TimeSplitters - The Original

By Welsh Dragon Hellfire

Story

There isn't a story to this game - just a series of levels with one simple task - to get to the end, battling enemies as you go. Once at the end, collect the item, and get back. TimeSplitters spawn on the return, making it hazardous. This mode is made better with 3 levels of difficulty, each having more enemies, more powerful enemies, and different routes to get to and from your objective. One of the most difficult levels of the game is the Mansion: even on easy the hoard of Zombies can destroy you. Hard mode is another thing altogether ;) Other levels are Village, Cyberden and Chemical Plant. When you beat levels, you win new arcade levels, characters, cheats, and bot sets.

Arcade Mode

The life and soul of the game. With fully customisable Arcade Battles, the ability to use 10 bots, and a wide breadth of characters to choose from, there is a game that has years of playability. It never tires. What's more: 4 player games can be frantic and fun! With over 10 levels, each with different physics and playing styles, there is something for everyone! You also have the ability to create your own maps with a handy MapMaker tool... A little fiddly perhaps, bit worth it!

Challenge Mode

This gets unlocked after completing story on easy mode. With 9 Sets of challenges, and 3 levels of them, there are 27 challenges to keep the player engaged. Success in these unlocks new features for Arcade and Story Mode.

Graphics

Fast, Frantic and Colourful: the only drawback being the juddery frame rate in split screen games. Still, fantastic.

Sound

Wonderful gun sounds, wonderful soundtrack, wonderful animations for the characters: top marks.

Replayability

With so much to do, you cant help coming back for more.

This game helped us escape the brainless monotony of Quake and Unreal. A great game, that never really sold a copy. A shame, for such a gem shouldn't be overlooked.

~Welsh Dragon Hellfire~