Green Game: TimeSwapper (Vita)

Details: Category: Vita; By Cheryl Gress; 31.Aug; Hits: 5005

Game Info:

Green Game: TimeSwapper
Developed by: iFun4all
Published by: iFun4all
Release date: April 4, 2016
Available on: iOS, PC, Mac, Linux, PS4, Vita
Genre: Puzzle
Number of players: Single-player
ESRB Rating: Everyone
Price: $4.99

Thank you iFun4all for sending us a review code for this game!

The only way to know the story behind Green Game: TimeSwapper is to read the store page as it’s not mentioned in the game itself. I’ll save you a few moments and reiterate it here. You’re the master of time and can set it to the past, present or future with the swipe of your hand. A self-propelled mechanical bird must gather knowledge of the mysterious and hostile green world. It’s up to you to have it complete its mission successfully.

There are fifty levels in total and each of them have three gears that can be collected in any order. If you miss a gear, you can always go back and replay the level to claim it. Gathering gears is actually optional since you merely have to reach the end of the level to unlock the next one. Of course, this is easier said than done.

Highlights:

Strong Points: Challenging game that will push you to your limits and keeps track of how many times you have died
Weak Points: Experienced a few rage quit moments as the timing and controls are difficult to master
Moral Warnings: Mechanical violence

Since the mechanical bird is self-propelled and constantly moving, you must use the environment to steer it in the direction you wish it to go.

There are many traps, spikes, and blades that will have to be avoided at all costs. By swiping the Vita’s touch screen you can control a ray of green light that can activate steam pumps and disarm various traps. Some of the traps have multiple “states” that are tricky to get just right and sadly, you only have one life per level to get it right. All of your miscalculations will be tallied and prominently displayed on the loading screen. And no, there are no check points because that would make this game too easy.

Some levels have temporary modifiers like the ability to slow down the bird’s speed. Be sure to collect those if you can. Though it’s usually easier to just avoid them altogether and just focus on getting to the exit point. In the end it all depends on how much of a completionist you are.

Score Breakdown:
Higher is better
(10/10 is perfect)

Game Score - 80%
Gameplay - 15/20
Graphics - 7/10
Sound - 9/10
Stability - 5/5
Controls - 4/5 Morality Score - 94%
Violence - 7/10
Language - 10/10
Sexual Content - 10/10
Occult/Supernatural - 10/10
Cultural/Moral/Ethical - 10/10

If you like timing based puzzle games, you’ll enjoy Green Game: TimeSwapper. Though if you’re easily frustrated, this game may get under your skin after a while. You will die often, and thankfully there is no blood since the victim is mechanical.

The graphics are fitting to the game’s name with green backdrops and shadows. It ran well on my Vita other than the controls taking a few tries to master at times. The touch screen works well though I wonder how I would have fared with a controller instead.

The background music is mellow and has a jazz flare to it. The machinery sound effects and bird’s screeching upon its demise are well done.

In the end, this a cute little game that’s best enjoyed in short bursts. I found it perfect to play while waiting in roller coaster lines at my nearest theme park. The price is a reasonable $4.99 and it's worth checking out on any platform that’s convenient for you.