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Time Crisis 2 Review
Stephen Leyton
00/12/0000
Time Crisis returns for a second time on the PlayStation 2.
Set in the near future an organisation known as the Neodyne Industries are set to launch a fleet of low-orbit 'communication' satellites. However the companies 'Friendly' image is in fact a camouflage for a military network, which bears no resemblance to the authorised civilian communication, networks.
As two wanted agents it's your mission to enter the company and rescue Christy Ryan, who is being held at Neodyne premises against her will, and to destroy the important documents regarding to the companies military weapons.
Okay so we've played the game in the arcades, we've impressed our mates with our quick thinking, happy trigger shooting and Terminator style gun positions (make note: Draw picture of blowing onto a gun), but does the home version live up to the expectations of the arcade users? Read on to find out.
Time Crisis 2 is one of those games that I would consider as a 'Great Time Filler', you know when you've got a little time to yourself and can't think of what to do. Let me explain; Time Crisis 2 is a great action game where you are required to take down enemy targets using the GunCon 2 (Namco Laser Gun) or the standard Dual Shock 2 controller. The levels are standard however you can take different routes throughout them, and at certain points you can decide whether to 'duck' or 'shoot', this aspect of the game adds a greater depth of gameplay, as the decision you make will alter the outcomes. For example if an enemy troop has a rocket launcher it would be wise to 'duck' until he has fired the missile and then come out to shoot him as he is reloading.
Unlike Virtua Cop on the Sega Saturn, Time Crisis 2 requires a lot of practice and perfection to complete. More often than not you will find yourself an easy target, simply because you haven't used the objects around you as an advantage. Another problem is the limited time, each section has a time limit and you'll need to complete each stage within the allotted time to progress throughout the game.
There are two main types of play:
Arcade Mode: This consists of One Player, Two Players, Double Gun and Linked mode. This is the typical mode that you would normally select. For owners with two Light Guns you can play with two guns.
Extra Games: As you complete the game different modes are unlocked such as Agent Training, Quick & Crash and other games.
During the one player arcade game, you work with the CPU, throughout the stages you will need to cover each others back, however some areas see you facing each other if you accidentally hit your friend you will instantly lose 1,000 credits.
Now here comes the biggest problem with Time Crisis 2, the two-player mode. If you have any friends and decide to give the two-player mode a bash you may find it more difficult than the one player mode. The screen size is stupidly small, with two very small boxes in the centre of the screen. Don't ask why Namco have done this, maybe the game engine isn't quite powerful enough but either way it's a joke. The alternative option is to get another PlayStation 2 and a second copy of Time Crisis 2 and play the link up mode. Expensive yes, but easier on those old eyes.
Going back to my original statements of calling Time Crisis 2 a 'Great Time Filler' it is simple to pick up and play for 30 minutes. The stages are structured well, and the action is fast and furious, the first level sees you chasing the boss whilst riding a high speed power boat, the second level is focused around a train chase, and the third, well you'll just have to wait and see.
As you would expect from a Time Crisis game, you can interact with the backgrounds and most objects, glass windows can be smashed, pots can be broken and barrels can be destroyed. Sometimes it is worth shooting objects as rewards may be found however in the meantime an enemy has shoot you in the head, bang goes another life.
The port from the arcade to the PS2 has worked well with the graphics still identical to that set by the arcade. Whilst the visuals aren't fantastic they are decent considering that the arcade boards technology was 4 years old. There are some nice reflections and the action keeps at a high speed throughout without any drops in speed.
