Typoman is an independent video game developed by German indie studio Brainseed Factory for Nintendo Switch, Wii U, Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC, and mobile. The game follows a hero named HERO who crafts words to alter the environment around him.[1]
| Typoman | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Brainseed Factory |
| Publisher(s) | Brainseed Factory |
| Director(s) | Bilal Chbib |
| Designer(s) | Zein Okko |
| Programmer(s) |
|
| Artist(s) |
|
| Composer(s) | SonicPicnic |
| Engine | |
| Platform(s) | |
| Release | November 19, 2015
|
| Genre(s) | Puzzle, platform |
Gameplay
editTypoman features a number of environmental puzzles that are solved by crafting words that are relevant to the situation. For example, players can spell "up" to activate an elevator, or "open" to open a door.[2] Situations become increasingly complicated as the game progresses, requiring the player to come up with puns to manipulate items.[2]
Development
editThe idea of Typoman was born out of a desire to experiment with typography and gameplay. Brainseed Factory founder Bilal Chbib explained that the original plan was to have objects and monsters shaped out of letters.[3] As development continued the team eventually decided to implement puzzle based gameplay using letters and words.[3]
The game was originally a Wii U exclusive, and Nintendo showcased the game at the Nindies@Home program during E3 2015.[3] The game launched for Wii U in the same year.
A year after release, Brainseed Factory published an updated version of the game called Typoman: Revised for PC, Xbox One and PS4. The revised version implements several design and graphical improvements.[4] The PC version launched in 2016, with the console versions following in February 2017.
Reception
edit| Aggregator | Score |
|---|---|
| Metacritic | WIIU: 57/100[5] PC: 67/100[6] XONE: 73/100[7] PS4: 75/100[8] NS: 68/100[9] |
The original Wii U version of Typoman received mixed reviews from critics, with a score on review aggregator Metacritic of 57/100.[5] Typoman: Revised for Xbox One and PlayStation 4 was better received, scoring 73/100 and 75/100 respectively.[7][8]
Critics generally praised the game's concept, atmosphere and art style, but directed criticism towards the game's length.[8]
Accolades
edit| Year | Award | Category | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Game Connection America Awards, San Francisco | Best Console / PC Hardcore | Nominated | [10] |
| Best Casual | Won | |||
| Most Promising IP | Nominated | |||
| Deutscher Entwicklerpreis Cologne | Best Game | Nominated | [11] | |
| Best Indie Game | Nominated | |||
| Best Sound | Nominated | |||
| Best Game Design | Nominated | |||
| Best Console Game | Nominated | |||
| Gaming Trend's E3 Awards, Los Angeles | Best Art Style | Won | [12] | |
| Quo Vadis 2015, Berlin | Best of Quo Vadis Show | Won | [13][14] | |
| 2016 | Deutscher Computerspielpreis, Munich | Best Presentation | Won | [15] |
| German Educational Media Award, Munich | Best Youth Game | Won | [16] | |
| 2018 | TIGA Games Industry Awards, London | Best Puzzle Game | Nominated | [17] |
| Visual Design | Nominated |
References
edit- ^ OPMUK staff (February 16, 2015). "OPM Team Debate: Which under-the-radar game will take PS4 by storm in 2015?". GamesRadar+ (PlayStation Official Magazine – UK).
- ^ a b Priestman, Chris (May 18, 2015). "Typoman's dark world is made of letters that you'll have to sort into words to survive". Pocket Gamer.
- ^ a b c Cardoso, Jose (June 27, 2015). "Wii U exclusive Typoman pays tribute to writers and oppressed authors, uses essential GamePad features". GameZone.
- ^ Luke K. (August 4, 2016). "Typoman: Revised announced for PC, Mac, PS4, Xbox One". Critical Gamer. Archived from the original on August 10, 2016. Retrieved October 15, 2017.
- ^ a b "Typoman for Wii U Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved March 5, 2019.
- ^ "Typoman: Revised for PC Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved March 5, 2019.
- ^ a b "Typoman: Revised for Xbox One Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved March 5, 2019.
- ^ a b c "Typoman: Revised for PlayStation 4 Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved March 5, 2019.
- ^ "Typoman: Revised for Switch Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved March 5, 2019.
- ^ "Game Connection America 2015 Development Awards – Winners Revealed". Events for Gamers. 5 March 2015.
- ^ "Deutscher Entwicklerpreis 2015". PCGames. 9 November 2015.
- ^ "Gaming Trend's Best of E3 2015 Awards". Gaming Trend. 22 June 2015.
- ^ "Typoman gewinnt Best Of Quo Vadis 2015". Film- und Medienstiftung.
- ^ "QUO VADIS 2015 - Best of Quo Vadis Show powered by Google". YouTube.
- ^ "Deutscher Computerspielpreis 2016: Das sind die besten Spiele des Jahres". Deutscher Computerspielpreis.
- ^ "Pädi 2016". SIN Studio im Netz.
- ^ "TIGA 2018 Winners". TIGA.