Time Crisis
Take cover!
Namco's revolutionary 1995 light gun game that introduced the cover mechanic, transforming arcade shooters into tactical experiences.
Overview
Time Crisis was Namco’s 1995 arcade shooter that revolutionised the light gun genre with a simple innovation: a foot pedal that let players take cover. By ducking behind scenery to reload and avoid enemy fire, Time Crisis transformed mindless shooting galleries into tactical combat experiences.
The series became synonymous with arcade light gun gaming.
Fast Facts
- Developer: Namco
- Released: 1995 (arcade)
- Innovation: Cover pedal system
- Cabinet: Sit-down or stand-up versions
- Home port: PlayStation with GunCon (1997)
- Sequels: Time Crisis II, III, 4, 5
The Cover System
The game-changing mechanic:
- Foot pedal controls cover
- Release pedal = pop out and shoot
- Press pedal = duck behind cover
- Reloading happens automatically when in cover
- Timer pauses while in cover
This simple addition created genuine tension and strategy.
Gameplay Structure
Each stage featured:
- Linear path through environments
- Enemies appearing from set positions
- Boss encounters
- Strict time limit (the “Crisis”)
- Branching paths in sequels
Miss enemies and time runs out. Take too many hits and you die. The pressure was relentless.
Arcade Cabinet
The distinctive cabinet design:
- Large screen at eye level
- Mounted gun (pistol style)
- Floor pedal for cover
- Timer prominently displayed
- Credit-hungry difficulty
Arcades placed them prominently - the action attracted crowds.
Home Conversions
PlayStation brought it home:
- GunCon - Namco’s light gun peripheral
- Accurate arcade conversion
- Point Blank used same hardware
- CRT television required
The GunCon became the standard PlayStation light gun.
Legacy
Time Crisis influenced game design broadly:
- Cover systems now standard in shooters
- Gears of War acknowledged the influence
- Pop-and-shoot mechanics ubiquitous
- Arcade rail shooters still use the pedal
The foot pedal was genuinely innovative.