Lightgun shooters have always been an arcade pastime, many companies have tried to bring them to consoles before but only with limited success, however this hasn’t stopped Namco from trying again, this time with Time Crisis 4 for Playstation 3.
When I received this game for review I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I opened the box, I had heard about the new GunCon but had no idea how this would work, thankfully then it was quite simple to set up. Included in the box are two sensors, each of which are attached to a leather strap with a weight on the end, these are placed on each side of the TV and then connected to the PS3 via USB, the gun itself which it has to be said feels very well built, also connects to the TV via USB.
Once all the pleasantries of setting the game up are complete it is finally time to get started. Time Crisis 4 provides you with a few different gameplay modes to keep you occupied, first up is Arcade mode which sees you play as a member of the V.S.S.E, which is a taskforce set up to stop the terrorists know as W.O.L.F from destroying the world with their secret weapon. The gameplay in Arcade mode sees you go through each level on the rails while taking out all the enemies in your way. During each mission you are able to switch between the weapons you have in your possession, these include a handgun, machine gun, shotgun and grenade launcher, although only the handgun has unlimited ammo, meaning that you will need to shoot the men in yellow coats in order to reload your other weapons.
As well as being able to blast your way through the enemies you are also able to take cover, this is done by releasing the fire button, so if one of those pesky rockets are coming towards you then you know what to do. The secret to winning in the Arcade mode is to balance the cover system with the combat, once you manage this then you will find yourself cruising through the levels. Just to add a twist to Arcade mode each section is also timed, take out the enemies before the clock runs out and you will be fine, if you don’t then you will lose lives, which may seem harsh but at least it keeps you on your toes. There are quite a few twists during each level to spice things up and challenge you, however I will let you find these out for yourself.
The new GunCon includes two analogue sticks and for good reason, not until you start the Complete Mission mode will you make use of these, this is because it includes both the gameplay from the Arcade mode but also a new FPS mode which helps fill you in on the story. The first of these missions allows you to get used to the general feel of this new mode as you take control of Captain Rush who has been send out to investigate what the evil terrorists are up to. During this mission you will make use of every button the Guncon has to offer, you will be changing weapons with the LB/RB buttons which are situated at the back of the gun, you will also be looking left and right with the rear analogue stick as well as moving the Captain with the front analogue stick. Captain Rush is also able to duck, jump, open doors and of course take down the enemies with his numerous weapons.
The main difference to this part of the game is that you can explore each environment, allowing you to collect items and equipment on your way. The Complete Mission mode actually works really well, mixing the V.S.S.E arcade elements with Captain Rush’s FPS modes certainly helps fill the game out and adds the depth which is otherwise missing from the Arcade mode.
Time Crisis also includes plenty of mini games for you to play once you have completed the games two main modes, which means that there is plenty of replay value to be had here. The mini games will test your accuracy and reaction by having you take down set targets within a specific time limit. This mode also includes Crisis Missions which have you pick enemies out from a crowd or take down a set amount of enemies within a set time limit.
Graphically it is hard to find any complaints with Time Crisis 4, the environments all have their own unique look and the enemies and main characters are all well detailed. There are a few points during the FPS modes that some slowdown will occur however this is quite limited so doesn’t really turn out to be a major issue. As far as the sound is concerned, the voice acting is of a decent standard though not spectacular and the same can be said of weapon effects which do what is needed but no more.
Time Crisis 4 is the first Lightgun shooter for the Playstation 3 and in that respect it sets a decent standard, the GunCon itself is very well build (although it would have been nice if it was wireless) and the game offers plenty of depth and replay value. Fans of the lightgun genre will certainly not be disappointed, it’s a decent effort and therefore worth purchasing if you like this type of game.
