Twisted Tower Review | BioShock Meets Willy Wonka with a Gothic Twist

Welcome to the Tower… If You Dare

Step into a massive, mysterious tower packed with bizarre attractions, unsettling secrets, and deadly traps. On the surface, the tower resembles a twisted, colorful amusement park—but beneath its vibrant aesthetic lies a far darker reality. Your mission is simple yet desperate: rescue your wife while uncovering the truth behind the tower and the tragic souls trapped inside. Blending psychological horror, exploration, and fast-paced first-person combat, the game delivers an increasingly disturbing challenge around every corner. The overall vibe feels like BioShock meets Willy Wonka, with a subtle Tim Burton-esque gothic fantasy atmosphere—creating a world that feels delightfully eerie without directly copying Burton’s style.

Locked, Loaded, and Ridiculous: The Arsenal

At its core, Twisted Tower is a classic first-person shooter, but its eccentric weapon variety is what really makes it stand out:

• Whack-a-Mole Mallet: A heavy, satisfying melee weapon for close encounters.
• Skull-Popping Ray Gun: A surreal energy weapon that delivers splashy results.
• Dart Tommy Gun & Rubber-Band Pistol: Playful yet lethal twists on conventional firearms.
• Shotgun & Beyond: A surprisingly deep arsenal that remains fun to discover as you progress.

To complement your weaponry, you’re given a set of “Traversal Toys,” including a harpoon, double-jump boots, and a jetpack, that add mobility and verticality to the action. To enhance your gear, you’ll encounter a vendor system reminiscent of BioShock’s upgrade stations.

Despite the playful gear, the atmosphere shifts dramatically. In several levels, the playful facade strips away, and the game sometimes feels like a straight-up horror game.

Animatronic Nightmares Around Every Corner

The park has been abandoned for decades, but it is far from empty. Rogue, murderous animatronics and twisted fairy-tale mascots still stalk the halls. From terrifying giraffes and creepy mermaids to distorted clowns and lion mascots, the enemy variety keeps combat fresh. Better yet, their surprisingly sharp AI keeps you constantly on your toes, and I loved the way they introduced some of the enemies. The campaign spans five distinct, retro-themed levels, including: a high-stakes Clown Casino, a deeply unsettling Waterpark, an eerie Carnival Forest, and a retro-futuristic Vintage Space Station. The visuals across these environments strike a wonderful balance between beautiful and creepy. Staying true to the theme park setting, progression also relies on a park-specific ticket currency, which you must earn to unlock new areas and upgrades.

One Ride Isn’t Enough

Clocking in at a brisk 6 to 7 hours, the campaign respects your time. However, the game really shines in its replayability. Completing the story unlocks a New Game+ mode that introduces new levels and hidden secrets not present in your first playthrough. It’s a rewarding structure that feels like a nostalgic throwback to the golden era of PS2 and Xbox 360 action games.

Cracks in the Fun House Mirror

While the ride is largely enjoyable, the game stumbles slightly near the finish line. Pacing & Arena Combat: Toward the end, the game shifts heavily toward overwhelming enemy hordes. These “Doom-style” arena fights become somewhat predictable, reducing opportunities to cleverly use your traversal tools, like the harpoon or jump boots. Some key quest items also feel unnaturally placed. After clearing tough platforming sequences and intense firefights, finding a crucial item simply sitting awkwardly in an obscure corner or place can briefly break the game’s immersive flow.

The Verdict

Knowing that Twisted Tower was developed by a core team of just two people makes the final product remarkably impressive. It’s a testament to how far indie developers have come.It doesn’t necessarily reinvent the wheel, but it is a passionate, atmospheric homage to classic design—delivering a thrilling experience for anyone longing for a fun, BioShock-inspired adventure.