Typoman
Typoman is an independent video game developed by 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 | |
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Developer(s) | Brainseed Factory |
Publisher(s) | Brainseed Factory |
Director(s) | Bilal Chbib |
Designer(s) | Zein Okko |
Programmer(s) |
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Artist(s) |
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Composer(s) | SonicPicnic |
Platform(s) | |
Release | November 19, 2015
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Genre(s) | Puzzle, platform |
Mode(s) | Single-player |
Gameplay
Typoman 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
The idea of Typoman was born out of a desire to experiment with typography and gameplay. Brainseed Factory founder Bilal Chbib explains that the original plan was to "have objects and monsters shaped out of letters, and nothing else."[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 2015.
A year after release, Brainseed Factory announced an updated version of the game called Typoman: Revised would be released 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
Aggregator | Score |
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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]
Awards
- Nominee for Best Visual Design, Best Puzzle Game, TIGA Games Industry Awards 2018, London[10][11]
- Winner Beste Inszenierung (Best Presentation), German Video Game Awards 2016, Munich[12]
- Winner Best Casual Game, Game Connection Development Awards 2015, San Francisco[13]
- Nominee for Best Game, Best Indie Game, Best Sound, Best Game Design, Best Console Game, German Dev Awards 2015, Cologne[14]
- Winner Best Art Style, Gaming Trend's Best of E3 2015 Awards, Los Angeles[15]
- Winner Best of Quo Vadis Show 2015, Best of Quo Vadis Show, Berlin[16]
- Winner Best Youth Game for High Educational Value, Pädi 2016, Munich[17]
References
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- "Typoman for Wii U Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved March 5, 2019.
- "Typoman: Revised for PC Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved March 5, 2019.
- "Typoman: Revised for Xbox One Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved March 5, 2019.
- "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.
- Stephenson, Suzi (September 19, 2018). "TIGA Announces Games Industry Awards 2018 Finalists". The Independent Game Developers' Association.
- "2018 Winners". The Independent Game Developers' Association. November 1, 2018.
- "Deutscher Computerspielpreis 2016: Das sind die besten Spiele des Jahres". Deutscher Computerspielpreis.
- "Game Connection America 2015's Development Awards – Winners Revealed". Events For Gamers.
- "Deutscher Entwicklerpreis 2015: Nominierungen bekannt gegeben". PC Games.
- "Gaming Trend's Best of E3 2015 Awards". Gaming Trend.
- "Best of Quo Vadis 2015: Brainseed Factory gewinnt mit Typoman". makinggames.biz.
- "Pädagogischer Medienpreis Pädi 2016". Studio im Netz e.V.