Twinworld Game Reviews

Archive for August, 2023

August 25th 2023: Indie publisher Ratalaika Games, together with solo developer Stranga,  is pleased to announce the release today, 25th August, of  Ashina: The Red Witch. Out on today on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Xbox One,  Xbox Series S/X and Nintendo Switch.

Ashina: The Red Witch is a stylised, exploration based adventure game that has an engaging story that leads the player through a landscape full of puzzles to solve. Interact with many intriguing characters as you explore through a mysterious spirit filled world.

Facts & Features

• A unique and (hopefully) thrilling story!
• Secrets to unlock – decision making
• New and exciting characters, as well as some returning characters from ‘My Big Sister’ (prev. game)
• Adventure-like puzzles
• Delve into the Spirit world
• Action and interaction
• Character dialogue options to delve into the lore surrounding the universe
• An Original Soundtrack
• Achievements + Trophies!
• Impressive locations from the small town of Shiruta to the city of Chikarra, inhabited by spirits and ghosts that bring these locations to life
• A colourful cast of characters, including the mischievous spirit Tanto, the caring and gentle spirit Roku, and mysterious old woman Yoko
•  Playtime of “Ashina: The Red Witch” is estimated to be around 3-4 hours depending on the player’s choices
• Hand Drawn pixel art
• Mystifying landscapes and setting

Source: PR Email

Gothenburg, Sweden – August 23rd, 2023 – Thunderful, Coatsink and Noname Studios are pleased to reveal, via a new release date announcement trailer that debuted today during Xbox Booth @ gamescom show, that their genre-bending 2D adventure platformer, Worldless will be releasing on October 4th. Previously only announced for Xbox and PC, it has now been announced that the game will also be coming to PlayStation and Nintendo Switch on the same October 4th release date. Wishlist Worldless on Steam now.

Set in an abstract, atmospheric world, Worldless is an adventure platformer that features a turn-based action combat system that requires both strategy and timing to be successful. An intricate skill tree adds new dimensions to combat, opens up new avenues for you to explore and uncover the game’s many secrets, and mirrors the game’s themes of growth and understanding.

Worldless is set at a time where the rules of existence remain undefined. In this abstract setting, players will discover entities with opposing goals. One half is fixated on the virtue of their nature, the other is seeking to exchange it for their demise. This inevitably thrusts them into conflict as they battle for transcendence and you will find yourself embroiled in that fight.

Bask in an atmospheric, unforgettable setting with a beautiful score that inspires, and connect to the deeper meanings of Worldless. Explore intricate areas filled with secrets, using finesse and fluid action to uncover them as you absorb enemies and upgrade an intricate skill tree that constantly unfurls new possibilities.

“Worldless is a game that’s intentionally full of mystery and that leaves lots open to interpretation, but we hope players have gotten a feel for what the full game will offer with the new release trailer,” said Worldless developer David Sanchez. “I can’t wait for players to get their hands on it on October 4th and discover our unique combat system and atmospheric world for themselves.”

Source: PR Email

Gothenburg, Sweden – August 23rd, 2023 – Thunderful and internal development studio The Station are pleased to announce that the anticipated SteamWorld Build will release on PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch on December 1st. SteamWorld Build will be available day one on Xbox Game Pass and PC players that own the SteamWorld Complete Bundle will be able to get a 20% discount on the game on Steam. Players can try the unique multi-level city-building experience for themselves with a Steam demo available now.

Developed for PC and console simultaneously, every aspect of SteamWorld Build’s has been designed to ensure that the game works just as well with a controller in hand as it does with mouse and keyboard, bringing a traditionally PC-centric genre to console without compromise. As well as welcoming players regardless of what platform they are on, SteamWorld Build follows the series’ tradition in catering to both experienced players and newcomers to the city builder genre.

