2025-03-30
(Mod: 2025-05-27)
| 2 minutes
The video gaming world became toxic to me 20 years ago when I started getting motion sick every time I played. Maybe the game engines changed or maybe it was something in my head, but an entertainment medium I had previously loved suddenly became off limits, just as my children were beginning to discover it. But today was different.
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I’ve tried to get back in several times, but the experiment always ends the same way: with me abruptly throwing the controller into the corner and bolting from the room in search of somewhere to throw up. Not exactly the Hallmark moment most children crave with their fathers.
I was especially frustrated by this during the pandemic. As the only potential playmate for my housebound youngest, we’d been doubly motivated to find games we can play TOGETHER.
Our hunt uncovered a few 3D titles that I could at least WATCH for a while, but that wasn’t very satisfying for either of us. Kiddo wanted boss battles and action, while my vestibular limitations pushed me toward the safer ground of puzzles and 2D.
So imagine our delight when we found a game that checked all the boxes: a side scroller that kiddo loves, with none of the 3D immersion that turns Yours Truly into a puke fountain, and instead of shooting bad guys or collecting endless keys, the conflicts in this one were resolved through clever anagramming and word play.
Add to that a fabulously visceral and affective soundtrack and we were both mesmerized (and at times terrified) by Typoman, from Brainseed Factory. Yes, it’s been out since 2015, but it was new to us and kept us on the edge of our chairs for three successive nights. (We played one chapter per evening.)
The only complaint we had is that the ending came a bit too soon and left us with a few minor, but unanswered questions. Still, a very satisfying game for our particular mashup of interests.
And where else are you gonna get three great family bonding experiences for just $12?
