Time Crisis 3

"Third time's always a charm!"

When Time Crisis first debuted, it was nothing like anyone was used to. The unique concept of hiding behind objects to avoid enemy fire and then popping out and shooting when it was safe gave the game a more unique feel. With Time Crisis II, the most notable tidbit was two player simultaneous action, as well as a new storyline and more adrenaline-rushing gameplay. Now the third installment has arrived, and with it came the newest feature of having multiple weapons to choose from, in addition to a new story.

The thing about Namco is that when they port one of their arcade games to the consoles, they don't simply make it a carbon copy of the original. Rather, they make a carbon copy with exclusive new features to enhance replay value, and Time Crisis 3 is no exception!

Graphics: 10/10
When you shoot your gun, you'll see the smoke from the gunshot swirling up realistically, and when you shoot an enemy, they react differently depending on where they were hit. The game runs at a smooth 60 frames-per-second, and while there is slowdown on occasion, it's extremely rare and even if you do encounter it, it's only for a second or two. I do have to question the reactions from the players when they get hit. Instead of reeling back like in the previous game, they simply recoil slightly, almost like a last minute dodge. If you time a dodge too late and dodge just after getting hit, your agent will still be shown dodging, as if nothing happened. Sometimes, you'll get hit, but from the other perspective, it'll look like it missed. Other than that, the graphics are great.

Sounds: 10/10
There's a good deal of dialogue recorded in the game, and it's actually pretty good. The agents' dialogues sound realistic and actually seem to reflect their personalities too. No more laughable bits like, 'She must be dead by now!' from the original Time Crisis. Gunfire rings out in full clarity, and the music always seems to set the mood perfectly.

Controls: 10/10
The game is playable with a Dual Shock 2 controller, but that should only be used as a last resort (the original GunCon isn't supported, sorry.) If you don't have a GunCon 2, then you can pick up the deluxe package which has both game and GunCon 2 in it, and you'll be glad you did. The GunCon 2 is one of the most accurate light guns, thanks to the ability it has to read the image onscreen and store it in its memory chip, ensuring an accurate shot every time. The sniper missions in the Rescue Mission mode are a little awkward, but with practice they get easier.

Story: 10/10
A Mediterranean country known as Astigos (the scenery looks like it has some Greek influences but it's all fictional) has been invaded by the neighboring country of Zagorias, a country which is seeking independence from Astigos and the neighboring country of Lukano. With Zagorian troops in Astigos, an invasion of Lukano is imminent. Daniel Winston, a soldier for Lukano, assembles a rebel group in an effort to stop the Zagorian Federation Army, but he is kidnapped. Meanwhile, the international agency VSSE has received information that the Zagorian army has tactical missiles which can not only strike Lukano, but other nations as well, meaning the situation is worse than one expected.

To stop this crisis, VSSE has deployed agents Alan Dunaway and Wesley Lambert to infiltrate the island, stop the army, and destroy the missiles at any cost whatsoever.

Meanwhile, Alicia, the younger sister of Daniel, is attempting to rescue her brother herself when she happens upon Alan and Wesley. At that point, the three decide to work together to accomplish their own missions.

Replay: 10/10
The arcade mode is difficult enough. If you can whip through Time Crisis in your sleep, and get through Time Crisis II with one hand behind your back, then this will prove to be challenging for you. (Even if you can get through Project Titan with ease, it doesn't mean nothing!) The levels are longer and more challenging this time around, and the enemies are tougher, which means you'll need to use your weapons accordingly to the situation.

Of course, once you've finished Arcade mode, it's not over. You can then play Rescue Mission mode, where you play through 14 stages as Alicia in her effort to rescue her brother. This will take you through various areas, some of which you may have seen, some you are familiar with, but with a different route, and some which are completely new. As you use your special weapons, you gain experience with them, which allows you to hold more ammo for them and makes them more powerful. The Rescue Mission is no pushover either!

When all is said and done, it's still not over yet! The famous Crisis Mission training simulations from Time Crisis II are back with a whole new set of missions based on the settings from the game. This will truly test your abilities as an agent of the VSSE!

Overall: 10/10
The first time was good, the second time was great, and the third time is excellent. If Namco keeps up their good work, then I can't wait to see how the fourth installment will look! Grab your GunCon 2 and get shooting, as time waits for nobody!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 10/30/03