Five years of development, a solo-led passion project inspired by BioShock, and a creator who braced for failure—yet Twisted Tower is now on the cusp of Steam’s highest praise. Developer Thomas Brush recently admitted he ‘truly expected my game to flop,’ but the horror shooter’s reception has turned his expectations upside down, with the game now nearing an ‘Overwhelmingly Positive’ rating on the platform.
As of this week, Twisted Tower has amassed 421 Steam reviews, 95% of which are positive. That puts it just 79 reviews away from the 500-review threshold needed to earn Steam’s ‘Overwhelmingly Positive’ designation, a rating reserved for games with at least 95% positive reviews from a substantial player base. The milestone is all the more remarkable given that Brush, who worked on the game for five years alongside a small team, had set his sights far lower.
In a candid reflection shared via Steam News and reported by GamesRadar, Brush said his original goal was merely to avoid embarrassment. ‘My goal months ago was just to not release something embarrassing,’ he said. ‘I would have been okay with Mostly Positive.’ Now, with the game’s reception surging, he’s starting to reconsider. ‘I’m thinking maybe my game is good,’ he added.
A Love Letter to BioShock, Willy Wonka, and Mascot Horror
Brush’s surprise is understandable given the game’s unconventional premise. Described as ‘a love letter to Bioshock and Willy Wonka and mascot horror,’ Twisted Tower blends the atmospheric, narrative-driven shooting of BioShock with the surreal whimsy of a candy factory and the eerie familiarity of mascot horror. In his own words, it’s ‘basically like Willy Wonka in a creepy Disney World kind of game.’
The five-year development cycle was a labor of love for Brush, who previously gained attention for games like Pinstripe and Neversong. Working with a small team, he poured countless hours into crafting a world that would feel both nostalgic and unsettling. The result, according to early players, is a game that successfully channels the spirit of its inspirations while carving out its own identity.
Steam reviewers have praised the game’s unique tone, its blend of horror and whimsy, and its tight FPS mechanics. The positive reception has been building steadily, with 166 reviews logged just yesterday—a sign that word of mouth is spreading quickly. At this pace, the game could hit the 500-review mark within days, provided the positive sentiment holds.
From Doubt to Near-Universal Acclaim
Brush’s journey to this point has been marked by self-doubt. Despite the game’s clear passion and polish, he admitted he never expected such a warm reception. ‘I truly expected my game to flop,’ he said, noting that he would have been satisfied with a ‘Mostly Positive’ rating—a far cry from the near-unanimous praise the game is now receiving.
That humility has resonated with players, many of whom have taken to the Steam forums to share their appreciation for the game’s craftsmanship. The developer’s openness about his fears has also endeared him to the community, with some reviewers noting that the game’s success is a testament to the power of perseverance.
For Brush, the turnaround has been surreal. ‘I’m thinking maybe my game is good,’ he mused, a sentiment that feels both modest and earned given the game’s trajectory. If Twisted Tower reaches its goal, it will join an elite group of Steam titles that have achieved ‘Overwhelmingly Positive’ status—a remarkable feat for a game born from a five-year struggle.
What’s Next for Twisted Tower?
With the game on the verge of a major milestone, the question now is what comes next. Brush and his team have not announced any major post-launch content, but the growing player base could open doors for updates, expansions, or even a sequel. For now, the focus remains on celebrating the game’s unexpected success.
For players who haven’t yet experienced Twisted Tower, the timing couldn’t be better. The game is available on Steam, and with the ‘Overwhelmingly Positive’ rating on the horizon, there’s no better time to see what all the fuss is about. Brush’s story is a reminder that even in an industry often dominated by blockbusters, a small team with a bold vision can still capture the hearts of players—and defy even the creator’s own expectations.
