Twinworld Game Reviews

Archive for July, 2023

Los Angeles, USA – July 20th, 2023 – Burst2Flame are pleased to announce the release of a new update today that adds an extensive fast-paced Roguelike Mode to Stolen Realm, their innovative, simultaneous turn-based tactical RPG. Praised by the likes of Shroud and Sacriel for the flexibility of its class customisation and a design that avoids RPG bloat, Stolen Realm is currently in Early Access and due to release on PC, Switch and Xbox in 2023.

Stolen Realm’s new Roguelike mode is a fast paced version of the game where you can mix and match builds that are simply not possible in the traditional campaign. After every battle, you gain a level, choose a random skill and a random item from a set of options. Enemies, Bosses and Events are randomized too, making every run unique. Permadeath is the only option, but even if you fail, each run will help towards permanently unlocking new characters and passive skills for your future runs. Harder difficulties await those who desire greater glory. Can you make it through the roguelike gauntlet and conquer the final dragon?

The new update also adds a battle drops system where powerups that include damage bonuses, cooldown reductions and more, will spawn during battle. The update introduces a new  public lobby system that allows you to join other people’s games without being their friend on Steam and adds full controller support to the game.

Stolen Realm takes the deep tactical systems of RPGs like Divinity: Original Sin and gives it a unique twist. Simultaneous turns allows all members of the player and enemy team to take their actions at once, creating the kinds of fast-paced encounters you’d typically find in action RPGs, without sacrificing the strategic richness that turn-based RPG fans love.

Stolen Realm features  a highly customisable class system that allows you to create traditional RPG classes or break the mould to forge a unique champion of your own. Make a spell-slinging assassin, a priest born of frost, or a shadow-infused knight as you draw from a pool of over 300 possible skills. With over 700 items to loot, each fully customisable with modifiers, there’s even more  opportunity to change the way you play: wield Abbadon the Soul Crusher, a mythic mace that raises slain enemies as skeletal warriors to fight for you, or unsheath the Bloodletter, a cursed sword that grants additional power at the cost of your lifeblood.

Source: PR Email

Paris, July 17th 2023 – Microids is pleased to announce that UFO Robot Grendizer: The Feast of the Wolves will be available November 14th, 2023 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC. The Nintendo Switch version will be released in 2024.

UFO Robot Grendizer: The Feast of the Wolves will follow the first story arc of the anime series, giving players the chance to revisit the most iconic moments of this epic adventure. Fans of the show will be thrilled to hear that the game will feature the memorable musical themes from the anime, re-orchestrated for an even more immersive experience. These musical themes have been a crucial part of the anime’s success and players will now be able to enjoy them in an interactive way.

About UFO Robot Grendizer: The Feast of The Wolves

Based on the famous anime adapted from Go Nagai’s manga UFO Robot Grendizer, this action game will grant nostalgic gamers the chance to play as Duke Fleet and his great robot and enjoy epic adventures. A unique opportunity to dive headfirst into an iconic pop culture universe filled with bravery, treason and sensational battles!

The cult animated series was one of the first successful exports of Japanese animation at the end of the 70’s. We all remember the iconic battles and the Grendizer’s weaponry used to defeat King Vega’s forces, launching attacks on Earth from its secret base hidden on the dark side of the moon. Are you ready for a legendary comeback?

UFO Robot Grendizer: The Feast of the Wolves will be available November 14th, 2023 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC. The Nintendo Switch version will be available in 2024.

Source: PR Email

Paris, July 6th, 2023 – Prepare your gadgets! The digital version of Inspector Gadget: MAD Time Party will be released September 14th, 2023, on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One/Xbox Series X|S. The North American retail edition will launch on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch in October, 2023.

Get ready to save Metro City with your friends!

Developed by Smart Tale Games, this new party game for 1-4 players will immerse you in the iconic world of Inspector Gadget. Stroll through the environments of the original series, meet characters such as Chief Quimby, Penny, or the M.A.D. agents, and use Inspector Gadget’s various gadgets to fight the M.A.D. forces.

About Inspector Gadget: Mad Time Party

Wowsers! Play as the iconic Inspector Gadget and join your friends in this new party game! Metro City has fallen under the control of the evil Dr. Claw. In order to save the city, Inspector Gadget must use a time machine to go back in time. Unfortunately, the machine breaks down and the inspector’s ancestors are teleported to the present.

