in "crisis zone", the player controls the elite anti-terrorist special tactics force (s.t.f.) leader, claude mcgarren. the game uses the same pedal system to reload and hide; however, the player uses a machine gun, a customized steyr mannlicher tmp with a sight laser and a capacity of 40 rounds. players take cover behind a portable ballistic shield that is strapped to the character's left arm. the "crisis flash" is replaced with a warning target icon to remind players to hide from a threatening shot, though it is possible to interrupt the enemy from shooting. "crisis zone" is the first "time crisis" game to date to allow the player to select between three levels to play in any order. upon completion of all three of them, the player can then play the final level to beat the game.