Twinworld Game Reviews

26 JUNE 2025 – German indie studio Zockrates Laboratories and US publisher Phiphen Games are as excited as their titular mascot Ruffy, that the day is finally here! After 7 years of hard work, the hand-drawn 3D platformer, Ruffy and the Riverside, is out now on PC (Steam & Epic Games), PlayStation 5, Xbox One & Series X|S and Nintendo Switch(es).

Ruffy and the Riverside will be priced at $19.99 USD (or regional equivalents) on all stores, with a 10% week-long launch discount on Steam as well as a bundle with the soundtrack (for an additional 11% off). On Xbox and Nintendo Switch, there is a 10% discount that lasts for 72 hours.

Ruffy and the Riverside has a unique SWAP mechanic that lets players copy & paste textures in the world to solve puzzles and help the friendly inhabitants of Riverside. Ride haybales around the open world and use your creativity to unlock hidden secrets and gather various collectables!

About the game

In Ruffy and the Riverside, you wield the magic power of SWAP, using it to Copy & Paste textures within the game world. Turn ice into lava or waterfalls into vines as you ride hay bales, explore, fight, and solve puzzles throughout Riverside. Unleash your imagination in this quirky open-world action game that literally lets you change the world!

Ruffy just won’t stop! When the 3D world ends, he leaps into new 2D levels to collect even more treasures, but watch out – many obstacles must be swapped before you can safely pass through walls.

Explore the marvelous open world of Riverside, where Ruffy embarks on playful side quests, masters challenges, and collects magic treasures across seven distant regions. Ride hay bales, perform tricks on secret rails, and discover unknown areas as you meet the mysterious Etoi and help the colourful cast of characters.

Key Features

• Use and master the power of SWAP to copy & paste elements in the game world.
• Overcome various puzzles through creative manipulation of objects.
• Jump, fight and skate around the open world of Riverside
• Solve puzzles and find treasures hidden in 2D levels
• Unlock seven outer regions, each with unique challenges and settings.
• More than a dozen characters each with quests to complete
• Use dreamstones to create & apply custom textures to elements like stone, waterfalls and more…
• Enjoy a magical atmosphere with a focus on exploration & discovery.
• Gather various collectables, such as coins, butterflies, dreamstones and cute Etoi creatures!

Source: PR Email

Deck13 Spotlight and Umami Tiger, the newly founded Studio from Matthias Linda, are proud to announce Ashes of Elrant that the official DLC for the masterpiece and award winning indie JRPG Chained Echoes will be releasing August 7th for PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch.

Ashes of Elrant offers more of what fans and media loved: A new land to explore, more than 40 new monsters and bosses, 15 new tracks by mastermind Eddie Marianukroh (and maybe once again an interesting spin by an external band. Remember the turtles? Well, well…), gorgeous pixel art and finally a fishing minigame. Which isn’t mini. Trust us.

The ‘Crimson Wings’ are needed once more!

Ashes of Elrant takes players to a new land, away from Valandis. It is set right before the final fight of Chained Echoes so you can prepare yourself for meeting your beloved heroes once again. The Clan of the Crimson Wings has to answer a call for help from the land of Elrant. A land where nothing is as it seems.

Fans will learn more about the background story of Valandis and also get a deeper look at the characters and their motivations. And with the White Wolf also someone really, really special within the history of Valandis will join the cast.

Chained Echoes: Ashes of Elrant is the official DLC for Chained Echoes releasing August 7th for PC, Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, expanding the world Matthias Linda created and offering an all new adventure.

Source: PR Email

Wiesbaden, Germany – June 26, 2025 – Strap on your jetpack and grow out your best moustache: Klaus Lee – Thunderballs is officially out now on Steam, GOG, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One! This over-the-top retro action-platformer throws you into a pixel-perfect 80s fever dream of explosions, temples, and homemade mayhem – for just €12.99 – with launch discounts across all platforms!

Play as Klaus Lee – stuntman, action hero, and part-time planet-saver – as you run, jump, jetpack, and detonate your way through over 100 handcrafted levels. Outwit traps, defy gravity, and blast your way to glory. And when you’ve mastered the madness? Craft your own challenges with the powerful built-in level editor and share them with the world!