Your mission: Explore Metro City and confront Inspector Gadget’s ancestors to recover the missing parts of the machine. You’ll have to solve mini-game quests to unlock the bolts required to repair it.

Features:

• Embark on a fun and exciting adventure as the legendary Inspector Gadget and save Metro City from Dr. Claw!
• Explore Metro City and complete quests and challenges in Adventure Mode.
• Discover 16 entertaining mini games inspired by the Inspector Gadget universe, such as Count Them All, My Precious and Pass the Bomb!
• Have fun with family and friends in Multiplayer mode.
• Enjoy the exceptional soundtrack by Tanis Chalopin, the daughter of Inspector Gadget’s creator, Jean Chalopin.

The digital version of Inspector Gadget – MAD Time Party will be released September 14th, 2023, on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One/Xbox Series X|S. The North American retail edition will launch on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch in October, 2023.

The partnership with Microids was brokered by leading licensing agency WildBrain CPLG, part of WildBrain Ltd., a global leader in kids’ and family entertainment and owner of the Inspector Gadget brand.

Source: PR Email

Berlin, Germany – July 18, 2023 – ININ & Ys Net are happy to announce that pre-orders for the boxed editions of Air Twister are now open! Get ready to experience the exhilarating 3D shooter crafted by the legendary game designer Yu Suzuki, the mastermind behind Shenmue, Space Harrier, Virtua Fighter, and Out Run. Immerse yourself in a symphony of classic gameplay and a mesmerizing soundtrack and transport to Yu Suzuki’s creative worlds. Air Twister will be available digitally & physically on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 and as a download on PlayStation 4, Xbox & PC on November 10th, 2023. Secure your copy now!

Air Twister is Yu Suzuki’s return to his arcade roots: an easy-to-learn, pick-up-and-play shooter with an inspired design and an extraordinary soundtrack by symphonic rock legend Valensia, who contributed a truly out-of-this-world soundtrack that has never been heard before in a video game.

Air Twister also presents quirky and unique moments that you will not find in any other contemporary game. There’s just something special about fighting a huge glowing space squid from the back of an armored flying fish while, at the same time, a lush glam rock solo reaches its crescendo. “Air Twister” is a game that has to be seen and played and heard to be believed!

The game consists of 12 differently designed stages, full of novel enemies and huge boss monsters that you fight with five weapons while speeding through highly detailed and imaginative 3D worlds. With each playthrough, you unlock more features and gameplay items to help you in future attempts.

From a technical perspective, Air Twister presents fast, detailed, and lovingly crafted 3D graphics based on the “Unreal” engine. Princess Arch moves automatically through the 3D landscapes while being surrounded by strange enemies and tons of fancy graphics effects.

Game Features:

• 12 artfully crafted stages with unique gear each time you play.
• Over 20 Vanguard creatures and 10 unique bosses to challenge your skills and simple controls for a fun and easy play experience.
• An epic soundtrack by Valensia, a music composer known for over three decades for keeping the musical rock and opera heritage of Queen’s greatest hits alive.
• High replayability by unlocking new gear, weapons, and Challenge Games in the Adventure Map.

But that’s not all! ININ’s partner label, Strictly Limited Games, gives Air Twister much-deserved Limited and Collector’s Editions. Stay tuned for more news on that!

Air Twister will be shown at and be playable Gamescom 2023

Appointments to see and play this and many other titles from ININ will be available soon.

Source: PR Email

July 17th, 2023, Warsaw, Poland – The game developer QubicGames is collaborating with The Knights of Unity to launch Sword of Glory for the Nintendo Switch.

Game Description:

Your hero’s soul fought alongside the gods to defeat the Titans. At the end of the war, however, you were betrayed by your masters. Now, hundreds of years after your defeat, the Death God resurrects you and your soul so you can take revenge!

Control your gladiator, travel through the different cities and fight in different arenas using skills and magic to defeat opponents.

Features:

• Unique, easy to pick-up skill-based combat system
• Several cities to visit, containing new arenas, battle types and stronger opponents
• Cool weapons and gear to unlock
• Unique style and eye-catching visuals
• Rougelite game structure, allowing for quick and easy game sessions
• Organic progress, upgrade your gladiator in a natural way no hassle

Pick up a weapon and fight!

