Blinx 2: Masters of Time and Space
Score: 80% ESRB: Everyone Publisher: Microsoft Games Developer: Artoon Media: DVD/1 Players: 1 - 4 Genre: Action/ Platformer
Graphics & Sound: Apparently I was one of the few gamers to really like the original Blinx. The game had problems, but its unique time manipulation system helped to make it stand out. Fast-forward about two years and we have Blinx 2: Masters of Time and Space. While the game still offers the same system as the previous adventure, it’s not as unique and feels a little dated. The end result is a game that is still a blast to play, but feels a little passé. Visually, Blinx 2 is very fun in a quirky way. The game isn’t a graphical showpiece for the Xbox, but there’s still a lot to like. One of the best features, in my opinion at least, is the high amount of customization allowed in the game. In a bit of a twist, you never actually play as Blinx, but instead as one of the many foot soldiers in the Time Sweeper or Tom Tom armies. Your main character, as well as the members of your team, can be customized to your liking -- from uniform patches and patterns, right down to fur patterns and snout size. This opens up a lot of variety within the game, making it feel a little more personal -- something I am always for in games. I wasn’t too impressed with the soundtrack, which has a very cartoony, carnival sound, with sort of a Sanrio-like techno feel. It certainly fits with the game’s look, but it never jived with me personally. Voices are likeable, but not very endearing.
Gameplay: The story behind Blinx 2: Masters of Time and Space is as bizarre as the game’s presentation. The main plot has you joining the ranks of the Time Sweepers and the Tom Tom Gang (a group of biker pigs), and trying to collect all of the shards of a giant crystal. The Sweepers want the crystal in order to restore the time stream, while the Pigs are doing it because their boss seemingly has a crush on a mysterious goddess who wants to restore the crystal. Dispersed between the two group’s stories is a back story that sounds more like the set-up for an RPG, rather than an quirky action title -- making for a story that is silly, and just barely gets you through to the next level. Both groups play through similar platforming levels, each with their own special masteries. As in the first game, the Sweepers have control over time, allowing them to Pause, Fast-Forward, Slow, and Rewind time. These skills are used to help solve puzzles that are fun but redundant after the second level or so. The Tom Toms have mastery over space, allowing them to use abilities like Hyper-cloaks (making them invisible) and black holes. I wasn’t as impressed with the Tom Tom abilities as I was with the time manipulation skills. Overall, the space manipulation abilities feel a little too gimmicky and don’t really fit. I appreciate the option of playing as the Tom Toms, but would have preferred if more effort had gone into making the Sweeper missions (and their mechanics), since that’s where the “magic” of the first game was. Co-op modes are also available, adding some replay value to the game. The Novice game allows players to go through the game normally while a Specialist mode has players taking jobs. Some will become fighters and use gadgets to take out enemies while others will manipulate time. A few primers for these modes are offered during some chapters of the game, breaking up the usual puzzle solving and platforming.
Difficulty: Blinx 2: Masters of Time and Space is easy -- perhaps too easy. Some puzzles provide a decent challenge, but there’s way too much handholding found throughout the game to make the challenge any fun. Whenever a challenge comes up, a text message will pop-up suggesting how to deal with the situation. If they had been vague comments, it would have been fine. Instead, these are full blown “How to” guides. Less experienced gamers will enjoy this aspect, but it sucks some of the fun out of it for experienced gamers.
Game Mechanics: Control in Blinx 2: Masters of Time and Space isn’t as bad as the first game, but is still a pain. Aiming the time sweeper is still a big pain and one of the more frustrating areas of the game. A player-controlled aiming system is available, but it isn’t as intuitive as other games, and it still takes a while to target the exact enemy or piece of trash you want. Blinx 2’s major flaw is that nothing about it really stands out as being all that great. It’s a likeable title, but nothing will grab you. The time manipulation abilities are cool, but games like Prince of Persia have done it better. The same goes for puzzles and gadgetry -- all of which have been improved upon by other platformers. Diehard platform fans will still find a solid game with Blinx 2, but nothing about the game makes it a must buy.
-Starscream, GameVortex Communications AKA Ricky Tucker
Fear Factor: Unleashed Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater