Blinx 2: Masters of Time & Space – XB – 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.