I bought this game on the Xbox store for £1.67, and it's probably one of the best purchases I've ever made. I was, up until this point, completely unaware of the TimeSplitters franchise. Less still, that it was so highly regarded. While I have started with the third and final entry in the trilogy, I intend on going back and playing the second game as well. This game worked well enough as a self-contained narrative so I didn't feel like I was missing context.
The gimmick of the game is that across the game's 13 levels you travel to 6 distinct timelines, all with their own "period accurate" weaponry. This leads to great gameplay and visual variety across the different levels - it's that constant flow of creative and unique ideas that elevates this game to such heights.
The problem with the game is that it's too short, but that is just because there is absolutely no filler. Every level is a string of all the good ideas and set pieces back-to-back, and then the level ends. That's the trade-off for the short runtime. I would, however, be inclined to replay this game on its higher difficulties for fun, because it really is about 4 hours of exceptionally paced creativity.
The story is also surprisingly enjoyable. All the characters are great and distinct, while all being charmingly funny, and the cutscenes are very well animated - especially considering the game came out in 2005. And while I won't spoil anything, the use of time in the narrative has a very satisfying moment towards the endgame that really took me by surprise, and I loved it.
Play this game, if you have the ability to do so. There is nothing to hate here. Nothing to even dislike. It's pure fun that this industry simply cannot produce anymore.
The gimmick of the game is that across the game's 13 levels you travel to 6 distinct timelines, all with their own "period accurate" weaponry. This leads to great gameplay and visual variety across the different levels - it's that constant flow of creative and unique ideas that elevates this game to such heights.
The problem with the game is that it's too short, but that is just because there is absolutely no filler. Every level is a string of all the good ideas and set pieces back-to-back, and then the level ends. That's the trade-off for the short runtime. I would, however, be inclined to replay this game on its higher difficulties for fun, because it really is about 4 hours of exceptionally paced creativity.
The story is also surprisingly enjoyable. All the characters are great and distinct, while all being charmingly funny, and the cutscenes are very well animated - especially considering the game came out in 2005. And while I won't spoil anything, the use of time in the narrative has a very satisfying moment towards the endgame that really took me by surprise, and I loved it.
Play this game, if you have the ability to do so. There is nothing to hate here. Nothing to even dislike. It's pure fun that this industry simply cannot produce anymore.