Despite some evident shortcomings, Timesplitters 2 is an endearing and satisfying title, especially with friends.
Timesplitters 2 contains several modes, most of which are quite overwhelming. This includes the Arcade mode – a range of standard death-matches, capture the flag battles and the occasional monkey assistant contest. This portion of Timesplitters 2 cannot be underestimated in size and brilliance – few games can compare to the options available.
This incredible girth is continued in the form of the Challenge mode – a variety of assorted tasks varying in aim and difficulty. Completing these challenges -whilst difficult- will provide immense fulfillment for those who can register enough hours into the game. Given how fun the game can be at times, you may be surprised by how many hours you log into this game.
Timseplitters 2 is very similar in its mechanics to other First-Person Shooters. The controls and dynamics of the gameplay are all what you would expect. Frankly, Timesplitters 2 contains few surprises or innovations in the way it’s played – instead, it’s the way in which the components of the game gel together which makes playing Timesplitters 2 so enjoyable. The difficulty and pacing of the game are all of sufficient quality, and only a few qualms with the way Timesplitters 2 plays can be formed: the game seems to lack a real punch when using the game’s assortment of weapons – I rarely feel like I am shooting the target. This is unfortunate, as it noticeably drags down the satisfaction that can be gained from the game.
Furthermore, whilst providing a nice challenge, the enemies (particularly the bots in the multiplayer portion) can feel needlessly difficult. In addition, there is an obvious lack of a ‘bouncing effect.’ Instead, the characters almost always feels as if it is floating, which is certainly disappointing. There are also some minor control issues – for instance, pressing the Z button to use the secondary form of a weapon can be frustratingly tedious. Switching through various weapons and gadgets can also be somewhat testing. However, these are only small qualms, though they are obvious.
The multiplayer portion of Timesplitters 2 is without doubt its crowning achievement. With three friends over, few games can compare to the amount of fun that can be derived. The action can become so intense and so chaotic that you will likely find yourself sporting a wide grin without knowing it. With a huge amount of weapons, arenas and characters, multiplayer battles can be incredibly addicting. The flaws of the mechanics in Timesplitters 2 still rear their ugly head during the multiplayer, but the action is so concentrated that you may find yourself forgetting about these problems. Indeed, that’s what counts most in this title.
Timesplitters 2 also contains a handy map-maker. Whilst not perfect, it is actually surprisingly detailed and allows plenty of customization options. Though you may have difficulty recreating fondly remembered levels from other games in the past, the map-maker allows you to choose your own structures, lighting, weapons, spawn points, story items and other options of note. Given how enjoyable the multiplayer can be, this addition is definitely welcomed.
Timesplitters 2 also contains a single-player mode. Those who played the original would know that that specific game’s single-player portion was disappointing in its length, story and execution. Unfortunately, the sequel, whilst improved, has continued this trend. Following the story of a set of “time crystals” that control time, Timesplitters 2 has you venturing to different periods of time, such as 1932 Chicago and the near-future of Tokyo. Indeed, whilst this exceptional variety in level design is nice, therein lies the problem. The story and function of the single-player campaign is so disjointed that, even upon finishing the single-player game, you will likely fail to remember what occurred and what your aims were within the campaign. The various characters also fail to impress. Whilst some manage to capture the focus of the player, the incoherent storyline will probably draw little enthusiasm or interest towards the characters. This is very unfortunate, because the action within the campaign is, most of the time, quite enjoyable.
If you do manage to find the single-player campaign very enjoyable, there is actually a great deal of replay value within this portion of the game. Though the total number of missions is disappointing low, the game counter-acts this by providing more challenges and objectives (most of which are entertaining) as the difficulty of the campaign is increased. This certainly provides more incentive to play the single-player more than once, which is of course a nice touch, and highlights the incredible amount of replay value within the game.
Despite its mistakes, Timesplitters 2 should manage to light your eyes up with its distinguished art style, brilliant lighting and crisp, clean textures. Most of the characters within the game are well-drawn and faithfully realized, with little touches that scream with style. This style also follows into the game itself, with the merger of impressive landscapes, intricate textures and the comic-book approach providing some nice eye candy. The visuals are further improved through the use of startling lighting – never before has fire looked so appealing. However, the graphics are not entirely perfect. There’s little ‘wow’ factor to be grasped in terms of visuals – most of what you’ve seen in terms of environments and effects, you have seen before in previous games. Furthermore, some areas within the game appear very basic, with a distinguishable lack of detail. It’s disappointing, because there are many others areas within the game that look to have been lavished with attention. However, the animations within the game are simply superb. Bots will jump, roll and dodge whenever in the receiving end of gunfire, which not only looks great, but future illustrates the game’s unique style.
Like its graphics, Timesplitters 2 also provides quality in the form of its audio. The soundtrack, whilst not being memorable, is well designed to fit every area within the game. Preferably, it could have been more epic in scale, but there’s certainly excellence within the mix of techno beats and Mexican –style guitar riffs. The sound effects within the game are brilliant, however. All gun shots, explosions and other tidbits produce a fantastic atmosphere that complements the chaotic nature of the game. It’s not perfect – for instance, sounds of movement are nowhere to be heard – but it’s very well done nonetheless. The game also features voice-overs – they’re not fantastic, but good enough.
Timesplitters 2 certainly evolves from its predecessor, improving in nearly every way. Unfortunately, that is the key word: nearly. Whilst the game’s multiplayer component is inspired and satisfying, the single-player mode takes few steps forward. In a game that is so obviously detailed, it is disappointing that this portion of the game does not come anywhere near its multiplayer mode. However, based on its strengths, Timesplitters 2 is an attractive and engaging title, especially with four controllers.