Twinworld Game Reviews

Archive for September, 2017

VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 13, 2017 – The next few months for Nintendo Switch and  Nintendo 3DS owners are going to be overflowing with a wide variety of first- and third-party games in wildly different genres. Or, to put in another way, the future for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo 3DS owners is looking quite awesome. During a Nintendo Direct video presentation, Nintendo provided details for more than 40 games launching for Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems over the next several months.

Some of the highlights include details about key third-party games coming to the Nintendo Switch system like DOOM, Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus, L.A. Noire and Resident Evil Revelations, as well as the announcements of arcade classics coming to Nintendo Switch and a new Mario Party game for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems featuring 100 of the series’ top mini-games. The jam-packed video presentation also provided additional details for upcoming games like Project Octopath Traveler  (working title) from Square Enix, Super Mario Odyssey and Xenoblade Chronicles 2.

“Momentum for Nintendo Switch is in full swing, and Nintendo 3DS continues its stellar run with a series of triple-A releases,” said Pierre-Paul Trepanier, Nintendo of Canada’s General Manager. “Between all the first-party, third-party and indie games coming to both systems, this is one of the most diverse lineups we’ve had in years. It’s a great time to be a Nintendo fan.”

To view the Nintendo Direct video in its entirety, visit http://www.nintendo.com/nintendo-direct. Additional highlights for the games and systems revealed in the video include:

