Twinworld Game Reviews

Archive for October, 2023

Indie publisher Sometimes You, together with PigeonDev, is excited to announce the soon to be released roguelite action-shooter fest Hero Survival. A classic in the making, with all out action and plenty of rewards for success, it’s a game that will want you coming back for more……and more…

Releasing on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Xbox One,  Xbox Series S/X and Nintendo Switch on 27th October 2023,  it really does what is said on the box, in this case, press release, a game where players face hordes of monsters from classic movies where you will just want to get that little bit further into the game and win the day. BUT it is far from a breeze.

Simple and Varied

A simple storyline encases the moreish gameplay challenges. Combining recognizable monsters and heroes from horror and action movies, it is a setting that will entertain both the gamers and was set up for the mad god of time and space, who mistakenly dragged our protagonist, mistaking him for a great warrior.

Confront mummies, zombies, ghosts, vampires, and many more indescribable, all with their own attributes and characteristics. Variety and attention to detail was essential in the presentation to add depth and interactive interest. Ghosts pass through any obstacles, giant zombies act as tanks, and the Devil trying to get to the player can destroy even his allies

Quote from PigeonDev – ”The game may seem chaotic at first, but the pace builds gradually – in the beginning you can safely manoeuvre with your gun, and on the last waves the only place not filled with enemies will be two metres around you. Stick with it and you will soon be in control, that’s if you are quick enough!”

Face the ghouls…….

The player will progress through the game by unlocking new weapons, characters, and as well as annihilating the baddies, finding rewards as you build your characters, who have many differing characteristics. The more powerful you become you will also, of course, face more devious and powerful fiends. It’s not all about shooting but action is the name of the game, and there are many subtleties and surprises to uncover.

Within each individual run, you will choose which build you want to use, combining skills (both permanent and those that give short-term bonuses) and loot. One important thing to remember – because each level is a puzzle that you have to solve in an ever-changing environment. You can always get the wrong skills and wrong weapons and you have no choice but to adapt to it. And the more enjoyable it will be to find a way to complete the level even when things don’t go according to plan.

All the levels are diverse and visually interesting – green meadows, a gloomy cemetery, icy wastelands and warm sands.

Source: PR Email

Gothenburg, Sweden – October 12th, 2023 – In the leadup to the launch of SteamWorld Build on PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch on December 1st, Thunderful has launched a new website that will serve as a one stop shop for their beloved flagship series.

On the website, fans, media and content creators can find out detailed information on SteamWorld Build, as well as getting assets to high quality assets via a new Content Creator Kit that includes stream overlays, backgrounds and emotes, as well as a press kit featuring press releases, screenshots, key art and the latest trailers. On the new site, you can sign up for a newsletter to ensure you are the first to know whenever a new piece of SteamWorld news drops.

While the website is currently focused on SteamWorld Build, it will be updated to encompass the past, present and future of the beloved series.

SteamWorld Build is the newest entry in the award-winning SteamWorld franchise. Welding the city-building genre to Dungeon Keeper-like underground mining and oiling the cogs with that unique SteamWorld secret sauce, SteamWorld Build offers a never before seen take on the city-builder genre from The Station.

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.

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!

“We’ve always been grateful to the SteamWorld community for their support and, of course, Thunderful is very proud of the series, so this new website makes perfect sense as way to help communicate with the world about SteamWorld Build and the series as a whole” said SteamWorld Universe and Franchise Director, Brjánn Sigurgeirsson. “We hope you check it out and sign up to the mailing list as we continue to add more to the site going forward.”

Source: PR Email

Berlin, Germany – 11 October 2023 – ININ and Strictly Limited Games, in partnership with IREM and Tozai Games, are excited to reveal the titles of the IREM Collection Vol. 3 and announce the pre-order start for the exclusive and highly limited boxed editions of IREM Collection Vol. 3. This collection continues to celebrate the gaming legacy of IREM, one of the industry’s most esteemed developers.

This volume is packed with true arcade gems of the shoot ’em up genre: Mr. Heli, Mystic Riders, and Dragon Breed. It’s set to launch in Q2 2024, and if you are a collector, you can already snag exclusive Limited Editions (Playstation & Switch) starting on October 12! The physical edition of Volume 3 will be exclusively available through Strictly Limited Games in the West and through Tozai Games in Japan.

ININ and Tozai will handle the digital versions for the Western and Japanese markets on Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox, scheduled for release in Q2 2024.

