TimeSplitters: Future Perfect

"If you can't get it for a different console, then you'll still have a bit of fun"

Last year, Microsoft fans rejoiced with Halo 2, the hype-proclaimed pinnacle of first-person shooters. However, the GameCube selection of first-person shooters remained relatively devoid of quality. Now, Free Radical and EA have joined together to bring about a sequel to 2002's highly successful Time Splitters 2. Obviously, the standards have risen since the last edition. Has the GameCube version of Time Splitters: Future Perfect met the challenge at hand?

The game opens right after the events of the prequel. Cortez, a very successful soldier, has returned to his base with the Time Crystals. These crystals power time travel, a skill that used to be limited only to Time Splitters, vicious creatures at war with humans. Using the power of the crystals, Cortez is to go back in time and eliminate the Time Splitter race before ever forming, to end the war before it ever began. While the story has sci-fi appeal, it is never afraid to use all sorts of humor between encounters. There are dark mansions with zombies that give chills, yet, Future Perfect is never afraid to relieve such tension with humor ranging from slap-stick to mature. Unlike the terrible story of the prequel, this has a lot of appeal to just about any audience.

The Story Mode of Future Perfect is not very different of that in its prequel. It is mostly a mix of shooting, light puzzle, and clever use of weaponry. Missions are presented as the level progresses. While most missions make sense, a few may confuse those who are a bit short-minded. Like Time Splitters 2, a second player can go through the story in co-op, which is always a nice feature. In the prequel, many found the difficulties to either be too hard or too easy. Future Perfect, however, has a decent balance in difficulty, which can be set to easy, normal, or hard. However, hardcore shooting fans may find the game to be too short and easy for them. The AI is not the brightest in the world, and the game seems to supply health and armor on a regular basis.

What can be said in the story's favor is that paradoxes of time travel are explored. Cortez will often meet himself within the levels. The two versions will work alongside each other. For example, your Cortez will eliminate zombies as the other handles ghosts. Then, later in the level, Cortez will go through a worm hole. This will allow you to control the other end of the situation. Now, you will handle the ghosts as the other version eliminates zombies. These sequences are clever, unique, and pretty humorous.

While the Story Mode tries to take center stage, the meat and potatoes of Time Splitters: Future Perfect is the Arcade Mode. This mode holds all of the four player action. There are thirteen modes in total. Deathmatch and Team Deathmatch are races to get the most kills. Bag Tag is a competition to have the bag longer than any other player. Capture the Bag is best described as simply capture the flag. Zones is a competition to hold the most area of the course. Assault is like an actual battle, in which two sides try to infiltrate the opponent's base. In Gladiator, whoever is the gladiator is the only person that can get points. The others must try to kill the gladiator so that they can get the title. In Virus, one person is on fire. They must try to get everyone on fire. Whoever is the last person standing wins. Vampire mode has everyone slowly dying, and the only way to avoid death is through killing others. Monkey Assistant is like Deathmatch, but last place has a few little helpers. Elimination mode gives every player a set number of lives. In Shrink, people who are struggling are down-sized to give them a chance for comeback. In Thief, dead people leave a coin behind. Collect the most coins to win. While all of these modes are fun, none are new from Time Splitters 2. Plus, modes such as Flame Tag, Regeneration, and Leech are gone.

The multiplayer is still able to hold its own, though. There is a good selection of levels, with the courses Chinese, Training Ground, and Mexican Mission making a return. There are 150 characters to choose from, each of which have their own unique abilities (which may be turned off, if you so wish). The weapons, bots, and rules can be changed to your own will. The controls can be customized to every individual's liking. While it might take a little time, everyone will eventually find a comfortable style.

In Arcade League, the player can compete against bots in various styles of matches. A medal is awarded depending on how well it is played. This is a very fun mode, from which many of the games secrets are unlocked. However, it is significantly shorter and easier than that of Time Splitters 2. Challenge Mode offers a similar experience, but is not afraid to diverge to mini-games such as remote-control cat racing and monkey curling. Again, while it is fun, it is not far beyond the prequel.

Time Splitters: Future Perfect allows players to create their own maps. In a style similar to its prequel, this game allows the player to set tiles, place items, and even set up a story mission. There is a much wider set of options concerning the style of the map. The scenery type can be changed, and so can the sky. While the Map Maker here is certainly satisfying and easier to use than previously, it does not take any huge strides forward from Time Splitters 2.

The most exciting advancement in Time Splitters: Future Perfect is the online play, but this was left out of the GameCube version. While other versions can play multiplayer online and swap maps, Nintendo fans will have to stay isolated.

While the Time Splitters series has long held the Teen ESRB rating, this edition goes into the Mature field. There is now blood, which cannot be turned off. There is some crude language, and, of course, some of the females in the game have questionable design. Some of the levels in Story Mode have scary images and messages. While some younger people may be turned away, this game does not completely abandon its original audience. It is not a Grand Theft Auto, but one must wonder, was this increase truly necessary?

The graphics of Time Splitters: Future Perfect are quite pretty. The guns are finally held by hands, with realistic reload effects included. The scenery is full of variety, as are the character designs. The frame rate does not miss a beat.

The audio side of this game is also pretty good. The music fits every scene like a glove, but is far from remarkable. The voice acting, on the other hand, is true to every character and manages to hit the funny bone on any intended line. Subtitles are included, as well. These elements together certainly help to create the mood for the game.

In the end, Time Splitters: Future Perfect does not feel like a complete sequel. While there is a wealth of features, all of them have been seen by Time Splitters fans before. There is still no jump button and the bots still have rolling abilities the player does not. This game was designed to go online, as it was the best way the series could expand. But thanks to Nintendo's philosophy of gamers not wanting to go online, the GameCube version of Time Splitters: Future Perfect can only be described as a different version of its prequel. Wholeheartedly jump to a different console if at all possible, as they feel much more complete. This is far from tragic, though, as this game is certainly entertaining. The adequate Story Mode and the action-filled multiplayer are lots of fun, but hardcore Time Splitter fans will be left yearning for more.

Gameplay: 8.5 – The Story Mode is a bit easy, but the cool characters, clever level design, and entertaining multiplayer modes are satisfying. Online play would have made the game feel fresh.

Graphics: 9 – The environments are varied, and the frame rate is smooth as silk

Sound: 8 – The music is solid but forgettable. The voice actors are great

Lifespan: 8 – The game is a bit shorter than its prequel, and a lack of online play will turn off some. Multiplayer still rules, though, and there is a good list of things to unlock

Closing Comment: Though the lack of online play with the GameCube prevents this game from improving the series, there is still a good amount of fun to be had here.

Verdict: 8.3/10

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 07/05/07