When we first came up with IGN insider, we took a long look at all of our existing IGN channels to find topics and areas we don't already cover -- ones that would be interesting to die-hard gamers and IGN fans like yourself. If there is one major trend that emerged with the release of new gaming consoles, it's that more and more developers are trying to release their titles on multiple consoles. The editors at IGN try to do their best to write about each gaming system and objectively review all the major titles, but there is one thing we don't often do: compare games across platforms. Is Madden still worth a purchase on GameCube, or does the controller hinder the experience? Is Burnout just as thrilling on PlayStation 2 as it is on the more powerful GameCube and Xbox platforms?

If you're at a conflict every time a game debuts on multiple platforms, this column is for you. The Head-to-Head series of articles cuts through all the different takes the editors have on games, compares the facts, and presents you with one uniform opinion on all the versions.Developer Free Radical, co-founded by ex-Rare members, began work on the TimeSplitters franchise for the PS2 several years ago. It got an impressive engine up and running on the PS2 when it launched, but because of time constraints the first TimeSplitters was lacking features and a strong single-player mode. As soon as work on the first installment ended, Free Radical picked things right back up and began developing a more feature-rich sequel. TimeSplitters 2 is the result, and thanks to an engine that runs at 60 frames per second across all three next-generation consoles, it is certainly a worthy purchase regardless of the system. Of course, there's no point in not getting the most bang (no pun intended) for your buck, and you'll definitely want to take note of the various differences between all the versions. There are some important things to consider in the area of sound, and especially visuals. Read on.The control options for a first-person shooter are always very important. Thankfully, Free Radical knew this and has included every option imaginable in TimeSplitters 2 setup menu. Whether you're right-handed or left-handed, TS2 has an option that will suit you. If it doesn't, you will find a "custom" option. You can do whatever you want with the controller features. Finally a console developer has realized how important this is. There are also preference options for auto aim, crouch toggling, and most wanted guns such as "if new and best," or "if new," etc.Each version is home to all these features, and, frankly, it comes down to controller preference. This, above nearly all, is probably the most important consideration you can make. Every version feels pretty smooth. Though, as Free Radical noted in an interview , the PlayStation 2 analogs can feel a bit less sensitive, compared to the smoother playing GameCube and Xbox versions.Nonetheless, every feature needed to play is available on all three controllers. Only you can decide which controller will feel best for you.