PlayStation Plus Brings Back Long Awaited Retro Classics

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Moiz Banoori

At Tech4Gamers, he is recognized for his insightful features and opinion pieces, where he blends his passion for gaming with a keen understanding of technological trends. His work, marked by depth and accessibility, makes him a respected voice in the tech and gaming community.

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As a lifelong gamer, there’s something incredibly nostalgic about firing up a retro game, especially those gems from the golden era of first-person shooters. PlayStation Plus, in all its wisdom, seems to have realized this, giving its subscribers a brilliant gift, three games that helped redefine an entire genre.

And when I say gems, I’m talking about the TimeSplitters trilogy. I couldn’t be more thrilled to see these offerings on the PlayStation Store. For those who might not know, the TimeSplitters series consists of TimeSplitters, TimeSplitters 2, and TimeSplitters: Future Perfect.

These games aren’t just classic shooters; they’re quirky, inventive, and have a charm that stands the test of time. From the bizarre campaigns to the absolutely bonkers weaponry, these games defined my youth and introduced me to what first-person shooters could really be.

The Revolutionary Fun And Playing With Friends

What makes Timesplitters so memorable is how it embraced creativity over the typical grim-dark, hyper-macho shooters that became all the rage in the early 2000s. Sure, we had games like Goldeneye on Xbox Game Pass and Perfect Dark to entertain us, but TimeSplitters did something different.

The campaigns were absolutely wild. From ancient tombs to futuristic cities, there was always something new around every corner. The weapons were fun, too; you could even take down enemies with a brick, a staple in TimeSplitters alongside pistols and rifles.

What made it even better was that the series didn’t rely on ultra-realistic graphics or serious plots. Instead, it leaned into the absurd, giving us something that was genuinely fun to play.

I have many memories of gathering my friends, grabbing controllers, and spending hours in split-screen mode, battling each other in chaotic matches. We’d laugh at the absurdity of the weapons and argue over which game in the trilogy was the best.

TimeSplitters 2 holds a special place in my heart as the game I played most with friends, cementing the franchise as a classic. Then there’s Future Perfect, favored by many players over TimeSplitters 2, which transformed the experience by taking action online, allowing us to compete with players worldwide.

The Arcade Mode: Where The Real Magic Happened

While I loved the campaigns, TimeSplitters really came alive in its arcade mode, where you can create custom matches. This wasn’t your typical deathmatch or capture-the-bag, though those modes were in there, too.

No, TimeSplitters took things to a new level with imaginative twists on standard modes. I remember playing rounds where you’d have to deal with ridiculous weapons or quirky rules that made every match feel fresh.

One of my favorite things about the arcade mode was the ability to play with bots. Even if you didn’t have friends around to jump into a match with, the bots kept things lively.

In fact, I recently jumped back into TimeSplitters on PlayStation Plus and found myself setting up bot matches just like the old days. Sure, the AI is a little wonky, and the controls are definitely dated, but that’s part of what makes it fun. It’s nostalgic and silly, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What Else Is PlayStation Plus Offering?

While TimeSplitters is undoubtedly the highlight for me, PlayStation Plus has also been adding a variety of other older titles to its roster. Games like LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, The Witcher 3, and Ride 5 are accessible to PS Plus Extra and Premium members.

Although I haven’t delved deeply into them, they seem perfect for older gaming fans or anyone seeking a fun, light-hearted adventure. These games share a spirit similar to TimeSplitters, embracing a playful approach that lets players enjoy themselves.

I’m grateful PlayStation Plus lets us relive these classics. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the TimeSplitters series or a newcomer curious about the fuss, now is the perfect time to dive in. It’s more than just nostalgia. Though a little janky sometimes, these games still have much to offer.

Moiz Banoori

Moiz Banoori, with a decade of experience in gaming and tech journalism and a degree in journalism, is a notable figure in the industry. He has contributed to various esteemed platforms, showcasing his expertise in both reporting and opinion writing.