Twinworld Game Reviews

Charlestown, United States – February 4, 2026 – Awarded indie game developer Mommy’s Best Games, led by veteran ex-Insomniac Games and Serious Sam Double D XXL developer Nathan Fouts, is excited to announce the that its new brutal 80’s sci-fi action platformer ChainStaff will release this April 8 in the Americas and Europe for Nintendo Switch and PS4/PS5, and also worldwide on Xbox One/X. Pre-orders are open now.

In ChainStaff, you are a mutant with an alien attached to your head ready to master your transforming spear and grappling hook, blazing weapon upgrades. With the rocking soundtrack of Broforce composer Deon van Herrden, players will swing, shoot, and spear their way through hordes of evil monsters and bone-shaking boss fights, and get this thing off your head!

Key Features

• Master the ChainStaff: a transforming grappling hook that can turn into a spear, shield and more.
• Grotesque Upgrades: Do you rescue your fallen friends, or turn more alien by eating their organs? Each decision unlocks upgrades on two different tech trees.
• 10 Wild Levels: Each level is like a classic rock album cover come to life.
• Transforming Aliens: Each massive boss presents a new way to think about how to use the ChainStaff. Will you break their teeth apart, or pry open their gigantic jaws?
• 4-6 Hour Adventure: A tight, hand-crafted adventure with 3 unique endings and the ability to play New Game+ and continue again with all your upgrades.
• Killer Soundtrack: Rock out to the classic metal soundtrack by the award-winning composer Deon van Heerden of Broforce and Warhammer 40k: Shootas Blood & Teef soundtrack fame.

Master the ChainStaff

Hurl it as a spear and slice aliens in half. Throw it to the ground as a shield to stop incoming attacks. Grapple and swing on just about anything. The transforming ChainStaff does all this and more, and all with one button, it’s all up to you.

Every creature in the world of ChainStaff has been mutated by the invading Star Spores. And each one creates its own challenge and own special way to be taken down by the player with the ChainStaff.

Grotesque Upgrades

Stranded soldiers dot the landscape of ChainStaff. You have to choose whether to rescue them or devour their organs; each option has unique benefits and will lead to different endings.

Switch and Xbox Pre-Order

The Nintendo Switch pre-order is now open for the Americas and soon on the European store. The Xbox One version is available for pre-order now as well, with worldwide availability.

Source: PR Email

January 29, 2026 — Solo developer qLate and indie.io are proud to announce that Everwarder, an exciting blend of roguelite exploration and survival with strategic tower defense gameplay, has launched on Nintendo Switch! Set in a world beset by darkness, players take on the role of a magical guardian tasked with pushing back the dark with dazzling neon lights and spawned defenders, protecting the life of a trapped spirit.

The crystal containing the spirit is the nexus of defense – all is lost if it falls to the endless stream of enemies coming from the darkness. Players need to set up defensive lines, spawning defenders using energy collected from fallen foes and expanding the crystal network to clear the map and uncover secrets waiting beneath the black. However, instead of the usual system of static defenses, Everwarder gives players full freedom of movement to explore the map and face the enemies head-on.

The challenge lies not in optimizing the layout of defenses, but rather responding to the changing situation and controlling the flow of enemies: The faster the darkness is destroyed by the light, the faster the enemies spawn. Going too fast risks overwhelming the defenders, while going too slow bottlenecks the ability to explore. This dynamic lies at the heart of the game, ensuring that every run is unique. Coupled with random spawning of abilities, artifacts, and other assets throughout each playthrough, players will be constantly challenged to improve their strategy and encouraged to boldly experiment.

Failure is simply another step forward: Every run unlocks new opportunities in future runs thanks to the persistent progression system, where players spend hard-earned resources to upgrade units, unlock new artifacts, and acquire other upgrades that will change their future runs and make them more resilient in their valiant stand against the darkness.

Everwarder is Now Available on Nintendo Switch eShop.

Source: PR Email

Milan, Italy – January 29th, 2026 – Studio Cima is pleased to announce that its story-driven action platformer, The Perfect Pencil, is available today on PC (Steam Deck Verified) and Nintendo Switch for €24.99/$24.99, with a 10% Steam launch discount. The game invites players into a surreal, hand-drawn kingdom where exploration, discovery, and frantic battles reveal psychological themes and the mind’s hidden truths.