As the architect of a SteamWorld mining town, break ground and raise houses for your steambot citizens, keep them fed and provide some rootin’-tootin’ entertainment. Venture into the abandoned mine sitting under your town, rumoured to be filled with ancient tech that holds the key to escaping impending doom. Using the natural resources above ground and the abundant ores buried below, expand your town, stimulate new residential tiers to join the quest to dig deeper, unearth untold riches and ultimately help them to hightail it off the planet!

SteamWorld Build’s above and below-ground elements have an interdependent relationship where everything you discover, mine or build feeds into what you can do when you switch from above to below, and vice versa. These cogs all fit together to create a satisfying game loop where you are always making progress and are always engaged.

“We’re all really happy to finally reveal that SteamWorld Build will be releasing on December 1st and that it will be available on Xbox Game Pass day one,” said SteamWorld Universe and Franchise Director, Brjánn Sigurgeirsson. “We’ve been sharing information about the game via our community-focused SteamWorld Telegraph show and everyone is welcome to join us as we share more about the game between now and release!”

“We’ve worked really hard to create an Anno meets Dungeon Keeper style city builder that works as well on console as it does on PC,” said Adam Vassee, producer at The Station. “We’re been humbled by the positive response the game has had from fans and press and are really excited to continue the story of this award-winning franchise”.

Source: PR Email

Paris, August 22nd, 2023 –  Today, ahead of Gamescom, publisher Microids has revealed the first trailer for Agatha Christie – Murder on the Orient Express which is releasing 19 October 2023 for PC,  PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. The trailer showcases the game’s stunning art direction in this modernized version of Agatha Christie’s most iconic detective story.

Set in 2023, with new twists and turns added to the original story, the game will bring Agatha Christie’s literary classic to life in a way that will surprise even long-time fans. Players will play as both the famous Hercule Poirot and his new sidekick, Joanna Locke as they set out to discover the truth behind the murder aboard the Orient Express.

Murder on the Orient Express is being developed by Microids Studio Lyon, under the artistic direction of Cédric Peyravernay, a French artist who has made significant contributions to the video game industry. He has showcased his talent and expertise as a character designer in major projects such as Diablo IV, Prey, Dishonored 2, Dishonored, and the Netflix series Love, Death + Robots.

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.

Game features:

• Faithful, but fresh: The game is a faithful but fresh adaptation of the original story, with a new character named Joanna Locke added to the story. Playing as Joanna, players can exit the confines of the train during playable flashbacks.
• Embody the legendary detective Hercule Poirot: Enter into Hercule Poirot’s head to discover mind maps and make deductions as he navigates the puzzles and objects scattered throughout each chapter.
• A rich adventure with strong twists: Murder On the Orient Express is renowned for one of the most famous plot twists in literary history, and Microids’ game is no exception. But with events taking place in 2023, the investigation will see players venture in new directions.
• A brilliant detective and mystery game: Players will take on the roles of Poirot and Joanna, solve puzzles and make deductions to uncover the truth behind the murder. In a third person view, players will inspect the environment and talk with the protagonists, searching for clues and confronting the suspects.
• Fully voiced: Fully dubbed in English, German and French.

Murder on the Orient Express will be released October 19th, 2023 on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC.

The retail edition will be available November 9th in the USA.

Source: PR Email

Paris, August 22nd, 2023 – Today, ahead of Gamescom, publisher Microids, Microids Lyon/Paris studios and Flashback creator Paul Cuisset have revealed a new gameplay trailer for Flashback 2. The sequel to 1992’s Flashback is set to launch on 16 November for PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X|S and Nintendo Switch.

In the heart of a dystopian future, the game’s hero, Conrad B. Hart, must confront the fearsome Morphs who aim to enslave all life in the solar system. To prevent them from carrying out their diabolical plan, players will need to deploy all their skills in a fast-paced platform shooter, which offers striking fluidity and precision.

