Twinworld Game Reviews

Archive for October, 2019

Bucharest, October 24, 2019 – Get ready to kick in some doors, because today KillHouse Games are thrilled to launch Door Kickers: Action Squad on both Xbox One and PlayStation 4! Door Kickers Action Squad will launch on Nintendo Switch October 28th, 2019!

‘’Action Squad is the game that you get when you mix our top down strategy title Door Kickers with an old school side scroller circa 1980-1990. Think Golden Axe, Dangerous Dave, Green Berets, but don’t think for one second we’re stuck in the past – we make games for the modern player and add our own ideas to the mix. And we’ve always meant the game to be played as informal as possible – easy to pickup, hard slash fun to master but also inviting to play at any time and in any context: Alone, with a friend online or a friend on your couch.

Obviously, there’s nothing more couch friendly and informal than playing on your console, and we’ve always known the game is headed there. The full Action Squad experience plus extra content and coolness we’ve added in the meantime is now available on PS4, XBox One and the Nintendo Switch.” says Dan Dimitrescu, game designer of the game series and bearer of the “I’ve seen Tape Loading Errors you wouldn’t believe” stare. No words of a Spectrum ZX version so far.

Door Kickers: Action Squad makes you think both tactically and strategically as you send your SWAT-like team to kick down the doors, blast the bad guys and rescue hostages in explosive Single Player and Co-op Multiplayer – with Couch play included. Launched in late 2018 on the PC and co-developed with PixelShard Labs, the game brings the full experience to consoles while also adding one new chapter with 12 new levels (The Slums) and a fun new playable character (the Off-Duty Guy). The new chapter and character will be available on PC as a free-for-all-players upgrade.

Source: PR Email

Los Angeles, October 23, 2019 – Rival Games, the critically acclaimed developer behind Alien: Blackout, and multiplatform entertainment company Skybound Entertainment are happy to announce that Thief of Thieves: Season One arrives on the eShop for Nintendo Switch on November 12th for $19.99 / £17.99 / €19.99. Thief of Thieves: Season One lets users play as burglar Celia using stealth, social engineering and assistance from your team to pull off some high profile heists across the world. Originally divided into four volumes and released separately on Steam and Xbox One, the entire anthology will be available at launch.

Based on the award winning comic book series by Robert Kirkman, Thief of Thieves: Season One tells the story of Celia, the protege of master thief Conrad “Redmond” Paulson, as she joins a new team of criminals and advances from apprentice to master. For every heist you must plan with your team, sneak your way in, react to any obstacles you face, and escape using stealth and cunning – after all, violence is what separates thieves from thugs. Get to know your team and choose your approach on the field. But be careful: the choices you make shape the narrative and may have drastic consequences.

Thief of Thieves: Season One is developed by the Finnish independent studio Rival Games in partnership with Skybound Entertainment. The story transitions between comic frames and gameplay, as Celia makes her way through scenes ranging from cocktail parties to construction yards by using her skills in social engineering and stealth. The unique visual style of 2D hand drawn comics and 3D environments combine into one seamlessly flowing story experience. Shawn Martinbrough, the artist behind the Thief of Thieves: Season One comic, provided concepts behind many of the new living breathing characters brought to life by such voice actors like Fryda Wolff (Mass Effect: Andromeda), Stephen Stanton (Rogue One), Emily O’Brien (Death Stranding), Cissy Jones (Firewatch, The Walking Dead: Season 1), Fred Tatasciore (Kung-Fu Panda 2), and Elias Toufexis (Deus Ex: Human Revolution).

“It was a completely new experience working on an already established IP but the creative freedom that Skybound gave allowed us to create something brand new and exciting for Thief of Thieves,” said Jukka Laakso, CEO of Rival Games. “We’re excited to introduce this iteration of Celia’s story to fans old and new.”

