Twinworld Game Reviews

Archive for September, 2023

27th September, 2023: Today Fossil Games, along with indie game publisher Hound Picked Games, are excited to announce that Sunshine Manor is only ten days away from its release on the 6th October! A perfect blood teasing morsel to enjoy this fall before Halloween really kicks in. If you feel that retro games have lost their edge, then this retro 80s horror movie inspired game is exactly what is described on the box, but in this case press release. Primed for all consoles, Xbox One| Series S and X,PS4|5 and Switch, the Sunshine Manor retro experience materializes on the latest machines to present an immersive and atmospheric chapter of horror!

Welcome to Sunshine Manor, a spine-chilling retro horror adventure!

Ada is a reluctant adventurer who accepts the challenge to spend a night in the infamous haunted Sunshine Manor and encounters ghosts, demons and other blood-soaked horrors along with quirky characters, unique challenges and a cute but eerie atmosphere.

Travel between the mortal and demon realms, outwit the evil Shadow Man, and solve devious puzzles while exploring the mansion. Enjoy stunning hand-drawn pixel art graphics and an 80s-inspired soundtrack that combine perfectly to create a hauntingly thrilling experience.

Uncover the mansion’s dark secrets and step into a captivating journey that blends horror, comedy and a sprinkling of retro charm.

About Sunshine Manor – You’ll Have Chills… & They WILL Multiply!

Sunshine Manor is a thrilling game where you take on the role of Ada McReady, who finds herself unexpectedly trapped in an eerie haunted house while out on a Halloween adventure. As you explore the manor, you’ll encounter ghosts, demons, a a host of other spooky creatures, all while utilizing unique psychic powers. Your ultimate goal is to banish evil entities that threaten your life and uncover the mysteries that lie within the walls of the manor. Beware of The Shadow Man, who could be around the very next corner, watching and waiting. With its captivating storyline and immersive gameplay, Sunshine Manor is a must-play for fans of horror and mystery games.

Game Features – The Scare Factor!

• An original 1hr 22m atmospheric  soundtrack written exclusively for the game
• Sinister outrageously weird story that builds to the events of the infamous  Camp Sunshine massacre!
• Beautiful hand-drawn 8-bit-esque pixel art in the retro mould
• Inspired by classic horror movies of the 1980s and beyond
• 6 to 8 hours of gameplay
• Deviously devised linear story to constantly uncover secrets and build understanding of the Sunshine Universe and Sunshine Manor
• French, German, Spanish, Russian & Japanese language localization

A real ‘retro’ chiller thriller

Source: PR Email

Paris – September 26th, 2023 – Microids is pleased to announce that Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission is available now for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and PC. Players who already own Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission VR on PSVR2 or Steam VR will be able to access the non-VR version of the game for free. Similarly, those who buy the game on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 or Steam will be able to enjoy both experiences, whether in virtual reality or traditional mode.

Discover or rediscover Operation Wolf, the cult arcade game released, developed and published by TAITO in 1987, which left its mark on a whole generation of gamers as one of the first games to feature a horizontal scrolling rail shooter. Developed by the French studio Virtuallyz Gaming, Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission remains faithful to the spirit of the original game, while premiering a new artistic direction. Players will find themselves transported back to the world of 80s action films, thanks to a gameplay focused entirely on non-stop action.

In its solo or coop campaign, play as a special agent fighting a new criminal organization. In addition to arms and drug trafficking, the organization, led by the mysterious General Viper, has developed a powerful new weapon. After discovering several of its bases, you will be sent to dismantle the organization, destroy the weapon and free the hostages held captive in surrounding camps.

Game features:

• Comeback of the 1987 cult arcade game!
• New art style
• Non-stop action
• A 6-level campaign that can be played by one or two players
• A survival mode (endless waves of enemies)
• A full blown arsenal (smg, shotgun, grenade launcher…)

Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission (non-VR) is now available digitally and in a retail Day One Edition on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch. The game is available exclusively as a digital version on Xbox One, Xbox Series and PC. Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission VR is already available on Steam VR, Meta Quest 2, PlayStation VR 2, Pico 4, GOG and Epic Game Store.

Source: PR Email

Take charge of your tale in The Legend of Legacy HD Remastered!

The unique stories of seven heroes spring to life as you explore the mystical land of Avalon and face unknown dangers along the way. Classic RPG gameplay has never felt more engaging with features such as battle formations, combat roles, and forging contracts to channel the power of elementals. An adventure unlike any other awaits you!

Coming Early 2024 to Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, and PC!

Source: PR Email

Friday 22nd September, 2023: Indie publisher Ratalaika Games and Shinyuden  today release Cyber Citizen Shockman 2: A New Menace. This is the sequel to the recent release in the West of the original title that was a hit way back on the PC Engine. Launching on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch this is a superb retro arcade action feast starring two characters that captures the excitement and appeal that made it a true genre favourite. It builds with new gameplay and challenges from the first title.

