Twinworld Game Reviews

Archive for June, 2020

Valencia, Spain – May 29th, 2020 – Summer in Mara is under a week away for Nintendo Switch and Steam players! To get everyone prepared, Chibig Studio has shared a new story trailer today giving further context to the narrative adventure of Koa.

Summer in Mara is a mix of farming simulation and story-based adventure rolled into one as players will visit new islands, make new friends, and learn more about the evil corporation Elit, which wants to conquer Mara. As Koa, Chibig Studio wants players to feel like they’re exploring the world of Mara to make it a better place. Featuring over 30 hours of playtime with 250+ missions, the warm adventure is set around growth and character development through personal experience.

Those who’d like to play before launch can try the free prologue released by Chibig Studio on Steam now.

Source: PR Email

9 June, 2020 – Indie publisher Digerati and developer Brainwash Gang are delighted to announce nihilistic action-platformer Nongunz: Doppelganger Edition for PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PS4. The game will launch Q3 2020. A fully remastered version of the original Nongunz, the Doppelganger Edition features two all-new modes, ‘Arena’ and local co-op.

A demo for Nongunz: Doppelganger Edition will feature as part of the upcoming Steam Game Festival, which runs from 16th – 22nd June, and will be downloadable from the game’s Steam page.

A closed beta is also planned and anyone wishing to participate can submit their details now to the sign-up form.

The enigmatic Nongunz first launched on PC in 2017, with PS4 and Switch versions planned to follow. However, when Sindiecate – the game’s publisher at the time – vanished without a trace, the future for Nongunz and the planned console versions looked uncertain.

Following a chance encounter with Brainwash Gang at 35,000 feet (they were on the same flight), Digerati jumped at the opportunity to sign Nongunz and is thrilled to be able to give the game the full release it deserves across PC and, for the very first time, console.

Brainwash Gang’s Edu Verzinsky, founder and developer at the Madrid-based developer, explains more about the remastered Nongunz:

“The Doppelganger Edition adds a co-op mode and a new arena mode. We have also tweaked some enemies in order to greatly lower the player’s suffering. We hope console players will welcome it as a challenge, as we know it is one of the hardest games to beat in the market.”

“That being said, our goal has always been to make a 100% fair game, so it is in the players’ hands and ability to complete it and share their knowledge about the game.”

About The Game

Nongunz is a nihilistic action platformer roguelike. Obscure in both gameplay and theme, Nongunz is a riddle that demands sacrifice. Completely rebuilt in Unity, the Doppelganger Edition is a remastered version of the original, featuring two all-new modes: Arena and Local Co-op.

Key Features

• Unforgiving gameplay that will challenge both your skill and your wits
• The whole game is a riddle. Unveil the mystery behind the nihilistic universe of Nongunz
• Beautifully crafted black and white pixel environments and characters
• Hundreds of levels plagued with dozens of different enemies
• Many weapons, items and equipment to unlock and master
• The potential to change your perception about existence, violence, and mankind
• New for the Doppelganger Edition! Join forces with your double in Local Co-op mode
• New for the Doppelganger Edition! Survive an eternity of enemies in Arena mode

Each run will have you parting from a black and white graveyard into an ever-changing gothic dungeon full of nightmares fleshed out of human viscera. Surviving this distraught roguelike will not only require skill but style, since Nongunz rewards you for long-lasting combos and challenges… moreover, score will play a key role in the progress of the idle game: the formation of your very own band of lost souls and death cultists.

As the world of Nongunz evolves, you will meet special characters that will inhabit your graveyard: praying cultists, self-scourging martyrs, somber gravediggers… which will either help you widen your killing skills or improve the performance of the insidious idle game built around the graveyard.

Source: PR Email

Stuttgart, Germany – June 9th 2020 – ININ Games, Deck13 and Radical Fish Games are very excited to announce that the captivating JRPG CrossCode is coming to Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4. With more than 400.000 digital copies sold for PC, CrossCode is finally coming to consoles.

CrossCode for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 will be available in all major retail stores in Europe and North America starting from August 28th 2020. Furthermore, the exclusive and limited SteelBook Edition and Collector’s Edition are available only at Strictly Limited Games starting today. The digital editions can soon be ordered in the Nintendo eShop and the PlayStation Store and will be released on July 9th 2020.

CrossCode is a retro-inspired 2D game that comes with a captivating sci-fi storyline and silky smooth physics. Magnificent worlds and a fast-paced combat system are combined with outstanding puzzle mechanics and lots of options for character growth. A strong main story and lots of side content allow you to spend up to 80 hours in the detailed, nostalgic pixel world.