Source: PR Email

Baltimore, MD – October 23rd 2019 – Independent games publisher Versus Evil in partnership with Breadcrumbs Interactive today announced that on November 12th, its action role-playing game Yaga will be available simultaneously on PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, and Xbox One. That’s not all, PC, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch players will also have a chance to enjoy a pre-order 20% discount. The pre-order discount is currently live on the Epic Games Store, while the Xbox One and Nintendo Switch pre-sales will go live November 4.

Yaga tells the story of Ivan, a one-handed blacksmith with incredibly bad luck, who must take on the impossible tasks given to him by the Tzar. All the while the mysterious witch, Baba Yaga, watches over Ivan’s fate as he smashes and clobbers a variety of nefarious monsters and legends inspired by Slavic folk tales.

In Yaga, players will dive into a deep forging system to make weapons like teleporting lightning hammers and hookshot pitchforks, in order to defeat the murderous legends of Slavic folklore. With multiple endings, multiple ways of solving encounters, procedural map, lots of characters to encounter, and hidden secrets mean Yaga is meant to be played over and over again.

Source: PR Email

Destiny Connect: Tick-Tock Travelers is out today for PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch in North America! Europe and Oceania can gear up for adventure on October 25 and November 1, respectively. Join Sherry and her friends in the race to restore time!

We also have a digital Launch Edition bundle on PSN, available for two weeks from release, that contains free avatars and theme!

Availability is as follows:

• North America: October 22 to November 5
• Europe: October 25 to November 7
• Oceania: November 1 to November 15

Source: PR Email

TAITO has been known for creating amazing video games such as Arkanoid, Bubble Bobble, and Space Invaders, since the early 1970’s. In 1987, TAITO brought us The Ninja Warriors, a side scrolling action game for the arcade venues, and later on, the home consoles. The arcade version included a 3 screen display for players to enjoy their ninja action in a unique wide-screen format.

In The Ninja Warriors arcade game, you controlled 1 of 2 robotic ninjas created by an anarchist group led by Mulk. The ninjas were built to assassinate Banglar, the Tyrant president of the United States, who has issued martial law and given total control to the military.

On October 15th, TAITO released The Ninja Saviors: Return of The Warriors in North America on the Nintendo Switch and Playstation 4 home consoles. This release was a reboot of their 1994 sequel, also titled The Ninja Warriors, which was released on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Instead of going with a modern art style, TAITO chose to remain faithful to the original release and keep the 16-bit art style while improving on the actual game resolution and animations.

With many companies bringing older 2D titles to modern consoles with 3D character models, I’m quite happy that TAITO didn’t go the same route. Sure, the game might look good if a lot of effort was put into the 3D models, but that has not been the case with many of the reboots from other companies. The character animations in The Ninja Saviors are quite smooth and the background artwork is fantastic. I’ll take gorgeous 2D artwork over mediocre 3D character models any day of the week!

The Ninja Saviors include 5 ninjas for you to pick from, with 3 being available from the beginning. Each ninja has their own move set which consists of basic attacks, aerial attacks, specials, etc. One example would be the red ninja, who is able to unleash a round of shurikens in front of her by spending some of her stored up battery power. The ninjas are also able to block many attacks, as well as pick up various objects in a stage to use against their adversaries.

The game consists of 8 stages, each more challenging than the last. As you progress into the later stages, previously defeated bosses are thrown into the mix to push your skills to their limits. With how challenging the game can get, you need to make sure your reflexes are as fast as ever. During my play-through, I didn’t notice any major frame-rate issues and the character movement seemed to be on point. The load time between stages was minimal as well, which is always a good thing.

Another addition to the title are online leaderboards and a Time Attack mode. In the SNES title, you had a timer that counted down in each stage that you were in, pushing you to complete the stage before it hit 0. With the reboot, the counter is now going up. If you can beat the game without dying (as you only get 1 life before having to re-pick your ninja), your time will be uploaded to see where you rank against fellow ninjas. Since you only have the 1 life to get onto the leaderboards per run, you’ll want to utilize the items placed throughout the stages to help replenish your health and battery power. As you complete each stage in normal mode, a time attack mode will unlock for that stage. This allows you to challenge each stage individually for the best time instead of going through all 8 stages each run.

