Typoman
2015 video game
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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 | Brainseed Factory |
| Publisher | Brainseed Factory |
| Director | Bilal Chbib |
| Designer | Zein Okko |
| Programmers |
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| Artists |
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| Composer | SonicPicnic |
| Engine | |
| Platforms | |
| Release | November 19, 2015
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| Genres | Puzzle, platform |
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 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
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
| 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 |
