Timecop (SNES) Playthrough
4Playthough of JVC's 1995 action-platformer for the Super Nintendo, Timecop.
Timecop for the SNES, released in 1995, is a side-scrolling action game based on the 1994 film of the same name, starring Jean-Claude Van Damme. The game blends time travel, futuristic technology, and fast-paced combat as players control Max Walker, a time-traveling cop who must prevent criminals from altering the past. The story loosely follows the plot of the movie, with Walker traveling through various time periods to stop criminals from using time travel for nefarious purposes, including altering key moments in history for personal gain.
The gameplay primarily involves platforming and shooting mechanics, as players navigate through different levels set in various historical and future time periods. The game offers a mixture of combat and puzzle-solving, with Max Walker battling enemies across different environments, such as a futuristic city, the Wild West, and a crime-ridden future. Walker is equipped with a variety of weapons, including guns and melee attacks, and can use special time-manipulating powers, such as freezing enemies or slowing down time, to gain an advantage over foes.
The game features detailed, pixelated graphics that attempt to capture the essence of the time periods Walker travels to, with environments ranging from gritty urban landscapes to more rustic or futuristic settings. The design of the levels is somewhat linear, with players progressing through stages while fighting enemies and avoiding environmental hazards. The graphics, while functional, are relatively basic for an SNES game, with many of the backgrounds appearing repetitive as players advance through different time periods.
Despite its straightforward gameplay and premise, Timecop is known for its challenging difficulty. The enemies are numerous, and players often face waves of adversaries at once, making the action tense and fast-paced. The game's controls are simple but responsive, allowing players to quickly switch between walking, jumping, and attacking. However, the lack of depth in the combat system and the repetitive level design detract from the overall experience, making the game feel somewhat dated and one-dimensional.