Mr Heli

Mr. Heli, also known outside Japan as Battle Chopper, took the Japanese arcades by storm in 1987, when IREM’s creative mojo was in full bloom. This quirky adventure invites you to steer a little-legged orange Chopper named Mr. Heli through a multitude of innovative stages. What goes up, must come down… and walk! The heroic helicopter can soar through the stages, walks across lands, and wields three different weapons, each with two upgrade levels. Along the way, you’ll mine crystals and buy upgrades to help you take on the massive bosses that stand in your way. And don’t forget to keep your eye open for hidden paths, sneaky secrets, and clever puzzles built into the level design – they might just be your ticket to success in this high-flying adventure! The comeback of Mr. Heli offers a fascinating time travel for shoot ’em-up fans. The IREM Collection Volume 3 contains both Battle Chopper in its 1987 Arcade M-92 version and the 1989 PC Engine / Turbo Grafx version. The fascinating gameplay of these games is preserved over time and stands out as a one-of-a-kind masterpiece deserving your love.

Mystic Riders

You’re a wizard, Harry! The 1992 Arcade Shoot ‘em up Mystic Riders takes you on a magical journey that’s a bit different from IREM’s usual dark and challenging shoot ‘em up style. Developed by the same team that gave us the comical Daiku no Gen-san (Hammerin’ Harry), this shmup ventures into a world of fantasy and magic, far from its counterparts’ biomechanical ‘’nightmares’’. Take on the roles of two comical and lighthearted characters, the wizard Mark and the witch Zeal, and start your (possibly co-op) adventure! While riding a broomstick, defeat giant sky turtles, ghosts, grim reapers, dragons, and other mystical creatures. Fling your broom in a boomerang fashion to block projectiles or get a taste of an early version of the dodge roll, a move that’s now common in gaming. Mystic Riders is a true gem in the shoot ‘em genre and a highly entertaining co-op experience, so don’t miss it!

Dragon Breed

Dragon Breed is a thrilling dragon-themed shooter where you hop on a massive dragon named Bahamoot and ride into action! Don’t be fooled by his size, though – only your rider can take damage, while the dragon is a total beast absorbing the damage projectiles of countless opponents. Enemies bounce off its tail harmlessly, making it super satisfying for a player. There’s a bit of run-and-gun action, but the key is sticking close to your dragon buddy, thanks to its tail that blocks bullets and a killer charge shot. Similar to R-Type or X-Multiply, you are diving into a heavy biomechanical theme set in a post-apocalyptic world. So are you ready for an adventure through big levels jam-packed with enemies, surprises, and heart-pounding action? Relive the thrill of Dragon Breed on modern consoles and flaunt your dragon-riding skills to friends and gamers worldwide! Get in on the dragon-fueled fun!

What to expect:

• Three fantastic arcade-era IREM standard shoot ‘em ups.
• A quick save and load feature to guarantee your progress.
• Built-in filters to relive the original game experience.
• New integrated help functions, such as rewind and fast-forward features.
• Worldwide leaderboards to put your score on display.
• Many fantastic stages with bizarre enemies and enormous boss fights.

Source: PR Email

Indie publisher Ratalaika Games, together with developer ds-sans, is proud to announce the soon to be released graphic novel, Chemically Bonded. With over seven years experience working on this specialised genre with more titles in development, the focus is on creating titles that will endeavour to make this style of game even more popular.

Releasing on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Xbox One,  Xbox Series S/X and Nintendo Switch, on 13th October 2023,  Chemically Bonded was created for a western audience based on anime and manga tropes.

What Awaits……………..Enter the melancholic life of an ordinary Japanese high school male as you become entwined in the dispute between two neighbouring female students.

Learn more about their past together as you piece together their relationship and mend their bond, all whilst forming new bonds of your own. You’ll be presented with both conventional and unconventional choices which shape the relationship formed with the girls. You could choose to help restart the Science club, or increase your athletic capabilities… all the while growing closer to the girl who holds the key to your heart.

The objective of the game is to mend the friendship between two students, Kiyoko and Naomi. This is done through in-game choices which affect the story and its outcomes. Find out what caused the breakdown in the relationship between Kiyoko and Naomi and learn more about each of the girls as individuals.