The game does have 2 difficulty modes, normal and hard. Hard mode is locked when you first start the game, but will unlock after you’ve beaten normal mode at least once. The game also allows you to customize your controller buttons, which is something folks are always happy to see included. The developers included an option to enable / disable blood effects, which is something the SNES was known for having removed from many titles that were published to the console. While the SNES version was only a single player game, this reboot provides you with a local co-op mode so that you and a friend can unload some ninja mayhem on the enemies together.

The developers have included multiple high quality audio soundtracks in this reboot, but only 1 is available by default. Luckily the game tells you what you’ll need to do to unlock the other soundtracks for your listening enjoyment. Multiple language options are available as well for those who want to play the game in a language other than English.

The Ninja Saviors include a built-in manual which is a nice touch. The pages list each ninja’s move sets, so you don’t have to randomly press buttons to figure out which button does what. I am surprised that the manual shows off the character moves for the 2 hidden ninjas though right from the start, which essentially spoils what the 2 ninjas look like. I would have preferred that the manual hide those pages until the appropriate ninja was unlocked.

TAITO has done a wonderful job in bringing The Ninja Warriors to modern consoles with their reboot of the SNES classic. Even though the game can be completed within an hour or 2 once you’re familiar with everything, the unlockable difficulty modes & bonus characters help justify playing through the game multiple times.

Between the graphical improvements, audio soundtracks, new game play modes, online leaderboards, extra playable characters, and revised character move sets, this is one reboot you don’t want to miss out on. If you enjoyed The Ninja Warriors back in the day, or if you’re just looking for a challenging side-scrolling action game, make sure to check out The Ninja Saviors – Return of the Warriors!

Stuttgart, October 21, 2019  – Stuttgart, publisher Strictly Limited Games, specializing in the release of strictly limited physical Collector’s Editions of digital games for PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita and Nintendo Switch, today announced the limited Standard and collector’s edition of Bubble Bobble 4 Friends, the sequel to the 1986 video game classic Bubble Bobble.

From Sunday 27 October, both editions for Nintendo Switch can be pre-ordered exclusively from the Strictly Limited Games online store. The limited Standard Edition will be offered with an exclusive cover and individual numbering at a price of 39.99 Euro. The Collector´s Edition will celebrate the origins of this milestone in video game history in a very special way. Accordingly, it contains numerous items about Bubble Bobble and its history, which have been translated from Japanese with great attention to detail in order to make them accessible to fans and collectors. The Collector’s Edition will be offered at a price of 89.99 Euro.

Bubble Bobble 4 Friends, the latest game in the popular Bubble Bobble series, includes the original Bubble Bobble Coin-Op version from 1986 in addition to the 100 stages in Bubble Bobble 4 Friends – this means that there will be 100 more stages in the original Bubble Bobble with original music, sound and visuals in addition to the 100 stages in Bubble Bobble 4 Friends.

The Strictly Limited Collector’s Edition of Bubble Bobble 4 Friends includes the following exclusive fan items from the Bubble Bobble universe:

• High-quality collectors box with magnetic closure
• Original soundtrack from TAITO’s legendary “House Band” Zuntata (includes the soundtrack from Bubble Bobble 4 Friends and the original music from Bubble Bobble)
• Hardcover book, providing fascinating insights into Bubble Bobble
• 2 sheets with a stylish marquee and artwork stickers
• Bubble Bobble Instruction Card
• Bubble Bobble Arcade Flyer

As an additional bonus, the Collector’s Edition is shipped in a special retro-style cardboard box – a tribute to the classic packaging of vending machine circuit boards in the 1980s and 1990s.