CrossCode is set in the distant future, where you follow a player named Lea. Lea logs into a fictional MMO called CrossWorlds. Lea suffers from memory loss and is mute. The path to regain Lea’s memory is to play CrossWorlds, discover all the game locations and meet other players. Bit by bit as Lea’s memory returns, the mystery surrounding CrossWorlds will unravel – and you will discover why a mute player is stuck in this game in the first place.

CrossCode had seven years of community-driven development behind its creation and was hugely anticipated by a strong fanbase before its successful release on Steam.

CrossCode features:

• Abundant main story and side content
• Outstanding Retro-style music
• Great variety of puzzles
• Fast-paced combat system
• Combining the best of JRPG and action adventure games in a modern retro-styled look
• Discover a large SciFi world with 7 unique realms
• Fight more than 120 enemy types including 30+ boss fights
• Explore 7 vast dungeons with unique themes and puzzle mechanics

Already a hit with PC fans, quotes from the world’s leading gaming press include:

“It’s the 2D Zelda I’ve wanted for years.” – Kotaku.

“A masterpiece…it’s amazing that they were able to put such detail into such a vast game.” – IGN Japan.

CrossCode SteelBook Edition

The limited CrossCode SteelBook Edition for PC, Nintendo Switch and PS4 features:

• Game
• Instruction Card
• Manual
• Variant reversible Cover
• Original SteelBook
• Individually numbered limited Edition

The SteelBook Edition is exclusively available at the Strictly Limited Games Partner Shop for €39.99. The PlayStation 4 SteelBook edition is limited to only 2,000 copies worldwide. The Nintendo Switch SteelBook edition is limited to 3,000 copies worldwide. The PC SteelBook edition is limited to 3,000 copies worldwide.

CrossCode Collector’s Edition

The limited CrossCode Collector’s Edition for PC, Nintendo Switch and PS4 features:

• Game
• Instruction Card
• Manual
• Variant reversible Cover
• Original SteelBook®
• Hardcover CE Box with magnetic lock
• Original 2-Disc Soundtrack
• Hardcover Book – CrossCode Compendium
• 18 Stickers
• Large Poster
• Lea ‘Hi’ Keychain
• Individually numbered limited Edition

The Collector’s Edition is exclusively available at the Strictly Limited Games Partner Shop for €59.99. The PlayStation 4 Collector’s Edition is limited to 1,500 copies worldwide. The Nintendo Switch Collector’s Edition is limited to 2,000 copies worldwide. The PC Collector’s Edition is limited to 2,000 copies worldwide.

Source: PR Email

Prinny 1•2: Exploded and Reloaded on Nintendo Switch will be releasing on October 13 in North America, October 16 in Europe, and October 23 in Oceania! The first spotlight trailer highlights PRINNY 1: CAN I REALLY BE THE HERO?, in which the Prinnies only have 10 hours to deliver Master Etna the ultimate dessert! 1000 lives may not be enough for the journey ahead…

Source: PR Email

London, United Kingdom, June 9th, 2020 – UKIYO Publishing and independent game developer Nexile today launches their critically acclaimed and comically punishing platformer Jump King on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.

Jump King is a punishing “tactical leaping adventure” challenging players to rescue a smoking hot babe atop a colossal tower using nothing but their jumping ability. Players must position themselves, charge their jump, aim, then make that leap of faith and either ascend or fall. Without risk there is no reward.

Every point of progress is saved along the way… but so is every setback. Jumps that cause minor grievances one time may become the bane of your existence upon encountering them again. Experimenting with different routes or tactics is recommended as there are many paths to success in Jump King. All this is wrapped up in a nostalgic pixel art aesthetic, full of colorful characters and evocative locales.

Make no mistake, Jump King is an extraordinarily difficult game that will be relished by anyone looking for a tough but fair challenge. It’s sadistic enough to drive a seasoned gamer to tears, yet accessible enough due to its simple controls and mechanics for anyone to overcome its challenges – perseverance is key! Do you have what it takes to be the one true Jump King?

“Dear console gamers, you are not prepared for this emotional journey! Your soul will be put to the ultimate test in our platforming game where all you do is jump…. sounds simple, right?” said Erik Säll of Nexile. “Let’s just say it is not as easy as you might think. Much due to it being such a personal challenge; there is nearly no randomness in the game so it all comes down to your skill! Every mistake and success is your own. With perseverance and a bit of luck we believe anyone can beat Jump King though! We recommend every console gamer to take up this challenge, and now you can even do it from the comfort of your own sofa!”

