Twinworld Game Reviews

Archive for May, 2023

SANTA ANA, California, May 18, 2023 — A new obsession will be unleashed on July 19 when Nicalis releases the dungeon puzzle game Cramped Room of Death as a digital download on Nintendo Switch, Steam, GOG.com and the Epic Games Store.

Developed by Hafiz Mohd Rozlan with Nicalis, Cramped Room of Death features a brave hero named Lance who had his treasure and nearly all of his weapons stolen by subterranean skeleton army. He enters the thieves’ lair armed with only a giant spear, and quickly realizes why the spear was left behind: It’s almost impossible to maneuver in the cramped tunnels and caverns.

To conquer Cramped Room of Death, players must use the spear to jab every enemy in each room of the catacombs. Doing so will unlock another door, allowing you to enter another area. But it’s never as easy as it sounds. Sometimes you can’t turn to face an enemy because the spear won’t clear an obstacle. Sometimes you can’t approach an enemy from a certain direction because they’ll shoot you with an arrow before you get close enough to strike.

You’ll face many different enemy types, and there are tons of tricky traps that will force you to walk backwards, or traverse tiles in a specific order, or slide helplessly across a slippery floor. The game doesn’t count “lives”—if you get stuck or if you get killed, you can try again as many times as you like.

Cramped Room of Death is a brain-teasing puzzle game with the look of a classic dungeon crawler and the charm of an epic action/adventure game. It will be available digitally on Nintendo Switch, Steam, GOG.com and the Epic Games Store on July 19, 2023 for $14.99.

Source: PR Email

Stuttgart, Germany – 18 May 2023 – Strictly Limited Games, in partnership with Qute Corporation, is delighted to announce the pre-order start for exclusive and highly limited boxed editions of Eschatos for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4. This exciting release of the Shoot ‘em up hidden gem is scheduled to launch in autumn 2023 and eager collectors can already pre-order their exclusive Limited Edition, starting on Sunday the 21st of May!

These editions will only be available at Strictly Limited Games  and will be the ONLY physical version of the game.

About Eschatos:

Eschatos is a beloved polygonal vertical shoot ’em up by Qute Corporation. Initially released exclusively on the Xbox 360 in Japan, the game has since gained a cult following.

In Eschatos aliens have taken over the moon and now threaten to do the same to earth. It’s your job to prevent that from happening. To do that your ship is equipped with three different functions, with each being suited for different situations.

The Front Shot shoots a powerful beam in a straight line, the Wide Shot shoots at an angle and the Shield absorbs shots and damages enemies, but works on a limited energy meter. Using them to adapt to each situation is key.

Easy to learn, hard to master is the name of the game; but thankfully there are five difficulty options to help you find your groove and if you have mastered ORIGINAL MODE, try your hand at ADVANCED MODE (no upgrades) or TIME ATTACK MODE.

Not only is the gameplay excellent, the clean graphic style is very pleasing visually and allows the game to transition from one stage to the next without any breaks or even load times in this version! These transitions are accompanied by awesome dynamic camera angles, really showing off the colorful stage backgrounds and creatively bizarre enemy designs. Let’s not forget the superb soundtrack by Yousuke Yasui, whose high-energy synth-heavy work alone will keep you playing! It really is an aural feast.

Shoot ‘Em Up Fans and Collectors can get even more excited as Eschatos is accompanied by its two spiritual predecessors and Qute’s first releases, Judgement Silversword and Cardinal Sins. Both were released in 2004 for the WonderSwan Color and are among the finest looking and playing games of the handheld, both featuring creative scoring mechanics. It’s also fun trying to spot the elements that would later be used as a basis and be built upon by Eschatos, be it gameplay elements or enemy designs. A must have for all WonderSwan fans.

Features:

• Three games in one package:  Eschatos, Judgement Silversword and Cardinal Sins
• Exclusive to the Switch and PS4 versions of Eschatos: Improved load times, remastered soundtrack and performance improvements

• Original, Advanced and Time Attack Mode

• Three types of weapons:  Front Shot, Wide Shot and Shield

• Dynamic camera system, creating a sense of exhilarating speed
• Five beautiful stages, including temple ruins, Earth’s orbit, and the alien moon base

• Massive bosses, battle screen-filling UFOs and other strange enemies
• Online leaderboards and downloadable replay system
• Phenomenal retro-synth soundtrack composed by Yousuke Yasui

Limited Editions:

Eschatos gets physical, powered by Strictly Limited Games. The Limited Editions for Nintendo Switch™and PlayStation® 4 (PS4) can only be found there.

