TimeSplitters: Future Perfect

"This is on par with Halo 2! No kidding!"

Well here it is, the next Timesplitters!

Story: 8 / 10

To be honest, I was overly impressed by the story behind the game. Once again, the Timesplitters are invading humanity blah blah blah (You get the idea). But this time, instead of assuming the character in the time zone, you continuously play as Sgt. Cortez (The bald, Vin Diesel looking chappy from the last game) as he travels through different time periods. Famous characters pop up to “side along” Cortez such as Harry Tipper and Captain Ash. The levels are vast and there were some really amazing ones from the exciting moving train level in 1969 to the underwater city in 1924. All the way through its action, stealth and hilarious dialogue during the cut scenes (I've laughed out loud at some of them!).

Big improvement on the story mode!

Graphics: 9 / 10

Surely after the likes of Halo 2, Timesplitters has a mountain to climb? Well, yes and no. The details and interactivity in the levels are unbelievable. The temporal uplink is now a wrist mounted device which can also be used to move countless objects around the world. Don't knock it ‘til you've tried it! The animation on all the characters is as smooth as it has always been and some of the characters look less cartoony, especially the zombies who look more macabre and grotesque than ever! The element of blood and gore has also been added (raising the age certificate up) with blood squirting out of characters after being shot and more detail paid to undead characters (you know what I mean) Weather effects and lighting is terribly impressive as well, it really sets the mood in some places. Another plus point is the attention to detail on the weapons, they ALL have reload animations and they are enjoyable to watch.

Similar graphics, but shined up to look better!

Sounds: 9 / 10

“It's Time to Split!” I'll never get tired of that catchphrase. Once again, the sounds are extremely high quality. The guns all have unique sounds and the reload clicking's well done. It's always good to listen to the chatter from the NPC's in the levels. It seems that Free Radical have placed a drunk person on every level to add to comedy value (don't ask me why). The voice acting is the best I've ever had the pleasure to hear in a game.

Sounds are still amazing as ever and then some!

Gameplay: 10 / 10

This is what the Timesplitters series is famous for. The controls are easy to pick up and the layout has changed a bit. You now have to change the mode of the weapon with the directional pad. Grenades are finally available for player use (thank god for that!) and what better way to use them then to have their own specially assigned button (Halo style). There has also been a specially assigned button for melee attacking; this becomes a life saver when you run out of ammo. Of course the multiplayer is as good as it has ever bee, you can now us XBOX Live to play against people online. I have yet to try this out, but I'm sure it'll be just as good as Halo 2. Vehicles have also been added into the game, but still doesn't beat Halo on this. All you really have is a 2 seated jeep that's just used for transport, nothing else. Fun though. And finally, my favourite addition to this game: The Temporal Uplink! This is only available in Story and Challenge mode, but it's worth it. You can pick up any moveable items in the playing field and toss them around as you please. This can range from pointless objects on a table (radio, handbags, fuel cans etc) to the actual table itself! It gives me a warm feeling being able to throw an exploding fuel drum at a group of soldiers or decapitating a zombie at the last minute with a wooden chair. I love it!

Best as always!

Lifespan: 9 / 10

Of course you'll have the Story licked in a weekend (and probably the hard mode licked in a week) but there are other things to keep you occupied. There is the arcade league to access characters and aim for gold (or platinum if you're ambitious). Challenge mode is also back with some very diverse mini games (Disco dancing robo-monkeys, anyone?). Also remember that Live is also an option! But let's move on to one of Timesplitters unique features; Mapmaker. Mapmaker has been updated and features a lot more level editing options. You'll be glad to know you can place moveable objects and even a jeep to drive around. You'll be playing this game for quite a while!

Just one game you'll keep coming back to!

Buy or Rent?

Just buy the game! No questions asked! This is on par with Halo 2!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 04/06/05