras is often seen walking through lakes- in reality the huge animal would have sunk into the mud in the lakebed.
• Some of the herbivores that would have probably been dangerous in reality (as suggested by clubs or spikes) are harmless in the game, like Ankylosaurus, Pachycephalosaurus, and Stegosaurus.
• All the dinosaurs can outrun the player, which makes for interesting gameplay, but doesn't do much in the way of accuracy.

Carnivores: Ice Age

• The secret animal is portrayed as a ruthless predator who can kill a human easily. This behavior is not believed to be present in the actual animal, although due to its cryptid status it is impossible to tell.
• The Archaeopteryx is the main 'aerial' animal, yet it is from the Age of Dinosaurs and was extinct before the other animals in the game.
• Brontotherium and Megaloceros are identified as harmless, which they were not, and are not in the game.
• Brontotherium and Diatryma lived in the Oligocene and Eocene respectively, not the ice ages of the Pleistocene.

All Three Games

• The animals do not interact with each other in any way.
• There are spelling errors, such as Brontotherium being spelled Brontoteriy, Archaeopteryx being spelled Archeopterics, Moschops being spelled Moshops,and Gallimimus being spelled Galimimus.
• The animals that can't be killed for points do not attack.
• The carnivores always go after only you and not the other animals (even when they run straight into a dead carcass or feeding animal).
• If you shoot an animal with tranquilizers, it will never wake up from its slumber, no matter how long you stand right by it. Also, if you tranquilize an animal so that it falls in the water, and you get close enough, you can still hear it 'snoring'. On a sidenote, shooting a T-Rex with a tranquilizer will still kill it, though you won't recieve points for it. This also holds true for shooting flying animals.
• If a group of carnivores comes after you and one kills you, all of the others immediately 'forget' they were chasing you and go their separate ways.
• The animals' spines and bodies are not aligned correctly with the ground.

Pointable Animals

Animals are listed in alphabetical order by their name.

Pointable Dinosaurs and Animals	Carnivores	Carnivores 2	Carnivores Ice Age	Time periods of dinosaurs and animals
Allosaurus	Y	Y	N	Jurassic period
Ankylosaurus	N	Y	N	Cretaceous period
Brontoteriy	N	N	Y	Tertiary period
Cave Bear	N	N	Y	Quaternary period
Ceratosaurus	N	Y	N	Jurassic period
Chasmosaurus	N	Y	N	Cretaceous period
Diatryma	N	N	Y	Tertiary period
Giant Deer	N	N	Y	Quaternary period
Pachycephalosaurus	Y	N	N	Cretaceous period
Parasaurolophus	Y	Y	N	Cretaceous period
Smilodon	N	N	Y	Quaternary period
Spinosaurus	N	Y	N	Cretaceous period
Stegosaurus	Y	Y	N	Jurassic period
Triceratops	Y	N	N	Cretaceous period
Tyrannosaurus Rex	Y	Y	N	Cretaceous period
Velociraptor	Y	Y	N	Cretaceous period
Wild Hog	N	N	Y	Quaternary period
Wolf	N	N	Y	Quaternary period
Woolly Mammoth	N	N	Y	Quaternary period
Woolly Rhinoceros	N	N	Y	Quaternary period
Secret Animal	N	N	Y	?

Trivia

Feeding Animations

Each animal has a unique feeding animation played whenever the player is killed by that animal. The feeding animations for each dinosaur are as follows:

• Stegosaurus, Ankylosaurus, Pachycephalosaurus, Parasaurolophus, Pteranodon, Archaeopteryx, Dimorphodon, Dimetrodon, Gallimimus, Moschops, and the Wild Pig don't feed, since they're harmless.
• Allosaurus, Ceratosaurus, Spinosaurus, Velociraptor, and Diatryma all chew on the player while he is face-up on the ground.
• Tyrannosaurus Rex, the Wolf, the saber-tooth tiger, and the cave bear each grab the player in their jaws and swing him around, occasionally slamming him into the ground.
• Chasmosaurus and Triceratops simply run over the player.
• Brontoteriy stomps repeatedly on the player with its front legs.
• The Giant Deer hooks the player onto its antlers and swings him around.
• The Wooly Mammoth swings the player around with its trunk, banging him into the ground.
• The Wooly Rhino gores the player on its horn, then tries to buck the carcass off.
• The secret animal grabs the player by the legs and bangs him into the ground very hard.