Source: PR Email

July 13th, 2023 – Eastasiasoft Limited, publishers of the popular Mugen Souls and Rainbow Skies series, and 2P Games are proud to announce that their retro-style turn-based strategy game, Chaos Galaxy is available now on Nintendo Switch for $19.99, £17.99 and €19.99 with an additional 15% launch discount.

Created by solo developer Han Zhiyu, Chaos Galaxy promises an immersive sci-fi experience filled with thrilling battles, captivating storytelling, and endless exploration that pays homage to genre classics such as Advance Wars, Super Robot Wars and Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

Set in the distant Galactic Empire that ruled the galaxy for one thousand years has collapsed under a sudden impact of aliens. Now ravaged by civil war, countless heroes have set foot on the road to conquer three thousand worlds of the galaxy. Amidst this chaotic war, a greater threat to the galaxy looms in the distance…

Choose from four major fleets of the Galactic Empire, with 14 different factions at play, ranging from pirates, mercenaries, trader guilds, assassins, and more. Each faction has a completely different background story, characteristic arms, and policy tree.

There are more than 100 kinds of mecha and warships to choose from, with dozens of weapons and unit skills available, as well as more than 60 commanders with their own unique stories and skill sets. Revive the Empire or overthrow it! Establish a new church rule! Or program A.I to destroy mankind! The future of the galaxy is up to you!

“We are thrilled to bring Chaos Galaxy to Nintendo Switch,” said Joshua Michael French, Business Developer at Eastasiasoft Limited. “The Switch’s versatility perfectly compliments the game’s captivating gameplay and engrossing storytelling. We can’t wait for players to dive into the chaotic depths of the galaxy and experience an unforgettable adventure.”

Source: PR Email

Thursday 13th of July, 2023: Today publisher Ratalaika Games, together with award-winning developer Analgesic Productions, has announced they are set to release Sephonie, the acclaimed PC title, on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Xbox One,  Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch on July 21st 2023.

Analgesic’s lauded developers, Melos Han-Tani & Marina Kittaka, have made award-nominated titles such as Anodyne (2013), Even the Ocean (2016) and Anodyne 2: Return to Dust (2019), consistently earning praise for their beautiful graphics, enchanting stories and settings. Their games’ mechanics and challenges continue to adhere to the highest of standards in Sephonie.

A Surreal Cave Odyssey 

Sephonie will pull in gamers who may not usually pick 3D platformers as their genre of choice, as its unique levels and surreal, complex story offer a unique and unrivalled gaming experience!

You play as three East Asian scientists, Amy, Ing-wen and Riyou, each with a distinctive personality. Each has stories and cultural references you’ll learn about as you guide them through tricky caves with your fast, gravity-defying platforming moves. Sephonie seamlessly integrates 3D platforming and a complex story about ecological themes and Asian history.

Navigate The Island’s Mysteries

The player starts on the island surface, then enters red, sandstone caverns, before making their way to a jade-coloured cavern of towering trees. In between exploration, meet wondrous creatures who grant you new platforming abilities, and experience “Mindshares”, short, visual novel-esque segments, where you get to hear about the lives of the three protagonists.

During a “Mindshare,” the characters are actually learning about each other’s experiences and secrets! As they grow closer, the levels start to surreally become places from their lives, such as a Tokyo cityscape, Japanese shopping malls, and American Midwest suburbs!

A Gymnastics-filled Experience

Use acrobatic moves to navigate lush, jade canopies and rusty sandstone spires! Every surface is yours to climb.

• Fling yourself over high ledges using the satisfying Teledash Vault
• Deftly Wall-run across any vertical surface
• Grapple through the air with the help of long-tongued Ribbats
• Effortlessly Glide by using floating Dandelion Puffs
• Use a Fusion Pod to perform a rocket-like Super-Dash

Quick Facts About Sephonie

• Varied platforming puzzles
• Acrobatic platforming
• Perfect for speedrunning
• Intriguing story
• Colourful graphics
• Unlockable platforming abilities
• Surreal characters
• Interactive, beautiful environments, where every rock is climbable
• 8 lovingly crafted main areas
• Over 30 creatures to talk to and link with in the addictive “Puzzle Grid” minigame
• Full 3D cutscenes
• Vast postgame content

Sephonie offers clever puzzles, platforming, storytelling, humor, plus so much more!

