Twisted Tower does not try to hide its BioShock inspiration. Instead, it embraces it, using what players know of BioShock to set expectations and surprise; after playing through its story in about 8 hours in just two sittings, I can now add “delight.” It takes place in the 20th Century and stars a man trying to save his love. To do so, he must travel to the Twisted Tower amusement park, a mix of BioShock’s Rapture and Walt Disney World, with the abandoned twistedness you’d expect from the former and the hokey thrills and theming you’d expect from the latter. Using first-person, mostly gun-focused combat and some unlockable toys that give you abilities like dash and grapple, you will traverse five themed levels as you make your way up the titular landmark. All the while, Mr. Twister goads and mocks you along the way, in a very Andrew Ryan-esque way. Of course, there are narrative twists, scares, lots of blood, and plenty of demented employees who haven’t clocked out of their Twisted Tower shift yet, awaiting you in each, and it remains fun from start to finish. It can feel a bit rudimentary in how much it leans on its inspirations, but it’s one of the best BioShock-likes I’ve played in a minute, and it’s perfect for an exciting weekend gaming jaunt.