About Flashback 2

In the 22nd century, the United Worlds extends throughout the Solar System, but this tranquillity is threatened by the Morph invasion led by the fearsome General Lazarus. In search of his lifelong friend Ian, Conrad B. Hart dives once again into an action-packed adventure full of twists, turns and revelations with the help of his allies and AI-powered weapon A.I.S.H.A.

Game features:

• A vibrant sci-fi/cyberpunk universe and explore various environments including New Tokyo, New Washington and the Jungle of Titan.
• Use A.I.S.H.A., a lethal adaptive weapon enhanced with combat AI.
• A gripping, fluid and intricate platform shooter.
• A 3D environment crafted for even deeper immersion.
• Designed and developed by the creator of the original game, Paul Cuisset.

Flashback 2 will be available November 16th, 2023 in digital (and retail in Europe) and December 5th, 2023 in retail on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch for the North American region.

Source: PR Email

Stuttgart, Germany – August 21, 2023 – After the addictive titles of last year’s release, TAITO and ININ are back with another game collection, featuring some of the best classics ever released on the arcade. A new thrilling compilation, exclusively for Nintendo Switch, physical and digital. Releasing on August 31st, 2023, it offers players an unparalleled gaming experience, showcasing the best of the Arcade Archives collection in a single package.

TAITO Milestones 2 includes:

• NewZealand Story (1988)
• Kiki Kaikai (1986)
• Darius II (3 Screen Arcade Version) (1989)
• Gun Frontier (1990)
• Ben Bero Beh (1984)
• The Legend of Kage (1985)
• Liquid Kids (Mizubaku Adventure) (1990)
• Solitary Fighter (1991)
• Dinorex (1992)
• Metal Black (1991)

Alien forces, UFOs, fire, kunai and even dinosaurs.. This compilation has everything you need for a deep dive into 10 games that paved the way for the decades of TAITO’s arcade prominence that followed. For this reason, ININ and TAITO arranged an Exclusive interview with Mr. Satoshi Hamada, President of Hamster Corporation, who sat down with Time Extension to discuss their Arcade Archives, a collection of hundreds of meticulously reproduced arcade games spanning the late 1970s, 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, in anticipation of this exciting release.

Roughly 50% of the best-selling games of all time are direct descendants of arcade or console games between the 1970s and 1990s, and many successful game concepts were invented in the arcades of the 80s and have not changed much since. For this reason, the cooperation with great icons of the gaming industry, such as the legendary TAITO, led to outstanding game releases, culminating in the publication in 2022 of a compilation based on the core porting technology behind the Arcade Archives. Developed by Hamster Corporation and TAITO, it was published by United Games Entertainment through ININ. That compilation was TAITO Milestones. Ten games, each representing a specific breakthrough in development and gaming history, spanning a variety of genres. Platform, sports, shooting, puzzles and more, were made available for the first time as a collection on a modern console!

A year later, ININ and TAITO are ready to release the highly requested follow-up, TAITO Milestones 2!

An exclusive interview with Mr. Hamada was conducted by Time Extension and can be accessed HERE!

Gaming enthusiasts and fans of the Arcade Archives series should not miss this insightful conversation with one of the industry’s most influential figures.

Source: PR Email

Montpellier, France, August 21st, 2023 – Indie developer La Moutarde in partnership with Dear Villagers have revealed an all new gameplay trailer for this upcoming turn-based RPG Terra Memoria ahead of its appearance at Gamescom, where the game will be playable at the Indie Arena Booth. Coming soon to PC, Switch, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series platforms, Terra Memoria is a ​​cozy exploration game with retro vibes made by RPG lovers.

“With this new trailer we wanted to showcase Terra Memoria‘s colorful characters and its lively towns and terrain, as well as offer a glimpse into creating a community by building a village and fighting monsters,” said François Bertrand, Game Director at La Moutarde. “Terra Memoria hearkens back to classic globe-trotting fantasy RPGs, with a new coat of paint and modern structure. Ultimately it’s about the spirit of adventure, and a group of misfits coming together through their travels. It’s a great, big hug of a game and we hope this trailer conveys its uplifting spirit.”

