TYPOMAN: REVISED
Word play in a very literal sense
Words are powerful things; when used correctly they are beneficial, but the wrong ones can lead to disaster. Developer Brainseed Factory has cleverly crafted this concept into a videogame. The result is an experience akin to playing a 2D platformer and a game of Scrabble at the same time.
There are no weapons or fancy moves here. Your only power is your ability to manipulate letters to create words in order to progress. Sometimes this is a simple case of pushing existing letters together and reordering them; at other times you’ll be faced with a selection of letters and have to find and create a useful word. 1 Which word is needed depends on the situation. Can’t get past a door? Try finding the word ‘open’. Need to get that platform higher? Then the magic word is ‘rise’. 2 In some cases there are multiple solutions to a conundrum, and a large degree of lateral thinking is required to solve the more devious puzzles. Word-based mini-games help bolster the short yet immensely enjoyable and inventive narrative, which proves extra endearing for those with an affinity for the English language.
The dark visuals draw obvious comparisons with Limbo, as does the frequency at which you’ll send your character to the afterlife. Nestled among all the word wizardry is a punishing platformer where navigating fire traps, leaping off collapsing ruins and frantically fleeing from the world’s unsavoury creatures provides the perfect contrast to the game’s superb puzzling elements. This unique blend of traditional word games and conventional platforming is delightful, demanding and inspired. Anne-Marie Coyle