From bricks to foam fingers to shark guns, there has never been a shortage of clever or just plain odd weapons for video game fans to use on their in-game enemies. Likewise, games have also bestowed a variety of powers upon players, from electricity to telekinesis to time itself.
Many games allow players to utilize the powers of time to solve puzzles, unravel a complicated narrative, or best of all, battle through foes like a superhero. Whether they are indie platforms or hardcore shooters, these games let players turn time itself into a weapon.
Quantum Break (2016)
Quantum Break is a game entirely based around the concept of time. From the game's combat to its puzzle-solving to its complicated plot, time is front and center throughout all of it. Players collect a wide variety of time-based powers to help them progress through the story, both for offense and exploration.
Time can be slowed or stopped entirely to traverse platforming sections or to battle enemies, as well as while quickly dodging enemy attacks or approaching them in a blink to deal damage. Time can also be used to locate hidden collectibles in-game, meaning time can be both a weapon or a helpful tool.
Superhot (2016)
The incredible Superhot is easily one of the most unique and innovative shooters in recent years, most notably for its core mechanic of how in-game time works. Instead of playing like a regular action game, time only moves in Superhot at the same speed that the player does.
This ability allows players to pull off some incredible stunts, such as dodging projectiles, catching weapons out of the air, or slicing bullets clean in half with a sword. Players can play the game at whatever pace they need to complete the levels and feel like they are dodging bullets in the Matrix the whole time.
Titanfall 2 (2016)
The fantastic best first-person shooters of all time, mostly due to its unrivaled gameplay. One of the game's most popular levels gives players control of a time travel device in addition to their regular weapons.
Throughout the levels, players can jump back in forth in time at will and must finish tasks in both the past and present to complete the level. The layout of both time periods is nearly identical, making for a seamless transition as players traverse the level and fight through enemies. The section has gone down as one of the most well-received missions of recent years.
Braid (2008)
Braid is a unique puzzle-platformer that received high praise for its clever implementation of its time travel mechanics. Players can reverse or rewind time at any point to solve the game's challenges, and each new world adds even more elements.
One world features objects that are not affected by time travel, one moves time forward or backward depending on which direction the player moves, and one centers around a magic ring that slows time further the closer objects get to it. Time has multiple uses in Braid, each one more interesting than the last.
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (2004)
Metal Gear Solid 3 does not give players any kind of time-based powers, nor does time travel even feature in its plot, but it still has one of the funniest and most iconic weaponizations of time in any game. During the campaign, players will come up against The End, a legendary and ancient sniper.
The fight is tense and difficult, but it has a famous exploit that has gone down in gaming history. If players wait long enough or set their console's clock far enough ahead, then The End will actually die of old age before the player can take the final shot. It may not be a flashy power, but in this fight, time can be the strongest weapon.
Timeshift (2007)
Timeshift is another first-person shooter that features time manipulation as its central gameplay gimmick. Much like Quantum Break, players are given a variety of time-based powers that are used to solve in-game puzzles and combat enemies.
The main abilities in the game are to slow down time and stop it altogether, and both must be used at certain times in the game to progress. Slowing time also allows players to dodge bullets, close in or flank enemies, and even steal their weapons from them. Timeshift has fallen under the radar, but it still has many loyal fans.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2003)
The Prince of Persia series is a long-running franchise that has gone through multiple studios and has been adapted to film, toys, and a questionably cast movie. The Sands of Time is widely considered to be one of the best entries into the franchise, even being the basis for the film adaptation.
The game centers around the titular prince as he finds a dagger that allows him to manipulate the flow of time. The dagger allows the prince to stop and slow time, freeze enemies, and reverse time if he dies. The game even went on to inspire the gameplay and time travel mechanics of the Assassin's Creed series that came after it, and it has an anticipated remake seemingly coming soon.
Singularity (2010)
Singularity is an underrated first-person shooter that differentiates itself from the rest by giving players the Time Manipulation Device in addition to their large weapon arsenal. The TMD gives players a host of time-related powers.
The device can be used to travel between the two time periods of the game's plot, age or de-age various objects to solve puzzles, and do the same to unfortunate enemies that might cross its path. Enemies can be rapidly aged into dust or de-aged into a grotesque primordial creature. It may not be subtle, but it sure is fun.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)
greatest video game franchises of all time, and Ocarina of Time is one of the best games in the series, as well as one of the best games ever made. The game takes place over two separate time periods, and time is at the center of its plot.
Using the titular ocarina and the Master Sword, players can change between young Link and his adult self. Each one has unique abilities that are needed to progress through certain areas of the game. While time is not specifically used in combat, it is essential to progressing through the game. Though many new titles have entered the franchise over the years, the game has still weathered the test of time.
TimeSplitters Series (2000-2005)
A cult classic and an absolute gem, the TimeSplitters series is a criminally overlooked but beloved action series. The game puts players in the shoes of Sergeant Cortez as he battles the evil Timesplitter aliens across multiple time periods.
Each game features levels through various points in history, from Victorian England to the Old West to the distant future, and hosts a variety of weaponry for each. The third game, Future Perfect, even featured a genius mechanic, where players would play through the same section multiple times as different versions of Cortez. The game is clever, hilarious, and a blast. If gamers haven't played it, TimeSplitters is well worth their time.