Publisher: Microsoft
Ages: seven & up
Parental
Advisory:
Mild violence
The sequel to an adequate platform arcade game, Microsoft's Blinx 2: Masters of Time & Space advances the adventures of Blinx, a heroic cat with the ability to make slow-down, freeze or fast forward time. The original Blinx: The Time Sweeper (Daytrum Review) was a decent game, and despite the improvements to the franchise in version 2, the game never manages to achieve higher ground.
In this sequel, Blinx and his squad of tough, agile cats use their time control powers to battle menacing time monsters, outmaneuver a criminal pig gang and discover why time is disappearing. Players get to control time: pausing, slowing, fast-forwarding and rewinding as they battle the enemy in typical arcade platform fashion and solve puzzles. Players also get to step into the shoes of the cats' rivals—the sneaky pigs—who are equipped with the ability to morph and control space.
Definitely geared towards kids, the game features fun, cute animal characters. A team-mode lets two play cooperatively to overcome enemies by applying strategy and teamwork-a plus for families that want to play together. For those who prefer their play head-to-head, a new Battle mode allows gamers to use time and space powers against their friends. Here, up to four may battle on a single Xbox.
The game lets players customize the face, body, and clothing of characters-some 25 characteristics that may be adjusted in up to 100 ways. Graphics are strong-this is a good-looking game. A definite plus, the game is less frustrating to play than its predecessor. But despite the improvements, it still lacks the general charm and entertainment value of say a Mario platform game.
Second time around, Blinx 2: Masters of Time & Space maintains its rank below the best arcade/platform games on the market. It's got its strong points, however, which may make it worth that look.
1/5/05 www.daytrum.com Editorial Staff
