Timeline (PC Games)

First of all, if you are a Windows XP or Vista user, I would not buy this item, as the game only works with Windows 98 or earlier. I happen to have an old Windows 98 in my home, so I can tell you about the game as well.

The game is based on the novel of the same name by Michael Crichton. I have not read the book, so I cannot make a comparison, but the story is pretty good and simple. You take on the role of Chris, who goes back in time with friends Baretto and Kate to the 14 century France to rescue a professor.

This game is, in a word, short. You could very well play through the game in around two hours. The game is a tad fun, the first time you play it. After that, there is zero replay value, which is disappointing. While there is an interesting tour mode, which includes freely roaming around some of the playing environments while Michael Crichton himself gives facts about the time period, but other than that, there's not much else to do in this game. It's also a little too easy, which brings up another problem: the game lacks a target audience. The game could be challenging for someone in elementary school, but for any older teens, it's way to say, not to mention the adults. It's unlikely however, that elementary-aged kids would want to play the game. The game is too structured; you must follow the story, with absolutely no side-quests or any extra hidden surprises. The fighting is too easy, also, even the end bosses are easily beaten.

Overall, the game as is is decent, but it could have been so much more. If you choose to buy this game, only buy it cheap; I bought mine for $5.