Summary
- Release Year: 1995
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Arcade, PlayStation
- Developers: Namco
- Publishers: Namco
Time Crisis: A Revolutionary Light Gun Shooter
Introduction
Released in 1995, Time Crisis is a groundbreaking light gun shooter arcade game developed by Namco. It revolutionized the genre with its innovative gameplay mechanics, immersive graphics, and thrilling action sequences. Time Crisis set the standard for future light gun shooters and remains a beloved classic to this day.
Gameplay
Time Crisis is a three-dimensional first-person rail shooter similar to Virtua Cop and The House of the Dead installments. Players assume the role of a special agent tasked with rescuing hostages and neutralizing terrorist threats. The game is played using a light gun, which players use to aim and shoot at on-screen enemies.
One of the defining features of Time Crisis is its cover system. Players can duck behind cover to avoid enemy fire and reload their weapon. This adds an extra layer of strategy to the gameplay, as players must carefully time their movements to avoid getting hit while also taking out enemies.
The game consists of three stages, each with three areas and a boss battle. Players must clear each area of enemies within a time limit. If the timer runs out, the game is over. To extend the timer, players must shoot enemies quickly and accurately.
Innovations
Time Crisis introduced several innovative features that set it apart from other light gun shooters at the time. These features included:
- Foot pedal: The foot pedal performs multiple functions. When released, the player takes cover to conserve hit points while reloading the gun. While the pedal is released, the player cannot attack. In console conversions, a button command replicates the foot pedal’s functions.
- Light gun: The light gun utilized a special memory chip to synchronize areas of the screen’s image as the player rotates the gun around. The light gun also features a blowback function which simulates real-life gun recoil.
- Countdown timer: The countdown timer adds an extra layer of tension to the gameplay. Players must clear each area of enemies within a time limit or the game is over. To extend the timer, players must shoot enemies quickly and accurately.
Critical Reception
Time Crisis was met with critical acclaim upon its release. Critics praised the game’s innovative gameplay, immersive graphics, and thrilling action sequences. The game was also a commercial success, selling over two million copies worldwide.
Time Crisis has been ranked among the greatest video games of all time by various publications. In 2009, IGN ranked Time Crisis as the 34th best arcade game of all time. In 2012, Complex ranked Time Crisis as the 20th best video game of the 1990s.
Legacy
Time Crisis has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game’s innovative gameplay mechanics have been adopted by numerous other light gun shooters. The game has also been ported to various home consoles, including the PlayStation, Sega Saturn, and Xbox.
Time Crisis has spawned several sequels and spin-offs, including Time Crisis 2, Time Crisis 3, and Time Crisis 4. The series has also been featured in numerous other games, including the PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale and Namco Museum.
Conclusion
Time Crisis is a groundbreaking light gun shooter that revolutionized the genre. The game’s innovative gameplay mechanics, immersive graphics, and thrilling action sequences have made it a classic that continues to be enjoyed by gamers today. Time Crisis is a must-play for fans of light gun shooters and FPS games alike.
Review Score
9/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
