Blinx 2: Masters of Time & Space Preview

Being a master of time has its advantages. You can knockdown bombs, or maybe just avoid them. But consider being able to rewind it to see what damage was done to key machine parts, or even get a retry.

Blinx was a master of time, using his trusty sweeper to collect crystals in order to activate controls and manipulate time. If you delighted to the original title, you may find Blinx 2: Masters of Time & Space, the sequel to Blinx: The Timesweeper, delightful fun. The title by Microsoft Game Studios and Artoon, allows gamers to take on the role of Arch or to play one of the sneaky, devious members of the Tom Tom Gang.

GameZone received a demo of the game, and while the code needed some work still, there was enough here to get a solid feel for the game.

Blinx 2 features some new elements, which are certain to delight veterans of the series. There is improved camera control, and the graphics have been upgraded. Other features include the ability to control time as a member of the feline timesweepers, or control space as one of the Tom Tom swine (and yes, they are pigs), a two-player cooperative mode, multiplayer mode with a four-player battle, and 25 characteristics you can use to customize your avatar.

The game has four play options, two for single player and two for two-players cooperative. Each of the play modes allows you to choose either the Timesweeper or Tom Tom side of the game. The missions start off simply, with Arch (Timesweeper) working through a maze-like mission by defeating monsters, and solving minor puzzles. For the Tom Tom gang member, you are required to use elements such as crawling beneath lasers or jumping over obstacles and skulking in the shadows to avoid being seen.

With the two sides coming into play, this game is certain to have replay value.

The puzzles on this demo were not all that hard, and the game did sport a “commander” to guide you through the nuances of the initial missions.

But while the game itself continues the story thread of the original, in many ways this title plays out like an arcade adventure with a cursory story to link together various missions. The story is not paramount to the enjoyment of this title.

The game’s controls are simply and while a little sluggish at times, should this be tightened up in the final build, the game will play well. You use the left thumbstick for movement, and the right for the camera controls. The camera is a 360-rotating view of the world. Some elements are nastier than they seem, and for good measure, the game includes radar to allow you to focus on the area of danger.

Graphically the game is somewhat of a mixed bag at this stage in its development (and this is slated for release in Winter 2004, so the title has a ways to go yet). There are some flat static screens (when you are getting a quick mission briefing) but for the most part, this game is lush and three-dimensional. The animation is terrific and the effects are superb. The sound of the game also does an excellent job of supporting the action on the screen.

Blinx 2 is months from release, but so far this game looks like it will be a wonderful, light adventure. Graphically the game is appealing, and the effects are excellent. Keep your eyes peeled for this title – it could be a must-have when it releases later this year.