Space Control

By Jason Carl

One of the many joys of Blinx 2: Masters of Time & Space is the opportunity to play both sides of the galactic conflict that forms the game's story line. After clearing the first few missions on behalf of the Time Factory, you're put in charge of a squad of the sneaky pigs. These porcine pillagers were the villains of the original Blinx, but now they're fighting alongside the heroic Time Sweepers to set right what their leader's greed messed up in the first place.

t's not all swine and roses at first, though. Before the big team-up, you'll have a chance to infiltrate Time Sweeper territory and savor the rivalry. The time-controlling cats would seem to have the upper hand when it comes to accomplishing their goals, but the pork posse has a few tricks of its own. Blinx and his pals may be the masters of time, but their temporary allies have command of a little thing called space.

Your fully customized squad of space hogs, outfitted in your choice of super-detailed gear and tattoos, operates less like a band of combat grunts and a lot more like a group of Special Forces commandos. Specializing in infiltration and secrecy, this aspect of the game takes its cue from stealth titles like Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell, and your Space Controls are uniquely suited to this style of gameplay. Select the Space Control you want with the D-pad, and then press the X button to activate it.

Hypercloak
This technological marvel allows you to move about undetected. Guard Sweepers stare right at your location without seeing you! Remember not to move too quickly when using the Hypercloak, or you'll give away your position.

Just point …

Warp Tunnel
Need to make it across a Guard-infested factory yard in a hurry? This handy device creates a one-way tunnel by ripping a hole in the very fabric of space itself. Pick a place you want to be, and then toss the Warp Tunnel in its direction. Two holes open—one right next to you, and the other wherever you threw the device. Jump into the hole nearest you to teleport instantly to the opposite end of the tunnel. This works great for quick escapes when you're low on ammo or surrounded by too many opponents.

Void Trap
This little gem is handy for eliminating single Guard Sweepers. It's essentially a portable hole that sucks your opponent inside, leaving you free to move around unimpeded. Toss this in a Guard Sweeper's path and watch him disappear! Enjoy a cruel laugh at the cat's expense, and then continue on your stealthy way.

 … and jump!

Quantum Snare
Sometimes everybody needs somebody, and pigs are no exception. The Quantum Snare opens up an extra-dimensional space wherever you want it, allowing your pals to come to your aid. Throw it near a Guard Sweeper and watch your buddies pop out of the hole to grab his legs! It never gets old.

Space Bubble
A caged cat is a happy cat. Okay, your opponents might not be happy being stuck inside an impenetrable force field, but they're sure easier to avoid that way. Like the Quantum Snare and the Warp Tunnel, you must aim the Space Bubble by pressing and holding the X button to create a trajectory path. Move the path with the left thumbstick and then release the X button to throw.

Subspace Dive
Burdened with a bag full of ill-gotten gains, you may find it tough to move quickly or stealthily past opponents. Give yourself the advantage by activating the Subspace Dive, which allows you to move rapidly underground and all over the map, using a periscope-like view to navigate. Plow right past unwitting Guard Sweepers, whose Time Controls have no effect on you, and remain undetected until you surface again. You can't attack while using the Subspace Dive, and you must surface before you run out of air, but for moving quickly across huge distances, this Space Control is unbeatable.

A pig's-eye view of enemy territory.

So, there you go—everything you wanted to know about manipulating Space, but were afraid to ask! Be sure to use and abuse all six of your unique Space Controls as you navigate your way through each mission.