Time Hollow

 DS
  • Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: Sep 23, 2008
Metascore
64

Mixed or average reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 24
  3. Negative: 3 out of 24
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  1. GameFocus
    73
    If you enjoy story-based adventure games, you will really enjoy Time Hollow. There are plenty of twists and surprises along the way that you will want to see how it ends. The game is relatively easy but the hand-holding will disappoint the older crowd who will look for a challenge.
  2. Game Informer
    70
    Thankfully, the satisfaction you feel when the pieces start falling into place makes it worth the effort – providing you don’t expect any real action out of the gameplay.
  3. Nintendo Power
    70
    With the ability to alter the past literally at your fingertips, you should be able to solve problems in a myriad of ways, yet the game's mostly linear storytelling rarely lets you use your powers creatively. [Nov 2008, p.102]
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  5. Gamestyle
    70
    Time Hollow is a refreshingly different action/adventure game for the DS, and one that's quite worthy of your attention.
  6. Nintendo Gamer
    70
    If Phoenix Wright is a TV season boxset, Time Hollow is an HBO miniseries. It all feels quite minor, but it's certainly intriguing while it lasts. [Dec 2008, p.74]
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  7. Games Master UK
    70
    Everyone loves a nice time paradox, but we'd like more freedom. [Christmas 2008, p.84]
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  8. IGN
    70
    Time Hollow is a terrific premise that I would love to see explored further in sequels.
  9. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    64
    A very clever concept broken by a game that's so linear, you could use it as a ruler. [Feb 2009, p.82]
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  10. GamesRadar+
    60
    The problem with the game is that it really isn’t a game at all. We’re not just saying it’s too linear – what little (very little) gameplay you’ll find smattered throughout is completely spoon-fed to you.
  11. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    60
    Entirely a typical adventure game with attractive time shifting. Strong story can fill parts of the game which are somehow …hollow. [Nov 2008]
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  12. Edge Magazine
    60
    While Time Hollow fills a Phoenix Wright-shaped hole in our lives, we do prefer our chaos theory a little less tidy. [Apr 2009, p.123]
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  13. 1UP
    58
    Time Hollow may be light on gameplay, but the story's competent enough for fans of point-and-tap adventures.
  14. GameSpot
    55
    There's a cool time-bending story to this adventure, but the simplistic gameplay saps much of the fun.
  15. Hardcore Gamer
    55
    Time Hollow clings to mediocrity until the last hollow pen hole, and I can guarantee you won’t be compelled to ever pick it up again upon finishing it.
  16. games(TM)
    50
    There is very little challenge. And even when you do start ‘digging’ into the past with the Hollow Pen, this involves simply drawing a circle with the stylus and carrying out an obvious action. [Christmas 2008, p.116]
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Awards & Rankings

93
#93 Best DS Game of 2008
32
#32 Most Discussed DS Game of 2008
52
#52 Most Shared DS Game of 2008

User Reviews

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User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 29 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 29
  3. Negative: 4 out of 29
  1. vahn
    May 26, 2016
    7
    I was checking old games until I noticed this old one in the closest: I didn't play it for over 8 years now! Out of curiosity I replayed theI was checking old games until I noticed this old one in the closest: I didn't play it for over 8 years now! Out of curiosity I replayed the whole game, despite remembering being quite disappointed. And I can't say I'm still that impressed.

    The game's story is good but it has hiccups, especially when trying to explain itself. The character is a bore, barely feeling impressed or anything, while the other characters are also quite forgettable. Unfortunately the best characters are Derek and Kori, since a lot of the game is around them. Not even the villain is remarkable.. It's also extremely short: I clocked in less than 4 hours.

    Still, it's alright for itself: give it a try if you find a copy.    … Full Review »
  2. ZangBang
    Oct 24, 2022
    2
    23/100
    Time Hollow is a detective story that offers some nice unsettling scenarios and interesting plot twists that make the most of its    23/100
    Time Hollow is a detective story that offers some nice unsettling scenarios and interesting plot twists that make the most of its time-travel concepts, but the impact of its emotional moments and the overall enjoyment of the story are fatally spoiled by a cast of terribly shallow, one-dimensional characters, with their dullness only accentuated by the game's insipid art-style. The gameplay is just as dry, with only a handful of situations offering a meaningful logical or deduction challenge. Most of the times, the story will just tell you exactly what to do or expect you to tediously wander around town aimlessly and speak to the same people repeatedly until a clue will randomly appear on your way.    … Full Review »
  3. tukumalu
    Jun 9, 2020
    6
    Such bland characters, stories with full of loopholes and underwhelming villain.
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