Gaming Target - PlayStation 2: Time Crisis II

Written by Matt Swider on March 15, 2002

Full Review: Second chances to shoot your eye out!

Arcades have been fading gradually over the last year or so, and with this reality companies are beginning to take the machines and head home in a way. While having console versions of House of the Dead and Virtua Cop were a blessing in the past, it seems that light gun games along with other arcade ports are being forced to appear on home systems rather than striving in the dying arcade industry. Though some arcade machines come and go in a month's time, Namco has had a hit light gun game that's clearly cut above the rest. Remaining on the block for three years, Time Crisis II is undoubtedly one of the most popular arcade games available.

Given the fact that Time Crisis II kept millions of trigger-happy gamers occupied for so long in the arcades, Namco felt it was time for the game to come home and hope it'll be just as much as a blast. The obvious choice for the port was the PlayStation 2, a system Namco has successfully supported with light-gun titles in the past. However, the real question still remains: Does Time Crisis II continue its trend to be just as stunning and deliver the fast-paced light-gun action we have become accustomed to?

To match the experience in the arcades, Namco has packed Time Crisis II for PS2 with a brand new gun called the GunCon 2, and has allowed the use of its original GunCon firearm as well. The excitement can be intensified when two guns are at hand while playing with a friend. This experience remains something that can't be felt using a Dual Shock pad. Just like the arcade version, this port contains the same straightforward and fast moving gameplay. But what divides the series from any other title is the game's ability to duck behind scenery and pop back up. While the arcade utilized a foot pedal for this motion, the videogame couldn't possibly contain such a device. To fill the void, Namco has simply taken advantage of the button on the GunCon controller in its place. Not as exciting as pressing down on a pedal with your foot during intense combat and releasing at the hint of being targeted, however, suffice given the circumstances.

For those unfamiliar with the plot, just like its driven gameplay, the storyline too seems generic. However, that's greatly due to the immense action, and of little concern in the end. The game pits players as one of two agents in a fight against an evil mastermind bent on launching a nuclear satellite in a quest for global domination. Thus, our two agents become a duo as they shoot side by side through most of the game, where the computer or another human can control the second agent in the game. However, being alone and having a second gun at hand doesn't mean it has to go to waste. In a John Woo fashion, you can take control of both guns for a bit of a new challenge. Also, with two PlayStation 2's as well as two television sets, players can use the i-Link support option in the game to play without a split screen distraction. It makes a nice touch for the few who happen to have this capability.

During certain points in the game, the two agents will find themselves as an open target for each other when they're either across or weaving in and out of the way during intense action. Hitting your partner doesn't mean a loss of either of your health bars, but rather, a deduction in points, making the consequences less serious and likely to happen more on Уaccident.Ф

Within the arcade mode, players can run through the three-stage run of the game with the complete storyline or, if the levels are unlocked, shoot within an individual area. Each stage is divided into three areas of its own, each containing a boss at the end, totaling to 9 levels entirely. Besides the familiar arcade segment of Time Crisis II, we're greeted with additional extra games. The types of games range from classic marksmanship, practice in training, and finally the challenging Crisis Mission, where you're limited to a single life point. Crisis Mission can be unlocked by beating the storyline mode for the first time. After the second and third time of finishing it, players can use an automatic pistol and unlimited ammunition. Finally, the challenge that will test the best is unlocking mirror mode without continuing or dying once during the game.

The game runs smooth visually, but doesn't exactly take full advantage of what the PlayStation 2 can offer. However, it does a nice job of matching the arcade as a port. Just as well, the sound department won't exactly stun anyone. The music in the background is easily missed, and the gunshot sounds may be on target, but after so many rounds, become annoying. Despite the fact that these two departments are Уso last generationФ as fashionable people would put it, it's of little concern when dealing with the rest of the game.