Terra Memoria sends players on a globe-trotting journey full of exploration, crafting, building, and friendship! A shortage of magic crystals and the sudden awakening of ancient robots pushes six new friends into a crazy investigation through Terra, a whimsical and cozy world combining 3D graphics and pixel art. Players control all party members, as each embarks on their own story and brings their unique skills to the table as they engage in Terra Memoria’s turn-based combat.

You’ll have to do more than fight though, as to save the world players will have to craft, cook, camp, and master Terra Memoria’s unique building system that allows them to create objects, solve environmental puzzles, and eventually build their own little village.

As players explore Terra Memoria’s different countries, they’ll have to find missing pages of regional guides, offering info on new recipes, important characters, clues to help you during your investigation, and more information about regional specialties.​ Understanding local customs is key to a fruitful expedition.

Source: PR Email

Paris, August 21st, 2023 – For Gamescom 20023, publisher Microids and IMPS are unveiling today a new video for the 3D adventure/platform video game, The Smurfs 2 – The Prisoner of the Green Stone. The trailer offers a glimpse of the Smurfomix’s exciting upgrades, while revealing a major surprise: Gargamel, the Smurfs’ sworn enemy, joins the adventure as an ally.

Faced with a threat more powerful than himself, Gargamel offers the Smurfs a temporary truce. He will then guide players through their adventure, opening portals between worlds to help them progress. This unexpected alliance adds a whole new dynamic to the story and promises unique interactions between the characters.

At the heart of this thrilling adventure, players will be encouraged to collect Flora Gems scattered throughout the enchanted worlds. These precious gems will be used to boost the Smurfomix’s stats, making it more powerful and efficient. The most exciting innovation is the discovery of rare substances such as StickAll, CatchAll and PushAll. These special elements can be added to the Smurfomix to give unique powers to this already formidable weapon. Players will be able to choose between more powerful shots, slimy projectiles to hinder enemies, or piercing shots capable of breaking through obstacles. Players will need to skillfully exploit the Smurfomix’s upgrades and special powers to overcome obstacles and tough enemies.

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, Brainy, Dimwitty, and Storm.
• 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 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 franchise, set in a beautiful, well-crafted colorful universe!

Developed by OSome Studio, The Smurfs 2 – The Prisoner of the Green Stone is an all-new story releasing November 2nd, 2023, both in digital and retail versions in Europe for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC.

The game retail version is expected November 14th in North America.

Source: PR Email

August 17th 2023: Indie publisher Ratalaika Games, and solo developer Stranga, are pleased to announce the forthcoming release on 25th August 2023 of Ashina: The Red Witch. A stylised exploration based, engaging story led adventure game, full of puzzles to solve and interaction, with many intriguing characters as you explore through a mysterious spirit filled world. Coming on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Xbox One,  Xbox Series S/X and Nintendo Switch.

Setting the scene

Ashina: The Red Witch is a gripping action-adventure game set in a mystical world of the after-life. The central character, Ash, is a young ordinary girl, working in a bathhouse above her apartment. Ash will embark on a perilous journey through the spirit world to save her twin sister, Tena, and find a way home. Strange creatures, interesting characters and memorable moments will unfold as the story unfolds..

Throughout her long journey Ash must find a spirit known as a “Gatekeeper” to create a portal back to the land of the living and along her way help those spirits in need. She will forge an odd partnership with a mischievous spirit named Tanto who dragged her into this mess in the first place by stealing Ash’s late mother’s pendant.

‘Ashina: The Red Witch is designed to appeal to a broad audience of gamers who enjoy rich storytelling, atmospheric worlds, and immersive gameplay experiences.’

