Time travel and the ability to control the flow of time might be among the powers that will never grow old in video games. Numerous titles have incorporated time travel elements into their storylines, allowing players to manipulate objects in the past and observe the effects of the changes in the future. While the unforgettable classic Chrono Trigger made wonderful use of time travel elements to develop its intricate plot, the more recent Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time gave players the awesome power to rewind time. Now TimeShift is once again gives players the opportunity to manipulate the time stream.
 Under development by Saber Interactive, TimeShift is a first-person shooter that promises not only a stylish futuristic world, but also an innovative gaming experience. Our adventure in TimeShift will begin when Colonel Michael Swift accepts an incredible offer. Equipped with a time travel device, the Colonel is charged with the task of traveling across time to test the inventions of the past. However, when the Colonel returns from his test mission, he arrives at a completely different world. In the Colonel’s absence, the time stream has been completely altered. Now an outcast hunted by the tyrannical government, it is up to the Colonel to restore history.
 TimeShift promises players incredible time control powers. As noted on the publisher Atari’s Web site, players will be able to “slow, stop, and reverse the flow of time, affecting the world and enemies around them while moving freely through frozen worlds” (http://www.atari.com/us/games/timeshift/pc). However, the use of the time control powers will not be limited to combat. The game will also feature puzzles that will require the use of the Colonel’s remarkable time control abilities.
TimeShift could be a very rich gaming experience with an interesting plot and a large number of missions. Coupled with solid online gaming components, a wide range of weapons, and the ability to control the flow of time, TimeShift seems to have the makings of a solid first-person shooter. The game is currently scheduled for a spring 2006 release.
|
