Time Master

The protagonist in this game has done something that most of us could ever hope to achieve at a young age. He has somehow banished his sibling to the unknown! Time Master is all about making reparations, taking an opportunity to enter the mysterious puzzle-filled world and bring his sister back from this peculiar realm.

As you probably guessed, Time Master is a 3D-platformer where solving environmental puzzles makes up the bulk of the gameplay. It doesn't feel like anything we haven't seen before. However, the cutesy nature of the game will strike a node with many players - especially since the concept is hilarious. Let's join our wizard in his quest to bring his sister back to his world!

Time is of the Essence

You'd feel there's something awe-inspiring about Time Master before you've even moved your wizard character, Zeno. It seems to have that perfect formula for a hit - time-manipulated puzzles, vibrant environments, excellent level design, and a robust and heartwarming narrative. When a game ticks all those boxes, it tends to do well among the greater gaming community.

Getting immersed in the gameplay, and you'd argue it starts to tick those boxes straightaway. You're inspired to fulfill your objectives with a well-crafted, albeit elementary storyline. Time Master eases you into the game by offering more straightforward puzzles to begin with but then harnesses its classic platforming routes by getting harder.

To say some of Time Master's puzzles are challenging is an understatement. But that's probably one of the most beloved features of the games. It's that infuriating time and environment management paired with those eureka moments that send you into ecstasy. Some would argue that there's no better feeling in gaming, and it's supported by the fantastic look and feel of the game.

If you had to identify a deterrent about Time Master, it would be that the difficulty won't be appreciated by the casual gamers out there. But this platformer clearly isn't made for them. It's created to tap into the classical mechanics of 3D-platformer and offer a profound challenge against flaunting visuals and an uplifting narrative.

Running Down the Clock

It would feel that only checking boxes of a classic platformer formula would instantly create a hit. If it were that easy, though, why doesn't everyone else do it? That's because it's not as straightforward as it would seem to pull off. Just look at Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric. It goes to show even prominent developers struggle to create good platformers.

Time Master works on nearly every level. It's easy to tell that the game has the nostalgia, inspiration, and experience to create a magnificent 3D platformer puzzler.

Round-Up - Pros & Cons

Pros:

• The epitome of good 3D-platform-puzzle design
• Cute characters with a strong narrative supporting them
• Vibrant visuals keep players locked on the screen

Cons:

• Tricky puzzles will inevitably frustrate some players