It’s scientific fact: Adding pirates to anything increases its fun factor exponentially. It holds true for Time Crisis: Razing Storm, the new PlayStation Move arcade shooter collection that packs more play modes on one Blu-ray Disc than most games manage in three sequels – in this case, DeadStorm Pirates and Time Crisis 4. We caught up with Localization Producer Ted Tsung to learn more about what Japanese gamers call “Big 3 Gun Shooting.”
Let’s start with the titular Razing Storm, which replicates Namco’s trigger-happy shooter in its full arcade glory. Using the PlayStation Move, you and a partner tear terrorists to tatters with SMGs and riot shields and blast massive robot bosses with rocket launchers. This PS3-exclusive edition adds a new off-the-rails Story campaign where you can freely move using an analog stick FPS-style, as well as throw grenades, swap weapons, and engage in mission objectives. You’ll also find a new eight-player online deathmatch mode, as well as the pass-and-play Sentry mini-game where you take turns sniping escaping prisoners.
That’s just Razing Storm. Also included is the separate arcade game DeadStorm Pirates, which ups the awesome significantly with its blistering, carnival-ride pacing and campy Pirates of the Caribbean pastiche. The variety is impressive: One minute you’re propelling cannonballs at menacing ghost ships, the next you’re blasting bats on island rapids or frantically steering your ship away from the grasping arms of the Kraken. DeadStorm Pirates strongly emphasizes two-player cooperative play, and both players are encouraged to concentrate fire on tough armored enemies. Other times you’ll spin the ship’s wheel, using circular motions of the PlayStation Move, to dodge wrecked ships and over-sized octopi.
An arcade-perfect version of Time Crisis 4 (Read more here) is the icing on this thousand-layer cake. As with The Shoot, the games in Time Crisis: Razing Storm are compatible with the PlayStation Move Shooting Attachment, though for Razing Storm you’ll want to use a two-handed grip so you can hit the Move button to deploy your shield. GunCon 3 is also fully supported, as is DualShock 3 if you’re brave.
What do you think of Time Crisis: Razing Storm? Which mode is your favorite? What controller scheme are you using? Leave your comments and questions below!