Get Ready – Its Begun

The game starts off in Ash’s cosy apartment after she and her sister gather some ingredients for a late night dinner. There are a number of objectives and tasks that will be part of the overall game experience. Finding items, exploring, repairing things, solving puzzles and a whole host more of cleverly devised action encased in an strong and intriguing storyline marks Ashina: The Red Witch as a little game full of surprises.

Hand Drawn Pixel Perfection!

Everything in Ashina: The Red Witch is hand-drawn pixel artwork with hand-drawn lighting to help bring the magical world to life. The game’s top-down and side-on perspectives provide players with a unique and dynamic visual experience as they explore diverse landscapes, from the town of Shiruta, the City and its sewers of Chikara, even the ancient forest.

A Feast for the Ears!

Ashina: The Red Witch offers an immersive original musical score that enhances the atmosphere and emotions of each scene. Each detailed element adds depth to the narrative, making the scenes emotionally charged allowing for a more engaging experience.

Facts:

• A unique and (hopefully) thrilling story!
• New and exciting characters, as well as some returning characters from ‘My Big Sister’ (prev game).
• Adventure-like puzzles.
• Character dialogue options to delve into the lore surrounding the universe.
• An Original Soundtrack.
• Achievements + Trophies!
• Impressive location and echoing locations from the small town of Shiruta to the city of Chikarra, inhabited by spirits and ghosts that bring these locations to life.
• A colorful cast of characters, including the mischievous spirit Tanto, the caring and gentle spirit Roku, and mysterious old woman Yoko.
•  Playtime of “Ashina: The Red Witch” is estimated to be around 3-4 hours, depending on the player’s choices

Filled with secrets to find and character’s to meet, where each item you find will have clues to where that may be used in more obscure situations is part and parcel  of Ashina: The Red Witch!  Exploration is the key that unlocks the mysteries of the spirit world, leading to extensions of the game’s ending. Every decision, big or small, influences Ash’s development and the world’s fate, creating a truly personalised and emotionally resonant experience for the players.

Source: PR Email

Hong Kong – August 11th, 2023 – Eastasiasoft Limited are proud to announce that their vibrant isometric strategy RPG, Rainbow Skies, is available now on Nintendo Switch for $19.99, £17.99 and €19,99. Prepare to immerse yourself in a world brimming with vivid visuals, intricate dungeons, and classic turn-based combat mechanics.

Set in a vibrant and dynamic universe, Rainbow Skies introduces players to Damion, a budding monster tamer aiming to pass his final examination. Unfortunately, a disastrous hangover sets off a chain of events that lead to both his exam failure and the accidental destruction of the monster compound. Attempting to cover up the mess only escalates the situation, throwing Damion and his examiner Layne into the midst of a conflict between two rival superpowers.

Explore a meticulously crafted world teeming with enchanting dungeons and engage in traditional turn-based battles that require both strategy and wit. Tame an array of captivating monsters and choose from an impressive arsenal of weapons, equipment, and skills to shape your characters as you see fit. Dive into a plethora of engaging side quests, bustling towns, and tantalizing secrets that beckon you to uncover their mysteries.

Features:

• Dynamic Trio: Embark on a journey following the intertwined fates of three young heroes, as they learn the true power of friendship.

• Unleash Your Potential: Upgrade characters, weapons, equipment, and battle skills to mold your heroes into formidable forces of nature.

• Hidden Riches: Unearth concealed treasures and valuable collectibles as you traverse the diverse landscapes of Rainbow Skies.

• Game Within a Game: Take a break from epic quests with a variety of mini-games, including a captivating turn-based fishing challenge.

• Vibrant Encounters: Meet a memorable cast of friends and foes in a world bursting with life and personality.

• Strategic Mastery: Engage in tactical turn-based battles and unleash devastating skills upon your opponents.

• Monster Companions: Breed and level up a diverse assortment of monsters to bolster your party’s strength and versatility.

Rainbow Skies is available now to download from the Nintendo eShop.

Source: PR Email