Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 36
  2. Negative: 2 out of 36
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  1. Play Magazine
    100
    If this game doesn't make you smile then you probably don't have a mouth. [Dec 2002, p.68]
  2. 90
    Graphically excellent, easy to control, interesting and very long, Blinx is certainly the best platform game on Xbox so far.
  3. 88
    This one will take time and a real investment to master... A solid, challenging, and beautiful game, but it's also a significant step in the direction of the Xbox.
  4. Looks a bit rubbish at first, but scratch the surface and you'll find one of the strongest and most rewarding Xbox games yet. [GamesMaster]
  5. GameNow
    83
    Certainly should garner awards for technical achievement. [Dec 2002, p.58]
  6. Instead of being the Mario challenger it could have been, the overall control, camera issues and the above-mentioned weak points of the game bring it down to good-but-not-good-enough status.
  7. netjak
    81
    It is visually impressive, has some decent audio features, and some great ideas. Too bad the crystal system became a pain and the game was so short.
  8. It’s obvious that the idea of time manipulation came whilst these guys were working on "Sonic CD," and it’s certainly been developed, but just not quite enough.
  9. The time control elements are so unique and the corresponding graphic effects are so cool that you'd be a fool to miss out on them.
  10. In addition to the plot straight out of an LSD hallucination, it has unique game mechanics that really spice up the platform gaming scene.
  11. When it comes down to it, no Xbox owner should go without at least trying the video game industry's very first four-dimensional product.
  12. Truly taxing for the mind and the thumbs, it’s a game that only gets deeper, better and more challenging as it progresses.
  13. Blending the time controls with standard platformer gameplay gives this title more than a twist; it's got an entire hook of its own.
  14. It combines a sort of Tetris feel with a platform shooter that is good with kids. If it doesn't teach kids shapes and how to aim a controller, I am not sure what will.
  15. Game Informer
    78
    Don't expect the thrills to last very long. Whether you finish it quickly, or tire of the routine, it just doesn't have the depth or drawing power to keep you hooked. [Nov 2002, p.136]
  16. A solid platform game that is fun to play, but it is not without its pitfalls that will leave you somewhat frustrated.
  17. The mechanics for shooting garbage and bombs seems inconsistent. Sometimes, you can shoot at a monster across the room and nail him, but other times, the garbage seems to get caught on something invisible. And when you're shooting bombs, this becomes extremely dangerous.
  18. Official Xbox Magazine
    74
    Add to this some of the game's camera problems and the smallish feel of each stage and Blinx is just slightly amiss of being the really creative, clever game it's premise hints at. [Dec 2002, p.96]
  19. The good news is that Blinx has a lot of potential to become a quality game series, and future games can be great if those areas needing improvement are addressed.
  20. GMR Magazine
    70
    This green-eyed feline can control the flow of time, but puzzles designed around that concept are lacking. Great idea, flawed execution. [Feb 2003, p.95]
  21. The game fell short of what I was hoping for, but it still was some fun to play.
  22. Although Blinx has its flaws, it is innovative and unusual enough to make it a worthy purchase.
  23. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    70
    Note to developers: if your main character is a wacky time-travelling, vacuuming cat, you've got to milk the wacky angle! [Dec 2002, p.248]
  24. 70
    A unique hybrid of a platform game and logic puzzle that’s too unforgiving to be fun for too long.
  25. A lot more frustrating than fun.
  26. Xbox Nation Magazine
    60
    Even seasoned gamers will have to replay Blinx's tougher levels dozens of times before succeeding... but replaying Blinx's levels more than a few times is just plain boring. [Winter 2002, p.90]
  27. If you’re close to a wall, Blinx regularly disappears, so you’re left waddling around in first person mode, completely unable to judge distance or aim properly or in fact play the game properly.
  28. 60
    With such excellent production values, it's a shame that Blinx is brought down by its difficulty and camera issues.
  29. Cheat Code Central
    60
    If Blinx didn't have enough to worry about, Artoon's camera work teeters on the brink of disaster and often just crashes and burns.
  30. Instead of an outstanding title, all we're left with is an average game highlighted by one outstanding feature.
  31. 50
    One of the most tedious, poorly-conceived 3D platform games that I've had the displeasure of slogging through. That said, it doesn't screw up the technical stuff.
  32. A game with potential, but the developers need to change the scope of the worlds as well as offer more varied objectives for it to be grouped in the same litter as "Super Mario Sunshine" or "Jak and Daxter."
  33. Entertainment Weekly
    50
    The cool concept can't sweep away the problems - a poor camera system, kitschy visuals, annoying music, and bland level design. [18 Oct 2002, p.1124]
  34. Unrewarding, derivative, insulting and just plain dull, and worse of all, shamefully ignorant of the huge leaps forward in level design, characterisation and game structure and in the last decade, and as such is best avoided.
  35. Horrendous, horribly, horribly frustrating later level designs, which totally ruin any love I previously had for the game.

Awards & Rankings

81
4
#4 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2002
6
#6 Most Shared Xbox Game of 2002
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 67 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 67
  2. Negative: 9 out of 67
  1. May 24, 2015
    8
    While glaringly flawed, BLiNX: The Time Sweeper is still a decent game with functional mechanics. The game looks great and the music is someWhile glaringly flawed, BLiNX: The Time Sweeper is still a decent game with functional mechanics. The game looks great and the music is some of the best on the XBOX. The trial-&-error gameplay and odd difficulty spike may be an annoyance to some, but it is a mostly solid game and certainly the best platformer on the system. Fans of platformers will most likely enjoy this game, even if it is nearly 13 years old. Full Review »
  2. Nov 22, 2010
    6
    I really enjoyed the story and creativity of this quite original and untimely game. Due to the difficulty level (which cannot be changed) thisI really enjoyed the story and creativity of this quite original and untimely game. Due to the difficulty level (which cannot be changed) this video game takes quite a while to finish, and it does not have any cinematics between levels to fully keep you interested. The plot is overall a predictable one, but that doesn't make it any less a good one. The game opens in the Time Factory, where they make and deliver time to different worlds/dimensions. Your character Blinx is a Time Sweeper and travels to different worlds to delete any glitches that may be occuring in time. The most common enemy are the time mosters, but the true villains are the Tom Tom Gang, the main antagonist. The Tom Toms steal the time in B1Q64 and cause a massive outbreak of time monsters while also kidnapping the princess. The variety in levels and these Blinx-only features of controlling time make it a very fun and unforgetable game. However, it's lack of multiplayer and other such content are it's downfall. Still, I recommend playing it for anyone who owns an Xbox. Full Review »
  3. Aug 7, 2021
    3
    Super-slow movement speed and horrible, clunky controls make this one of the worst 3D "platformers" I have ever played.