Interview With Cob

By Drifting

So, how did TSG begin? What inspired you to create a TimeSplitters game?

Thinking back - it was a bloody long time ago now - I think TSG started when I realised that nobody else had made a TS game using Game Maker. Browsing through the GM forums I would see dozens of Mario, Zelda, Halo, Metroid Prime etc games but no TimeSplitters. So I thought to myself, TS is the best game ever, so why not make one yourself? So I did!

What would you say was the hardest part about making TSG? The funnest?

For me, the hardest thing whilst making TSG was keeping the interest. It was very difficult to stay on track; I can remember I lost interest several times and had to take breaks on quite a few occasions. Other than that, the AI was a complete bitch to design. Partly because the maps were quite complicated but mostly because I had no experience in AI before, especially in top down shooters. A few people tried to help, Shinwow Kano did quite a bit for TSG, but we never really cracked it. The funnest part... well most of it was fun! But probably drawing the characters and maps - something which was quite a challenge but also made me happy when they finally took shape. Oh, and of course, reading other peoples comments about TSG made me feel very happy and made me realise that it was all worthwhile!

Rumor has it that you've handed over the reigns of TSG to another game maker. Who's developing it now, and why did you hand it over?

Officially, I haven't really handed it over. LLamaliker, a member at TS4.net, is currently working on the game. I guess I can't complain because I'd given up on it but in some ways I feel sort of annoyed but at the same time pleased because TSG hasn't died and it's lived on. It's sort of hard to explain because having "nurtured" TSG from a little, lonely Cortez sprite to a fully playable game with dozens of characters and maps, I've become quite protective of the game. I'm not going to stop Llamaliker from continuing with the game and I'd love to see the things he does and the input he has to TSG.

You were creating a TS RPG at one time (that I was supposed to be beta testing). Are you still working on that, or has it been brought to a halt?

Haha! I remember that. Yeah it was pretty crap. I "borrowed" a Pokemon engine off someone and used it to make a rubbishy... well... it never really got to be a game. Shame really, it had potential, but I suppose I just have a really short attention span. So yeah, discontinued. Thanks for your help by the way!

What would you consider to be your greatest TimeSplitters moment, in any of the three games?

Hmmm... difficult question. 'Course completing FP 100% is pretty hign on the list. Best moment? Erm... probably playing with two of my best mates on FP. An Elimination marathon, every map, all of the bots 5 stars, recommended weapons and the like. 3 points for a win, 2 for 2nd place, 1 for 3rd place and 0 for anything below top three. I think I won but it was all down to the last match! Haha good shit.

On the TS Musicbox forums, you once said you saw Free Radical Design's football (soccer in America) team play. Tell us a little more about that. Also, how good were they?

I never actually saw them play, because I'm swimming on the night that they play, but judging from their position on the league table, they were definitely not the worst but definitely not the best either. What can you expect from games programmers though?

So, do you have any new game projects or other things you're working on at the moment?

Nope. The Game Maker part of my life is over. I'd love to get back into it but I lack the motivation and staying power. It's sort of sad because it was an enjoyable thing but I've got other stuff to do now so...

Any closing thoughts?

Not really. Being interviewed is weird though. Oh, I'd like to thank FRD for their amazing games - looking forward to playing Haze in a months time - and anyone who ever helped me on TSG, even those who just gave their time to play it and commented on it. Thanks to you as well Drifting! See ya!

End.