The Limited Edition is limited to 2,600 individually numbered copies for Nintendo Switch and 1,300 for PS4, at a price of 29.99€ / $29.99.

The Collector’s Edition is limited to 1,400 individually numbered copies for Nintendo Switch and 700 for PS4, at a price of 69.99€ / $69.99.

Both editions will be available for pre-order on Sunday the 21st of May, at 8 AM PST / 11 AM EST / 5 PM CET and shipping is expected for autumn 2023.

Source: PR Email

Paris, May 17th, 2023 – Publisher Microids and IMPS, the Smurfs license holder, are thrilled to announce The Smurfs 2: The Prisoner of the Green Stone and unveil the first images of this 3D adventure/platform game, set to be released in Q4 2023 on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC.

Developed by OSome Studio, The Smurfs 2: The Prisoner of the Green Stone is an all-new story, and sequel to the previous opus released in 2021, from the same studio, The Smurfs – Mission Vileaf.

About The Smurfs 2: The Prisoner of the Green Stone

Handy Smurf has created a revolutionary invention: SmurfoMix! However, it’s missing a key ingredient, the Green Stone, which lays in the greedy clutches of Gargamel.

He sets off on a mission to retrieve the famous Green Stone, a key ingredient that would greatly help him  improve his invention, from Gargamel’s laboratory. But a fatal misstep causes it to explode, its fragments scattering throughout the Cursed Land. In addition to unleashing into the wild its incredible powers to copy and decompose matter, the Green Stone has set free the evil Stolas, a new order bent on creating a reign of terror.

A crack team of 4 Smurfs must then adventure to save the Cursed Land from the mighty Stolas! Well equipped, the Smurfs can count on the SmurfoMix and an unexpected ally… Gargamel himself!

Key features:

• Meet the team of 4 iconic Smurfs: Handy Smurf, Brainy Smurf, Clumsy Smurf, and Smurfstorm.
• An accessible and intuitive gameplay that will delight both Smurf fans and action/platforming fans.
• Enjoy dynamic gameplay with exploration, platforming and even more intense combat thanks to the SmurfoMix!
• For the first time in a video game, collaborate with Gargamel! Use his teleporters to travel through the Cursed Land and discover 3 brand new unexplored regions.
• Collect various resources to acquire the BoostiBoom and improve the Smurfomix throughout your adventure!
• Embark on the adventure with a friend or family partner in co-op mode.
• A new story which respects the license, set in a beautiful, well-crafted colorful universe!

The Smurfs 2: The Prisoner of the Green Stone will be available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC.

Source: PR Email

Lausanne, Switzerland, May 17th, 2023 – Indie developer Sunnyside Games in partnership with Dear Villagers are happy to reveal that their flame-wielding platformer Nocturnal is coming to Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms on June 7th for $19.99, and PC for for $16.99. Nocturnal is an action exploration odyssey that will task players with repelling a nefarious mist as it enshrouds an ancient isle. Use your fire to uncover what secrets lay hidden beneath the fog!

After a difficult journey across a troubled sea, Ardeshir, a soldier of the Enduring Flame, returns to his home island of Nahran. Engulfed in a shadowy mist, Ardeshir must rely on fire to extinguish the sinister forces that have overtaken his native land. Flame has many uses here. It can ward off the Mist, ignite the scenery, turn on machinery, and be used to burn beings of dark magic impervious to conventional weaponry. But be forewarned: one cannot breathe in the Mist, so you’ll have to use your wits as you intuit new ways to keep it at bay.

Grow more powerful by offering collected ashes to the flame. Gain powers that help you expand your lifeforce, hold your breath longer, or sacrifice ashes in hopes of gaining new powers along the way.

Nocturnal encourages challengers to brave its beautiful ruins with a host of optional trials. Those seeking the glory of a true challenge can enable a host of speedrunning features, like faster transitions, skippable cutscenes, and a pausable timer. Only the fiercest warriors will try their hand Permadeath Mode, where you only have one life to undertake the entire journey.

