TimeSplitters ain’t dead yet. Crysis 2 devs could resurrect FPS series and bring joy to all monkeys

Playing split-screen TimeSplitters 2 deathmatches remains one of our favourite multiplayer memories from the last console generation. If you didn%26rsquo;t enjoy shooting time travellers with a small monkey, you were rotten to the core inside. That, or you couldn%26rsquo;t afford a PS2. While Free Radical Design might have endured some rocky times since (culminating in it going into administration, being bought by Crytek and then getting renamed Crytek UK), the developer is in talks with several publishers about making a new game in the beloved FPS franchise.

Above: TimeSplitters 2's dam stage was a brilliant homage to GoldenEye's opening

Speaking to Eurogamer at a recent event, Crytek UK%26rsquo;s managing director Karl Hilton confirmed talks about a new TimeSplitters have begun. He said: %26ldquo;We're talking to publishers at the moment about whether that's [TimeSplitters] a viable route or not.%26rdquo;

He continued: %26ldquo;Obviously TimeSplitters is a FPS with a strong multiplayer element. The question is, is that the way to go with another one, or should it go down a different route, or should we be developing a new IP altogether? It's down to us talking to publishers about what their interest is and where they see it going. If they're keen for a TS game, then we'd be happy to do one. If they'd like us to develop something new then we'd do that.%26rdquo;

Above: We miss 'Splitters, even if Future Perfect was slightly disappointing

Reassuringly, Hilton confirms the TimeSplitters name still means something to publishers and remainsvery much on their radar. %26ldquo;Talking to publishers, everyone is aware of TimeSplitters. It's got a brand awareness that's really good.%26rdquo;

It%26rsquo;s been over five years since TimeSplitters: Future Perfect, and after the car crash on a disc that was Haze, we%26rsquo;re ready to get our simian shooting on again. With Crysis 2 almost out the door (Crytek UK worked on the multiplayer), the developer will soon be ready for its next project.

Above: Sure, Crysis 2 is pretty, but does it have homicidal chimps?

And going on these tasty word morsels from Hilton, it looks like we could be going back to the future (and then shooting the shit out of everything in sight)real soon. He said: %26ldquo;We'd love to do it. We don't want to get self-indulgent with it. We want to produce something that speaks to a lot of people and a lot of people play.%26rdquo;

Source: Eurogamer

Nov 1, 2010