Nintendo Switch

• Super Mario Odyssey: New information about Mario’s upcoming adventure was revealed during the presentation, including more story details, locations and modes. Additionally, a special hardware bundle that includes a download code for the game, Mario-themed red Joy-Con controllers and a special carrying case will be available at a suggested retail price of $499.99. Super Mario Odyssey lands exclusively on Nintendo Switch on Oct. 27.
• Xenoblade Chronicles 2: This massive sequel takes place in the world of Alrest on the backs of giant Titans. The journey through the clouds begins when Xenoblade Chronicles 2 lands on Nintendo Switch on Dec. 1. Alongside the standard version, fans can also pick up a special edition of the game that includes a sound selection CD, a special metal game case and a 220-page hardbound art book at a suggested retail price of $129.99. A Nintendo Switch Pro Controller themed around Xenoblade Chronicles 2 will also be available on Dec. 1 at a suggested retail price of $99.99.
• Project Octopath Traveler (working title): The producers of Bravely Default at Square Enix present a new RPG brought to life through a mixture of CG, pixel art and visual wizardry. Project Octopath Traveler launches worldwide in 2018. But fans can try out a free demo for the game in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch starting … today!
• DOOM and Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus: Bethesda Softworks is bringing the iconic DOOM and Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus to Nintendo Switch. The fast-paced action of DOOM will hit this holiday season, while Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus launches in 2018.
• Kirby Star Allies: Revealed at E3 2017, the first Kirby game for Nintendo Switch has some charming new tricks. By throwing hearts, players can recruit up to three enemies to become Kirby’s allies. Whether playing alone or with up to three friends**, mixing up abilities to create new powers is a big part of the fun. Kirby Star Allies launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch this spring.
• Splatoon 2: Back by popular demand, the Kelp Dome stage is returning as part of a free software update on Sept. 15. A new stage called Snapper Canal and an extra-large Brella weapon called the Tenta Brella are coming in the future.
• ARMS: A free software update that goes live today allows players to remap the game’s controls to the buttons of their choice, and adds the new playable fighter Lola Pop.
• Fire Emblem Warriors: Originally seen in the Fire Emblem game for the Game Boy Advance system, fan-favourite character Lyndis (or “Lyn,” as all her companions call her) was announced as part of the sprawling cast of Fire Emblem Warriors. The action-packed game launches for Nintendo Switch on Oct. 20, also available as part of a special-edition bundle that will be available at select retailers.
• Arcade Archives: Some of Nintendo’s classic arcade games are coming to Nintendo Switch, starting with Arcade Archives: Mario Bros., which launches Sept. 27. Others, like VS. Super Mario Bros., VS. Balloon Fight, VS. Ice Climber, VS. Pinball and VS. Clu Clu Land are coming soon. These arcade games contain subtle differences that can’t be found in their NES counterparts.
• Snipperclips Plus: Cut it out, together!: This expanded version of the original snipping-and-clipping puzzle game includes more than 30 new stages, new challenges and new features … and it’s coming to stores for the first time! Players who already own the original digital version of the game can purchase all the new content in Nintendo eShop as DLC (pricing TBC). Snipperclips Plus: Cut it out, together! launches on Nintendo Switch on Nov. 10 at a suggested retail price of $39.99.
• The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim: The open-world masterpiece from Bethesda Game Studios can be played anytime and anywhere on Nintendo Switch. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim launches on Nov. 17.
• Rocket League: This new version of the popular rocket-powered sports-action game includes all the modes of the original, plus Nintendo Switch exclusives including Nintendo-themed Battle-Cars and customization items. Local wireless multiplayer*** will also be available when Rocket League launches this holiday season.
• Dragon Quest Builders: The hit fantasy game combines the fun of building with the combat of an action-RPG. The Nintendo Switch version will allow players to ride a Great Sabrecub in the game’s free build mode. The Sabrecub boosts players’ speed and grants them special materials by defeating enemies. Dragon Quest Builders launches this spring.
• L.A. Noire: Rockstar Games is bringing L.A. Noire to Nintendo Switch on Nov. 14, including all of its downloadable content, new collectibles, detective suits with special abilities, a Joy-Con mode with gyroscopic gesture-based controls and new wide and over-the-shoulder camera angles. Plus, the hard-boiled game will include intuitive touch-screen controls for portable detective work.
• NBA 2K18: With big game-play improvements and stunning graphics, NBA 2K18 will be a slam dunk for sports fans when it launches on Sept. 15 in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch and in stores on Oct. 17.
• EA Sports FIFA 18: The most immersive, social and authentic soccer game out there can be played anywhere on Nintendo Switch. FIFA 18 launches on Sept. 29.
• WWE 2K18: To complete the trifecta of awesome sports games that can be played on the go, WWE 2K18 is also coming soon to Nintendo Switch. Launch details will be announced at a later date.
• Lost Sphear: This modern take on traditional RPGs from Square Enix is coming to Nintendo Switch on Jan. 23.
• Sonic Forces: Join the uprising by fighting back as Modern Sonic, Classic Sonic or one of many custom Hero Characters players can create in Sonic Forces, launching on Nov. 7.
• Resident Evil Revelations / Resident Evil Revelations 2: The Nintendo Switch library will get two creepy survival horror classics when Resident Evil Revelations and its sequel, Resident Evil Revelations 2, both launch on Nov. 28.
• Flip Wars: Fans that are enjoying the multiplayer fun of Flip Wars can enjoy a free update soon. Once downloaded, the update adds a new stage, new mechanics, local wireless multiplayer, Class Matches and a new online* battle mode.
• Morphies Law: Players can change their size to change their powers in Morphies Law, a local and online* team-based multiplayer shooter launching first on Nintendo Switch as a console exclusive this winter.
• Arena of Valor: Explore and command a roster of more than 35 fearless heroes in this free-to-start multiplayer online* battle arena game. With roles like Tanks, Assassins, Mages and Warriors, build a powerful team with friends to crush opponents in real-time battles. The Arena of Valor beta test version will be available for free this winter.
• Nindies! Nindies! Nindies!: Dozens of indie games are coming over the next few months. These include the underground platforming action of SteamWorld Dig 2 and the golf-RPG Golf Story in September; the four-player** action game Nine Parchments and combo-based puzzle game Battle Chef Brigade this holiday season; randomly constructed sequel Super Meat Boy Forever in 2018; and tactical RPG Tiny Metal launching in the future.

amiibo

• The Legend of Zelda Champions: Four amiibo figures based on the Champions from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Daruk, Mipha, Revali and Urbosa – launch in stores on Nov. 10 (sold separately). Tapping these amiibo while playing the game will summon special headgear for Link based on that Champion’s Divine Beast. Additional functionality for these amiibo will be revealed in the future.