Starting October 27th, collectors and fans of the games series will be able to pre-order the 3,500-piece limited Standard Edition or the 2,500-piece limited Collector’s Edition of Bubble Bobble 4 Friends for Nintendo Switch.

Source: PR Email

Paris – October 21, 2019 – Over the past years, Microids has been using a singular editorial strategy allowing the company to become a major player in the video game industry. With 83% of its gross revenue coming from outside of France and a 50% gross increase per year, Microids is now pushing toward an acceleration of its growth strategy and international expansion. Renowned for its adventure games, the publisher started diversifying its portfolio around 4 pillars: adventure games, racing games, retro gaming and licensed products. This year, Microids showcased its strength with a line up stronger than ever with the release of Asterix & Obelix XXL3, Blacksad: Under the Skin, Tootuff Mega Party, Fort Boyard, Gear.Club Unlimited Porsche Edition and Garfield Kart.

Anuman Interactive becomes Microids and changes its company name

Founded in 1985 by Elliot Grassiano, Microids was acquired by Anuman Interactive in 2009 and became the company’s main video game label. Having developed Microids’ reputation among players and partners over the years in several regions, this change of name is a natural development for Anuman Interactive. This decision is part of an international expansion strategy which began last summer with a new graphic identity for Microids. Stéphane Longeard, founder and CEO of Anuman Interactive therefore becomes the CEO of Microids, which he will be managing jointly with Elliot Grassiano.

Microids opens an office in Japan

After three successful years in Japan, Microids is proud to announce the opening of a representative office in this region. Microids will be represented by Martial Meyssignac (present in Japan for 30 years) who will work closely with Yves Bléhaut, Senior VP Strategic Partnerships at Microids. This new office is part of a policy of expansion; its main roles will be the distribution of games from the company’s catalog and the establishment of agreements with iconic Japanese titles, in conjunction with its parent company in France.

“This new office is part of our policy to expand Microids’ international activities and to build on its reputation. Our teams are made up of people who are incredibly enthusiastic about video games and, in particular, about Japanese culture, in which this sector has such a special place, as we know. We’re thrilled by the group’s excellent progress!” says Yves Bléhaut, Senior VP Strategic Partnerships at Microids.

It’s worth mentioning that the game “Gear.Club Unlimited”, which the company published on Nintendo Switch 2017 and distributed by 3goo K.K, was the best-selling racing game in Japan all platforms combined in the year of its release! Microids intends to build on this success and expand its activities in the region.

A dedicated team to support the Microids Indie label

This international expansion strategy will also be supported by strengthening the editorial team through the creation of a dedicated squad in charge of the label Microids Indie. The main goal of this label will be to guide and help the independent developers on the journey towards releasing their game. Microids indie will be directed by industry veteran Vincent Dondaine, who’s been collecting successes especially in the independent games area, joining the company with the role of VP Microids Indie. “I am really happy to tackle this new challenge and build the Microids Indie strategy from the ground up. Indie developers will benefit from the expertise and know-how of Microids internal teams to give birth to their projects and optimize their exposure” says Vincent Dondaine.

Microids will share with indie developers and studios its know-how in terms of publishing (digital and retail), marketing, communication and sales to offer the best possible environment for their launch. They will also benefit from the international distribution network already giving Microids a strong worldwide presence, especially in Europe, North America as well as Japan. By leveraging the indie developers’ creativity, Microids wish to reach a new audience and offer innovative experiences to its community.

“We are really proud of what the company has achieved until now! We demonstrated our capability to adapt ourselves to an ever evolving market by bringing Microids to the center stage. Thanks to the trusty relationship we cultivate with the development studios and our internal team know-how, Microids continues its international expansion. Redefining our idendity, bringing back Microids Indie and increasing our presence in Japan are some key elements for our future endavours. The expertise and experience of Martial Meyssignac and Vincent Dondaine will allow Microids to grow and carry on more and more ambitious projects!” Says Stephane Longeard, Microids’ CEO.