Source: PR Email

Stuttgart, Germany – 13 July 2023 – ININ and Strictly Limited Games, in partnership with irem and Tozai Games, are delighted to announce the pre-order start for exclusive and highly limited boxed editions of irem Collection Vol. 2.

This exciting release, which includes arcade classics GunForce, GunForce II and Air Duel, is scheduled to launch in Q1 2024 and eager collectors can already pre-order their exclusive Limited Edition, starting on Sunday the 16th of July! The physical edition of Volume 2 will be exclusively available through Strictly Limited Games and will be the sole physical version worldwide.

ININ and Tozai will handle the digital editions for the Western and Japanese markets on Nintendo Switch, Sony PlayStation, and Microsoft Xbox, scheduled for release on February 20, 2024.

Included in the second volume of the irem Collection are:

• GunForce (SNES, M-92 Arcade)

This Run and Gun gem will include both the SNES and Arcade versions. Whether you played the original on your childhood SNES or prefer the much-improved Arcade version, we’ve got you covered!

• GunForce II (M-92 Arcade)

The official sequel to GunForce never made it out of the arcades, making this release its first official worldwide launch on consoles!

• Air Duel (M-72 Arcade)

Rounding out Volume 2 is another arcade-exclusive game. Air Duel was only ever released in Japanese arcades, and this marks its first official worldwide release on consoles. In this classic shoot ’em up, you can switch your aircraft before every new stage, a feature that was groundbreaking back in the day!

GunForce

Sometimes considered one of the first run ‘n’ gun games, GunForce: Battle Fire Engulfed Terror Island can be seen as the initial steps that paved the way for the highly acclaimed Metal Slug series and its sequel, GunForce II (GeoStorm). GunForce is where it all began, after all!

Originally released on the Super Nintendo in the West and arcades in Japan, GunForce challenges you to run and gun your way through hordes of aliens, aiming to stop a rogue CPU and restore freedom to the world. The game shows no mercy, throwing you into the enemy frontlines from the start as you parachute into action. And if that’s not enough ’90s action for you, how about performing a wheelie on a motorbike while shooting down helicopters? GunForce has got you covered. In keeping with tradition, GunForce introduced different vehicles players can control, including tanks, helicopters, and motorbikes. Make your choice!

GunForce II

GunForce II, known as GeoStorm in Japan, is the sequel to the SNES and Arcade game GunForce. It improves upon GunForce in every way and is considered one of the last arcade games from irem. GunForce II was never released outside of arcades, making its inclusion in the irem Collection Vol. 2 its first-ever worldwide console release.

Featuring enhanced animations, improved gameplay, and a killer soundtrack, GunForce II was created by the same staff that later developed the iconic Metal Slug series. It is considered the spiritual predecessor to the Metal Slug series, with many of its sound effects and designs being reused in the series. It is a must-play for all fans!

Set in a futuristic post-apocalyptic environment, the game allows you to take control of Max or Lei. Your goal is simple: dual blast your way through five different stages and rack up those high scores! Vehicles make a return, as is tradition, including motorbikes, mechs, and tanks, to name a few.

Air Duel

The year is 2004. Earth has been devastated by an unprecedented nuclear war, and a secret organization called D.A.S. is rising to ensure chaos in the world. It is now your job to thwart their mischievous plans and save what remains of the world!

Air Duel is a 2D vertically scrolling shoot ’em up that was exclusively available in Japanese arcades and never made it to the West. Its inclusion in the irem Collection Volume 2 marks its first-ever worldwide console release.

Developed by the same legendary team at irem that brought you GunForce and later the Metal Slug series, Air Duel offers 7 challenging stages that need to be mastered either alone or with a friend in co-op.

Choose your aircraft! Whether you prefer shooting forward only with the Jet Fighter FG-40 or firing crosswise with the Helicopter E-709, your playstyle is key to victory.

Together with GunForce and GunForce II, Air Duel completes the irem Collection Volume 2.

And that’s not all! For all the games, we have included Online Leaderboards & Global Rankings. If you are looking for a real challenge, this is your call!

Limited Editions:

Strictly Limited Games is giving irem Collection Volume 2the boxed legacy it deserves, with two unique limited editions available for pre-order exclusively via the Strictly Limited Games online shop.

The Limited Edition is limited to a maximum of 4000 copies for Nintendo Switch, 1500 for PlayStation 4, and 1500 for PlayStation 5 at a price of 34,99 € , including a colorful game manual.

