Time Loader

Time Loader is a great game for just about anyone to play. As long as you're not expecting action-filled gameplay, but rather a relaxing journey, there is barely a reason not to give the game a shot.

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Time Loader is a physics-based puzzle-platformer game where you play as a small robot sent back in time to manipulate the past and change the present. Navigate through intricate levels, solve challenging puzzles, and interact with objects to alter the course of events. With its unique time-travel mechanic, Time Loader offers a fresh take on the genre, making it a thrilling experience for players who enjoy problem-solving and exploration.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

83%

Audience ScoreBased on 117 reviews

story23 positive mentions

replayability2 negative mentions

The game features a charming story and nostalgic elements that resonate with players, particularly those familiar with the 90s.
Puzzles are engaging and well-designed, providing a satisfying challenge without being overly difficult.
The graphics and sound design are impressive, enhancing the overall experience and immersion in the game.

The controls can be frustrating, especially with the grappling hook mechanic, which lacks precision and can lead to difficult gameplay sections.
The game is relatively short, with some players feeling that it ends before the puzzles become truly interesting.
There are inconsistencies in gameplay mechanics, particularly with the throwing and aiming systems, which can detract from the overall enjoyment.

story
48 mentions
48 % positive mentions
46 % neutral mentions
6 % negative mentions
The game's story is generally praised for its intriguing and well-designed narrative, often intertwined with the gameplay and environmental storytelling. While some players found the plot to be cliched or superficial, many appreciated its emotional depth and the clever integration of time travel themes. Overall, the story enhances the gaming experience, though some players wished for more depth and development.
- “Great storyline despite the fact that the main character is very prone to accidents.”
- “There is a lot more heart and story here than I was expecting, which was a nice surprise.”
- “This is a nice little puzzle/platformer, with a melancholy story of childhood and inevitability layered on top.”
- “I wish the game could have fleshed out the story more instead of making it reliant on multiple endings.”
- “The story was cliched and they could've done without it (and the alternative endings stuff).”
- “The story didn't accomplish that either.”
gameplay
26 mentions
31 % positive mentions
58 % neutral mentions
12 % negative mentions
Gameplay reviews are mixed, with some players praising the innovative mechanics and engaging puzzles, while others find certain mechanics, particularly the grappling hook and throwing mechanics, frustrating and poorly implemented. Many appreciate the game's creative concept and immersive story, but some feel that the gameplay can be dull or overly challenging, suggesting that improvements could enhance the overall experience. Overall, while there is potential for a great game, the execution of gameplay mechanics has left many players wanting more.
- “This is a creative platformer game, I really did enjoy it; the original idea, the concept, the mechanics, ideas, characters, all of it is just... it's perfection.”
- “Great gameplay, puzzles, story, and little 90's details.”
- “The look is easy on the eyes - and the gameplay doesn't pressure you, but manages to still be challenging.”
- “Its 2024 games from 2007 have better physics and mechanics than this forgettable game.”
- “Game is insanely janky; some of the movements are impossible to control, and it's frustrating knowing what you need to do but fighting the throw mechanic to get it done.”
- “I feel like more than half of players will find the gameplay too dull, and another eighth will find the platforming too fiddly.”
graphics
18 mentions
61 % positive mentions
22 % neutral mentions
17 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are consistently praised, with many reviewers highlighting their high quality, beautiful art style, and impressive level design. Players appreciate the vibrant visuals and the overall aesthetic, which enhances the gaming experience, despite some minor graphical bugs. Overall, the graphics contribute significantly to the game's appeal, making it a standout feature.
- “The robot controls perfectly and the graphics are very well done.”
- “Excellent small game with fantastic graphics and a neat and, at times, sad story.”
- “A very distinctive and bright puzzle-platformer with excellent graphics, great soundtrack, and story.”
- “Play time loader for its toy graphics and relaxed background, otherwise... ignore.”
- “There are decently pretty visuals.”
- “Due to the time stamp of the action and pastel graphics, even the person watching the gameplay will not be bored.”
music
11 mentions
55 % positive mentions
18 % neutral mentions
27 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally praised for enhancing the atmosphere, with many reviewers highlighting its nostalgic and immersive qualities. However, some players feel that the soundtrack can be overly slow or droning at times, detracting from the overall experience. Overall, the combination of music and sound design contributes significantly to the game's engaging environment and emotional depth.
- “I love the colors and soundtrack of the game, as well as the many hidden things that encourage you to go back through time and discover them all, together with its different endings.”
- “Music and sounds complement this nostalgic atmosphere incomparably.”
- “It has an interesting plot, cute robot :), nice graphics, and an amazing soundtrack that dives me deeper into the game.”
- “The only negative I have is the music.”
- “They claim 'nostalgic music' but it's nothing but slow droning music.”
- “They claim 'nostalgic music' but it's nothing but slow droning music.”
atmosphere
5 mentions
60 % positive mentions
-20 % neutral mentions
60 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its engaging and nostalgic vibe, enhanced by a melancholic piano soundtrack that complements the gameplay. Reviewers appreciate the blend of endearing elements and dark humor, creating a unique experience that resonates well with players, particularly those fond of 90s aesthetics. Overall, the atmosphere is described as brilliant, making the game enjoyable despite its short playtime.
- “A really endearing game with a great atmosphere and fun puzzles. I would recommend this game when on a 50% discount or more due to the very short play time, but I will always recommend this to friends.”
- “As for the plot, graphics, atmosphere, mechanics, and duration, I'll keep it short: all the aspects here are decent even for a picky player, but for me, all of them are brilliant.”
- “Music and sounds complement this nostalgic atmosphere incomparably.”
- “The atmosphere feels flat and uninspired, lacking the depth needed to engage players.”
- “Despite the nostalgic elements, the overall vibe fails to capture the essence of the 90s.”
- “The music and sound design do little to enhance the atmosphere, leaving it feeling hollow.”
stability
2 mentions
150 % positive mentions
-100 % neutral mentions
50 % negative mentions
Overall, the game demonstrates good stability, particularly on the Steam Deck, though players have noted that using a mouse can reduce glitches and improve gameplay experience compared to using a controller.
- “Runs great on the Steam Deck, too.”
- “The game maintains a steady frame rate, providing a smooth experience.”
- “I haven't encountered any crashes or bugs, which is impressive.”
- “It took me almost 40 minutes to escape from the cat in the treehouse at the end of the game. I finally realized that using the mouse instead of the controller made it much easier and resulted in fewer glitches.”
replayability
2 mentions
50 % positive mentions
-50 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
Players find high replayability in the game, particularly for those aiming to achieve 100% completion and explore better endings. While the initial playthrough may not take many hours, the incentive to revisit the game significantly enhances its longevity.
- “The replayability value comes from not managing to achieve 100% on the first run, encouraging players to return for better endings.”
- “The replayability value comes if you did not manage to 100% the first run and later go back to achieve better endings.”
- “Not many hours are needed for completion, but the replay value is immense.”
humor
2 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in "Time Loader" is generally well-received, with players appreciating its fun and lighthearted tone. Minor graphical bugs add a touch of humor without detracting from the overall gameplay experience.
- “Fun and with a good sense of humor, Time Loader is a great way to spend a couple of hours.”
- “I also saw minor funny bugs with graphics, but they were short-term and didn't spoil the gameplay.”
emotional
1 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Players report that the game evokes profound emotions, leading to feelings of unexpected depth and trauma, particularly through the consequences of their actions, which result in irreparable destruction.
- “It made me feel things that I never thought I could feel from a game. I caused so much destruction that is irreparable and traumatizing.”