Time Crisis 4

Time Crisis 4 - (PS3)
Developer: Namco
Format: PS3
Genre: Shooter

You'll need a steady hand for some front room gunplay

Much more than a mere arcade port, TC4 does throw in the time-worn plot that has you as either Giorgio Bruno or Evan Bernard, the good VSSE guys out to thwart the terrorist actions of the shadowy WOLF organisation in downtown LA. Armed with something called Terror Bites, they've got the entire world in their hands etc etc.

So far so very good, particularly with a superb light gun mechanic and targeting system to rival the arcades. Soon the title notches it up a gear though with multi-screen, multi angled takes on a particular situation forcing you to tactically work out your duck-and-cover and your shoot-like -crazy moments. Knowing your handgun from your shotgun, grenade launcher from machine gun is something you're also going to have to master very early on as limited ammo, range and effectiveness all come into play immediately.

Acquiring further 'time continues', notching up the kills with the 'Best Weapon' mode and then heading out into the extended filler plot that pads out the storyline in Complete Mission mode, make for a heady package.

You'll also jump into the role of Captain William Rush, an army operative sent out to destroy the Terror Bites and guide him as his role merges with the VSSE bods. Upping the complexity of the storyline makes this a real winner, whether it's shooting your way through the standard plot or the unlocked Crisis Missions - accuracy and quick fire snapshot environments taken from the main gameplay.

With loads of unlockable content, a solid targeting system and some nifty plot developments, TC4 is a real winner. It's a just a slight pity that the GunCon 3 doesn't have any wireless ability.

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