Timespinner Reviews

Timespinner from Lunar Ray Games is an action-adventure title that serves as an ode to classic ‘90s games. In particular, it feels like a cross between Chrono

Gorgeous to behold and equally delightful to play, Timespinner is yet another top-notch Metroidvania on Switch. A lack of tough exploration challenges and an under-utilised time-freeze gimmick aside, it succeeds in using the popular genre as a vehicle for a genuinely intriguing science-fantasy tale that will motivate players to explore every inch of its fantastic pixel-art world.

Timespinner is a fantastic example of an excellent Metroidvania that mixes great character upgrades, a fun and diverse overworld, and a beautiful 16-bit look. The story not only combines the personal tragedy of a chosen one but adds grey to what's normally a black and white debate.

Go back, go forward, and even stop time in this narrative-heavy Metroidvania title many years in the making. Lunais is next in line to be her clan's Time Guardian, an honor of the highest caliber with worldly significance. During a ceremony honoring her newfound status, aircrafts suddenly storm the peaceful clan, forcing Lunais to use the timespinner device to transport her to a time and area unknown to her. How will she survive this fate?

As one of many games mimicking the style and structure sanctified by Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, Timespinner has its work cut out for it. It introduces fun twists that distinguish it from the pack, but Timespinner is at its best when it’s comfort food, since it nails most of the fundamentals players expect to follow its classic look. It takes a little while to get going, but nonetheless delivers a fun time-traveling adventure.

Even though Timespinner set out to imitate SOTN, it managed to find its own identity during its long development. It’s not quite as deep as its inspiration and it won’t take as long to finish, but I thoroughly enjoyed every minute I was playing. There’s been no shortage of quality indie games inspired by Super Metroid and Castlevania recently, but in my opinion Timespinner stands out as one of the best. If you’ve ever enjoyed Symphony of the Night or one of the many games it’s inspired over the last 20 years, you’ll have a great time with Timespinner.

Ah, September. The month where triple-A games flood onto our consoles seemingly non-stop. A month in which avid gamers turn into vigilantes web-slinging through the streets of New York. Explorers plunder the ruins of hidden cities in search of artifacts. With titanic games consuming our free time, it's hard to miss sprouting little indie games that are right around the corner before October blindsides us with more games our wallets can afford.