TimeSplitters Review

For PlayStation 2

By Contributing Writer Chris George

Rating: Good
   TimeSplitters doesn't live up to the hype of being one of the PS2's top 
launch games, but it's still a solid game.  The remarkable multi-player 
modes and unremarkable single-player modes almost cancel each other out to 
make the overall product good, but far from spectacular.  Honestly, I expect
more from Free Radical Design since it was founded by former Rare employees.
   The last thing I would expect from some of the same people who made 
Goldeneye 007 is a horrible single-player mode, but that's exactly what 
TimeSplitters has.  The plot is pathetically weak, and every mission in the
game consists of running from Point A to Point B and picking up an object.  
   A bunch of demons known as TimeSplitters invariably appear and try to 
kill you as you run for the exit, which is usually the same place as the 
entrance.  I could understand why the developers would want to do this in a 
few missions, but to do it throughout the game is just too much.  Making a 
PlayStation 2 launch game that is actually a step backward in terms of game 
design is not an admirable accomplishment.
   Thankfully, this otherwise poor game is saved by one of the best multi-
player experiences I have ever had in a console first-person shooter.  The 
different modes of play are exactly what you would expect (deathmatch, CTF, 
etc.), but you can customize the options so much that the lack of variety in
modes never becomes a problem.
   Free Radical must have realized that the multi-player game is far better 
than the single-player game, because you can't unlock everything in multi-
player if you don't play through the single-player missions.  As irritating 
as it is, this design decision serves its purpose of encouraging you to play
the otherwise worthless single-player mode in order to unlock new arenas and
characters.
   I have always thought that controlling first-person shooters is a task 
best left to a mouse and keyboard set-up, but TimeSplitters' control lay-out
is surprisingly well done.  With just a little bit of practice, you'll be 
able to strafe around enemies with ease.  The developers have also done a 
nice job of implementing the auto-aim feature, which does it its job without
being overly useful.  You can also customize the control to your liking, but
one thing that you can't do is jump.
   Free Radical has failed to deliver on its promise of absolutely no 
slowdown at any time, but the pace of the game is still extremely fast.  
The only noticeable slowdown occurs in the four-player split-screen mode.  
Unfortunately, this blazing speed comes at the expense of the textures, 
which were made bland and unappealing in order to achieve such a high frame 
rate.
   The level editor is a welcome addition that gives the game a lot of long-
term depth.  Long after you've grown tired of the pre-existing combat 
arenas, you'll still have a blast creating your own levels and trying them 
out with your friends.  The level of customization is unprecedented in a 
console game, with a wide variety of variables to tweak such as lighting 
effects, re-spawn points, and textures.
   TimeSplitters is a lot like the PlayStation 2's launch line-up as a 
whole.  Both of them are very good overall, but both also fail to live up 
to their initial hype.  TimeSplitters' single-player mode may bore you to 
tears, but its level editor and multi-player modes will keep you occupied 
for weeks.

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