Features & Facts:

• New game modes
• 9 Stages
• 12 Boss fights
• A true red hot blaster
• More  action that the original game
• Art gallery
• A more focused and serious experience
• Co-op local mode
• Music was composed by Koji Hayama (Mega Man ZX Advent)
• Producer was Toshiro Tsuchida, who would later work as a director/producer for the Arc the Lad and Front Mission series
• Many of the game’s bosses in Cyber Citizen Shockman 2 were the winning results of a contest held for fans in Japan at the time

A retro experience brought to life – straight from Japan

Source: PR Email

The spriggan known as Van Arkride is an underground professional that accepts work from any client and acts as a detective, negotiator or bounty hunter with no allegiance. However, the course of his life will change forever when he takes on a strange case that threatens the entire nation. Slash your way through intense combat that springs to life with beautiful visuals, and craft your own gameplay experience in Calvard with features such as high-speed mode and a new alignment system!

Coming Summer 2024 to Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, and PC!

Source: PR Email

Monday 18th September, 2023: Indie publisher Ratalaika Games and Shinyuden are again excited to announce the forthcoming release of Cyber Citizen Shockman 2: A New Menace, which continues the iconic IP previously released on PC Engine in Japan but never before released in the West. The sequel launching on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Xbox One,  Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch on September 22nd is a superb retro arcade action feast starring two characters that captures the excitement and appeal that made it a true genre favourite.

The Backdrop Story – Sequel

The story takes place approximately two years after the events in the first game, in which the protagonists were turned into Shubibinman by the Doc in order to save the world from an evil alien empire. Arnold and Sonya went back to their normal lives, but one day they discover that the Doc has been kidnapped, and that a new enemy known as the Raio Empire, space invaders trying to conquer the world. Arnold and Sonya must now rescue the Doc and stop the Raio Empire, as well as confronting two new mysterious Shubibinman known as Jeeta and Mue who are trying to destroy them.

Cyber Citizen Shockman 2  presents an exciting and straightforward blast-em, explosive action arena as you fight through nine stages full of shooting action in which you will have to fight all types of dangerous aliens, as well as 12 boss fights.

“Some stages are played like a classic 2D action game (like the Mega Man series), while others are played like a classic 2D side-scrolling shooting game (like the R-Type series).”

It’s Different, But Sort of the Same

Shockman 2 plays differently from the previous entry in the series. Swordplay has been eliminated and is replaced by a ranged weapon (similar to Mega Man’s Mega Buster). The world map and upgrades have also been removed from the game, focusing more on the action (less Wonder Boy, more Mega Man). The overall tone of the adventure (art, etc.) is also a bit more serious.

Features & Facts:

• New game modes
• Art gallery
• Co-op local mode
• Music was composed by Koji Hayama (Mega Man ZX Advent)
• Producer was Toshiro Tsuchida, who would later work as a director/producer for the Arc the Lad and Front Mission series.
• Many of the game’s bosses in Cyber Citizen Shockman 2 were the winning results of a contest held for fans in Japan at the time.

The Sequel with added gameplay & excitement!

Source: PR Email

Berlin, Germany – September 14th, 2023 – Everyone’s favorite Willow-loving and broomstick-riding witch, Cotton, returns in 3D! ININ and Success have teamed up once again to bring you a global HD remaster of Rainbow Cotton, and will be digitally available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One and PC Steam in Spring 2024. Originally released for SEGA Dreamcast in 2000, Rainbow Cotton is the 5th installment in the Cotton franchise. As a follow-up to Panorama Cotton, Rainbow Cotton is the first true 3D shooter entry in this widely celebrated cute ‘em up franchise.

Dive right into this 3D rail shooter as the young witch Cotton, accompanied by her trusty fairy friend named Silk. Lured by the promise of delicious Willow, help Cotton confront the wicked demon Tweed and his legion of followers who have stolen the Legendary Willow from the enchanting land of York Country. Hop on your broomstick and go to town in this wacky adventure!

Rainbow Cotton features exciting gameplay reminiscent of its predecessor, the classic game Panorama Cotton. The game takes you on an arcade-inspired journey through a fantastic world full of surprises and challenges. Every stage in Rainbow Cotton is guarded by a massive boss that will put your skills to the ultimate test. Collect power-ups, build up your flashy projectiles, and hurl them at colorful enemies. Use powerful magic attacks to clear the screen with fireballs and lightning. Only the most courageous (and stubborn!) witches will prevail!

The charming 3D graphics will leave you mesmerized as you travel through, for example, a cozy moonlit town draped in Christmas lights, a mysterious sunken forest, and a magical castle above the clouds.

Features:

• Dedicated Retro Mode: replicating the original experience as closely as possible.
• Enhanced controls: Revamped snap-back and lock-on features for a more engaging experience.
• Full localization, including the anime cutscenes!
• Graphic enhancements: particle effects, ambient occlusion, and more!

