TimeSplitters is one of those weird series that I look back on quite fondly despite never having owned a single one of the games as a wistful youth. I think I’ve got one kicking around somewhere these days, but back then the only way I would play it was at a friend’s house, us messing about, not doing a very good job at co-op in the main story, me failing to beat my friend in multiplayer because I was crap at shooting games. And now, here we are, with a fanmade rework that’s been 13 years in the making finally released, offering unto me a chance to relish in some nostalgia, but New.
If you’ve not heard about TimeSplitters: Rewind before, it’s a fan project that’s sort of a remake, sort of a best of compilation of the various games’ maps, modes, challenges, and story bits. As the website puts it, it’s “not a traditional remake in that there aren’t 3 separate executables, it is one game that, as closely as possible, captures the spirit of the 3 games in one. So, unlike a traditional HD collection or remake, it is its own title.”
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Admittedly I do think the project has that look about it that many remakes do, like the Crash Bandicoot remakes for example, where in an effort to look modern, they lose a bit of atmosphere. At the same time, I like how crunchy the gameplay looks. Punchy shooting, punchy punches, a lot of goofiness about it that you’d expect from such a series. Plus it does deserve some commendation for actually existing as a thing you can just have for free. And the team did apologise for the wait too on the game’s website; “Sorry it’s taken us so long. We’ve only been making the largest free content video game ever.”
It should be noted that this is just an early access release, so don’t expect it to be feature complete just yet. There’s a bunch of maps and arcade modes, a whole load of weapons and challenges, and you can play the entirety of the first game in co-op as it stands. It looks real neat honestly! And if you’re interested, you can head to its website to download the early access release.