Key Features:

• 100+ fast-paced levels full of traps, secrets, and explosions

• Slow motion and dynamite mechanics for tactical platforming

• Robust Level Editor – create and share your own stages

• Retro pixel art and an 80s action movie vibe

• Packed with style, absurdity, and moustache-fueled stunts

Source: PR Email

Stuttgart, Germany – 19th June 2025 – Today, ININ, Tozai Games, Irem are back with the third instalment of the Irem Collection! Get ready for a high-fantasy ride through one of the Irem golden eras where magic, machines and mayhem came together to deliver a trio of true arcade treasures!

Unlike the previous volumes, this time, we will bring three fantasy-infused shoot ‘em up titles that will challenge your play-skill and imagination. Fly with choppers, broomsticks or dragons as you blast your way through skies filled with bizarre enemies and contend with some seriously intense action!

Irem Collection Volume 3 will be available digitally only, coming July 1st on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5/4, and Xbox for only €24,99!

Mr. Heli/Battle Chopper

Meet Mr. Heli, the quirky, legged chopper with a whole lot of firepower! Debuting in Japanese arcades in 1987, this multidirectional “cute ‘em up” shooter lets you pilot through inventive stages filled with puzzle-like maps, hidden paths, and massive bosses. Mine crystals, earn cash, and upgrade your arsenal to keep those rotor blades spinning! This arcade classic created a sensation when it was released, and made players wonder how a game that looked so cute could kick so much ass!

Mystic Riders

Magic meets mayhem in Mystic Riders, the 1992 fantasy shooter where you ride broomsticks and battle giant sky turtles, flaming demons, and other mythical creatures. Use your broom as a boomerang to block projectiles, dodge-roll past dangerous hazards, and blast through vibrant worlds. Don’t go it alone – team up in local co-op as Mark the wizard or Zeal the witch for an enchanted ride through arcade history. Mystic Riders features some very original gameplay mechanics, making it both interesting and fun to play – while also challenging players in ways that other shooters never could!

Dragon Breed

Finally, from brooms to dragons – the 1989 arcade gem Dragon Breed throws you into a biomechanical nightmare! Ride into battle on the mighty dragon Bahamoot who can shield you from danger and scorch everything in your path. Think R-Type meets fantasy apocalypse – with wings. This fabulous coin-op was overlooked by many players when it was released, but now you have the chance to see for yourself why so many arcade aficionados consider this to be one of Irem’s best-kept secrets.

Irem Collection Volume 3 Highlights:

• Three high-fantasy and sci-fi horizontal shoot ‘em ups from Irem

Included Versions:

• Mr. Heli/Battle Chopper: Arcade (EN/JP), PC Engine (JP)

• Mystic Riders: Arcade (EN/JP)

• Dragon Breed: Arcade (EN/JP)

• Gameplay features:

  • Optional controller enhancements, including rapid-fire button assignment and customizable control layouts.

  • Quick save/load and built-in rewind to keep the action flowing.

  • Display filters to recreate that original arcade look and feel.

  • Worldwide leaderboards to show off your high-score dominance.

  • Local 2-player co-op in Mystic Riders for magical tag-team action.

  • Packed with bizarre enemies, massive bosses, and legendary gameplay.

Don’t just try Volume 3! Remember Volume 1 and Volume 2 are also digitally available on the same platforms. Collect all three and have the ultimate experience of Irem’s arcade legacy!

Source: PR Email

Hamburg – Germany, 17.06.2025 – The wait is over: Into the Emberlands, the whimsical roguelite exploration adventure from developer Tiny Roar and publisher Daedalic Entertainment, will arrive on Nintendo Switch on July 2nd. This bold genre mix is now available for pre-order on the Nintendo eShop—with an exclusive 20% launch discount for early Lightbearers.

Already a well received game with 87% positive user reviews on PC, the game makes its handheld debut with all major updates, features, and improvements from the celebrated 1.0 release. This includes enhanced gameplay, expanded biomes, and countless quality-of-life upgrades that shaped the journey through Early Access that was shaped by the collaboration with the community.

But that’s not all—this special Switch version also comes bundled with all three exclusive Lightbearer skins from the Supporter Pack (The Stubborn, The Determined, and The Fanatic) and a mysterious new companion: the flying Platypus.

