Editing TimeSplitters (section)

== Gameplay ==

Each of the ''TimeSplitters'' games are [[first-person shooter]]s which also feature elements of exploration and puzzle-solving.<ref name=":2" /> [[Multiplayer video game|Multiplayer]] is a core gameplay element, both [[Cooperative video game|co-operative]] such as allowing two players to play through story missions together and competitive multiplayer; however, these multiplayer elements were local play only, without online multiplayer, until the release of ''TimeSplitters: Future Perfect''.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":11">{{Cite web|last=Gerstmann|first=Jeff|date=2005-03-22|title=TimeSplitters: Future Perfect Review|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/timesplitters-future-perfect-review/1900-6120898/|access-date=2020-11-23|website=[[GameSpot]]|language=en-US}}</ref>

The series' visual style uses character models and expressions emphasizing more [[caricature]]d, [[cartoon]]-like qualities and [[comic book]]-inspired design, supported by animators from traditional [[Traditional animation|2D animation]] backgrounds.<ref name=":18" /><ref>{{Cite news|last=Bregman|first=James|date=2005-04-04|title=Timesplitters is future perfect|language=en-GB|work=[[BBC News]]|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4408401.stm|access-date=2020-11-23}}</ref> Many of the characters represent parodies of established pop culture stereotypes, such as the aristocratic [[English people|English]] explorer or the suave secret agent,<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":8">{{Cite web|last=Houghton|first=David|date=2018-08-15|title=TimeSplitters 2 was an FPS a whole generation ahead of its time. Now games have caught up with its ideas, the series deserves to thrive|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/classic-game-appreciation-section-timesplitters-2/|access-date=2020-11-23|website=[[GamesRadar+]]|language=en}}</ref> and many aspects of the series focus on often surreal and self-deprecating humor.<ref name=":6" />

===Story mode===
The games' story mode consists of a series of missions that can be played by either one or two players. In the first ''TimeSplitters'', story missions are based upon the retrieval of a key object such as a time crystal and its successful return.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":9" /> ''TimeSplitters 2'' and ''TimeSplitters: Future Perfect'' introduced additional story mode objectives and more complex levels.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web|last=Gerstmann|first=Jeff|date=2002-10-08|title=TimeSplitters 2 Review|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/timesplitters-2-review/1900-2884943/|access-date=2020-11-23|website=[[GameSpot]]|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":6" />

===Arcade mode===
Arcade mode is the multiplayer aspect of the ''TimeSplitters'' series, but also provides the option to include AI-controlled [[Video game bot|bots]] with configurable difficulty levels, to act in place of human players.<ref name=":9" /> The games are notable for their large selection of multiplayer modes (such as a total of 16 different competition modes in ''TimeSplitters 2''),<ref name=":8" /> spanning both traditional [[Deathmatch (gaming)|Deathmatch]] and [[Capture the Flag]]-type games,<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":9" /> as well as other ''TimeSplitters''-specific modes such as "Flame Tag", "Virus", "Shrink", and "Monkey Assistant."<ref name=":12" /> The games also provide players with options to customise multiple details of each game mode, such as rules and available weapons, to create a more varied experience.<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":13" />

In arcade mode, players can choose from a variety of playable characters (a total of 150 in ''Future Perfect'', for example), each with distinct attributes in areas such as speed and stamina.<ref name=":11" />

''TimeSplitters 2'' introduced "Arcade League": a single-player challenge mode using the structure of arcade Mode.<ref name=":8" /> In arcade league, players compete against AI bots to earn trophies and unlock additional arcade mode content, such as playable characters.<ref name=":11" />

===Challenge mode===
Challenge mode, available in all games of the series, consists of sets of single-player [[minigame]] challenges.<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":12" /> The challenges, often with an imposed time limit,<ref name=":9" /> span a broad variety of gameplay styles, such as defending against zombies, collecting bananas as a monkey, racing robot cats, and smashing windows with a brick.<ref name=":8" /> Rewards, such as additional characters and weapons for arcade mode, are granted to players upon successful completion of challenges.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web|last=Casamassina|first=Matt|date=2012-05-19|title=TimeSplitters 2|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/10/11/timesplitters-2|access-date=2020-11-23|website=[[IGN]]}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{Cite web|date=2005-03-30|title=TimeSplitters: Future Perfect Interview|url=https://www.gamingnexus.com/Article/846/TimeSplitters-Future-Perfect-Interview/|access-date=2020-11-25|website=Gaming Nexus|language=en}}</ref>

===MapMaker===
Each game in the series included "MapMaker": a grid-based [[level editor]] in which players could create their own custom content.<ref name=":9" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=Perry|first=Doug|date=2000-10-24|title=TimeSplitters|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/10/24/timesplitters|access-date=2020-11-23|website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> The first game in the series only allowed creation of multiplayer arcade mode maps, whereas ''TimeSplitters 2'' allowed players to also create single-player story levels with objectives.<ref name=":8" /> The third game added the ability to create maps which take place outdoors, whereas previous games had only allowed the creation of indoor maps.<ref name=":6" /> The online component added to ''Future Perfect'' meant players were able to upload and rate MapMaker creations for online sharing.<ref name=":18">{{Cite web|last=Reed|first=Kristan|date=2004-07-22|title=The Future looks Perfect|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/i_timesplittersfutureperfect_eahsn|access-date=2020-11-24|website=[[Eurogamer]]|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":19" />