“Jump King offers the most challenging yet rewarding experience to gamers of all skill levels. With the falls being so frustrating it makes the success of completing a jump more enjoyable. It’s quite addictive,” said Paul Hann of UKIYO Publishing. “Finally we have managed to reach the end, but we still have 2 modes left to master.”

Source: PR Email

Gothenburg, Sweden – June 8th, 2020 – Indie developer Elden Pixels has announced that Alwa’s Legacy, the successor to the critically acclaimed 8-bit inspired platformer Alwa’s Awakening, is launching on Steam & GOG on June 17th for £13.99 / $17.99 / €14.99; with the Nintendo Switch launch soon to follow.

After saving the land of Alwa following the events of the first game, Zoe is about to embark on her quest home. However, upon waking up she finds herself at the beginning of her adventure with the world feeling disparate yet familiar. In order to return home, she will need to help the inhabitants of this mysterious land and save it yet again from the mysterious curse it appears to be under.

Using Zoe’s magic staff, players must negotiate the land of Alwa to solve perilous puzzles and fend off monsters. New items and a character upgrade system allows you to craft your individual playstyle, centred on an offensive, defensive or explorative skillset. Using magical upgrades, novel pathways can be found as you explore the nonlinear interconnected world by summoning blocks to climb on, bubbles to bounce off of, and lightning bolts to attack with. Quick reflexes are needed to traverse challenging rooms while avoiding booby traps and pitfalls. Along this adventure, you will meet all manner of interesting characters, comb through dangerous dungeons, and uncover incredible secrets as you attempt to save the land from extinction.

Alwa’s Legacy honours the past with it’s thoroughly contemporary take on the metroidvania genre – full of puzzles to solve, dungeons to explore, magical items to acquire and ancient secrets to discover. Varnished with it’s 16-bit inspired visuals, mixing classical pixel art aesthetics with new visual flourishes such as a realistic lighting system and modern game design principles, Alwa’s Legacy offers a timeless play experience.

This is Elden Pixels’ second game after their homage to classic 8-bit platforming adventures, Alwa’s Awakening, which received rave reviews from the likes of Rock, Paper, Shotgun, Nintendo World Report, and Nintendo Enthusiast. Fans were so enthused by it that Alwa’s Legacy was funded on Kickstarter with 924 backers offering SEK 250,000 to see its production come to fruition. Though set in the same world with the same protagonist, Alwa’s Legacy is not a direct sequel to Alwa’s Awakening, but rather a standalone experience which can be enjoyed separately.

“The decision to go full time into game development to make a sequel to Alwa’s Awakening has been very satisfying. Alwa’s Legacy is the great game we’ve always wanted to make with it’s diverse skill tree, expansive level design and gorgeous 16-bit style graphics,” said Mikael Forslind, Game Designer for Elden Pixels. “We’ve put everything into making Alwa’s Legacy the best it can be. We can’t wait for the fans to get their hands on it after all their support.”

Source: PR Email

Super Holobunnies: Pause Café is out now on Nintendo Switch for just $4.99 on the Nintendo Game Store! q-bit and Nkidu’s mini-game platformer offers three fun game modes in one value-priced package, best experienced on the Switch.

About Super Holobunnies: Pause Café

The Holobunnies (a group of hologram bunnies) pass the time on their sweet little home planet by battling each other to see who’s the strongest in Brawler mode. They challenge themselves in boss battle simulations to hone their fighting skills in Boss Rush mode. Unbeknownst to them, something terrible is about to happen, and their friend, Kitcat, is on a quest to share dire news with the Holobunnies in the level-based runner campaign, Kitcat’s Adventure. Super Holobunnies: Pause Café is filled with fun, challenge, and competition, and depicts the lives of the Holobunnies before embarking on their bittersweet adventure.

Source: PR Email

QUEBEC CITY, QUEBEC (June 5th, 2020) – Chainsawesome Games is excited to add Knight Squad, the chaotic one-button party game with a ridiculous amount of game modes, to the Nintendo Switch today! To this day, it is still one of the few local multiplayer games designed to support up to 8 players. The Nintendo Switch version includes both the original Knight Squad as well as all the game modes and characters from the Extra Chivalrous DLC and is now available on the Nintendo eShop for $14.99 USD.

“Since the very first day the Nintendo Switch was announced, fans have been asking that we bring Knight Squad to that platform, it’s just a natural fit,” said Laurent Mercure, Communications Officer at Chainsawesome Games. “We’re a tiny studio and we had our hands full with another project at the time, we couldn’t jump on it immediately. But it’s happening now and we’re super excited. With its minimalist controllers, family time vibe and focus on local multiplayer, Knight Squad is right at home on the Nintendo platform.”