Kiyoko Ishikawa – Age 18 – As an aspiring scientist, Kiyoko prides herself on her ability to control her emotions through the use of logic. At least, that’s what she believes. Despite having an overly emotive personality, she’s often mistaken for the quiet type despite having a lot to say. Her inquisitive nature usually leads to chaos, as despite enjoying an experiment or two, she has no concern for health and safety procedures. Kiyoko is the founder and currently sole member of the science club and tends to keep to herself, being known around the school for her outstanding intellect.

Naomi Satou – Age 18 – Naomi is a girl with plenty of passion, most of which she puts into her attitude. Extremely popular, even to those of the same sex. She isn’t afraid of conversation, however despite her popularity her social circle is quite limited. She is the captain of the athletics team when she isn’t having her say over every sporting club in the school. She’d be considered a tomboy by most outsiders, but those who know her well are privy to her innermost girlish quirks.

“The story has been written with the tastes of the audience in mind and what people are looking for within the romance genre. It offers a more conventional take on modern day relationships and the emotional struggles of early adulthood as one stage of life progresses to the next. In contrast with other titles in this genre, Chemically Bonded follows the theme of ‘facades’ throughout its narrative and how people’s true selves often conflict with their desires to be accepted by others”, ds-sans.

Feature & Facts of Interest

• In Chemically Bonded the outfits and poses change depending on the scene/setting.
• ‘Interactive phone system’.
• A realistic depiction of a Japanese highschool (including classrooms, hallways and cafeterias) and a modern Japanese city featuring cafes and arcades.
• The ‘main character’s’ house which is used for moments of reflection.
• Replayability to allow for the player to reach every possible ending.
• Fully original soundtrack consisting of 14 different songs.
• Fully voiced by a talented team of voice actors / actresses
• Approx playtime is between 6 and 9 hours

Looking Good – Technically A1

Graphically the presentation is of the highest quality, as would  be expected, in a graphic novel. Focus and attention has been made with character and background artists creating an accurate depiction of the Japanese setting which is distinct from other visual novels. The backgrounds specifically have been 3D modelled based upon extensive research into how each location is presented and includes a careful attention to detail. Importantly, the choice of the character artist has also allowed to replicate the look of modern, originally Japanese titles within the genre allowing to cater better to the tastes of anime and manga fans looking for an ‘authentic’ feeling to the artwork.

Source: PR Email

Paris, October 9th, 2023 – Publisher Microids, studios Microids Lyon/Paris and Paul Cuisset are delighted to unveil the much anticipated story trailer for Flashback 2, a thrilling adventure bringing the legendary Flashback franchise back to life in all its glory.

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. The retail versions on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch for the North American region will be released in 2024.

Source: PR Email

Friday October 6th, 2023, indie publisher Hound Picked Games, and developer Fossil Games, are excited to announce that today sees Sunshine Manor release on PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One, Series S & X and Nintendo Switch! Just in time for the Halloween season!

About Sunshine Manor

In Sunshine Manor, players adopt the role of Ada McReady who, unfortunately and against her will, gets trapped in Sunshine Manor whilst out trick or treating. It is not a place where most folks would want to be. Its long dark corridors dripping with cobwebs, creaking floorboards and unwelcoming atmosphere hang heavy. Ada has only one recourse, to get the ‘hell’ out of this nightmare as fast as possible!

As Ada tentatively explores the manor, you’ll meet ghosts, battle demons (some more friendly than others) and attempt to stop whatever is happening in the old Aitken house. As always with good versus evil, Ada has plenty of her own tricks to even things up with psychic powers that can banish demons for good!

Sunshine Manor offers twists, turns, blood, mystery and lots more once the door SLAMS behind you!

Game Features:

• An original 1hr 22m soundtrack written exclusively for the game
• A dark, involved and outright weird story that builds to the events of the infamous Camp Sunshine massacre!
• Beautiful hand-drawn 8 bit-esque pixel art
• Inspired by classic horror movies of the 1980s and beyond.

Do you dare play Sunshine Manor, a dangerous game of cat and mouse, where the nefarious Shadow Man could be waiting for you around any corner?

Source: PR Email

Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless is available now on Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, and PC!

Disgaea is back and better than ever in Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless! Join Fuji and Pirilika as they embark on a perilous journey of redemption, and experience unique features new to the Disgaea series!

Dive into an epic SRPG adventure stuffed to the brim with new features including Jumbification, Hell Mode, Item Reincarnation, new and improved auto-battle, and online ranked battles! You can even customize your own team with a robust roster of 45 character classes, including 4 new classes.

Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless is bigger and better than ever!

Celebrate the launch of Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless with exclusive launch DLC! Read our new blog post to find out how you can obtain the Special Weapons Set!

Source: PR Email

Vila-real, Spain – October 2, 2023 – Spanish indie game publisher BlitWorks Games announces that, due to technical and polishing reasons, the launch date for the acclaimed micromanagement tycoon puzzler Train Valley 2: Community Edition to Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and PlayStation 4 has been postponed to the 22nd of November. After the feedback obtained from players in the recent international (Gamescom) and national (Indie Dev Day) events, BlitWorks Games management team decided to postpone the launch in order to improve all the adaptations and ensure the game arrives in the hands of the players in the best possible version for each platform. At a price of 24.99 USD|Euros, this edition of Train Valley 2 includes the DLCs Passenger’s Flow, Myths & Rails and Editor’s Bulletin and a selection of 158 community made levels carefully curated by the developers.

Drive forward the industrial revolution in Train Valley 2 Community Edition, build railroads, upgrade your locomotives, and keep your trains on schedule without delays or accidents to meet the ever-growing demand of the cities and industries in your tiny valley. Take your railroad company from the days of the Industrial Revolution and into the future, meeting the needs of the valley’s cities and industries.

If you’ve ever wanted to solve complex logistics and transportation problems, fancied yourself as a bit of a train mogul, or you just love solving puzzles – there is a lot for players both new and old. Even if you’ve never played the original, there’s a lot to do in Train Valley 2: Community Edition!

MAIN FEATURES

• A Unique blend of Micromanagement, Tycoon and Puzzle games, putting you in control of your own company – that needs to help its local community thrive.

• Train Valley 2 Community Edition not only includes the DLCs Passenger’s Flow, Myths & Rails and Editor’s Bulletin, but also a selection of 158 community made levels.

• Upgrade your stock of locomotives and acquire advanced engines, with 18 models to unlock.

• Keep your trains running on schedule across 50 levels in Company Mode.

• Discover the history of railroads in elegant low-poly graphics! Train Valley 2 is a joy to look at and immerse yourself in.

• Produce and ship increasingly sophisticated goods in 18 models of locomotives to unlock and more than 45 types of train cars – it’s up to you to keep things as efficient and cost-effective as possible, while the world around you gets more demanding!

Source: PR Email

Paris,  September 29th, 2023 — Microids and Bilibili Games are delighted to announce that the Rogue-Lite game Warm Snow will be available digitally on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and Windows Store October 20th, 2023. Discover the game’s dark fantasy oriental universe in this first trailer, and embark on an epic adventure in the heart of a world corrupted by “Warm Snow”, a snow that refuses to melt.

Since its arrival on Steam in January 2022, Warm Snow came into its own, earning a glowing reputation thanks to a ‘very positive’ rating from over 25,000 enthusiastic reviewers. The game was also honoured with three major awards: the Jincha Award for the most anticipated game of 2022, the 2020 Indieplay Nova Prize and the Bilibili 2022 Must-play. In May 2023, the studio proudly celebrated the sale of over 2 000 000 copies on PC and mobile.

About Warm Snow:

In the year 27 of the Longwu era, a strange “Warm Snow” plunges the world into chaos, turning people into out-of-control monsters. Play as Bi-An, a mysterious wandering warrior, and embark on an epic journey to restore balance to the world. Free the 5 houses that once protected the world from corruption and unravel the mystery behind the Warm Snow. Choose your equipment according to your fighting style and plunge into the heart of epic battles!

Game features:

• A dynamic rogue-lite gameplay: adapt your arsenal of weapons, powers and elements to suit your personal fighting style.
• Art direction inspired by silk paintings: immerse yourself in breathtaking aesthetic visuals inspired by silk paintings, adding a unique dimension of poetry and elegance to the game universe.
• An exotic world drawn from Chinese folklore: explore a fantasy realm imbued with rich Chinese folklore, where legendary creatures and breathtaking landscapes create an authentic and immersive atmosphere.
• New languages: enjoy an even more immersive gaming experience with new languages available.
• Endless replay value: explore the game over and over again until you finally discover the truth about “Warm Snow” and put an end to it.
• Ash of Nightmare content included: discover the Nightmare system, new mechanics, items, skills, weapons and bosses

Warm Snow will be available digitally on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and Windows Store the 20th of October, 2023.

Source: PR Email