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IN TIME is based on the sci-fi action film of the same name. The film focuses on the idea of a world in which time actually equals money meaning that people have to move fast to earn more money, which means a longer life. The fact that the game of IN TIME is a twist on the endless runner format makes perfect sense, bearing that in mind.
As any seasoned gamer knows, film tie in games are usually an uninspired bunch. This is unfortunately the case with IN TIME even despite the use of the Unreal Engine which should at least mean the graphics are inspiring (they’re not). While it’s not the worst of games, nor is it particularly thrilling. Players find themselves sprinting across extremely linear levels as they avoid the Timekeepers and Minutemen out to get them (police and crimals respectively), while desperately trying to extend the timer count otherwise it’s game over. Score multipliers are acquired by collecting time capsules and also bumping into bystanders.
Controls are simple yet effective. Tilting is the main form of movement with buttons providing a means of dodging and vaulting over obstacles. While I’m no fan of tilt controls usually, the ones in IN TIME are effective and forgiving.
The problem is that IN TIME is just a trifle dull. The concept might sound exciting but the execution falters far too readily. The landscapes within the game are uninteresting and bland, and so is the gameplay. All there is to do is just run down the same bland landscapes, ducking and diving at the right moment. None of it is gripping by any means and there’s hardly any sense of speed. For the score hunter, there is a bit more point to IN TIME as, at least, they can compete for the best score via GameCenter or Facebook. For everyone else, it’s a five minute dose of fun. Nothing more.