“Reception to Nocturnal from Steam Next Fest and PAX East was super positive, so we’re thrilled that people can finally play the full game,” said Sunnyside Games co-founder Gabriel Sonderegger. “We wanted Nocturnal to effortlessly flow between fast, frenetic action and hair-raising tension, with your constantly depleting host of light sources. It’s a thrilling balancing act that we think platforming fans will really get a kick out of.”

Source: PR Email

Stuttgart, Germany – May 16, 2023 – One more week until the latest entry in TAITO’s Puzzle Bobble / Bust-A-Move series makes its debut: Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! releases on the 23rd of May, digitally and physically for Nintendo Switch!

For nostalgic fans of this timeless franchise, ININ Games decided to make the original SNES version of Puzzle Bobble (Japanese) and Bust-A-Move (US) available separately for download at launch, at the price of Euro 7,99 so that even those who purchased the retail edition have the chance to relive these endless gems.

As a solo quest or with your friends, jump into the latest title of the Puzzle Bobble series and restore peace to Rainbow Islands, which has been invaded (..literally) by bubbles!

In this new adventure, you will also be able to play one vs. one online battles against players from all over the world. Ratings and classes will go up or down depending on the results of your wins and losses, so improve your skills and aim for a higher class!

Already know who you want to pop those bubbles with? No problem! Using the “Password Matching” function, you’ll also be able to play online with your friends– as long as they, too, have set up the password!

Please note – Online play requires a (paid) subscription to “Nintendo Switch Online.”

Bubbly Features:

• For the first time in the series, up to four players can play together in Story Mode!
• Enjoy a scenario where you can feel the character’s individuality and their view of the world in a title that is more voluminous than the previous ones in the series!
• You can compete with players worldwide for high scores in online rankings!
• Local battles feature 2vs2 team battles for the first time in the series!
• Test your skills in 1vs1 online battles against players from around the world!
• You can even play online against friends far away from you with the “Password Matching” function!
• Includes “PUZZLE BOBBLE VS SPACE INVADERS,” a collaborative mini-game to commemorate the 45th anniversary of SPACE INVADERS!

Source: PR Email

The Legend of Nayuta: Boundless Trails is coming to Nintendo Switch™, PS4™, and PC on September 19, 2023!

Dive into adventure and join young Nayuta as he realizes his dream of exploring beyond the horizon of his island home. After a fateful encounter with a fairy-like creature named Noi, he and his friend Cygna find themselves whisked away on an adventure through multiple worlds…what does the future hold for Nayuta? Watch the Story Trailer to find out!

Source: PR Email

12 MAY, 2023 – The fluffy-tailed, laid-back gardening sim Bunhouse will launch on Nintendo Switch later this month, publisher Digerati is happy to announce. Switch players will be able to start having fun with their buns from 18th May. It’ll be priced $19.99 and be available with a 20% launch discount. Bunhouse is also coming to PlayStation and Xbox later this year (exact date TBC).

Created by developer Reky Studios and originally released on Steam, where it currently has a 93% positive user rating, Bunhouse offers stress-free gardening fun for a chilled and rewarding experience. Can be enjoyed solo or in couch co-op for up to four players.

About the game

Bunhouse is a cute, simple, bunny-filled game focused on growing plants and managing a greenhouse with fellow buns. Take care of your leafy plant buddies by balancing the amount of water and light they get. Play with friends and upgrade your greenhouse for wholesome, relaxing fun.

Sometimes life is hectic. Sometimes we just need to take a breather and relax in a happy little world filled with bunnies. This is the core vision of Bunhouse – a game you can play solo or with up to four friends to relax and be happy. There is nothing to kill, no one to be better than, no quests or debt to pay off, just some plants that need watering and a greenhouse full of possibility.

Key Features

• Grow and sell plants
• Take care of your plants
• Order new decorations for your garden and greenhouse
• Upgrade your greenhouse
• Couch co-op with up to four friends

Source: PR Email

Thursday 11th May, 2023: Indie publisher Ratalaika Games and Shinyuden  are excited to announce the forthcoming release of Cyber Citizen Shockman, an iconic title previously released on PC Engine in Japan but never before released in the West. Due for release and launching on  PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Xbox One,  Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch on May 19  2023, this retro arcade action platformer starring two characters (boy and girl), with a number of improvements, captures the excitement and appeal that made it a genre favourite.

