Update:
Whenever you access the control setup option in the menu, controls get screwed.
Just dont do that and the game should be playable to completion, so there is something wrong with the NOCD indeed.
Update2:
This may be something:
https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Turok:_Evolution
Install Microsoft DirectInput Mapper to fix remapping issues on Windows Vista and later.
That will bring up the menu at the very least, it wouldnt at all without that fix.
https://i.ibb.co/8YXFD9r/Turok-Evolutio ... -48-40.png
I'm now able to access/exit that menu ingame without it screwing up the controls.
I have played the game up to this now https://youtu.be/b7UX9vLaqD4?t=2155 and havent experienced any corrupt savefiles yet.
It now works on my machine™
That default menu looks like something used even on games released on Windows 98 btw, that may explain some of the issues. Old even for Windows XP.