There are various modes of play available. Story Mode is your typical one-player romp through several stages interlaced with plot-related cut scenes. Arcade Mode presents several mini-games to the player. Once a level is beaten, the player is rewarded with a trophy, a stage becoming unlocked, or more. Challenge Mode is quite similar in format and gameplay style to the Arcade Mode, but the mini-games found in Challenge mode tend to feel more like annoying small tasks than actual missions.

Let's face it - TimeSplitters did not have a very solid one-player mode. The sequel manages to fix that particular problem by introducing a well-thought-out single-player adventure. The basic idea is that you, the typical hero-type character, must save the world from aliens who are trying to infiltrate the planet during different time periods. The stages range in location as well as in time. Expect to visit places such as 1990 Siberia, 1932 Chicago, 1895 Notre Dame, 2280 Return to Planet X, 2019 NeoTokyo, 1853 Wild West, 1972 Atom Smasher, 1920 Aztec Ruins, 2315 Robot Factory, and 2401 Space Station. Although the many characters have little personality and the storyline leaves a lot to be desired, the gameplay itself is incredible. The Story Mode gameplay is quite reminiscent of the original TimeSplitters and GoldenEye. In fact, the first level is so similar in design to the first level of GoldenEye that the player can't help but wonder if Free Radical did this on purpose.

Where TimeSplitters 2 really shines is in its multiplayer component. Again, TS2 seems to borrow heavily from the Bond games in this department. The plethora of customization options available to the player before a match as well as statistical information is very 007-esque. The statistics presented after a match, such as "most cowardly" and "favorite weapon", will seem quite familiar to fans of a certain espionage first-person shooter series. While the multiplayer mode uses a lot of 007 elements, it still stands well on its own. The stages are gorgeous and the game runs at an impressive 60 frames per second. No recognizable slowdown is present even during a 4-player match.

The Option Mode is a huge feature in itself. The levels of customization available are mind-boggling. Standard gameplay options are present, but you'll find a lot of unique options as well. An especially interesting feature is the "View Statistics" option. The game keeps track of various valuable (and not-so-valuable) statistics, including play time, distance traveled, average speed, total games, total kills, total losses, total bullets fired, accuracy, heads knocked off, limbs detached, glass smashed, melons burst, animal cruelty, surf time, favorite character, longest killing spree, success rate, TimeSplitters dispatched, civilian casualties, UFOs spotted, and more. Other interesting features include a gallery of the many characters in the game, Arcade Mode awards, and the option to view in-game cut scenes. Lara Croft fans should be happy to hear that the nice folks at Eidos also decided to include a preview for the latest installment of the Tomb Raider series in the option menu.

As if all these options weren't enough, yet another way to play can be found. The Mapmaker Mode allows the player to create and customize their own areas for death matches and the like. This feature is very similar to that found in the original TimeSplitters, but many more options are now accessible. At any point, your map can be previewed and tested. The possibilities here are nearly limitless.

Graphics-wise, TS2 does not disappoint, but it doesn't blow you away, either. The character and enemy designs are quite detailed. The stages themselves are quite attractive for the most part, though a couple of them seem somewhat dull and uninspired. Better visuals have been seen on the PS2, but graphics don't necessarily make or break a game like this.

The sound is generally done well. The music fits each location appropriately, and the sound effects are dead-on. No matter what gun you're using, each shot is perfectly timed and sounds very realistic. Another favorite sound effect of mine is the shriek of terror let out by an enemy as he or she dies, which tends to be especially satisfying during a death match.

Bonus features are plentiful. In terms of the amount of extra stuff there is to collect, it's right up there with Super Smash Bros. Melee. Tons of trophies are up for grabs and many secret game modes, characters, levels, and challenges can be unlocked through regular gameplay and exploration. Even simply beating Story Mode on one difficulty will end up unlocking secret areas in other difficulty modes. Since there are so many items to collect and features to unlock, the game ranks high when it comes to replay value. Trust me - this one will keep you busy for weeks on end.

Overall, TimeSplitters 2 is a very impressive first-person shooter. The gameplay, the multiplayer, and the bonus features make this title well worth your while. This is a highly recommended title for all fans of the first-person shooter genre, those who liked the 007 games, or basically anyone who needs a great game to occupy a lot of their time. TS2 is everything that its predecessor could have been and more. Go ahead and at least rent this one. You won't be disappointed.

Discuss this game in our forums

· · · Ren