The Collector’s Edition is limited to a maximum of 2000 copies for Nintendo Switch, 999 for PlayStation 4, and 999 for PlayStation 5 for 89,99 €, including lots of additional collectibles:

• Game for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5
•  Collector’s Edition Box
•  Colorful Game Manual
•  Original Soundtrack on 3 CDs in one jewel case
•  DIY Mini Game Box Reproduction for GunForce
•  Visual Compendium
•  Reversible Posters
•  Arcade Flyer Set
•  Marquee Sticker
•  irem Collection Volume 2 Arcade Coin

Source: PR Email

13 July 2023, Warsaw + Bydgoszcz, Poland | QubicGames is thrilled to announce the release of Eroblast: Waifu Dating Sim on the Nintendo Switch. Developed by Vivid Games, this captivating dating simulation game offers players an immersive journey into the world of romance, companionship, and personal connections.

Players can purchase the title for $14.99/14.99€, and there will be four additional DLCs available.

Eroblast: Waifu Dating Sim takes players on a thrilling adventure where they assume the role of a young protagonist navigating a virtual world full of vibrant characters. As they progress through the game, players engage in dynamic conversations, explore meaningful relationships, and experience emotional connections with an array of charming characters known as “waifus.”

Key Features:

• Rich Narrative: Immerse yourself in a compelling storyline that unfolds based on your choices and interactions with the waifus. Your decisions will shape the outcome of the game, leading to various unique endings.
• Diverse Cast of Characters: Meet a wide range of captivating waifus, each with their own distinct personalities, backgrounds, and interests. Forge deep bonds through meaningful conversations and shared experiences.
• Engaging Gameplay: Engross yourself in a mix of dating simulation and visual novel gameplay, where you can develop relationships, engage in interactive dialogue, and embark on romantic adventures.
• Stunning Artwork and Visuals: Marvel at beautifully illustrated character designs, stunning backgrounds, and captivating visual effects that bring the game’s world to life.

Source: PR Email

Montpellier, France – July 11th, 2023 – Solo developer Benjamin Kiefer aka BenStar and indie publisher Dear Villagers (Fabledom, Souldiers) have today revealed that their twin-stick roguelite platformer Revita is getting a physical release for Switch and PlayStation 4|5, courtesy of Red Art Games (www.redartgames.com). Revita physical editions will be available during Q4 2023 and will cost $34.99 / €34.99 with a Deluxe Edition adding a double-sided poster, acrylic stand, and sticker sheet.

“Revita was heavily inspired by 16-bit platformers, back when all video games were physical cartridges, so having Revita available as a limited edition physical release feels like the way it was always meant to be”, said Benjamin Kiefer aka BenStar, developer of Revita. “Reception for Revita has been overwhelmingly positive, so I’m thrilled that people are excited to proudly display Revita on their shelf!”

In Revita, climb through an ominous clocktower and battle through a series of procedurally generated encounters with foes and challenges in order to uncover lost memories and discover the mysteries of the melancholic world. Play as a nameless child with no sense of who or where they are and exchange health for upgrades as the game dares the player to play on a razor’s edge!

Revita is available digitally on PC, Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and Xbox One, and is playable in English, French, German, Spanish, Latin American Spanish, and Simplified Chinese.

Feature List:

• Trade life for power
  Exchange health for power in fast-paced glass cannon gameplay

• Unique runs
  Battle through an almost infinite variety of combat encounters in procedurally generated rooms

• Endless character builds
  Twin stick shooting, dashing and wall sliding are just the beginning – find power-ups and items on each run

• Tweak your game
  An extensive set of options lets you tweak Revita to your playstyle – slow down time, set an outline colour for enemies to make them easier to track, or choose the level of aim assist that feels right for you

• Arm yourself with multiple weapons
  Use a variety of guns! Arm yourself with a laser gun, charge gun, machine gun, shotgun, or rocket launcher.

• A mysterious world
  Explore an underground subway line infested with monsters and filled with colourful characters who will help you on your journey.

• Reclaim lost memories
  A nameless child with no memories awakens in a mysterious Clocktower that is connected by a metro system with only a vague sense of purpose, hoping to find answers at the top.
• HATS! Many, many hats. All the hats, really – to cover all heads and all styles!

Source: PR Email