Going into this game I had some expectation considering that it’s labelled as one of the best FPS games of its time, but I wasn’t really expecting how much fun this game would truly be.
I will start off and get the negatives out of the way and follow up with the overwhelming positives.
While TimeSplitters 2 features a time-traveling storyline that adds an element of excitement and variety, it felt that the overall narrative lacked depth. The focus of the game is primarily on gameplay and multiplayer, with the story serving as a backdrop rather than a central element. As a result, the storytelling and character development may not be as robust as in other narrative-driven games. Additionally, the campaign’s overall length was found to be relatively short and wasn’t optimized fully.
Now onto the positives.
Despite not being a game that focuses on its narrative, TimeSplitters 2 offers a captivating time-traveling storyline that takes players through diverse eras, including the Wild West, the 1920s, and a futuristic robot-filled world.
The game's campaign mode delivers an array of missions with distinct objectives and settings, introducing players to varied enemies, weapons, and environments as they jump across time. In its multiplayer mode, you’re provided an extensive range of options to enhance the multiplayer experience. With support for split-screen multiplayer, you can engage in thrilling deathmatches, intense capture the flag battles, or even experience the unique "virus" mode where players transform into zombies.
The gameplay mechanics are solid and enjoyable, boasting responsive controls and satisfying shooting mechanics. In which, offers a wide selection of weapons, from classic firearms to futuristic energy-based arms, each with its own distinctive feel and characteristics. The level design strikes a well-balanced mix of tight corridors and open spaces, creating diverse and engaging combat encounters… for the most part. While the AI opponents do offer a reasonable challenge, there were instances where the enemy AI could exhibit predictable patterns or occasionally behave erratically. Which, at times, impacted the overall immersion and challenge level of certain missions.
While the graphics may not stand up to today's standards, the game still impresses with its detailed environments, diverse character models, and smooth animations, effectively utilizing the capabilities of the consoles it was released on. The soundtrack adds to the experience with its catchy tunes and atmospheric music, enhancing the overall immersion.
One of the standout features of TimeSplitters 2 is its delightful sense of humor. The game embraces a lighthearted tone, incorporating playful moments and quirky characters throughout the campaign and multiplayer modes. Like for example, there is a snowman character that players can encounter and interact with in certain levels. Amusingly, by interacting with the character, players can shoot at the snowman, causing its head to fly off, revealing a hidden item or power-up. By not taking itself too seriously, TimeSplitters 2 adds a fun and lighthearted element to the game, showcasing the game's sense of humor and attention to detail. The presence of the snowman is just one example of the game's playful and quirky nature, adding an extra layer of enjoyment for players as they explore the various levels and discover hidden surprises.
All in all, I can totally see how TimeSplitters 2 is considered one of the best FPS games of its time. Its solid mechanics, enjoyable campaign, and comedic flair make it a memorable title in the genre. Even after more than two decades since its release, TimeSplitters 2 remains an entertaining and highly replayable game. Whether you're a fan of FPS games or simply seeking a fun and unique gaming experience, TimeSplitters 2 is definitely worth exploring.
I will start off and get the negatives out of the way and follow up with the overwhelming positives.
While TimeSplitters 2 features a time-traveling storyline that adds an element of excitement and variety, it felt that the overall narrative lacked depth. The focus of the game is primarily on gameplay and multiplayer, with the story serving as a backdrop rather than a central element. As a result, the storytelling and character development may not be as robust as in other narrative-driven games. Additionally, the campaign’s overall length was found to be relatively short and wasn’t optimized fully.
Now onto the positives.
Despite not being a game that focuses on its narrative, TimeSplitters 2 offers a captivating time-traveling storyline that takes players through diverse eras, including the Wild West, the 1920s, and a futuristic robot-filled world.
The game's campaign mode delivers an array of missions with distinct objectives and settings, introducing players to varied enemies, weapons, and environments as they jump across time. In its multiplayer mode, you’re provided an extensive range of options to enhance the multiplayer experience. With support for split-screen multiplayer, you can engage in thrilling deathmatches, intense capture the flag battles, or even experience the unique "virus" mode where players transform into zombies.
The gameplay mechanics are solid and enjoyable, boasting responsive controls and satisfying shooting mechanics. In which, offers a wide selection of weapons, from classic firearms to futuristic energy-based arms, each with its own distinctive feel and characteristics. The level design strikes a well-balanced mix of tight corridors and open spaces, creating diverse and engaging combat encounters… for the most part. While the AI opponents do offer a reasonable challenge, there were instances where the enemy AI could exhibit predictable patterns or occasionally behave erratically. Which, at times, impacted the overall immersion and challenge level of certain missions.
While the graphics may not stand up to today's standards, the game still impresses with its detailed environments, diverse character models, and smooth animations, effectively utilizing the capabilities of the consoles it was released on. The soundtrack adds to the experience with its catchy tunes and atmospheric music, enhancing the overall immersion.
One of the standout features of TimeSplitters 2 is its delightful sense of humor. The game embraces a lighthearted tone, incorporating playful moments and quirky characters throughout the campaign and multiplayer modes. Like for example, there is a snowman character that players can encounter and interact with in certain levels. Amusingly, by interacting with the character, players can shoot at the snowman, causing its head to fly off, revealing a hidden item or power-up. By not taking itself too seriously, TimeSplitters 2 adds a fun and lighthearted element to the game, showcasing the game's sense of humor and attention to detail. The presence of the snowman is just one example of the game's playful and quirky nature, adding an extra layer of enjoyment for players as they explore the various levels and discover hidden surprises.
All in all, I can totally see how TimeSplitters 2 is considered one of the best FPS games of its time. Its solid mechanics, enjoyable campaign, and comedic flair make it a memorable title in the genre. Even after more than two decades since its release, TimeSplitters 2 remains an entertaining and highly replayable game. Whether you're a fan of FPS games or simply seeking a fun and unique gaming experience, TimeSplitters 2 is definitely worth exploring.