Syed Imran Haider 
Stargate: Timekeepers is a game that has taken its cues from the television show SG-1, but it has brought an entirely new team of quippy characters. The tone is slightly campy, which reminds you of an era before prestige TV when things were not as serious and grim. It proves to be a very competent stealth tactics game and manages to strike a good balance, never being too comedic, or goofy.
The plot
The plot of Stargate: Timekeepers is fast-paced and is set in the same universe as Atlantis and SG-1, as it begins during the climactic Battle of Antarctica in the seventh season. It introduces a parallel adventure that is completely different from what Timekeepers usually offers. But, there is one problem that players will face. If they do not have any knowledge of Stargate lore, they are going to be confused because there are no explanations provided. Thus, the game is apparently designed for existing SG-1 fans.
During the seven initial missions, you will put together a team that comprises of misfits and soldiers, who are endearing, even if they are a bit two-dimensional. Depending on how aggressive or careful you are, each deployment takes almost 45 minutes to a few hours.
The characters
The leader is Store Brand Samantha Carter: Colonel Eva McCain, who appears to be Colonel Carter from the TV show, from personality to appearance. Other characters include Max Bolton, the too-cool sniper, A’ta, a rebel Jaffa and Derrick Harper, the quirky and nervous scientist. In terms of dialogue, the characters’ interactions do not have much impact, but the way their skills mesh together certainly has one.
You can use a range of playstyles for approaching most areas. Eva proves to be quite good at the run-and-gun principle, as she manages to take out entire squads with a barrage of rifle fire and grenades. The ammo is limited and you do not want to alert any enemies that might be nearby. Sam Watson is an alien expert who is capable of disguising himself as a Jaffa and can also speak their language. He is helpful in distracting the guards, while others can slip by.
The details
The good thing about Timekeepers is that all levels feature interesting and rich alien environments. The character models, portraits and particle effects may not be very detailed or modern, but the environments have enough character to keep things interesting. There is also a satisfying difficulty curve in terms of level design, as it adds in new elements, such as patrolling drones and this keeps you on your feet.
The mission intros are also appealing because they are formatted in the same way as the ‘Previously on’ recaps that were seen on the TV show. It makes you feel like you are playing an episode of SG-1 and this certainly feels good. Things can also go sideways at any time, so you have to be on alert at all times
The Verdict
The first seven episodes of Stargate: Timekeepers are extremely interesting and certainly worth checking out for fans of Atlantis and SG-1, as the shows have been off the air for about 15 years now.
