TimeSplitters on the Xbox–TimeSplitter 2 Review
November 18, 2002
When the PS 2 was released in North America, there were very few titles worth picking up. SSX received the most attention from the media, but the Free Radical developed shooter TimeSplitters also proved to be a hit with the players. Since then, two new consoles have entered the race, and this time, Free Radical decided to spread the time-splitting love to Nintendo’s GameCube and also Microsoft’s Xbox. TS 2 has been a long time coming for fans of the original, but does it live up to the hype? Or does it leave you yearning for something more?
TimeSplitters 2 does feature something resembling a single player campaign, and the story is a tad more defined than the original’s. In the main game, you’ll control various characters throughout time as they struggle to stop the diabolical race known as the TimeSplitters. Levels range from an old Cathedral to alien planets to technology labs in the distant future. In each level/time period there are enemies representative of that era. Also, the environments reflect the time period and location. The designers did a great job of making each level unique and showing off the different architectural styles found in each specific era.
However, the focus here is definitely on fast-paced shooting and an option-laden multiplayer mode. The game’s action moves at a blistering pace with silky smooth controls and enemies that just don’t know when to quit. If you’re used to FPS games that rely heavily on strategy, you may find the firefights here a bit overwhelming in the beginning, but the faster you can pull the trigger, the greater your chances are for survivalrt practicing.
As mentioned above, the multiplayer mode is where the bulk of the fun is to be had. In addition to the map-maker feature, you can choose from well over sixty characters, and you’re given a near endless list of options to help you get just the experience you’re looking for. The game supports up to sixteen players via LAN, and should you find yourself with fifteen friends, you could spend several weeks playing various types of games from classic deathmatch to capture the bag (flag).
Other game modes include Arcade, which allows you to compete in three 쬥aguesamateur, honorary, or elite). These leagues consist of pre-selected games and options that’ll put your skills to the test in a variety of areas. You can also do Arcade Custom and set up your own games within the three leagues. TS 2 also offers an elaborate Challenge mode where you’ll have to complete certain objectives set by the game in order to earn a ranking and unlock hidden goodies for use in other game modes.
In terms of its technical aspects, TimeSplitters 2 is a step ahead of most other shooters on the market. The character models are just as whacked as they were in the original game, and a few favorites even make a return for the sequel, including the funky secret agent, Harry Tipper. The animation in the game is smooth all around and characters move fluidly. The audio in the game is good too and each era once again has a soundtrack that fits with the environment and time period.
With all these things going for it, you might expect TS 2 to be great, but for some reason, it’s just not. It’s good, make no mistake about it, but it’s by no means a 쭵st-haveitle; especially when you look at all the other great games coming out. The game attempts to copy the N64’s Goldeneye, but somehow it misses the mark. The objective based gameplay just doesn’t work as well as it should, or as well as it has in some FPS games of the past. Some objectives seem like they’re just thrown in there for the hell of it, and they aren’t necessarily related to what you’re supposedly trying to accomplish. The story aspects are jumbled together in a manner that’ll have you scratching your head, and the map-maker feature is still lacking in terms of options and what you can do with it.
Overall, TimeSplitters 2 will probably please fans of the original, and it is an impressive presentation. However, the gameplay feels a bit stale. The game ultimately fails to do anything to set it apart from the crowded shooter market. Again, it’s not a bad game, but don’t go into this one looking for the next Halo or Goldeneye.
CVG Report CardTimeSplitters on the Xbox--TimeSplitter 2 Review
Rating: B-
Platform: Xbox
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