Timespinner

 Switch
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Apr 28, 2020
    90
    An effortlessly fun game to play and come back to. [Issue #41 – September 2019, p. 21]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Pure Nintendo
    Aug 5, 2019
    90
    Timespinner is an absolute joy to play. There’s so much to love, with a compelling and mysterious story involving exploration. The interesting time mechanics, coupled with an amazing soundtrack and pixel art style, make this game a welcome addition to any Nintendo Switch library.
  3. God is a Geek
    Jul 1, 2019
    90
    I cannot recommend Timespinner enough. The Switch port is fantastic and the game itself is special. My biggest disappointment is not being able to back the Kickstarter project because I had no idea about it then. I know most people who enjoyed Castlevania: Symphony of the Night will likely be enjoying Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night right now but Timespinner is something you absolutely need to play.
  5. Nintendo Enthusiast
    Jun 5, 2019
    90
    Timespinner kept me wide awake in the late hours of the night. I simply couldn’t put it down until I defeated the final boss. Luckily, tons of collectibles and a new game plus mode give me a reason to jump back in. If you’re a fan of Metroidvania games, Timespinner is a must play on Nintendo Switch.
  6. NintendoWorldReport
    Jun 4, 2019
    85
    Timespinner is a highly enjoyable Metroidvania that plays wonderfully on Switch. While it’d be even better if the time travelling theme felt more integral to the gameplay, the game gets so much else right, ranging from the exploration to the dynamite soundtrack. It’s highly reminiscent of its Castlevania inspirations, but through an engaging story and diverse abilities, Timespinner weaves its own path through the annals of Metroid-inspired video games.
  7. FNintendo
    Oct 4, 2019
    80
    Timespinner is a Metroidvania-style game that displays some obvious 16-bit inspirations along with a marvelous visual environment. Fans of the style will be delighted and while it is not the most content-packed or longest game ever made, Timespinner knows when to draw the line and offers a good amount of exploration that doesn't force itself for too long, the result is an interesting game that is more than worthy of attention.
  8. Critical Hit
    Jun 28, 2019
    80
    Timespinner is a wonderfully accessible and inclusive Metroidvania that does justice to the genre despite some missed opportunities and brief run time.
  9. Switch Player
    Jun 24, 2019
    80
    Lunar Ray Games have carefully constructed a game that doesn’t demand your attention, but rather invites you to take a closer look and rewards you with refined gameplay, a thought-provoking story and countless secrets to uncover.
  10. Nintendo Life
    Jun 4, 2019
    80
    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.
  11. Vooks
    Jun 21, 2019
    70
    Timespinner is an enjoyable game that stands alongside other good Metroidvanias, but not above them. It has an interesting story that somehow feels both epic and somewhat contained at the same time, but is full of background lore that is challenging to make sense of in its own right. Its visual style looks great, and in some moments really stands out, and features a wide cast of enemies to fight along the way, including some challenging boss battles. In the end, Lunar Ray Games delivers a solid experience - but not an exceptional one.

Awards & Rankings

31
#31 Best Switch Game of 2019
90
#90 Most Shared Switch Game of 2019

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 41 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 41
  3. Negative: 8 out of 41
  1. Wsm87
    Aug 29, 2019
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. This is a decent, if ultimately simple and a tad repetitive, metroidvania type game - of which I'm a big fan.

    It simply doesn't compare with the likes of Hollow Knight, Steamworld Dig 2, or the afformentioned namesakes of the genre.

    I knocked 1 point for the story, which begins tentatively but with potential. It quickly devolves into a one note orthodoxy of our current day politics - essentially, the Mary Sue main character saves the day with her 'letter friends' (ref. Dave Chappelle) against mean white straight dudes.    … Full Review »
  2. Ironplushy
    Jan 17, 2021
    8
    Not baffling how many men were triggered by this game. One tertiary character mentions he has a boyfriend and all the snowflakes cry about pcNot baffling how many men were triggered by this game. One tertiary character mentions he has a boyfriend and all the snowflakes cry about pc culture being forced down their throats. The game never mentions feminism once, but I guess having more than one female character is feminism gone mad.

    Timespinner is an above average metroidvania with time manipulation mechanics. The game is a bit on the short side but doesn't wear out its welcome either. There is a new game+ and nightmare mode after you beat the game on normal meaning there is a bit of replayability. Combat, graphics, enemy variety, music, and story are all very good. Not much to dislike about the game. If you're easily triggered by the presence of women in your game, you probably can't handle this.    … Full Review »
  3. MechaGojira
    Feb 27, 2020
    9
    Timespinner is pretty much a mix of Castlevania Symphony of the Night, and Chrono Trigger in all the right ways!
    It has the combat,    Timespinner is pretty much a mix of Castlevania Symphony of the Night, and Chrono Trigger in all the right ways!
    It has the combat, exploration, and RPG elements of SOTN. Then it has the art style, multiple endings, and time travel elements of Chrono Trigger!

    The music was fantastic, but not quite as memorable as either of the games obvious sources of inspiration!

    The only real complaint I have for the game is it was short as most Metroidvania titles are, and it just left me wanting more!    … Full Review »
See all user reviews »