TimeSplitters 2 Review #2
Content missing: Review score
TimeSplitters 2, for the GameCube (as well as the Xbox and PlayStation 2), is the sequel to first person shooter TimeSplitters. However, the game makes major improvements over TimeSplitters 2. With ex-Rareware staff members on the game’s development team, the game takes a bit of a turn towards Goldeneye 007 in its single player, with a multiplayer that would rival any other first person shooter. Even an Xbox fanboy could rate this game up there with Halo.
TimeSplitters was at first a PS2 exclusive title. However, TimeSplitters 2 was for the GameCube, Xbox, and PS2. My gameplay expirence with TimeSplitters for the PS2 is about three hours in total, and I did not like the game as much as Goldeneye 007 or Perfect Dark. However, upon playing TimeSplitters 2, I loved the game, and I could tell it was improved. From the time I turned it on, I knew this game was great. Once I started playing single player, then multiplayer, I was simply amazed.
The boxart of TimeSplitters 2 had a nice look, and it was fairly simple. The words “Heir apparant to GoldenEye,” a quote from Electronic Gaming Monthly took the front, and other quotes were well-placed on the back of the box. In addition, shots showing off the excellent visuals of the game were on the back of the box. As for the disc art, the 8 centimeter disc was simple, but nice.
TimeSplitters 2 is a game that does not require much instruction booklet reading. However, when reading through the instruction booklet, you get a good idea of the game.
Once you start the game, the music and sound are well-themed. The visuals are great as well. Menus are easy to navagate, with B going back, A going forward, and the control stick used for selection. The options are pretty easy to set up, and you can get into the game in just about two minutes after starting it up.
The control of TimeSplitters 2 is its best option. The game recieves a perfect control score, because you can customize just about any control scheme you want. In addition, the default control scheme works well. Unfourtantly, due to the custom control being such a major aspect of the game, I can’t detail it here, since you’ll definitly want to choose your own style.
The rumble feature of the GameCube controller is okay in TimeSplitters 2, and its one of the reasons I don’t use my WaveBird often with the game. As usual, the rumble is too weak. The best setting for the rumble is “Fire and Hit” which will activate the rumble whenever you unleash your weapon on something (preferably the enemy), or whenever you are unlucky and get yourself hit by enemy (or even worse, friendly) fire.
Gameplay in TimeSplitters 2 revolves around a story mode, a series of challenges, and multiplayer.
The single player mode of the game has an odd curve, as it starts out harder than it ends, with some more difficult levels between. The end level of the game is a dissapointment, but all in all, its an excellent single player mode. You will want to set a goal of beating the game on Hard. In addition, there are some mini-games you can find throughout the game. Some of these mini-games can be played solo and others with up to 4 players.
The challenge mode of TimeSplitters 2 is based around completing various tasks. They include things such as defending youself from as many Zombie waves as possible, completing an objective stealthily, and breaking as many windows as possible while only using bricks. Some of the challenges may be easy, and others will be very difficult. The completion of challenges unlocks cheats, as well as more challenges and new characters.
The new characters go to one of the most important parts of TimeSplitters 2, multiplayer. The game’s multiplayer is fully customizable, with a large number of characters and many different modes, some of which need unlocking first. You can even create your own maps to play. The multiplayer mode of the game is excellent, and as a result, it adds a lot of value to the game.
Free Radical did a great job with the visuals of TimeSplitters 2. Although the game doesn’t have an excess ammount of gore, and is rated Teen, everything is fairly realistic, including levels, character models, and weapons. Attention is paid to detail, and in true Rareware-style, the time was taken to polish the visuals of the game. Framerates never drop during single player, and they very rarely drop during multiplayer. The only time you may notice a drop in framerate during multiplayer is when you have four characters, and many bots, as well as a large ammount of action occouring. In addition, the game has a good draw distance, and its cutscenes are realistic as well.
The music and sound of TimeSplitters 2 is great. For sound effects, you can hear weapons fire, and even the enemy sometimes. Dolby Pro Logic II is great, and if you can use it, make sure you do. The soundtrack to TimeSplitters 2 is varried, and is well-themed to each level. Its customizable for multiplayer as well. As for voice acting in the game, its excellent. If you were to not look at the excellent cutscene visuals, you might think it was some sort of movie.
TimeSplitters 2 is the first person shooter all GameCube fans will want. Those of you who don’t like first persons shooters might turn into a fan by playing the game. The game is a long-lasting title, and will provide fun for years. With its hard mode, difficult challenges, and long lasting multiplayer, the game will have an appeal that might last for the entire life of the GameCube console, and beyond.
Overall, TimeSplitters 2 is a great first person shooter. There are no major problems with the game, and few minor problems. All the joyous things you’ve heard about it are true – this game is definitly worth a buy, if not a must-buy.