Bugs

One of the biggest bugs in the series is the Windows XP bug (WinXP bug), so named because it often affects installations on Windows XP systems, although it has been observed in Windows 2000 and at least one other system, and several people with Windows XP have reported not experiencing the bug. It prevents users from being able to hunt with the Direct3D video rendering option, often causing users to return to the Hunt menu or crashing the game completely. Because of this, most players do not get to experience some of the advanced features of the games, such as blood, fog, buildings, and even sunglare, unless they happen to have a 3DFX card installed on their computer, or if they use a 3DFX Glide "wrapper". However, early in 2006, fans of the series made available a patched version of the Carnivores 2 and Carnivores: Ice Age executables that correct many bugs and allow most players to use the Direct3D option without crashes.

Other bugs for the series include:

• Models can be blocky and sometimes rendered wrong, as with most games.
• Sound streams can freeze and repeat like a broken record until the game sets the stream back in.
• Occasionally, when Run mode is on the water turns to the same color as the sky, which looks unrealistic.
• If a player dies on a slope, the player's body will still lie horizontally, causing part of it to jut out in the air while the other part is 'immersed' in the slope.
• If a player manages to kill a Brachiosaurus, it will still move, but it will not be registered as living on the Binoculars scanner. This is because the animal lacks a death animation.

Cheats

The Carnivores series do not have direct cheats that the player can see (i.e. a cheat menu), but a player can access secret features by typing DEBUGUP during gameplay (DEBUGON in Carnivores). The player can then type in any of the following (enter the code a second time to disable it):

• Shift + L = Fly Mode: Just like walking except now gravity doesn't stop you. The huntable animals can't touch you unless you are very close to the ground.
• Shift + M = 3D objects: Removes all trees, bushes, and rocks from the map.
• Shift + S = Slow mode: Slows down the entire game, including you.
• Ctrl allows you to run very fast. You have to hold it down.

Additional effects of DEBUGON/DEBUGUP:

• The carnivores will not attack now unless provoked.
• The player can jump incredibly high if Fly Mode is not on, by pressing CTRL + jump button.
• The player cannot drown or burn. However, the player can still be killed by walking into a Chasmosaurus/Triceratops, or by being attacked by a provoked carnivore.
• The player has unlimited ammo for all guns.

Carnivores: Cityscape

This game, as its name suggests, takes place in the city of a future world. The storyline is that a ship carrying dinosaurs (presumably from FFM UV-32) to a secret facility crashes in the city, after which the dinosaurs escape and cause pandemonium. Several levels exist, such as the Subway, the Sewers, and the City. Players have the opportunity to play as either a hunter or a carnivorous dinosaur. It did poorly compared to its namesakes, as the gameplay and storyline have the characteristics of a B-Movie.

Animals

• Coelophysis
• Oviraptor
• Nanotyrannus
• Suchomimus
• Giganotosaurus
• Tylosaurus (non-playable)
• Tapejara (non-playable)
• Alphadon (non-playable)

Weapons

• Pistol (hunter)
• Shotgun (hunter)
• Machine Gun (hunter)
• X-rifle (hunter)
• Sniper Rifle (hunter)
• Grenade Launcher (hunter)
• Teeth (dinosaur)
• Claws (dinosaur)

Areas

• Sewer
• Electrical plant
• City

See also

• Dino Crisis
• Ice Age
• Dinosaur
• Yeti

References

1. http://action-forms.com/games/carnivores/index.htm
2. http://www.answers.com/topic/carnivores

External links

The Official Sites:

• Carnivores
• Carnivores 2
• Carnivores: Ice Age

Fan Sites:

• La Saga de Carnivores (in English and Spanish)

Information resources

• Carnivores series at MobyGames

• 1998 video games
• 1999 video games
• 2001 video games
• Windows games
• Video game franchises
• First-person shooters
• Dinosaurs in fiction