Nintendo 3DS

• Pokémon Ultra Sun / Pokémon Ultra Moon: The new games feature customizable main characters who embark on a new adventure. An untold story unfolds on a grand scale, where the Legendary Pokémon that steals light, Necrozma, has transformed into two new forms: Dusk Mane Necrozma, who took over Solgaleo, and Dawn Wings Necrozma who took over Lunala. Fans who purchase and activate**** the game by Jan. 10 can get a special gift Rockruff, who will evolve into a Dusk Form Lycanroc, new to the world of Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon. Fans who download the digital version of Pokémon Ultra Sun or Pokémon Ultra Moon by Jan. 10 will receive 12 Quick Balls. Finally, a cool Poké Ball-themed New Nintendo 2DS XL system will launch separately two weeks prior on Nov. 3.
• White + Orange New Nintendo 2DS XL: On Oct. 6 the White + Orange edition of the New Nintendo 2DS XL system will launch in stores at a suggested retail price of $199.99.
• Mario Party: The Top 100: For the first time, 100 of the top mini-games from the console Mario Party games can be played on a hand-held system. Mario Party: The Top 100 supports local Download Play, so up to four players who each own a Nintendo 3DS family system can enjoy the game together with only one game card. Take a tour through all the mischief, magic and memories the series has to offer when it launches on Nov. 10.
• Kirby: Battle Royale: Kirby is about to enter a tournament against his toughest rival yet … himself! The pink puffball’s new game offers a variety of ways to fight in both single- and multiplayer modes. Kirby: Battle Royale launches on Jan. 19. Fans can head to https://kirby.nintendo.com/poll to celebrate Kirby’s 25^th anniversary and vote for their favourite copy ability!
• LAYTON’S MYSTERY JOURNEY: Katrielle and the Millionaires’ Conspiracy: Katrielle Layton, daughter of the famous Professor Layton, is on the case! Detectives-in-the-making that play the game on a Nintendo 3DS family system will receive an exclusive in-game Flora costume. The game launches on Oct. 6.
• Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser’s Minions: When the game launches on Oct. 6, players will be able to use the new Goomba and Koopa Troopa amiibo – or the existing Boo amiibo – to get additional stamp sheets that offer items in both of the game’s modes. More information about amiibo compatibility will be revealed in the future.
• YO-KAI WATCH 2: Psychic Specters: With new content and features, YO-KAI WATCH 2: Psychic Specters is the definitive version of YO-KAI WATCH 2. The game launches on Sept. 29, but anyone that owns any version of YO-KAI WATCH 2 can download a free “Oni Evolution” software update starting Sept. 14. It adds the Yo-kai Watch Psychic Blasters mode with additional bosses to battle against, the chance to befriend new Yo-kai and more. This update is also required to transfer save data from YO-KAI WATCH 2: Bony Spirits and YO-KAI WATCH 2: Fleshy Souls to the YO-KAI WATCH 2: Psychic Specters game.
• Minecraft: New Nintendo 3DS Edition: Fans of Minecraft will have another way to play the hit creation game when it comes to New Nintendo 3DS systems. This portable version of the game comes with Survival and Creative modes, five skin packs and two texture packs. Minecraft: New Nintendo 3DS Edition launches in Nintendo eShop today. The packaged version will launch at a later date.
• The Alliance Alive: Nine characters’ paths will converge in this old-school RPG from role-playing powerhouse ATLUS. The Alliance Alive launches in early 2018.
• Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology: The gorgeous launch edition of Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology will include a collector’s box with an art book and decal sheet. Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology launches for Nintendo 3DS in early 2018.
• Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond the Myth: Starting today, fans of the Etrian Odyssey series can download a free demo for Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond the Myth in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS before the game launches this fall.
• Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux: When Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey returns on Nintendo 3DS in early 2018, expect it to do so with new story content, additional endings, a new dungeon to explore and enhanced graphics.
• Two New Games, Two Beloved Series: The next game in the Ace Attorney series, Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney, launches in November. The action-packed Fire Emblem Warriors game launches Oct. 20 for New Nintendo 3DS systems only.

Remember that Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/en_CA/switch/ or http://www.nintendo.com/en_CA/3ds.

*Nintendo Account required. Online services and features, including online gameplay, are free until the paid Nintendo Switch Online Service launches in 2018.

**Additional accessories are required for multiplayer mode and are sold separately.

***Additional games and systems are required for multiplayer mode and are sold separately.

****Visit Pokemon.com for full details on how to receive the in-game special gift.

About Nintendo: The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Nintendo Switch^™ system and the Nintendo 3DS^™ family of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System^™, Nintendo has sold more than 4.4 billion video games and more than 703 million hardware units globally, including Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, as well as the Game Boy^™, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS^™ family of systems, Super NES^™, Nintendo 64^™, Nintendo GameCube^™, Wii^™ and Wii U^™ systems. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names, such as Mario, Donkey Kong, Metroid, Zelda and Pokémon. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo’s operations in the Americas. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company’s website at http://www.nintendo.ca.