Knight Squad is an insane 1 to 8 player chaotic arena friendship destroyer. Take on current friends and future frenemies in any of the incredibly fun game modes, ranging from Last Man Standing to Medieval soccer. All of that using only weapons from the middle ages… and laser guns… and miniguns.

Key Features Include:

• 1-8 Players game packed with crazy party action – A bunch of levels are available for each game mode. Don’t have enough players to fill in the spots? No worries. Bots will jump in. Select their difficulty depending on the amount of challenge you’d like and you’re ready to go!
• A ton of versus game modes – Team Capture the Flag, Last Man Standing, Capture the Grail, Domination Soccer, Juggernaut, and more!
• Spicy upgrades to pick up – Upgrade your knight with new weapons and power-ups on the battlefield: sword, bow and arrows, horses, crossbow, bombs, laser gun, and more!
• Epic Challenges – Take on the very difficult challenge levels and make your way to the top of the leaderboard!

Source: PR Email

4 June, 2020 – Indie publisher Digerati and developer Event Horizon are pleased to confirm the release dates for innovative action-RPG Tower of Time. The epic adventure launches 23/24 June on PS4 (NA/EU respectively), 25 June on Nintendo Switch, and 26 June on Xbox One.

Already a hit with players on PC – it has a 9/10 rating on Steam – the console version of Tower of Time will launch with a revised control scheme developed specifically for gamepads.

Tower of Time is a sprawling 50+ hour adventure featuring gorgeous hand-crafted environments, story-rich dungeon crawling, flexible character development, and a unique Arrow-Time combat system that lets players pause or slow down time, allowing for unprecedented tactical depth.

The PC version has been praised by critics. Rock Paper Shotgun hailed it as “a huge, deeply developed, beautifully crafted RPG,” while God Is A Geek called it “an astounding first title that gives fans of the CRPG genre something different to sink their teeth into.”

About The Game

Lead the ultimate party of heroes into the Tower of Time, a vertical battleground filled with lore, mystery, and combat. Combining the nuances of classic RPGs with challenging tactical combat, Tower of Time transforms each battle into a puzzle of magic and mettle. Slow or pause time to plan your every move: strategically place your warriors, control the battleground with precise spells, counter incoming waves with devastating maneuvers.

Key Features

• 7 distinct classes, a complex skill system, rich equipment and alignment systems, crafting, enchanting and more
• Divide the battlefield with walls of stone, manipulate gravity, unleash torrents of flame, and more with myriad spells
• 150 different enemies and 50 bosses, each with unique skills and tactics
• Hand-crafted levels, unique Combat Challenges, multiple modifiers and five difficulty levels
• Gamepad friendly control scheme implemented for console players

Source: PR Email

Stuttgart, Germany – June 4th 2020 – Strictly Limited Games and ININ Games are very excited to announce that the colorful game Clockwork Aquario will be released in 2020 – after being lost for 27 years.

The game will be published for current gaming platforms and will be available in limited physical editions, as well as digital. The release date is planned for later this year.

The development of Clockwork Aquario started in 1992 and is the last arcade game ever developed by the legendary company Westone. With its beautiful 2D graphics it was created to push the SEGA System 18 arcade hardware to its limits. Unfortunately, fighting games and 3D games were dominating the arcades at that time which led to the cancellation of Clockwork Aquario.

Originally designed by the chief publisher, and co-founder, of Westone, Ryuichi Nishizawa, Clockwork Aquario can be described as the swan song of a company that was part of an era with historic milestones such as the Wonder Boy / Monster World series.

As a company that is striving for the preservation of video games, it has also become a part of Strictly Limited Games’ mission to unearth unreleased games that are an essential part of the cultural video game heritage.

So, three years ago, Strictly Limited Games set out to find the whereabouts of “Tokeijikake no Aquario”, the Japanese title of Clockwork Aquario, and to bring the game back to life.

ININ Games then joined in the endeavours to convince SEGA/LAT that Clockwork Aquario will finally see the light of day, by signing to create a digital release and making the game accessible to a wider audience.

Some parts (including sound, music and several graphics) were not recoverable from the source code, so the particular emphasis is placed on involving as many members of the original Westone team as possible in the project to be true to the game – from the chief programmer, Takanori Kurihara, to the musical genius, Shinichi Sakamoto, to Mr Wonder Boy himself, Ryuichi Nishizawa, who expressed his joy and excitement about seeing the title screen again after 27 years on Twitter.

Ryuichi Nishizawa also said: “Clockwork Aquario is a great piece of 2D art, into which the pixel artists put their hearts and souls. I would like to express my heartfelt respect and gratitude to those who have worked so hard to restore it.”

Source: PR Email