TIME SHIFT (PS3)

Time Shift is a first person shooter published by Sierra. This game was originally planned for release on the first generation Xbox and PC. A lengthy development time, in addition to a switch in publishers, meant a massive delay. The original game was scrapped almost entirely due to these delays and the current version was built almost from the ground up. While the game lacks any type of coherent story, Time Shift is definitely worth your money.

Time Shift takes the concept of time control and extends if further than any other first person shooter. While plenty of games, such as F.E.A.R., have given you the ability to slow down time, Time Shift makes time control an essential element. Your ability to stop, rewind, or slow down time, along with the situations you are put in throughout the game, add a dimension to the game play that feels fresh up until the very end.

The artificial intelligence and weapon selections in this game are top notch. The AI is best described as downright aggressive. Enemies will actually chase you from room to room if you attempt to retreat and recharge your health. They will also employ flanking maneuvers and other tactics reminiscent of the enemies in F.E.A.R. Fortunately, you have a top notch weapon selection to deal with the foes.

The game’s graphics are first rate. Our play through with the PS3 version showed a crisp looking game with great environmental detail. The frame rate was smooth and the various environmental effects, as well as the outstanding appearance of explosions, give the game a great atmosphere that is highly immersive.

The downside to Time Shift, and it’s a big one, is the fact that the game tries to tell a complex story which comes out incoherent. At no time during the game does it ever really become clear who you are fighting against or why. Furthermore, you often do not understand the reason for your next objective. While the game’s linear style allows you to proceed without getting lost, the very poor attempt at story telling sticks out quite a bit. It would have been far better if the developers and simply kept the story telling to a minimum (i.e. Gears of War) and focused on game play. It can’t be stressed enough that the failed plot, which the developer went to great lengths to tell, is incomprehensible and really drags the game down.

Time Shift’s multi player, while fun, gets very repetitive quickly and probably won’t last gamers very long.

Time Shift has great game play and can give most first person shooters a run for their money in almost every facet. Unfortunately the failed plot, and the lengths to which the game goes to tell it, keeps this game from achieving its full potential. This game has enough going for it, however, to justify spending the price of purchase even though there are better shooters available.

Grade: 7