Blinx: The Time Sweeper

By Kristan Reed Published 29 October, 2002

First Impressions - Kristan goes back in time and writes this one before deadline

Over a year into its existence, the number of titles that truly push the Xbox is sadly limited to a handful - and most of those were released at the time of the machine's launch. Since then, Xbox owners have been fed a diet of lame PS2 ports or all format releases that have obviously been designed around the PS2's limitations.

But with Christmas on the way, a number of exclusive titles are finally emerging from the pipe, with the biggest of the bunch a cute and gorgeous 3D platformer by the name of Blinx. Coded by a - shock horror - Japanese developer by the name of Artoon, you'll have no doubt heard by now that some of the key members of the team worked on the likes of Sonic The Hedgehog and the revered Sega Saturn title Nights.

So with that kind of pedigree you'd expect something special, and Blinx certainly does not disappoint. The plot line is kind of like a Japlish take on Monsters Inc, with a cute race of Cats controlling time from the mysterious Time Factory. But an unscrupulous band of evil Time Monsters have been nicking Time Crystals and selling them on the black market. In a nutshell, the daring Blinx storms off to sort them out, rescue the princess (natch) and restore order to the world.

Suck it down

'Blinx: The Time Sweeper' Screenshot aug04b

Blinx: probably the funkiest cat we know of

So starts the game, with the extremely detailed Blinx wandering around with his TS1000 Time Sweeper, some kind of vacuum contraption that sucks up more or less anything that's not nailed down, to a maximum of five objects. The general idea is to clear each level of any monsters, and killing each baddie is a case of aiming your Time Sweeper at their sorry ass and firing out any debris you may have on your person. Also lying around are Time Crystals, which come in five different colours. Picking up three of the same colour enables you to affect time in some way, which is the game's key innovation.

Blinx's control over time can be activated at any time during the game, with the game freezing to allow you to select from a panel reminiscent of a standard VCR or audio player. Thus, you get to freeze, rewind, fast forward or pause time in order to subtly affect what is going on around you.

The first three levels are nothing more than glorified training missions, followed by a boss level, which gives you a chance to take in just how gorgeous the visuals are, and maybe experiment with a few of the crystals. And the visuals really are something else - if you manage to catch Blinx close up the detail on him is simply astounding. Also, the levels themselves are packed with twisted, warped buildings that really make the game feel like you're trapped in some cartoon world. By the time you reach the third level, some of the effects are genuinely superb - and remind you that this game just wouldn't be possible on any other console.

Frog chorus

'Blinx: The Time Sweeper' Screenshot aug02b

I tought I taw a puddy cat?

But before long you'll be more involved with the actual game, which gets pretty damned challenging after the second world. Suddenly you really have to think about how you use the crystals, with certain sections impassable unless you reverse time and restore them to their former state. Certainly, once there are numerous baddies roaming around tight sections, you'll be grateful to be able to freeze time for a few seconds and bash them in that time. Some monsters, like the frogs, end up eating your projectiles, so you take advantage of their greed by getting them to swallow a bomb! It's humourous touches like this that make you warm to Blinx. At this early stage of play, it's hard to tell how compelling Blinx really is, as it comes across as just a glorified platform game in the initial stages.

Time will tell, and we'll give you the full verdict just before its November 8 release.

Picture of Kristan.

About Kristan Reed

Kristan is a former editor of Eurogamer, dad, Stone Roses bore and Norwich City supporter who sometimes mutters optimistically about Team Silent getting back together.

Read more articles from Kristan by visiting the Kristan Reed archive page.

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Comments (39) Latest comment 9 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • Tiitiz #1 9 years ago

    it comes across as just a glorified platform game in the initial stages

    Good enough for me :)

  • Sly9 #2 9 years ago

    How did i know you'd be the first to comment Tiitiz ;)

  • brutal #3 9 years ago

    must. resist. must only buy vice city on the 8th. (for fear of being lynched, and not having enough hours in the day to play both and work)

  • #4 9 years ago

    Brutal: Maybe it helps if you read the 6.3 Gamespot review :-)

    http://gamespot.com/gamespot/stories/reviews /0,10867,2882485,00.html

  • #5 9 years ago

    Ha, not gamerankings.com this time.

