Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3518 in Computer & Video Games
• Brand: ACTIVISION
• Released on: 2007-12-07
• Rating: Suitable for 18 years and over
• Platform: PLAYSTATION 3

Amazon.co.uk Review

It’s never obvious what to make of delays in video games. Sometimes it’s simply an indication of a problem production that ends up looking out of date before it’s even released. Other times though it’s simply evidence of ruthless perfection: thankfully TimeShift seems to be the latter. At first glance it seems like any other first person shoot ‘em-up, with some technically impressive but artistically ordinary visuals. What makes it unique though is the gameplay, with the best use of time travel in a game since Prince of Persia.

The story of the game involves the unlikely named Aiden Krone go back in time and changing history to suit him – kind of like a more evil version of Back to the Future, Part II. However, the time travelling doesn’t end there as the special suit you’re strapped into to chase after him also allows you to stop, rewind or slow down time whenever you want. Since Krone has got his own version of the same kind of time suit many of the enemies can’t even be properly seen under normal conditions because they’re moving too fast, but there are more subtle uses for the rewind and stop powers. Slipping past guards or running through a burning building becomes child’s play, while stopping time, running up to an enemy to grab his gun and then nipping back to cover to shoot him with it is just one of the game’s unique pleasures. Even if Doctor Who wouldn’t approve.

Manufacturer's Description
Dr. Aidan Krone has made sure he will be the first human being to make a Timeâ€"Jump across the space-time continuum--a reckless act with frightening implications. As a result the megalomaniacal physicist now resides within an alternate reality that is his to control. A disturbing existence that has evolved into an experimental nightmare.

It is during this alternate reality that you have arrived within the bleak and rain-soaked Alpha District. You are welcomed as the newest member of the Occupant Uprising, the few remaining soldiers that refuse to surrender to the ruthless Krone Magistrate. This outmanned rebel uprising is on the brink of extinction--but that was before your arrival.

Armed with the experimental Beta Suit, a malfunction has given you the ability to SLOW, STOP, and REVERSE the flow of time itself. Only you can perfect this ability to end Krone's madness. Join this battle for survival and lead the uprising to victory.

Customer Reviews

Very last gen, but still fun
Originally intended as an X Box release, Timeshift's been in development for years. During this time, its had a complete stylistic overhaul, and is now a shooter very much in the mould of Half Life 2 and Gears of War.
This is most obvious during the games opening hour; anyone who's played HL2 will immediately recognise the streets and propaganda screens. Everything feels a like an inferior City 17, the fact your character is a mute physicist really doesn't help the comparisons much.

In fact, it's only when the time-shifting abilities are available that Timeshift has an identity of its own. They're a lot of fun, and give the ability to slow, pause and rewind time. The carnage it creates never gets boring. The abilities are also well balanced against the player's health, and fire fights nearly always feel tense and challenging.

The levels have little interaction, the plot quickly becomes a confusing mess, and most weapons are pretty boring, so these powers really save the game. However, all puzzles or situations require is a press of the auto-button which selects the most suitable power.
This means levels are breezed through and there is no overall sense of achievement. This would have worked better as an optional feature, or just on the easy setting.

Timeshift isn't worthy of its RRP, as these are much better shoters out there.
Although this is fun, it is just a shooter with a gimmick, and poor graphics.

Repetitive, bad animation and weak storyline
I think my title sums it up really. I have to agree with the reviewer who posted saying it was like a PS2 game. Not sure why it is receiving such rave reviews. The in game graphics are passable, but with no lip-synching. Which I find strange for a 'Next-gen' title.

Gameplay is fun, if a little fiddly at times. The timeshift button combinations sometimes don't work quite how you want them to, which is frustrating in the middle of a fire-fight as this can lead you to waste your ability.

The story. Well, I have to be honest, and say, you have to guess parts of it, as it is very disjointed. Occasionally you get a 5 - 10 second FMV cutscene (I thought nextgen games didn't do this anymore) that tries to explain what is going on. I was never really involved with the story. But maybe thats on purpose for the next installment.

On a plus though, blowing up the bad guys in slow-mo or time-freeze is great fun. But I don't think Sierra should have based a game around this alone.

Overall, I was confused, a bit bored and only finished it because I spent £50 on it. Your choice, but I wouldn't recommend it. Buy COD 4 or Uncharted instead. Both are more enjoyable and have a longer lifespan.

No way "NEXT GEN "
I simply can't understand how people can rate this game.
I checked on various sources and yet it still amazes me to see people giving it on average 4 out of 5 stars..come on!! This is a pile of crap and what a waste of money..the moment I started playing it I couldn't believe this is a NEXT GEN release.I wouldn't say that this is major title that represents the PS3.quite embarasing to say the least.
I thought I was back on the PS2.. graphics are shocking!!!!
Storyline I thought was Weak.Game Play got repetitive
Another boring FPS that relies on the TimeShift feature to sell which will bore you after an hour.
Characters lacked any means of life or Any AI..not much here that makes me wanna play it to the end..gave up after the quad bike level..
I say not worth the money even secondhand..rent it first !!!
I was looking forward to this but what a let down...
Wait for forthcoming titles such as Dark Sector , Haze, MSG4