Time Recoil Reviews
Time Recoil isn't going to redefine the cyberpunk genre, win awards for its writing or make players philosophize on the ethics of time travel. It's a satisfying blitz that wants to chill you out and challenge you, and that's enough.
If you really dig level-based twin-stick shooters like this, Time Recoil is a solid purchase – after you've finished Neon Chrome, that is.
Time Recoil packs a lot of fun into a relatively short experience, but the lack of effort invested into the plot, visuals, and audio holds it back from sitting at the top of the genre.
Time Recoil really boils down to a simple process: kill, kill some more, slow things down, blow stuff up, kill again, and exit the level
Many aspects of Time Recoil show potential, but the only part that is actualized is its gameplay. The typically confusing time-travel plot impedes enjoyment as does the randomness in levels, which nearly diminishes that stellar gameplay.
Time Recoil is a solid twin-stick shooter and is definitely the best of 10tons' previous titles in the genre. Its simplicity in both gameplay and controls mean it's easy to pick up and play at your own leisure, making it a perfect fit for the PS Vita. If you're a fan of Hotline Miami, Neon Chrome, Jydge, or any other twin-stick shooter for that matter, then Time Recoil is well worth your time.
Time Recoil reveals it in its title - the game introduces a time mechanic that makes this an interesting and successful piece of work. With fun action and short, quick missions that make this a game well suited for portable, fast gaming moments, with only its too simplistic graphics and less interesting plot standing in the way of a more fulfilling experience.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Time Recoil feels like the most refined of 10tons' three top-down shooter titles on Switch, and while initial frustration and slightly unspectacular visuals are drawbacks, it is the crux of the game that makes it both more enjoyable and immediately more satisfying. Having a more fleshed out story - as well as quick missions, the time manipulation mechanic and twin stick arcade thrills - sets this game up to be a more layered take on the now familiar genre. While there are some technical drawbacks still present, progressing through Time Recoil and achieving high combos of slow motion kills makes for an enjoyable experience.
Clocks and glocks all come together in a game that makes the most of its signature idea, as Time Recoil adds a new twist to the twin-stick shooter genre with its chronal-stretching gameplay.
Going back has two meanings here: in time and retry. Indie outfit 10tons offers a top-down, twin stick(ish) shooter that offers "bullet time" as an added element along with the trial and error proceedings.
A good game in its genre with a couple of flaws. It uses time manipulation creatively, though.
Review in Polish | Read full review
A mix of Hotline Miami and upside-down SUPERHOT. This twin-stick shooter has a good and nicely done idea for the gameplay, but it lacks variety in terms of the content.
Review in Polish | Read full review
Time Recoil is an outstanding top-down strategy game that gives off the appearance of a top-down shooter.
Time Recoil is a game that is easy to recommend. The game's interesting and fun gameplay mechanics, solid gameplay and many goals to complete will keep you entertained from start to finish, and the more you play, the better you'll become so that you can improve your overall score and time. 10tons has given us a good PlayStation 4 game, and I look forward to playing JYDGE soon!
Time Recoil's time travel gimmick is handled with much effort, as it is creative and does a lot to keep the action exciting and hectic, which is further enhanced by the catchy 80s-inspired music. Though the story is basic and the game isn't terribly long, clocking in at around three to four hours, its unique gameplay does a lot to carry it, and new ideas are introduced that help keep things fresh.
Time Recoil won't be the cornerstone of your gaming sessions, but it works in providing small rations of fun in between the more major titles, and will at least briefly transport you back to the action-based gaming days of yesteryear.
Time Recoil is the perfect follow up for anyone that enjoyed Neon Chrome. It takes the structure that made Neon so great, but replaces the RPG and roguelike elements with the time mechanics, creating a whole new experience. Time Recoil is my third experience with this line of games from 10Tons and although I do still enjoy Neon Chrome more, this one comes in at a close second.
It really is the gunplay and time powers that make Time Recoil worth checking out. A lot of enjoyment can be had in discovering the best combo that leaves behind a slow-motion trail of destruction. At the same time, the lack of level variety and objective variance makes this a better candidate for gaming in short bursts, and the lack of multiplayer hurts as well. Even with these flaws, Time Recoil is a solid twin-stick shooter that is worth checking out.
If you want play the time trials and can stomach, or at least ignore, the half-hearted attempt at a story then you might derive some enjoyment from Time Recoil. Still, things like the randomized ammo drops, muddy visuals, and poorly designed puzzles are needlessly frustrating, and your time and money would be better spent elsewhere.
Time Recoil plays like a toned-down Hotline Miami that strips away the stealth focus and ramps up the twin-stick shooting.