Source: PR Email

19 October, 2019 – Indie publisher Digerati and developer Failbetter Games are thrilled to announce that Sunless Skies: Sovereign Edition is coming to Nintendo Switch, PS4, and Xbox One in Q1/Q2 2020.

Sunless Skies: Sovereign Edition will be joined on Xbox One and Nintendo Switch by Sunless Sea: Zubmariner, which is already available for PS4, later in 2020. All of the console ports are being developed by Nephilim Game Studios.

Sunless Skies is Failbetter Games’ third title, following 2015’s Sunless Sea and the cult browser game Fallen London, which launched in 2009 and is still free to play at www.fallenlondon.com.

Sunless Skies was successfully funded in 4 hours on Kickstarter, and went on to raise a total of £377,952. It launched into Early Access in August 2017.

Originally developed for PC, Mac and Linux, Sunless Skies was released in January 2019. It was rated 9 at launch by Edge magazine, 90 by PC Gamer, and Essential by Eurogamer, and has a Metacritic score of 86. It has been named among the best games of the year so far by the Guardian, Paste Magazine, The AV Club, Gamespot and the Guinness Book of World Records.

About the game

SAIL THE STARS. BETRAY YOUR QUEEN. MURDER A SUN.

Sunless Skies: Sovereign Edition is a Gothic Horror roleplay game with a focus on exploration and exquisite storytelling. Ready your star-faring engine, and venture into an expanse of hostile factions, lurking deities, forbidden knowledge, vast fortune, and fates worse than death.

Key features

• A narrative RPG set in the Fallen London universe.
• Explore four regions: celestial wilderness, impossible industrial empire, pagan midnight expanse, and the mysterious Blue Kingdom.
• Choose your crew and your fate. Reveal your captain’s history and skills. Change and be changed by the world.
• Danger lurks in the heavens. Fight or flee from sky-beasts and enemy ships,  and balance fuel, supplies and hunger to carve out a life in the skies.
• 800,000+ words of intertwining stories with a depth and richness unlike anything else in games

Source: PR Email

October 17th, Warsaw, Poland – Embark on a journey to find the answer to the meaning of life. QubicGames and Kayabros proudly presents Soul Searching – a narrative survival game with an experimental vibe.

About Soul Searching:

Soul Searching is a narrative survival game where you control a lone traveler who sails from homeland to an endless sea. On the way, you’ll visit different islands, discover stories of their people, and learn about souls and dragons.

At its core, this title is all about surviving in a hostile world as a peaceful traveler. You must deal with hunger, thirst, and energy. You can fish, customize your boats and even cast magic spells. There is no one single correct way to play. Discover every mystery of this world on your own. You might get lost, but it won’t take too long to find your way in the end.

Outside the gameplay, the main goal is to think about your life. Soul Searching conveys feelings that rarely appear in games. It deals with themes like growing up, isolation, search for meaning, and direction. It’s a personal expedition deep into your soul.
Outside the main story, you can try a multiplayer in the random mode where up to 4 players work together on generated maps. More players mean more resources needed to survive – cooperation is vital. Also, there are seven other short stories that experiment with different ideas about gameplay and storytelling. Be sure to check them out; you may find them exciting and innovative.

Features:

• Single-player mode with a deep and emotional story.
• Random mode for 1 to 4 players that randomly generates a map and requires players to work together to survive.
• Creatures at sea: dragons, killer whales, and more.
• Many islands, some inhabited with lots of people who have intriguing stories to tell.
• Magic skills that let you survive at sea more easily.
• Player appearance customization.
• A day-and-night cycle that affects the gameplay subtly.
• Bonus short stories with an experimental vibe.

You can now preorder Soul Searching on Nintendo Switch. The game will be available on October 25th.

Source: PR Email