Gaming Target - GameCube: TimeSplitters 2

Written by D'Marcus Beatty on December 11, 2002

Full Review: Weird...I didn't know zombies knew how to fire laser weapons.

Let's get this out of the way. TimeSplitters 2 blatantly lifts some ideas directly from Rare's immortal GoldenEye, and there's no shame in that. In fact, UK-developer Free Radical intended it to be that way. Surely enough, on a rainy day, five key members from Rare's GoldenEye team fled from Nintendo's warm loving embrace to share the wealth with Eidos Interactive. That was the beginning of Free Radical. Since then, GoldenEye has still never truly been toppled, but make no mistake that TimeSplitters 2 comes close.

From a graphical standpoint, it's fair to say that TimeSplitters 2 is more than sufficient. It's no secret that the game is going for a УwowФ factor and the warm batch of character models helps the cause. What you're getting yourself into is nice looking figures ranging from ordinary humans soldiers to aliens, monsters, zombies, robots, revealing women, futuristic spies, jesters, and even simians. With the advent of a storyline that stretches across time, the game carries a plethora of interesting characters that are easy on the eyes and have rather nifty apparel. Further, the facial expressions are expressive and add much-needed attention to detail to finish off the package. In fact, characters look better up close than they do from afar, but I can definitely see negative reaction coming as a result of the artistic direction.

Fortunately, even in the harshest multiplayer settings, TimeSplitters 2 chugs along without any noticeable frame-rate blips. Interestingly enough, from my experience, players are actually more vulnerable from motion sickness as well. Otherwise, Free Radical's excellent level structure leaves little else to ask for. The textures are rich and abundant and go hand-in-hand with the character design. However, if you're asking for something out of Metroid Prime, you'll be sorely disappointed.

As said, TimeSplitters 2 is about pure, unadulterated fun. As such, the single-player experience reassures this more than anything else. The game pits you in 1990 Siberia and moves you on to 1985 Notre Dame, 2280 Return to Planet X and it keeps getting better. You won't find the historical accuracy of Eternal Darkness, but that's all right. Early on, some objectives include toying around with security cameras or repelling alien attacks, and these alone give you a glimpse of things to come. The end result is a story mode that is utterly disjointed and doesn't bring anything new to the table, but that isn't to say the game is void of cool scenarios and key moments that will knock up a few laughs along the way.

With that said, TimeSplitters 2 does offer a wealth of multiplayer modes that make admission worth the price. The modes are so well-executed that it boggles the mind. The game features many scenarios and challenges to overcome. The multiplayer levels are varied and stretch out very far with multiple floors. Also, flame tag focuses on the use of the flamethrower and passing on flames. There's also the accompanying fire extinguisher. Take a moment to think about it. Done? Good. To round things off, there are also standard deathmatches and a mode called monkey assistant you can toggle on. If you're in last place, a pack of simians will help your sorry arse out - or die trying.

Aurally, TimeSplitters 2 is simply awesome. Free Radical has delivered atmospheric tunes that perfectly set the mood. The music in 2019 NeoTokyo comes to mind while the music in 1990 Siberia also reminds me pleasantly of GoldenEye. There's a definitive vibe that works really well. Likewise, grunts and moans from each character are perfect.

Without any doubt, you can't go wrong with the arsenal selection. With the addition of a flamethrower, you can heat things up and go to your nearest water source to cool off. There are also gun turrets to be found and a selection of weapons that corresponds with the each level's time-period. From homing missile rocket launchers to anything you can imagine, TimeSplitters 2 has all the bases covered.

The much-touted MapMaker mode caps off a nice package. Basically, you can take your time to create an elaborate multiplayer arena with eight stories and keys and doors. Or, if you're like me, you'll take the time to create a single room with auto-guns in every corner and no weapons.