  • Tiitiz #6 9 years ago

    I personally dont think people should be allowed to post links to reviews that may affect the outcome of EG's review and thoughts.

    So i hope mine is deleted along with Duc's ;)

    Blinx on Gamerankings
    Edited by 2 at 29/10/02 @ 13:16

  • Mr_Sleep #7 9 years ago

    I can't see why another review would effect the outcome of an EG review, surely journolists aren't supposed to be swayed by anything but their own feelings on the game.

    Of course you could do like MS and put on a huge piss up, that tends to work well to sway alligences ;) What about it otto, would that work for you? :)

  • otto #8 9 years ago

    no. I'm used to those tactics in my job, hasn't worked yet. :)

    some kind of vacuum contraption

    hang on that sounds familiar...

  • Nemesis #9 9 years ago

    Oh dear, have a word. Of course links to other reviews should be placed here. It's a user comments section for the users, what better place! If you're going to discuss a game, it seems a logical progression of the thread.

  • sam_spade #10 9 years ago

    hang on that sounds familiar...

    It's the next-gen console obsession with vacuum cleaners - cf. Ape Escape.

    People post reviews all the time, next you'll be saying you hope people aren't posting opinions on subjects. :p

  • Tiitiz #11 9 years ago

    Links are ok, but i dont think all great for First Impression news.

    I trust EG staff anyway :)

  • Mr_Sleep #12 9 years ago

    "no. I'm used to those tactics in my job, hasn't worked yet. :)"

    What about a trip to Ikea? I know how much you love putting up shelves ;)

    I wonder if Hoover are going to do some sponsorship, kind of like a Grand Prix car, a little Hoover slogan. Product placement, is there any reason why they wont?

  • BartonFink #13 9 years ago

    some kind of vacuum contraption

    hang on that sounds familiar...
    Wasn't that in Hammerin Harry too, or somesuch?

  • nomaad #14 9 years ago

    *swift mental calculations*
    Over a year you say? That's incorrect both in Europe and the US.

  • Daryoon #15 9 years ago

    Yet another attempt at creating a Mario-beating mascot?

  • BartonFink #16 9 years ago

    Doesn't that cat (or whatever it is), above, look familiar? Looks like Meowth from Pokemon.

    I hope for the sake of Micrsoft and X-Box, Nintendo's lawyers aren't scrapping for a fight!

    Nope a cat is a flippin cat how can ye copyright a cat :)
    He also looks nothing like Meowth

  • sam_spade #17 9 years ago

    Doesn't look like a nice cat though, does he?

  • otto #18 9 years ago

    how can ye copyright a cat :)

    Never underestimate the ability of an American lawyer to slap a copyright on something.

  • Whizzo #19 9 years ago

    No you can't copyright one but you can trademark them. Evil looking cats were around before Pokemon though, in fact as a "dog person" all cats are evil so how do you differentiate?

    Slight addendum; my nextdoor neighbour's cat is quite nice and very friendly though, I'm sure she thinks she's a dog! ;-)

  • UncleLou #20 9 years ago

    IP lawyers! What a bunch of felonious bastards! Er,uh oh...

  • BartonFink #21 9 years ago

    Guess the point is Whizzo apart from the fact that they are both cartoon cats the look nothing alike so an impending lawsuit as Mr Do! suggests is laughable. :)
    Why don't you like cats Whizzo?

  • Whizzo #22 9 years ago

    Because they're evil, nasty, untrustworthy things, as I said I'm a dog person; dogs=good, cats=bad.

    Simple really.

  • UncleLou #23 9 years ago

    No you can't copyright one but you can trademark them

    Of course you also have a copyright on a cat you created if it reaches the necessary "height of design". A trademark is the preferred way to go, though.

  • otto #24 9 years ago

    dogs = scum of the earth

    cats = OK as long as they don't roll around on my flowerbeds, in which case cats = scum of the earth (but not as bad as dogs because at least they don't smell and yap).

