Time Crisis 3

"Wow. Just wow."

That.....was excelent.....

Namco really blew their past games out of the water. It didn't stop there though-- They also shot them in the air.

A truly great game in so many ways, Time Crisis 3 (TC3) captivates and intrests, while bringing awsome, hardcore arcade gaming to your living room. From blowing things up to sniping, TC3 has it all.

Graphics: 10/10

Beautiful and smooth motions put YOU in the game. Smoke swirls, fires rage, and, even when you shoot, you can see little shells fly up and fall to the ground. I'd have to say that the best part is when you defeat an enemy. They'll react accordingly depending on where you hit them. For instance, a hit to the head or with the shot gun can send a troop flying backwards, one to the leg causes the enemy to spin a bit, lift their foot up and fall to the ground, and a shot with a grenade sends surrounding enemies flying in all directions.

Sound: 10/10

Very good, in my opinion. The soundtrack is awsome-- so awsome that they made a music player that you can unlock. Along with that, gun shots vary within the four guns, and character dialogues sound realistic.

Learning Curve/ Controls: 10/10

It's very simple to play this game; pick up the light gun, aim the light gun, and shoot the light gun. No problem....right? Simple means simple, but not easy. Using the A, B, or C buttons allows the user to duck. Again, simple, but not easy. Ducking and hiding must be timed perfectly to either reload, get away from enemy fire, or change weapons. Don't expect to get through this game by just clicking a trigger.

Of course, you can use a PS2 controller....but what fun is that?

Story: 10/10

You may think that saving a small Mediterranean island from some evil dude is an okay storyline, but not the best. True, but compare it to the other TC games. See what I mean? And it doesn't just end with Alan and Wesley. As Alecia, you get a bigger picture by uncovering other parts of the infiltration. For instance at one point her brother says "That double-crossing bastard!" Oooooo, the plot thickens. I won't tell you what it means to keep it fresh, but trust me, it's good.

Re-playability: 10/10

I would give it a 20 if I could. You see, after completing Arcade Mode, or "Story Mode", you unlock Rescue Mission Mode. After completing that, you unlock Crisis Mission Mode (which consists of 42 extra missions on which you can get medals). Even after you complete those things, you can try for the top scores and gold medals! And after getting the top scores in Arcade and Rescue, you can get MORE stuff. For instance, Unlimited Sub-Weapon Ammo. It truly gives you practically unlimited play.

Of course, if you SOMEHOW become tired with this, you can play with a friend! Yes, you can either link two tvs or split screen, so that you and your friends can try to beat eachothers' scores and best times! Sounds fun, huh?

Overall: 10/10

If you haven't noticed, I love this game, and I'm pretty sure you will too. Grab your Guncon and lock and load. Don't let this Crisis pass you by!

- Shawn M.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 07/20/05