Timespinner similar games & best alternatives

Timespinner

Mac, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch, Linux, Xbox One, PlayStation Vita • 2018

Should you play it?

Travel back in time to change fate itself, in this beautifully crafted story-driven adventure, inspired by classic 90s action-platformers. Join timekeeper Lunais on her quest for revenge against the empire that killed her family, using time-bending powers to explore a vast, connected world.

What works
  • Polished pixel art and animation
  • Engaging soundtrack
  • Smooth controls and gameplay
  • Interesting orb customization system
  • Multiple endings and new game+
Things to keep in mind
  • Game is relatively short
  • Low difficulty and easy boss fights
  • Some find story and dialogue awkward
  • Limited use of time stop mechanic
  • Repetitive enemy design and backtracking

What to play next

Similar games, hidden gems, and fresh directions from this game.

Top picks

Games that feel the closest overall

  • Blossom Tales: The Sleeping King

  • Ocean's Heart

  • Islets

  • Chasm

  • Spaceport Hope

  • Shantae: Half-Genie Hero

  • Gunbrella

  • Cally's Caves 3

  • Catmaze

Hidden Gems

Less popular games with surprisingly high similarity

  • Flynn: Son of Crimson

  • Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore

  • ITORAH

If you liked…

Recommendations by what you enjoyed most

  • Escapism

    Last Epoch

  • Fantasy

    Galaxy of Pen & Paper +1

  • Progression

    The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC

Similarity map

Explore nearby similar games and see why they’re close.

How to use the graph
Similarity map

Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Why this game works” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

  • Purple star: this page’s game — everything on the map is relative to it.
  • Coloured chips: click to highlight games that mainly differ on that motivation; click again to reset.
  • Dotted line: link between this page’s game and the one selected for comparison.
  • Hover a dot for a screenshot preview, score, and top score gaps; click to compare in the panel on the right.
  • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers (hidden on purpose).

Timespinner: A very typical example of its motivational profile. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Survival, Violence, Competition, Thrill. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Violence. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Expression, Intimacy.

Why this game works

A motivational profile of the game, with the closest similar game for each player motivation.

  • Autonomy

    Game with the same Autonomy vibe

    3

    "Players can choose different classes and customize summons and gear extensively, allowing personal playstyle direction, though missions and progression have some routine elements."

    Capsule for Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor - Prophecy Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor - Prophecy

    "Players can choose different orbs, spells, and equipment loadouts and switch between them on the fly, allowing personal playstyle customization."

  • Competence

    Game with the same Competence vibe

    2

    "Combat is simple and repetitive but includes some skill elements like timing attacks and using combos; leveling and weapon upgrades provide a sense of progression."

    Capsule for Adventure Time: Finn and Jake's Epic Quest Adventure Time: Finn and Jake's Epic Quest

    "The game has a progression system with leveling and upgrades, but overall combat is considered easy and bosses can be trivialized by overleveling."

  • Competition

    Game with the same Competition vibe

    -4

    "The game is single-player with no mention of competitive modes or leaderboards; focus is on personal progress and self-set goals."

    Capsule for BirdGut BirdGut

    "The game is single-player with no competitive modes or leaderboards; focus is on personal progression and exploration."

  • Continuation

    Game with the same Continuation vibe

    2

    "Players report replaying for multiple endings and new game+; some desire for more content but generally short playtime."

    Capsule for The Backroom - Lost and Found The Backroom - Lost and Found

    "Players report enjoying the game enough to do New Game+ and multiple endings, though the game is relatively short and some find replay value limited."

  • Cooperation

    Game with the same Cooperation vibe

    -5

    "The game is a single-player experience with no cooperative multiplayer or teamwork elements."

    Capsule for Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition

    "The game is a single-player experience with no cooperative multiplayer or teamwork elements."

  • Creativity

    Game with the same Creativity vibe

    3

    "Players customize character builds via orbment system and quartz, and can experiment with combat styles."

    Capsule for Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter

    "Players can customize their combat style by mixing and matching orbs, spells, and accessories, creating unique builds."

  • Domination

    Game with the same Domination vibe

    -5

    "No evidence of exerting control or superiority over others; interactions are single-player and narrative-driven."

    Capsule for Assassin's Creed® Origins Assassin's Creed® Origins

    "No evidence of exerting control or superiority over others; interactions are single-player and story-driven."

  • Escapism

    Game with the same Escapism vibe

    4

    "Players use the game as a stress relief and immersive fantasy experience, with time-travel narrative and engaging combat."

    Capsule for Last Epoch Last Epoch

    "Players use the game for immersive exploration, time-travel fantasy, and stress relief through engaging gameplay."

  • Expectation

    Game with the same Expectation vibe

    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest in metroidvania genre and personal desire, no obligation reported."

    Capsule for Elderand Elderand

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest in metroidvania genre and story; no indication of obligation or external pressure."

  • Experimenting

    Game with the same Experimenting vibe

    3

    "Players enjoy trying different orbment builds and combat strategies, as well as exploring hidden quests and secrets."

    Capsule for The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero

    "The variety of orbs and spells encourages players to try different combinations and tactics."

  • Exploration

    Game with the same Exploration vibe

    3

    "Game features large, varied maps with hidden areas and secrets to discover."