Set in a strange illustrated world influenced by fear and memory, The Perfect Pencil follows John, a young man who awakens in an unfamiliar kingdom and must confront unsettling figures born from his own inner psyche. His journey takes him through distorted environments filled with peculiar characters, mysterious encounters, and symbolic threats.

Using John’s unique Analysis Ability, players can examine characters, objects, and surroundings to reveal hidden information and additional story details. Exploring beyond the main path unlocks optional encounters, secret lore, and deeper insight into the world and its inhabitants.

Throughout the adventure, John faces intense boss battles that represent different aspects of the human psyche. These disturbing manifestations test both skill and courage, reinforcing the game’s central theme: growth comes through risk, and fear must be confronted to move forward.

“After six years of development, releasing The Perfect Pencil is a huge milestone for our team,” said Luca Marinelli Brambilla, Marketing Manager at Studio Cima. “It’s been an incredible journey with an amazing group of artists, and we can’t wait to see how players connect with the story, the world, and the emotions behind the game.”

Source: PR Email

Stuttgart, Germany – ININ Games today confirmed the Nintendo Switch 2 being fully on a cartridge and released a brand-new trailer for R-Type Dimensions III, the upcoming instalment in the legendary side-scrolling shoot-’em-up series. The game is set to be released in MAY 2026 on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch™ 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC (Steam).

The new trailer offers fans their most advanced look yet at the game’s visual presentation and overall polish, showcasing substantial improvements in lighting, effects, and animation as development moves closer to its final phase. The footage highlights both the classic R-Type gameplay players love and the refined modern presentation that will define this new entry. The game can be switched from old to new at any time during gameplay.

In addition, the team confirmed that the Nintendo Switch™ 2 version of R-Type Dimensions III will be released as a complete physical edition on cartridge, containing the full game with no required downloads, a key commitment to collectors and preservation-minded players.

Pre-orders for the R-Type Dimensions III Collector’s Edition remain open until February 8. After this date, the Collector’s Edition will no longer be available, as production quantities will be locked and ordered. Pre-orders of the Special Edition and also the Standard Edition are ready to be maneuvered into the cart as well.

A Complete Modern Rebuild of a Legend

R-Type Dimensions III continues the franchise’s tradition of intense, precision-based shoot-’em-up action, bringing together classic 2D design and modernized visuals for a new generation of pilots, while remaining faithful to the series’ iconic DNA.

About R-Type Dimensions III

R-Type Dimensions III is the latest entry in the legendary R-Type franchise, blending classic side-scrolling shooter gameplay with modern technology and presentation, and launching worldwide in May 2026.

Key features include:

• A fully remastered experience with completely reconstructed assets

• Local co-op, enhanced with new scoring and survival mechanics

• Customizable controls and quality-of-life features in the settings

• 3D Camera settings (normal and crazy)

Pre-Order Now Live – Special & Collector’s Edition

Fans can secure one of two premium physical editions (the Collector’s Edition can only be pre-ordered until February 8th):

Special Edition

The Special Edition includes the full game, a beautifully crafted artbook showcasing concept art and visual development, as well as the complete new original soundtrack, perfect for players who want to dive deeper into the creative universe of R-Type Dimensions III. This edition will be sold for € 59,99. (Nintendo Switch™ 2 is € 69,99)

Collector’s Edition

For devoted R-Type enthusiasts, the ultra-limited Collector’s Edition offers everything from the Special Edition plus a selection of exclusive bonus items. The centerpiece is a highly collectible figurine based on the new cover interpretation. This exclusive edition is priced at
€ 199,99 (all platforms).

More information will be available soon. The game is going to be released in May 2026 worldwide, physical and digital.

Source: PR Email

January 20th, 2026 | HypeTrain Digital and Sleepy Castle Studio are proud to announce that Escape from Ever After will be available on PC and Consoles on January 23rd.

Over 10,000 players have already taken a peek behind the cover in Escape from Ever After: Onboarding, a standalone prologue that received an Overwhelmingly Positive (96%) response on Steam, and now the full story can finally be told.

Escape from Ever After is coming to Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch for $24.99 USD and will be available on January 23rd, 2026.

About Escape from Ever After

Escape from Ever After is an adventure RPG inspired by the classic Paper Mario games, where fairytale and storybook heroes must fight back against capitalism. Dive into storybook worlds packed to the brim with colorful characters and captivating locales, face off against hordes of wacky enemies in snappy turn-based gameplay, and climb the corporate ladder to take down the greedy Ever After Inc. from the inside!

