Machine Guides

Game History

Time Crisis 4 is a light-gun shooter arcade game developed by Namco Bandai Games in collaboration with Nex Entertainment and released in 2006. It represents the fourth main installment in Namco's Time Crisis series, which originated in 1995 with the revolutionary cover-based gameplay mechanic. The game was first showcased at E3 2006 before its final arcade release later that year.

The arcade version of Time Crisis 4 has the Multi-Screen System, which allowed players to aim their gun toward the left or right side of the screen to switch positions during gameplay. This mechanic was an evolution of the multi-hiding system previously introduced in Time Crisis, though in Time Crisis 4 players remained primarily on the defensive rather than offensive. The game utilized the same game engine as the PlayStation 2 version of Time Crisis 2, which helped maintain visual consistency with previous entries in the series.

Time Crisis 4 continued the series' signature gameplay while building upon the multiple weapon system introduced in Time Crisis 3, featuring pistol, machine gun, shotgun, and grenade launcher options. The game included new vehicle sections and sniper rifle segments that added variety to the traditional on-rails shooting experience. Players could control different characters throughout the game, including Captain William Rush for five chapters and V.S.S.E. agents Giorgio Bruno or Evan Bernard for ten chapters in the "Full Mission" mode.

How to Play

Objective

The main goal of Time Crisis 4 is to progress through each mission by defeating all enemies in your path while avoiding their attacks. You play as V.S.S.E. agents fighting against terrorist organizations in various locations worldwide. The game emphasizes tactical shooting with a cover system and introduces the Multi-Screen System for position switching.

Controls

• Light Gun Controller: The primary input device is a light gun that you point at the screen
• Trigger: Press the trigger to shoot at enemies on screen
• Foot Pedal: Step on the pedal to attack and release it to take cover and reload
• Weapon Switch Button: Press to switch between available weapons (pistol, machine gun, shotgun, grenade launcher)

Gameplay

1. Starting the Game: Press the Start Button to begin your mission.

2. Cover System: The game's signature mechanic allows you to take cover by releasing the foot pedal. While in cover, you are protected from enemy fire and your weapon reloads automatically.

3. Multi-Screen System: Aim your gun toward the left or right side of the screen to switch positions during gameplay, allowing you to engage enemies from different angles.

4. Combat System: Step on the foot pedal to emerge from cover and shoot at enemies. Time your exposure carefully to avoid getting hit.

5. Weapon Selection: Switch between different weapons including pistol, machine gun, shotgun, and grenade launcher, each with unique characteristics and ammunition limits.

6. Time Limit: Each stage has a countdown timer that depletes when you're exposed. The timer pauses while you're in cover, adding a strategic element to your attacks.

7. Enemy Defeat: Shoot enemies to eliminate them and progress through the level. Some enemies require multiple hits to defeat.

8. Vehicle Sections: Navigate through special vehicle-based gameplay segments that require different strategies than standard on-foot combat.

9. Boss Battles: At the end of each level, face powerful boss enemies with specific attack patterns and weak points that must be targeted to defeat them.