    Capsule for Carmageddon TDR 2000 Carmageddon TDR 2000

    "The game features exploration of two time periods with map completion and secret areas, though the map is relatively small."

  • Expression

    Game with the same Expression vibe

    -2

    "Some character customization through choices, but no avatar personalization or cosmetic modifications."

    Capsule for Sepia Tears Sepia Tears

    "Some character customization exists via equipment, but no significant avatar personalization or cosmetic modification."

  • Fantasy

    Game with the same Fantasy vibe

    4

    "The game features a sci-fi fantasy setting with imaginative fiction, time travel, and meta roleplaying elements."

    Capsule for Galaxy of Pen & Paper +1 Galaxy of Pen & Paper +1

    "The game is set in a fantasy sci-fi world with time travel, magic, and supernatural elements."

  • Fellowship

    Game with the same Fellowship vibe

    -4

    "Minimal social interaction; players mostly experience the game solo with NPCs but no community play."

    Capsule for Blaster Master Zero 2 Blaster Master Zero 2

    "The game is primarily single-player with minimal social interaction beyond NPCs."

  • Growth

    Game with the same Growth vibe

    3

    "Players level up characters, unlock combos and abilities, and improve stats through exploration and combat."

    Capsule for Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Mirror of Fate HD Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Mirror of Fate HD

    "Players level up orbs and character stats, gaining new abilities and improving effectiveness."

  • Health

    Game with the same Health vibe

    -5

    "The game is sedentary with no physical activity or health-related gameplay."

    Capsule for The Testament of Sherlock Holmes The Testament of Sherlock Holmes

    "The game is sedentary with no physical activity or health-related gameplay."

  • Idle

    Game with the same Idle vibe

    -3

    "Requires focused attention for platforming and combat; not designed for idle or background play."

    Capsule for Effie Effie

    "The game requires focused attention for platforming and combat; not designed for idle or background play."

  • Intimacy

    Game with the same Intimacy vibe

    -3

    "Interactions with NPCs are limited to dialogue and investigation; no deep emotional or relationship-building mechanics."

    Capsule for Whispers of a Machine Whispers of a Machine

    "Interactions with NPCs are limited to quest dialogue; no deep social or emotional relationships formed."

  • Leadership

    Game with the same Leadership vibe

    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements present."

    Capsule for Trover Saves the Universe Trover Saves the Universe

    "No leadership or group management elements present."

  • Progression

    Game with the same Progression vibe

    4

    "Strong emphasis on leveling up, acquiring new skills, upgrading orbments, and collecting items to enhance characters."

    Capsule for The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC

    "Strong emphasis on leveling up orbs, acquiring new equipment, and unlocking abilities."

  • Relaxation

    Game with the same Relaxation vibe

    3

    "Game can be relaxing and enjoyable, though higher difficulties add challenge and tension."

    Capsule for Gunfire Reborn Gunfire Reborn

    "The game is described as relaxing and enjoyable, though some find it too easy and lacking challenge."

  • Sensation

    Game with the same Sensation vibe

    3

    "Enjoyable pixel art visuals, fluid animations, and a well-received soundtrack provide sensory pleasure."

    Capsule for Flynn: Son of Crimson Flynn: Son of Crimson

    "Enjoyable pixel art, smooth animations, and a well-regarded soundtrack provide sensory pleasure."

  • Status

    Game with the same Status vibe

    -5

    "No social status or recognition systems; achievements are personal."

    Capsule for Subnautica: Below Zero Subnautica: Below Zero

    "No social status or recognition systems; achievements are personal."

  • Story

    Game with the same Story vibe

    3

    "The game has an engaging narrative with multiple endings and lore, though some find it incomplete or ambiguous."

    Capsule for Mr. Hopp's Playhouse Mr. Hopp's Playhouse

    "The game has a narrative with multiple endings and lore, though some find the story convoluted or awkward in parts."

  • Strategy

    Game with the same Strategy vibe

    2

    "Some tactical decisions in combat and patch selection, but overall combat is straightforward."

    Capsule for Sparklite Sparklite

    "Some tactical depth in choosing orb combinations and exploiting enemy weaknesses, but combat is overall straightforward."

  • Thrill

    Game with the same Thrill vibe

    -2

    "Game is generally easy and low-risk, with minimal suspense or tension."

    Capsule for Yooka-Replaylee Yooka-Replaylee

    "The game is generally easy and low risk, with limited suspense or tension."

  • Value

    Game with the same Value vibe

    3

    "Players feel the game offers good value especially at sale price; shorter length balanced by quality experience."

    Capsule for Assassin's Creed Mirage Assassin's Creed Mirage

    "Players find good value especially on sale, appreciating the polished experience despite the game's short length."

  • Violence

    Game with the same Violence vibe

    3

    "Combat involves defeating enemies and bosses with weapons and magic; typical action-platformer violence."

    Capsule for Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon

    "Combat involves defeating enemies and bosses with weapons and magic, typical of action platformers."

  • Survival

    Game with the same Survival vibe

    -3

    "The game is low-risk with minimal threat; survival elements are not prominent."

    Capsule for BLUE REFLECTION: Second Light BLUE REFLECTION: Second Light

    "The game is low risk with easy difficulty; survival elements are minimal."

Last update: 01/06/2026