A Magical World in Your Pocket

Step into the role of the Lightbearer and explore procedurally generated biomes shrouded in mysterious yet dangerous miasma. Rescue the weirdly adorable Knacks, gather precious resources, and rebuild a forgotten world—one glowing lantern at a time. With its soothing soundtrack, unique art style, and accessible gameplay, Into the Emberlands is a cozy experience perfect for exploring on the go.

Whether you’re a returning Lightbearer or setting out for the first time, there’s no better moment to explore the Emberlands—now handheld and filled with even more charm.

Source: PR Email

Stuttgart, Germany – June 17, 2025 – ININ Games is proud to announce the upcoming release of Simon The Sorcerer Origins, developed by Smallthing Studios. This prequel to the beloved 1993 point-and-click classic will launch on October 28, 2025, and be available worldwide on all major platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Mac, Linux and is even Steam Deck compatible. Standard retail editions for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5, a Limited Special Edition (including the “Pony” DLC) for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 and PC are now available for pre-order at ININGAMES.COM. All digital versions will be announced at a later date.

With over three decades having passed since Simon The Sorcerer first cast his spell on adventure game fans, Simon The Sorcerer Origins invites players to step back into the enchanting world of magic, sarcasm, and mystery – this time, to discover how it all began. Longtime fans will be thrilled to know that the original voice actors return in both English (Chris Barrie) and German (Erik Borner), adding an extra layer of authenticity and nostalgia to this lovingly crafted origin story.

The game features an original soundtrack composed by Mason Fischer, capturing the emotional range and whimsical tone of Simon’s magical world. And as a very special surprise, Simon The Sorcerer Origins includes music icon Rick Astley in a special role – bringing a touch of 80s soul to the fantasy adventure.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Simon The Sorcerer Origins to the ININ family,” said Helmut Schmitz, Head of ININ Games. “The Simon The Sorcerer series holds a special place in the history of adventure games and has been instrumental in shaping the genre. It’s a true honor to work alongside Smallthing Studios on a title that not only pays tribute to the legacy of the original games but also invites a whole new generation of players into this magical world.”

“We are thrilled and moved to officially announce the collaboration between Smallthing Studios and fantastic ININ GAMES for the distribution of Simon The Sorcerer Origins, in all formats, over thirty years (1993) after its first appearance on Amiga and PC!” said Massy Calamai, Game Director & Founder of Smallthing Studios. “A heartfelt thanks to all those who have and are working behind the scenes and all those who have waited in the stands. The curtain is opening.”

Simon The Sorcerer Origins brings the charming style of the ’90s into the modern era: hand-drawn graphics, clever puzzles, humorous and emotional storytelling – and of course, plenty of Simon’s trademark sarcasm.

Source: PR Email

Monday June 10th, 2025: Today German publisher BBG Entertainment GmbH is proud to announce the forthcoming release on all major platforms on July 24, 2025 priced at €19.99 / $19.99, which include PC, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Xbox, Mac and Sony PlayStation 4 and 5, of one video game industry’s iconic and much loved franchise Boulder Dash with a superb and exciting 40th Anniversary release. Starring the loveable central character, Rockford, this brand new 180 level dash and bash blast comes with a completely redesigned engine but staying close to the ideals, look and essence that resembles the original from the 80s.

The Definitive Purchase

The original million seller from way back  in 1984 is a true pioneering genre marker, with its simplistic ideas, that has gamers hooked from the moment they load up the game. Immerse yourself in 40 years of video game history and experience the classic BOULDER DASH® in an epic anniversary edition! Now, the iconic title returns with a completely new, faithful game engine and 180 new levels. A treat for long-time fans and newcomers alike. Your task: Collect enough diamonds in a cave filled with treacherous enemies and falling rocks to open the door to the exit. Here, you not only have to be skillful and quick to react, but also develop a suitable strategy more than once in order to survive. And once you’ve completed all 180 levels, you can use an editor to not only design new levels, but also download and play content from the worldwide Boulder Dash community for free. Never before has Boulder Dash looked better or sounded more spectacular!

FACTS ATTACK!!

