Software:TypeShift

From HandWiki
TypeShift
TypeShifticon.jpg
App cover
Developer(s)Zach Gage
Publisher(s)Zach Gage
Noodlecake Studios (Android)
Platform(s)Browser
iOS
Android
ReleaseBrowser, iOS
March 18, 2017
Android
December 20, 2017
Genre(s)Puzzle
Mode(s)Single-player

TypeShift is a word puzzle video game developed by Zach Gage.

Gameplay

A game of TypeShift in progress on a standard stage. Letters that have already been used in a word are highlighted in green.

TypeShift is a word puzzle video game in which the player must spell out words by sliding letters in columns[1] (by sliding the columns up and down). When a player makes a word, the letters in the word turn green. The player's goal is to have all the letters on the stage be turned green.[2] There are also "key" words, which if found by the player, allow them to quickly solve a puzzle.[3]

The game also includes "clue" stages in addition to the standard stages.[4] In a clue stage, the player is presented with clues (like a crossword puzzle) as well as the columns of letters. The player solves a clue by tapping on the clue and if they are correct, the clue will disappear.[5]

Development and release

TypeShift was developed by Zach Gage. The game released for iOS devices on March 18, 2017. A web browser version was also released and hosted by Merriam-Webster but no longer appears to be available as of October 2021.[1] An Android port, produced by Noodlecake Studios, was released on December 20, 2017.

In 2023, TypeShift is integrated within the games portal Puzzmo, developed by Gage and Orta Therox, as a daily puzzle.[6]

Reception

Reception
Aggregate score
AggregatorScore
Metacritic86/100[7]

TypeShift received "generally favorable" reviews from professional critics according to review aggregator website Metacritic, receiving a score of 86 out of 100.[7] Gamezebo rated the game 4 out of 5 stars, praising the game's "substantial challenge without feeling impossible", that the game lets the player "learn new words and expand your vocabulary" and that it is "easy to make the ads disappear" while criticizing the limited number of puzzles available and that "the ads are a poor match for a beautiful game".[8] TouchArcade rated the game 4 out of 5 stars calling it an "attractive game with an enjoyable primary mechanic" but criticizing the game giving away the "key words" after solving a puzzle.[3]

See also

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Matulef, Jeffrey (13 March 2017). "SpellTower dev Zach Gage is releasing a new word game this weekend". Eurogamer. http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-03-13-spelltower-dev-zach-gage-is-releasing-a-new-word-game-this-weekend. Retrieved 19 April 2017. 
  2. Webster, Andrew (2017-03-18). "TypeShift is a slick and beautiful new word game for iPhone". https://www.theverge.com/2017/3/18/14961332/typeshift-iphone-ipad-word-game-zach-gage. 
  3. 3.0 3.1 "'TypeShift' Review - I'd Like to Have Some Words with You". 2017-03-24. http://toucharcade.com/2017/03/24/typeshift-review/. 
  4. "TypeShift Review". Pocket Gamer. http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/iPad/TypeShift/review.asp?c=73348. 
  5. Muncy, Julie. "New Game 'Typeshift' Enlightens Word Nerds With Masterful Design | WIRED". Wired. https://www.wired.com/2017/03/typeshift-good-game-design/. Retrieved 2017-06-23. 
  6. "Acclaimed puzzle designer known for weird games gives Wordle some competition: "I have been working on this project, in secret, for almost 2 years"" (in en). 2023-10-19. https://www.gamesradar.com/acclaimed-puzzle-designer-known-for-weird-games-gives-wordle-some-competition-i-have-been-working-on-this-project-in-secret-for-almost-2-years/. 
  7. 7.0 7.1 "TypeShift for iPhone/iPad Reviews". Metacritic. https://www.metacritic.com/game/typeshift/critic-reviews/?platform=ios-iphoneipad. Retrieved 19 April 2017. 
  8. Nik Ives-Allison (2017-03-20). "TypeShift Review: Brain-melting Word Games". http://www.gamezebo.com/2017/03/20/typeshift-review/. 

External links