Key Features:

• Fight in a fun, fast-paced battle system that rewards experimentation and strategy;
• Build and customize your party—every character has unique skills that can be equipped and upgraded throughout your journey;
• Engage in office banter, help your storybook coworkers, and decorate your office as you climb the corporate ladder;
• Explore vast storybook worlds brimming with sidequests, treasures, and secrets;
• Stories within stories: experience a charming and lively narrative where the rules are constantly changing;
• A jazzy, big-band soundtrack that keeps the energy pumping throughout!

Source: PR Email

LOS ANGELES, January 16, 2026 – Newly revived video game publisher Acclaim and Swedish indie studio Elden Pixels are excited to announce that The Prisoning: Fletcher’s Quest is headed to the Nintendo Switch and Steam on February 10, 2026.

Created by the team behind Alwa’s Legacy and A Void Hope, The Prisoning invites players to step into the fractured mind of Fletcher Howie Jr., a developer on the brink of a mental breakdown at the final stages of a massive project. During a post-crunch therapy session, Fletcher becomes trapped in his subconscious and is forced to confront his fears and anxieties in a comedic Metroidvania adventure.

To celebrate today’s release date announcement, Acclaim has released a mind-melting new gameplay trailer. Watch as Fletcher navigates the hazard-filled recesses of his mental prison, goes toe-to-toe with towering bosses, and blasts his way through more emotional baggage than you can stuff into a ten-gallon hat in the footage below.

About The Prisoning: Fletcher’s Quest

After a visit to the psychologist that went horribly wrong you’re trapped in the mind of a game developer on the brink of physical and emotional burnout during the last stages of an intense project. Experience a metroidvania drenched in anxiety based on a very true story.

Help Fletcher Howie Jr. escape his mental prison and save the day!

Key Features

• Based on a true story and definitely inspired by real events
• Upgrades, weapons, bosses, enemies and all that jazz
• Contains story*

(* This game is not recommended for anyone with a peanut allergy)

But hey, not down with anxiety? All of these above points can be completely skipped and you can plow your way through another tight roguelike metroidvania with killer mechanics (you can kill basically everything that moves), a banging chipmusic soundtrack built to maximize your nostalgia and more pixel art than you can stomach!

Source: PR Email

We are proud to announce the release of The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon on Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG) platforms in celebration of the series’ 20th anniversary. That means the West is caught up on the Trails franchise for the first time ever!

Van Arkride and the members of Arkride Solutions are back, and this time the future of the entire Zemurian continent is at stake! The people of Zemuria await the launch of humanity’s first foray into space with bated breath. A sudden invitation from Marduk to cooperate in a high-tech training exercise sets Van, Ashen Chevalier Rean Schwarzer, and Father Kevin Graham on a collision course with the secrets at the very core of Zemuria.

Their paths may diverge, but the ultimate question remains the same: Just what lies beyond the edge of the horizon?

• All Trails Lead Here: Paths from across Zemuria intertwine with higher stakes than ever before as the Trails series enters its final chapter!

• Gameplay, Evolved: New gameplay mechanics such as Shard Commands, Awakening, and the time-freezing Z.O.C. give you an unprecedented amount of options in both Field and Command Battles!

• Dream Teams: Gather allies from all over Calvard and beyond and put a stop to Ouroboros’ machinations in the Grim Garten, a dungeon that you can take on with your own custom party!

The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon NIS Online Store exclusive Limited Edition, featuring a copy of the Deluxe Edition of The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon for Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch, art book, original mini soundtrack, SteelBook, and “Grim Timekeeper” acrylic clock, all contained within a collector’s box, is also available today.

Source: PR Email

The viral mountainside builder Laysara: Summit Kingdom will be fully launching on PC alongside a major 1.0 update, and on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 & 5 and Xbox One / Series X|S on February 27th 2026. The 1.0 launch will introduce a 15 mission campaign mode to the game for the very first time.

Physical editions will also be released on both Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 alongside the launch, created by Czech publisher and co-developer, Nejcraft – the team bringing Laysara to life on consoles.

As well as a standard boxed edition option, a limited Collector’s Edition version will also be released, including a CD soundtrack, Collector’s Box, Design Book, Sticker Sheet AND an adorable collectible Yak Figure.