• 6 new, never-before-seen worlds
• 3 new worlds created by hardcore the fans
• 180 completely new, balanced, and refined levels
• Variety of new and unique items, including growing walls, slime, enemy generator, eggs, plus more
• Construction kit to create, share, or download other players’ levels
• Distinctive visual style that aims to blend original color schemes with contemporary themes
• Option to select and play for one of the three main heroes, each crafted in line with the game’s original vision
• Music and sounds composed by Germany’s most famous video game musician Chris Huelsbeck (Giana Sisters, Turrican, Star Wars Rogue Squadron, Teenage Mutant Ninja  Turtles: Splintered Fate and many more).

BOULDER DASH 40th Anniversary is distinguished and is equally vibrant and challenging as it ever was and will appeal to all gamers that love a challenge and puzzling out how to avoid the boulders so that ROCKFORD can pave a way to the exit without being crushed. Such a simple idea but one that has been copied and cloned 100s of times but Boulder Dash stands heads and shoulders above all comers and imitations!! The fact that BOULDER DASH 40th Anniversary won at the prestigious Pixel Awards Europe 2025 in Warsaw on 7 June in the ‘Retro Roots’ category confirms the exceptional quality of the title. On the same day, the Boulder Dash Master Challenge took place for the first time. The winner was Adam Strzelczyk, who will now represent Poland at the Boulder Dash World Championship on 23 August at gamescom in Cologne.

Facts speak louder than words!

“We pursued two goals: Firstly, we wanted to bring the first three parts Boulder Dash I, II and III to life as faithfully as possible on current machines. Secondly, we wanted to spice up the classic gameplay with contemporary visuals and suitable new ideas such as growing walls, slime, an enemy generator, eggs and other things. All in all BOULDER DASH 40th Anniversary is certainly the most comprehensive game in the series of all time: The first three games in the original Commodore and Atari look, more than hundred of brand new levels in a new look, and all tested and approved by the best Boulder Dash players worldwide. On top we have integrated a level editor which allows the users to create, play and share all these levels to Boulder Dash players worldwide plus stunning music and sounds from Chris Huelsbeck.”

For those that love the Boulder Dash experience or have yet to experience what this acclaimed brand offers and own a Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, PC or Mac!

Source: PR Email

Cologne/Berlin, Germany – June 7th, 2025 – btf Games and co-publishing partner ByteRockers Games are delighted to announce that their 2D hand-drawn metroidvania, Constance, will be releasing on PC on November 24th 2025 and will follow on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch/Switch 2 in 2026. A new release date trailer shows off the game’s flow-state-inducing, paint-based platforming and combat, as well as giving us a peek at the game’s deeper themes based on the protagonist’s declining mental health, manifested in her attempts to escape from a colorful but decaying inner-world.

Transform into paint to dive into the ground and walls, slice through the air and enemies, and utilize an array of unique brush techniques to experience a constant state of flow. But beware: using your brush techniques will corrupt your paint. Rely on them too much and you’ll become fully corrupted, so learn to strive for balance! Become stronger by unlocking new brush techniques, defeating threatening foes, overcoming platforming challenges, and solving complex puzzles to advance your progress as you uncover Constance’s past! Help her understand her personal struggles, unlock her creativity, and find her inner purpose.

Explore more than six unique biomes in Constance’s inner-world, with each region featuring its unique set of enemies and characters representing different aspects of her psyche and personal history. Uncover countless secrets, multiple paths, deadly boss battles, characters, side quests and collectibles in this nonlinear interconnected inner-world.

“We’re really excited to be able to finally reveal that you’ll be able to play Constance on PC on November 24th,” said Sebastian Drews, Game Director at btf Games. “We really appreciate all the great feedback we’ve had on the game so far from people that have played the game at events or checked out the demo on Steam and we can’t wait to release an even better version of the game you’ve had a taste of this November – unless Team Cherry shadowdrops Hollow Knight: Silksong in the same week. Please don’t do that, Team Cherry.”

Source: PR Email

Gateshead, United Kingdom – June 7th, 2025 – Coatsink are delighted to reveal that ISLANDERS: New Shores will be releasing on July 10th on PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Switch. The game’s relaxing atmosphere and streamlined strategy is on show in a new release date trailer that debuted today at the Wholesome Direct.

Coatsink can also reveal that ISLANDERS: New Shores will be getting free content updates throughout the rest of 2025! These free content updates include monthly challenges, a new biome, seasonal updates, a new boon, and new rewards too. Details will be posted on Steam for ISLANDERS: New Shores, explaining when each free content update will be dropping and what is included, so make sure you are following and have ISLANDERS: New Shores wishlisted!