So, mark your calendars: Rainbow Cotton is all set to cast its spell on consoles in the spring of 2024!

But wait, there’s more!

For the ultimate game collectors and gaming enthusiasts, Strictly Limited Games, in collaboration with ININ and Success, will be releasing exclusive and highly limited physical editions of Rainbow Cotton. Pre-orders will begin on September 21st, and these editions will be available only through Strictly Limited Games, so don’t miss your chance to secure an exclusive physical copy of Rainbow Cotton!

Source: PR Email

Hong Kong – September 14th, 2023 – Independent developer and publisher Eastasiasoft Limited are delighted to unveil their anime-style JRPG Mugen Souls Z, sequel to cult favorite Mugen Souls is available today on Nintendo Switch eShop in North America, Europe and Hong Kong. Pre-orders for the physical editions are available now with online retail partner Playasia.

Mugen Souls Z invites players into a mesmerizing world filled with boundless possibilities – from extensive character customization to strategic turn-based combat on sprawling battle maps. With an awe-inspiring level cap of 9,999 and the capacity to unleash billions of hit points in damage, this JRPG promises an unforgettable adventure!

“We’re delighted that we managed to keep the Nintendo Switch edition loyal to its Japanese origins, preserving all the beloved features, including charming hot springs mini-games, and additional CG gallery images,” said Joshua French, Project Lead at Eastasiasoft Limited. “We hope that fans will immerse themselves fully in the captivating universe of this cult classic JRPG”

Developed by Idea Factory in partnership with Compile Heart, Mugen Souls Z is set to captivate audiences worldwide as it is published for the Nintendo Switch by Eastasiasoft Limited. Enthusiasts and collectors alike will have the opportunity to acquire Physical Limited Editions, which will include the game, a manual, a 2-disc soundtrack, sticker sheets, an art book, and an exclusive numbered certificate – all exquisitely presented in a collector’s box. Standard copies will also be available for pre-order.

About Mugen Souls Z

Undisputed goddess Chou-Chou is back for an all-new adventure as she attempts to conquer the twelve Zodiac worlds with the help of new and returning frenemies! As Chou-Chou, you can charm enemies to transform them into shampuru minions, customize party members’ appearance and abilities, create new peons and much more!

As Chou-Chou and crew navigate between worlds in their spacefaring ship the G-Castle, they’ll need to cooperate with the new ultimate goddess Syrma to put an end to an ancient evil that’s recently awakened. Explore expansive worlds packed with field challenges, face off against enemy ships, and meet loads of memorable characters, all presented in the anime-style “moe” aesthetic that fans adore!

Features:

• Explore twelve vibrant worlds and save the universe from an ancient threat!

• Fight monsters on free-roaming battle maps and make them your servants.

• Execute spectacular combos with your allies!

• Create unique peons by customizing body parts, faces and job classes.

• Enjoy anime-style “moe” aesthetics and remastered HD presentation!

Source: PR Email

Berlin, Germany – 12th September 2023 – The highly-anticipated sequel to the hilarious and action-packed beat’em up game featuring Bud Spencer and Terence Hill, slaps its way to consoles in only 10 days!

The iconic movie duo’s humor and chemistry are perfectly captured in this new, fully dubbed adventure, delivering a nostalgic experience for fans and newcomers alike. With an improved combat system mimicking their hilarious fistfights, a dedicated party mode, cooperative puzzles, and the original soundtrack from movie composers Oliver Onions, slaps and laughs are guaranteed!

Slaps and Beans 2 will be available digitally and physically for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5, and digitally for Xbox.

The new episode includes many great features:

• A brand-new, explosive & ludicrous story adventure
• Enhanced combat system: Both heroes now have signature abilities and unique power-ups
• Anything can be a weapon! You can now use objects from the environment to beat the daylight out of enemies.
• The story can be enjoyed with your bud(dy) in 2-player couch co-op
• Tons of competitive minigames are included throughout the story to break up the pace
• The dedicated party game mode (minigames only) for up to 4 players lets you compete and chase those high scores
• Beautiful, hand-drawn pixel art for pixel-perfect slapping
• New music from Oliver Onions, the original movie composer, to harmonize with the sound of slapping
• Neither dumb nor mute: The game now includes voice dubbing in English, Italian, German and Spanish
• And lots of beans (and bananas)

Warm up your hands and do your stretching, because the slapping marathon has officially begun!

ININ gives Bud Spencer & Terence Hill – Slaps and Beans 2 a much-deserved Special Edition, available at: https://www.iningames.com/games/slaps-beans-2

Source: PR Email

Paris, September 14th, 2023 – Prepare your gadgets! Inspector Gadget – MAD Time Party is now available in digital version on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC, and is coming very soon on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. The game will launch in retail edition October 17, 2023, on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.

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.

Inspector Gadget – MAD Time Party is now available in digital versions on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC, and is coming very soon on Xbox One/Xbox Series X|S.
The game will launch in retail October 17, 2023, on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.

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