About the game:

Laysara: Summit Kingdom is a challenging city builder focusing on resource management, the economy and surviving despite the inhospitable environment. Build and expand your settlements in the high mountains in either a campaign or sandbox playthrough.

Carefully plan your production chains, trade networks and avalanche survival strategies to satisfy the needs of your citizens (and yaks) and make the Kingdom of Laysara thrive!

Laysara is currently in Early Access and will launch in 1.0 and across all major consoles on February 27th.

Full Game features:

• Build on a mountain. Each mountain offers a unique set of challenges; different shapes, vegetation zone layouts, resource availability and weather conditions.
• Deal with avalanches. Nature cannot be stopped. Plan and strategise to deal with avalanches, or watch your city be buried and devastated.
• Craft a transport network. Transporting becomes a challenge across mountain summits, but there may be opportunities to optimise your production networks across the ridges, canyons and rivers. Glamorous yaks are always available.
• Raise a Summit Temple. Build your way up the mountain, establish a grand temple at the peak, and triumph over the elements.
• Play your way: Choose from 5 different game modes, whether you want to dig into the story of Laysara across the 15 mission Campaign, test yourself in Challenge mode, or chill and relax in Free Build mode.

Source: PR Email

Stuttgart, December 16,.2025 – The magic of the season has arrived in Simon the Sorcerer Origins! To celebrate the holidays, the beloved fantasy adventure is offering players two exciting reasons to return to the magical world of Simon, or to jump in for the very first time.

Free Content Update: New Quest and a Huge Surprise

In addition to the holiday promotion, Simon the Sorcerer Origins is receiving a free content update that expands the game with:

• A brand-new secondary quest named “The Mystery of the first Wizard” starting from Chapter 4 in the Academy. Players should keep their eyes open and complete the quest to uncover new information about the past of the Magic World and, maybe, about the future..
• A huge additional surprise is waiting to be discovered in the video section of the option menu, adding a more “classic” experience.

The update is now available on Steam and will be coming soon to Nintendo, Sony, and Xbox platforms.

This free patch continues the team’s commitment to enriching the world of Simon the Sorcerer Origins and rewarding the community with meaningful new content.

To accompany this update, a short festive video showcasing the new content and teasing the big surprise has also been released, giving fans a first magical glimpse of what awaits them.

Holiday Promotion: 20% Christmas Discount

For a limited time, Simon the Sorcerer Origins is available with a 20% holiday discount, making it a perfect Christmas gift for fans of classic adventure games and newcomers alike.

The promotion is already live on Nintendo eShop and will follow shortly on:

• Steam (18.12.2025)

• Xbox Store (18.12.2025)

• PSN PlayStation Store (22.12.2025)

Source: PR Email

Stuttgart, Germany, December 15, 2025 – ININ proudly announces that Trouble Witches FINAL! Episode 01 Daughters of Amalgam is ready for a spellbinding adventure worldwide, with the official digital release Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 out today –  December 15.

Following the exciting Physical Special Edition launch last week, fans can now experience the magical bullet-hell adventure digitally, joining 12 cute witches on a troublesome journey packed with shoot ’em up action!

Originally released in 2007 by the developer of Cotton Reboot!, Trouble Witches FINAL! Episode 01 represents the most complete and polished version of the beloved Cute ’Em Up series. With enhanced visuals, multiple game modes, and refined gameplay systems, the digital release offers the perfect opportunity for both newcomers and long-time fans to dive into the chaos.

To celebrate the digital launch, a special launch promotion will be available! The Nintendo Switch version will receive a 10% launch discount, valid for two weeks until December 29, 2025. PlayStation players can also enjoy a 10% discount during the same period, exclusively for PlayStation Plus members. Don’t miss the chance to join the chaotic Cute ’Em Up at a special price!

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.

Are you more into having a physical copy for your shelf?

Ahead of the digital release, we have also launched the Physical Special Edition, packed with exciting goodies! This Special Edition is available exclusively at ININ.com.

Trouble Witches FINAL! Episode 01 Daughters of Amalgam – Special Edition contains:

• Physical game for Nintendo Switch or PlayStation 4
• Original Soundtrack featuring in-game music composed by Ina Kondo from Studio AiestA
• Full-Color History Artbook showcasing original and exclusive artwork
• Digital download code for Cotton DLC – the sweets-hungry witch from the well-known Cotton series from Success Inc., as a character in the game

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!

Source: PR Email