| TimeSplitters 4 | |
|---|---|
| Unknown {{{caption}}} | |
| Released | Unknown |
| Platforms | Unknown |
| Publisher | Unknown |
| Characters/Maps | Unknown |
| Modes | Unknown |
| Max Players | Unknown |
TimeSplitters 4 was the tentative title for the next instalment in the TimeSplitters series. The Official PlayStation Magazine announced in an article, in late June 2007, that TimeSplitters 4 was to be PlayStation 3 exclusive.
In the OPM article, a logo parodying the Gears of War logo was used, consisting of a monkey head in a gear. This suggests that the game may have focused more on parodying other popular first-person shooters than previous TimeSplitters titles. Another feature in OPM showed Master Chief from the Halo series with a Monkey head. A small trailer on FRD's site also showed the modified Master Chief picture.
In a PSM3 UK Magazine in early April 2008, a TimeSplitters 4 article, showing images parodying the Need For Speed series, was seen. As well, information in the article 'confirmed' that TimeSplitters 4 would be using the same engine as HAZE (although, Free Radical changed their mind at a later date [1]), and they confirmed that character models would still keep the same graphics for the faces at least.
| "There are character models and things, but we're very much at the stage still of trying to identify what makes Timesplitters good." — David Doak |
Another article appeared in the Official PlayStation Magazine UK in mid-April 2008 with an image of a Jo-Beth Casey in nun's attire shown tearing a Zombie up with a Chainsaw, labelled as the Saw of Babylon.
Unfortunately however, the game was delayed because Free Radical went into administration. FRD was soon purchased by Crytek, so there remained some slim hope the game would eventually be developed and released. It however was not, and in July 2014, Crytek, in turn, sold the UK studio to Deep Silver parent company Plaion (formerly Koch Media). Crytek continued to hold the TimeSplitters IP until August 2018, when Plaion acquired all of the rights to the franchise.
| "“We are hugely excited to have acquired Timesplitters[...]We have many fans of the Timesplitters series among our own staff who are passionate about creating a product that will thrill todays gaming audience.””" — Klemens Kundratitz, CEO of Plaion |
Story Mode[]
Many fans, upon hearing the news, posed the question on how the plot would continue after Sergeant Cortez defeated the TimeSplitters at the end of TimeSplitters: Future Perfect. Some speculated that TimeSplitters 4 would have no Story mode, while others were left to imagine their own scenarios.
On 20th August, 2007, N4G.com had a video interview with David Doak, who commented that TimeSplitters 4 will be "A game that is pure gameplay." This suggests, like some fans speculated, that TimeSplitters 4 will not have a story mode. It may also suggest a reversion back to the original TimeSplitters' "gameplay-driven" story with no continuous storyline, or TimeSplitters 2 with little story.
In late June, PlayStation World Magazine wrote an article on TimeSplitters 4, including an interview with Rob Yescombe confirming that there will be a Story. [2]
| "Solid story experience in there" — Rob Yescombe |
Characters[]
Sir Chimpalot
Only one character was officially confirmed before the IP was sold, a monkey in a man-sized mech-suit of medieval armour named Sir Chimpalot. Many other designs were seen in concept art, but none of them were officially confirmed. While one of these included Jo-Beth Casey in a nun outfit, all other characters seen were new apart from various Monkey variations.
2024 Prototype Leak[]
On March 1, 2024, a user on Reddit found a 2008 prototype of TimeSplitters 4 on a PlayStation 3 Test console he had bought off eBay, which he then dumped online with the help of the Free Radical Archive group. Footage of the prototype can be seen here, showcasing a new level, new character models and updated graphics technology. David Doak of Free Radical Design acknowledged the leak.
Previously unseen content for TimeSplitters: Future Perfect was also leaked as part of the TimeSplitters 4 prototype, including cut Arcade levels.