Time Crisis

In 90s arcades you could pick out the Time Crisis cabinet by the gunfire and the player stomping the pedal like their life depended on it. A real pistol in your hand, enemies closing in and a merciless timer that dragged you out of cover sooner than you wanted.

Time Crisis isn't on UsuArcade yet, but it's on our wishlist. If you want it in the lobby, vote with “I want to play it.”

History

Namco released Time Crisis in 1995. Light gun games were already popular, but this one added a twist that changed everything: a foot pedal that lets you duck behind cover to dodge bullets and reload. That mechanic became the series' calling card.

You play Richard Miller, an agent sent to rescue a president's daughter held by a villain in a castle. The plot was simple, but the tension of every scene, with the clock ticking down, made it a smash.

How to play

Aim the gun at the screen and pull the trigger. While you hold the pedal down, you're out in the open and can shoot, but you can also get hit; let go and you duck behind cover and reload automatically. The trick is popping out just long enough to drop a few bad guys and getting back down.

Every section has a time limit, and if it hits zero it's game over, so hiding too long gets punished too. Watch for enemies in different colored outfits: they usually have better aim, so take them out first.

Fun facts

• The duck-and-cover pedal became the series' trademark.
• The hero of the first game is Richard Miller.
• Every section is a race against the clock, hence the name.

In the arcade

Coming soon to UsuArcade. Once it's here, you'll be able to play from your browser while the lobby watches and fight for the high score. Until then, if you want nonstop shooting action, sit down at Commando, Metal Slug or Shock Troopers: they're in the lobby, free and ready for your first coin.

FAQ