ISLANDERS: New Shores offers a world of tranquil creativity that welcomes longtime fans and newcomers to explore, build, and strategise like never before. In New Shores, you are presented with a series of beautiful islands to build on, starting each level with an inventory of buildings to choose from. Carefully consider where to place them based on their unique properties to get the most points over the course of the stage as you unlock more structures in a title that reigns in the overwhelming complexity of the sprawling city-builder to deliver minimalist shots of short yet cerebral strategy.

Let’s unroll the blueprints and take a look at how ISLANDERS: New Shores builds on the foundations of the first game!  One key new feature is the introduction of “boons”. Boons are one-time power ups unlocked on each stage as you collect points, offering a helping hand that will become vital as you take on the game’s tricker levels. Boons can allow you to duplicate buildings in your inventory and replace buildings you’ve already built. There’s more for you to discover for yourself, with each boon offering an intriguing new twist on how you go about building your town.

Let’s unroll the blueprints and take a look at the new features ISLANDERS: New Shores is bringing too!  One key new feature is the introduction of “boons”. Boons are one-time power ups unlocked on each stage as you collect points, offering a helping hand that will become vital as you take on the game’s tricker levels. Boons can allow you to duplicate buildings in your inventory and replace buildings you’ve already built. There’s more for you to discover yourself in the full game, with each boon offering an intriguing new twist on how you go about building your city.

ISLANDERS: New Shores also features the new Sandbox mode, new building types to play with, advanced scoring mechanics and unique island properties. There’s also a Photo Mode with filters and a turntable camera for you to capture snaps of your aesthetically pleasing creations on the stunning natural landscapes New Shores offers up.  For streamers among you, there is Twitch integration, allowing viewers to vote on what to pick.

Key Features

• Two modes: High Score and Sandbox with separate saves
• 44 unique building types and 7 stunning island properties
• 50 dynamic island generators offering endless variety
• Photo Mode with filters and a turntable camera
• 75 minutes of original, immersive music
• Boons: new one-time power-ups for strategic gameplay
• Advanced scoring systems that reward clever tactics
• Twitch integration for an interactive streaming experience

Source: PR Email

Stuttgart, Germany – May 21, 2025 – Hop on your broomstick and take off for troublesome adventures with 12 cute witches! In collaboration with Japanese indie game publisher/developer Studio Siesta, ININ will be bringing the ultimate Cute ‘Em Up, Trouble Witches FINAL! Episode 01 Daughters of Amalgam, to Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 this late summer. In addition, ININ has been preparing a physical Special Edition filled with beautifully crafted items, including an artbook and the original soundtracks, which will be exclusively available via our ININ store, and the pre-order for the special edition is starting today!

Originally released in 2007 by the developer of Cotton Reboot!, Trouble Witches has evolved into the ultimate Cute ‘Em Up experience after over a decade of development and updates. Now, in Trouble Witches FINAL! Episode 01 Daughters of Amalgam, this manic shooter returns with a visual overhaul, new game modes, and its most complete version ever.

Check out the features:

• Adorable Witches: Play as 12 unique characters with distinctive abilities, attack styles, and magical familiars for endless strategic depth.

• Bullet-Hell Gameplay: Experience exhilarating shoot ’em up action with extreme danmaku mechanics that will put your reflexes to the test.

• Unique Combat System: Summon the Magic Circle to slow down enemy fire and convert bullets into gold coins. Spend your earnings at the Pumpkin Shop on Magic Cards that grant powerful abilities, clear bullets, and protect your witch from harm.

• Vibrant Visuals: Stunning hand-drawn 2D character designs combined with beautifully reimagined 3D stage backgrounds for a fresh, eye-catching experience.

• Complete DLC Pack: Includes all previously released DLC content (Cotton available separately).

• Endless Replayability: Infinite fun for both casual and hardcore players, thanks to 8 different game modes.

Whether you’re a fan of fast-paced bullet-hell shoot ’em up or charming Japanese anime-inspired art styles, Trouble Witches FINAL! Episode 01 Daughters of Amalgam delivers the ultimate Cute ‘Em Up experience. Stay tuned for more news on the definitive version of a beloved gem of the genre!

Source: PR Email