TimeSplitters: Future Perfect

"I bow to Free Radical's excellent game."

I have to admit that FPS's are not my favorite type of game. If given a choice between, say, an FPS or RPG 99% of the time I will jump for the RPG. TimeSplitters, however, is a big time exception. This game is easily one of the best games ever.

Gameplay 10/10

Gameplay has been the selling factor for all of the TS games. FP takes the classic run and gun action to a new level. Granted that it is actually an easier jump from easy to hard in FP than it was from easy to normal in TS 2, but it does a good job despite it. Despite the easier difficulty of FP it steps up and gives slightly more diversity by making stealth, as well as the usual blow everything away, a chance in almost every level. This makes it possible for even gamers that try to avoid conflict a chance to shine. The arcade, a staple throughout all the TS games, has, unlike the story mode, taken a turn for the harder. Even in the Amateur League it is quite difficult to complete. The unlockables are just as abundant as before but you will just have to put a little more effort in to get them. For the avid collector no problem. In terms of weapons there are old classics and new favorites that emerge (no details because you need to find out for yourself and not worry about my favorites). Probably the best thing Free Radical did in making this game is make the old inequalities go away. No longer are characters balance unevenly. All the characters have advantages that ensure that no particular type of character is too overwhelming (robots anyone?). Not saying that gameplay is perfect there are a few wasted additions, in particular the vehicles, or vehicle as there is only one and all you can do with it is run people over but it is to slow to be really effective. In the entire scope, however, the good parts of gameplay faaaaaar out weight the cons that exist. For a truly fantastic gameplay experience this game is the best.

Story 10/10

Most people after playing the story mode would say I am crazy to give this score to it, there is, however, a method to my madness. The story mode though easy has a coherent and understandable story unlike the earlier TS games. The best part is there are all the elements of a good story, comic relief, intrigue, suspense, you name it. The story is simple for anybody to understand but it did an excellent job in keeping the story interesting to avoid the loss of interest. So even if it is not the best story to have ever been written it deserves a round of applause for the obvious time and effort that went into creating it.

Control 10/10

Not much to say here. The controls are simple and easy to get used to for even young and inexperienced gamers. As close to perfect as you can get. Need I say more?

Graphics 9/10

When compared to games that focus on visuals like Halo, RE 4, and the Metroid Prime games this game does not even compare in visual splendor. It is impossible, however, to say that the graphics have had quite a re amping since the last TS outing. Certainly the characters look a bit cartoony, but hey, the improvement is noticeable and deserves the credit.

Sound 10/10

The music and sound effects are about as good as it gets in a game. The music is unique and diverse for each level and stage though FP brings some of the music used in the first two TS games back. The sound effects are top of the line and will easily convey the feeling of blowing an enemy to smithereens. Thank you Free Radical.

Overall 10/10

This game (as I have said numerous time) deserves a big time applauds. Certainly it has its flaws but I would rather play FP than I would any other FPS, Halo and Golden Eye included.

I bow to Free Radical's excellent game.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 03/29/05