Source: PR Email

SANTA ANA, Calif., September 13, 2017—Celebrating its 10th year as a leading independent video game publisher and developer, Nicalis, Inc. today reveals its new company logo and 10th Anniversary branding, kicking off a series of special events and promotions that will continue the celebration into 2018.

The new logo reflects many of the traits that have been hallmarks of Nicalis games since the company’s inception: it’s highly polished, friendly and fun, with a distinct retro vibe. The logo change also represents the start of a new chapter in the company’s evolution—a turning point ushering in an even greater era of video game entertainment after a decade of lessons learned.

The first event in Nicalis’ 10th anniversary celebration is BICFest 2017, the annual global independent games conference in Busan, South Korea on September 15-17. Nicalis is a platinum sponsor of the expo, which will feature many of the company’s upcoming games in a large, designated “Nicalis Zone.” The new Nicalis logo will be displayed in public for the first time at BICFest.

Nicalis also recently launched a completely redesigned website at www.nicalis.com, where fans can get a peek at some of the company’s upcoming games and learn more about the special events planned for the 10th anniversary celebration, among other surprises.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the success we’ve achieved in our first 10 years,” says Nicalis Executive Producer and CEO Victor Rodriguez. “It’s a testament to the creativity of our talented game development partners, the dedication of our experienced team and the passion of video game fans worldwide.”

Achieving worldwide recognition with its first published game (Daisuke Amaya’sCave Story), Nicalis has also developed and published multiple editions of the hugely popular The Binding of Isaac (Rebirth, Afterbirth and Afterbirth+). The company’s retro-inspired roster includes 1001 Spikes, NightSky and VVVVVV, and the cornerstone of its success was rebuilt in 2017 when Nicalis produced Cave Story+, an updated, enhanced edition for Nintendo Switch.

Upcoming Nicalis games include Tiny Barbarian DX, Ittle Dew 2+, Blade Strangers, The End Is Nigh, Redout and ’90s Super GP, with many more to be announced as the 10th Anniversary celebration continues.

“You’re going to see some very cool announcements from Nicalis over the next few months,” says Nicalis President Tyrone Rodriguez. “I can’t wait to reveal some of the 10th Anniversary surprises we have planned for fans of our games, and fans of classic video games in general.”

About Nicalis, Inc.
Independent game developer and publisher Nicalis, Inc. was founded in Southern California on November 27, 2007. The company’s first published game was Cave Story, arguably the most influential independent video game of all time. Nicalis’ proven track record also includes well-polished games like The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+ and 1001 Spikes.

Source: PR Email

Hive Jump Wii U LAUNCH DATE SEPT 28! More info: https://t.co/4klUZleokq #WiiU #Nindies #indiegames pic.twitter.com/FWkJPdTUgP

— Hive Jump (@Hivejump) September 11, 2017

SANTA ANA, Calif., September 11, 2017—Mark your Hyborian calendars! Nicalis, Inc. hereby announces that Tiny Barbarian DX—the retro-inspired sword-and-sorcery extravaganza for Nintendo Switch™—will be available on October 10 for the suggested retail price of $29.99. The game will be available as a physical Game Card and digitally via the Nintendo eShop.

A tremendously satisfying platform-jumping/sword-swinging 2-D adventure from developer StarQuail Games, Tiny Barbarian DX is easy to learn and hard to master. “I’m not saying I hate tutorials in video games,” says designer Michael Stearns, “but this game starts out by telling you the functions of two buttons and then sets you on a mountain surrounded by enemies where you will surely die.”

The presentation may be pixel-art perfection, but Tiny Barbarian DX is not afraid to take a few liberties with the retro-gaming aesthetic. You might see the occasional transparency effect or hear more instruments in the soundtrack than you probably remember from your old 16-bit game cartridges…and the super-widescreen aspect ratio is an obvious concession to modern displays. But it’s all done with great taste and supreme reverence for the games that paved the way—some of which are directly referenced in the level designs or gameplay.

The initial print run of physical retail copies of Tiny Barbarian DX will include several free bonuses, including a full-color instruction booklet and a PVC keychain of the Tiny Barbarian in a microfiber pouch branded with the game’s logo. As previously revealed, the game’s box art was created by Susumu Matsushita, the beloved cover artist for hundreds of issues of Famitsu, Japan’s leading video game magazine.

Developed by StarQuail Games and published by Nicalis, Tiny Barbarian DX will be available for Nintendo Switch on October 10, with the complete Steam version to be released soon after. Suggested retail price is $29.99. The game has been rated E10+ by the ESRB.