‘Cyber Citizen Shockman marks the beginning of the release of the entire Shockman’s titles that will be  presented  to retro game fans over the year for the first time which will be available for home consoles (except Shockman 2), which is the only one that was ever officially released’.

The Backdrop Story

Cyber Citizen Shockman is the story of two Japanese school kids named Tasuke and Kyapiko, who are in fact androids built by a mad scientist known only as Doc, who built Tasuke and Kyapiko with the ability to morph into armoured superheroes known as Shockman. Their plight is to battle the evil forces of Dark Skull.  Doc’s first attempt at a cybernetic organism who went rogue and established a gang of goons called the Skull Force. The Skull Force is trying to take over the city and have captured civilians in various locations. As Shockman, you must take back the city, one building at a time, rescue the hostages, and defeat Dark Skull and his gang.

The premise of  what Cyber Citizen Shockman offers is a fairly straightforward, hack and slash experience as you fight through 18 stages, collecting rewards – healing, gold, etc. before you face the obligatory boss in the guise of a mecca or three headed dragon. As you progress, more powerful rewards and upgrades will be presented to you and a challenging experience with fluid movement and precise actions is well presented!

FEATURES/FACTS

• Action platformer starring 2 characters (boy and girl), 18 exciting platforming stages with multiple routes to explore
• A plethora of upgrades to unlock
• Added image gallery from hand-made scans
• Rewind/FF functions
• Brand new english translation, plus old JP Original
• Complete EN and JP user interface!
• Save states
• CRT Filter
• Suu Urabe, famous mangaka, created the character design and the main illustrations of the game

Shockingly coming soon for the first time in the West!

Source: PR Email

Trapped in a perilous dungeon, survival is your only option!

Play the Monster Menu Demo today and create a team of custom fighters to see if you have what it takes to make it through the dungeon alive. Fight monsters, gather ingredients, and scavenge for resources used to make life-saving meals. But beware, not all ingredients make delicious food!

Prepare for your dungeon-crawling adventures by preordering the Limited Edition today! Then, watch the Demo Trailer for a first-hand look at life within the labyrinth.

Monster Menu: The Scavenger’s Cookbook is coming to Nintendo Switch, PS4 and PS5 on May 23, 2023!

Paris, May 10th, 2023 – Publisher Microids and Microids Studio Lyon are thrilled to announce the video game Agatha Christie – Murder on the Orient Express, a modernized and revisited version of the Agatha Christie’s classic.

Set in 2023, this video game will bring the classic tale to life in a way that will surprise even the most dedicated fans. With brand-new elements added to the original story, players will experience the mystery and suspense like never before and rediscover one of the most famous cases of Hercule Poirot.

Murder on the Orient Express will be released on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC in Q4 2023.

About Agatha Christie – Murder on the Orient Express:

On board the Orient Express, the legendary detective Hercule Poirot tries to solve the murder that has taken place on the prestigious train while surrounded by a cast of intriguing characters with their own secrets and motives. Solving the mystery won’t be easy and through numerous twists and turns, players will have to use their little grey cells as well as detective skills to unravel the truth and bring it to light.

Whether you are a fan of the iconic book or movies, a lover of murder mysteries, or just looking for a thrilling adventure, this new proposal has something for everyone.

Game features:

• Faithful, but augmented: The game is a faithful but augmented adaptation of the original story, with a new character named Joanna Locke added to the mix. With her, you can regularly exit the train environment during playable flashbacks.
• Embody the legendary detective Hercule Poirot: Enter into Hercule Poirot’s head to discover mind maps and make deductions, adding an extra layer of depth to the gameplay. And don’t forget the many puzzles with object manipulations that are scattered throughout each chapter.
• A rich adventure with strong twists: Get ready for major plot twists that will keep you hooked until the very end. Murder On the Express is renowned for having one of the best plot twists in literary history, and this game is no exception. But this time, set in 2023, you will lead your investigation in a whole new light.
• A brilliant detective and mystery game: As you play, you will take on the roles of Poirot and Joanna, solve puzzles and make deductions to uncover the truth behind the murder. In a 3rd person view, you will inspect the sets and talk to all the protagonists, searching for clues and confronting the suspects.
• Fully voiced: Fully dubbed in English, German and French.

Source: PR Email