  • UncleLou #25 9 years ago

    Because they're evil, nasty, untrustworthy things, as I said I'm a dog person; dogs=good, cats=bad

    Never understood this. Either you like animals, or you don't. I like em both, but prefer cats a bit, cause they are so much more self-dependent and less corrupt. And they are the most elegant and stylish animals ever. Period.

  • jaa #26 9 years ago

    I have quite a few doubts about this game but I’m preordering it anyway.

    Oh! <a href=http://www.dbhs.wvusd.k12.ca.us/Humor/Cat-Carrier.html >For cat lovers.</a>
    Edited by 1 at 29/10/02 @ 16:44

  • Whizzo #27 9 years ago

    Never understood this.

    No a lot of people don't but as someone who's grown up with a dog in the family all the time, up until last year anyway, I prefer them. I've just never got on with cats.

    I've never been hurt by a dog, I can't say the same about those other "things"... ;-)
    Edited by 1 at 29/10/02 @ 16:50

  • UncleLou #28 9 years ago

    Maybe you should get one. I know quite a few people who got converted that way. ;-)
    Edited by 1 at 29/10/02 @ 16:51

  • otto #29 9 years ago

    Ugh, dogs. Nasty, smelly, vicious creatures that crap everywhere. Anyway, *wheels out his bonsai kitten link*

  • Whizzo #30 9 years ago

    Did try getting along with one last year after my dog had to be put down, it didn't work. Now if it was possible to clone my next door neighbours cat that could work... Nah I'll just pat it when I park the car that'll do.

    Nasty, smelly, vicious creatures that crap everywhere.

    Not if you train them properly and get a decent breed; Border Collies are fantastic dogs.
    Edited by 1 at 29/10/02 @ 16:54

  • otto #31 9 years ago

    sorry Whizzo, just being argumentative. :) I've no doubt that dogs can be great pals as long as they've got great 'owners' with decent hygiene habits. Unfortunately, the only dogs one ever sees around here are small, yappy, and owned by old ladies in fur coats who train them to crap on my front doorstep.

  • Whizzo #32 9 years ago

    That's Belgians for you!

  • otto #33 9 years ago

    yup

  • quantumsheep #34 9 years ago

    When I was at Uni, I was sharing a house with five rugby girls.
    I came back to the house one time after a weekend away to find that a cat had shat on my bed.
    We didn't even own a cat... :o(
    I've never forgiven them - cats nor rugby girls.

  • Daryoon #35 9 years ago

    Talking of cats...

    <a href=http://www.ani menation.com/kty100.html>Great Fun for All the Family!</a>

  • quantumsheep #36 9 years ago

    Daryoon,
    Try this out http://www.k onstruktiv.net/kitty_02.html
    The sound will chill your bones too...
    Edited by 1 at 29/10/02 @ 17:15

  • Whizzo #37 9 years ago

    Great Fun for All the Family!

    I did like this bit on that page :
    Please Note: This product will not be accepted for return.

    I wonder why?! :-D

  • mal #38 9 years ago

    I've never been hurt by a dog, I can't say the same about those other "things"... ;-)

    Aah, he's only playing!

    Small dogs are definitely evil incarnate. Larger dogs can be persuaded to get on with you though, although they usually insist on slobbering all over you as an act of friendship. I think I'll stick with the claw-wounds, thanks.

  • #39 9 years ago

    Nah, I don't buy games until I have read at least a couple of reviews. Magazines often base their reviews to an early build, so I trust them even less than net reviews.

  • Daryoon #40 9 years ago

    play magazine just gave it a 100% rating

    Oh dear...that reminds me of Total!, that really shite Nintendo magazine that gave games ridiculous scores. I think they gave Mario Allstars 100% or something.

  • skalmanxl #41 9 years ago

    Cats are the animals above all. Sinsiter, egocentric, selfish bastards, pretty much like myself. And who doesn't live kitten?

    I also have a tattoo on my left shoulderblade, a tigers head which covers all of the shoulderblade. Imho, tigers are the most beautiful animals out there.

  • cyber_nicco #42 9 years ago

    You have to wonder about someone who doesn't like dogs. Of course, for one that doesn't appreciate humor, affection, and loyalty I guess there isn't much left to like.