Source: PR Email

When we brought Overcooked: Special Edition to Nintendo Switch this July, we were delighted to see how much the Nintendo community embraced our brand of chaotic co-op cookery. We’re thrilled to have seen Nintendo Switch owners all over the world playing on their TV screens, in handheld mode and even using tabletop mode to play together on the go.

But we understand that some players have also experienced a handful of performance issues that we did not detect during development. We’ve been actively working on addressing these issues ever since and we’re now very happy to announce that the first of two planned patches is live!

Patch 1 is now available to download on your Nintendo Switch console and contains the following fixes…

• General improvements to framerate across the entire game
  Improvements to controller input
• HD Rumble no longer activates for all players when Player 1 carries out an action
• A crash triggered after lowering the vibration setting is fixed
• An exploit for chopping in the single-player mode has been removed
• An error in which worktop highlights was missing under certain circumstances is fixed
• A bug causing the timer to cut off when switching between handheld and TV mode has been fixed

Now that Patch 1 is complete and live, we are busy finalising Patch 2, which will introduce even more improvements to performance. Please keep an eye out for it in the near future!

We’re confident that these fixes result in a much-improved playing experience on Nintendo Switch and hope you agree too. If you have any comments at all regarding Overcooked: Special Edition then please let us know at the official Overcooked Facebook page or Twitter account where we’ll be sure to see them.

Thanks for reading and happy over-cooking!

Source: Team17 Site

We’re happy to announce a new trailer for Culdcept Revolt, showcasing the multiplayer aspect in this upcoming Nintendo 3DS release! You can battle locally or online with your friends or choose to duke it out against computers!

Culdcept Revolt for the Nintendo 3DS arrives in North America on October 3, 2017 and in Europe on October 6, 2017.

Last, but not least, players can sign up to receive two free Day One DLC packs for Culdcept Revolt (check the descriptions below):

Challenge from Hell DLC – A challenging bonus scenario and special map that can be used in single and multi-player game modes!

Soltis Book Cover DLC – Show off your book locally and online with a glorious book cover based on the god of Soltaria!

This free offer only lasts until 9:59 AM PDT on October 3, 2017. Your code will be e-mailed to you on launch day at 10:00 AM PDT.

Follow the links below for your region:

North America | Europe | Australia

Source: PR Email

SANTA ANA, Calif., August 29, 2017—Nicalis, Inc. today announces the addition of another retro-inspired action-adventure game to its 2017 line-up. The publisher of Cave Story+ and The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+ will produce the charming platform adventure Save me Mr Tako: Tasukete Tako-San for the Nintendo Switch console and Steam service. The game is planned for release as a digital download in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Set in a world where humans and octopi are at war with each other, Save me Mr Tako: Tasukete Tako-San tells the tale of a pacifist octopus who rescues a human woman from drowning. An octopus fairy sees this act of kindness and grants Mr Tako (the game’s protagonist) the ability to survive on land, where he can learn more about the ways of humans and help to resolve conflicts between the two species.

Mr Tako navigates through the game’s environments by spitting ink at enemies, which turns them into platforms that he can jump on to reach even higher ground. He can also acquire and wear 50 different hats that give him special abilities, fight 19 deadly boss characters and explore 16 mysterious dungeons scattered throughout six huge worlds.

Save me Mr Tako: Tasukete Tako-San was designed by French indie developer Christophe Galati as a heartfelt homage to the many games he loved to play on Nintendo’s original Game Boy® handheld console. The game’s color palettes are directly inspired by that hardware’s crude LCD display (allowing no more than four onscreen colors at a time), and the sizes of the character sprites are intentionally limited to 1989 standards. The game’s soundtrack also uses Game Boy-era instrumentation to complete the authentic retro vibe.

Save me Mr Tako: Tasukete Tako-San is planned for a simultaneous release on Nintendo Switch and Steam in the fourth quarter of 2017. Pricing info and release date to be announced at a later time.

About Nicalis, Inc.
Based in Southern California and founded in 2007, Nicalis, Inc. is an independent developer and publisher with a proven track record that includes well-polished games like Cave Story, 1001 Spikes and The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth.

About Christophe Galati
Based in Paris, France, designer/writer/pixel artist Christophe Galati started to develop Save me Mr Tako: Tasukete Tako-San in 2014, in honor of the 25th anniversary of the release of the original Game Boy.

Source: PR Email