REVIEW: Time Crisis 4
Date: Monday, December 31 @ 10:59:57 UTC
Topic: Playstation 3
Time Crisis 4 is a big disappointment in several ways – frustratingly so, because at moments it shows glimpses of the bullet-ridden thrills of its predecessors.
The PlayStation 3 outing is a particularly painful letdown because, while the arcade version of the game (included here in its entirety) is not without serious flaws, this interpretation exacerbates those that exist and throws in significant new ones.
The major problem is the new ‘Complete Mission’ which comes alongside the arcade version. It rejigs and adds many new levels, which sounds like a good deal but falls over in practice. Namco has decided that it was necessary to jump genres, so what you get are the arcade stages interspersed with FPS levels that have to be controlled with dual analogue sticks mounted on the Guncon-3.
Unfortunately, these prove to be badly implemented, frequently infuriating, and, of course, not in keeping with the spirit of Time Crisis, requiring the use of controls spread all over the Guncon-3 (as opposed to two – duck and fire). And who thought it a good idea to not allow the player to be able to duck out from behind cover? These sections aren’t even forgivably brief, with several tedious levels and bosses.
The arcade game itself is a welcome relief, throwing up plenty of thrilling pursuits and face-offs with ever-more-ludicrous bad guys. The new threat of insect swarms at various stages is badly judged and does somewhat dull the momentum, but overall it’s a fun if forgettable blast. If you’re only looking for that brief thrill you’re better off at an arcade. As a package, Time Crisis 4 is a lesson in why more isn’t always better.
Verdict: 5 / 10
News-Source: Next-Gen
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