Twinworld Game Reviews

Archive for June, 2024

25th June, 2024: Indie publisher Ratalaika Games, together with solo developer Miguel H. Death, who is already working on a sequel, are pleased  to announce the forthcoming release on June 28th of Nocturnal Visitors  launching on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Xbox One & Series X/S, Nintendo Switch and Steam PC.  A thrilling and challenging experience as you Investigate morally grey crimes in this fantasy thriller in which magic and science, chaos and order, are two sides of the same coin.

Scene Setting with more to come

Nocturnal Visitors is the first in a five-episode series which tells the story of Jamie, 16 year old boy, who, on one ordinary November night, witnesses a paranormal event. Shortly afterwards, he is transported to Aliorbis, a mysterious alternate version of Earth where magic and science coexist in almost perfect harmony. It’s the place where all the legends that we know of are born. There Jamie learns that he is what is known as a “Visitor”, someone who can cross the barrier that separates his world and Aliorbis. He quickly becomes part of SEEK, an organisation that investigates crimes that are a threat to both worlds. Through his adventures with SEEK, Jamie slowly becomes acquainted with Aliorbis’ dark and twisted past filled with corruption and chaos, and gradually begins to wonder if he is truly on the right side of this story.

One for all

In this episode you play as multiple characters, the main one being Jamie, who acts as “the chosen one” in Nocturnal Visitors. However, the point of view changes, some of the chapters being narrated in their entirety by different characters, as a way to provide different points of view, backgrounds and, most importantly, clues to understand the overall mystery of the Nocturnal Visitors series.

The storyteller explains –  Miguel H. Death, “ Nocturnal Visitors is all about environmental storytelling. The player is highly encouraged to explore all the areas in the game and interact with everything, as ninety percent of the elements present in the game are interactive and provide context for both the plot and characters. While the player is always given clear and simple objectives to make the story progress, were they only to do that, they would probably not be able to understand the story as a whole once the climax of the series is reached. Nocturnal Visitors asks players to be curious and to pay attention to every single piece of information provided by both the plot and the gameplay, as it will be essential to understand the mystery that will develop throughout the series.”

Getting in there

Nocturnal Visitors takes place in Aliorbis, an alternative version of Earth where both magic and science, chaos and order, coexist. The premise is that every element of folklore that we know of – like magic, witches, ghosts, dragons, etc., do exist in this world and the reason why we know of them is because of the existence of Visitors, people from Earth, like Jamie, who can cross the barrier that separates both worlds. This has allowed them to become acquainted with these fantasy elements and to share their knowledge with the rest of the world.

However, what may seem at first sight as a magical world everyone would love to live in, hides a darkness underlying truth that becomes more and more present as the series goes on, increasingly showing more scenes of corruption, chaos and violence that resemble what we experience on a daily basis on Earth. As the best works of fantasy do, Nocturnal Visitors aims to create parallels with real life, as a way to explore why we play video games as a form of escapism, when in reality video games usually resemble many of the struggles of our daily lives and help us understand them more.

Facts – not Fiction

• Storytelling – Experience an immersive story with a carefully crafted lore.
• Crack the case!
• Play as Jamie and five other characters with unique personalities, backgrounds and points of view.
• Investigating – gory crime scenes and look for clues.
• Explore multiple otherworldly scenarios full of details.
• Buildup towards sequel release
• 3 hours / 5 to complete it.
• Nocturnal Visitors’ soundtrack includes music by multiple artists, most notably two songs by the French heavy metal band, Onlap.

An intriguing experience rich brimming with clever ideas & dialogue!

Source: PR Email

London, United Kingdom – June 18th, 2024 – Avast, ye scurvy dogs! Captain Blood, the pirate-themed action game last showcased in 2010, will launch in 2024! SNEG Ltd, a publishing studio that aims to preserve forgotten titles, reveals today that Captain Blood will be released on Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch later this year.

Loosely based on the adventure novels written by author Rafael Sabatini, Captain Blood is a pirate-themed action game set in the golden age of piracy during the 17th century, where you step into the boots of the most feared pirate captain to ever sail across the seven seas on his quest for gold and glory. Undergoing several iterations throughout its development in the 2000s, Captain Blood was last showcased in 2010 before vanishing for years due to publishing disputes. Now, SNEG Ltd. is excited to bring the game back for fans of classic pirate adventure, combining its original glory with modern improvements for today’s gamers and consoles.

You play as Captain Blood, the manliest pirate captain ever to drink grog while romancing maidens across the Spanish main. When the local magistrate’s beautiful buxom daughter is kidnapped, he swallows his pride and hires you and your crew to rescue her. Expect wild adventures with cannon firing, pistol shooting, swashbuckling sword fights, and plenty of pirate shenanigans. This action-packed hack’n’slash features fierce hand-to-hand combat, hordes of enemies, and a classic fighting system with flashy combos and epic finishers.

Key Features:

• Epic Pirate Shenanigans: As Captain Blood, live the life of the bravest and most fearsome pirate on the Spanish Main (or at least fake it convincingly).
• Intense Action: Dive into fiery hand-to-hand combat and show enemy pirates and landlubbers alike who’s the boss with various slick combat techniques.
• Ship Deck Brawls: Fight off enemy pirates trying to board your ship with unique moves, combos, and executions while blasting enemy ships to pieces with your cannons!
• Arsenal of Awesomeness: Arm yourself with cutlasses, pistols, muskets, throwing knives, and hand bombs. Don’t forget those sneaky pirate tricks!
•  Graphic Novel Vibes: Enjoy a unique art style that feels like reading through a pirate comic book.

The game will launch simultaneously on all platforms later this year.

Source: PR Email

Berlin, 13.06.2024 – In 1991, TAITO released the third entry in its enduring Bubble Bobble series: Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III. Originally released for the PC Engine, the game followed the success of its predecessors, building on the foundations Bubble Bobble and Rainbow Islands laid down and continuing the story from where they left off. It quickly became a fantastic hit, later being ported to Atari ST, Amiga, Game Boy, and even NES, gaining huge popularity and its own dedicated fandom.

Some thirty-three years later, this iconic platformer is ready to land on modern consoles on July 11th for only €9,99 and can be pre-ordered for Nintendo Switch as of now. Xbox pre-orders will start on 19.06.2024. Both offers an additional 10% pre-order bonus until release! Hurry up! PlayStation®4/PlayStation®5 versions will also be out on the 11th of July 2024.

Features:

• The triumphant return of the Bubble Bobble franchise;
• An enigmatic ensemble of enemies, each with unique abilities (and charm);
• 2-player mode: double the fun with Bubby and Bobby!
• Dazzling parasols with magical powers;
• Power-ups galore;
• 8 worlds to save, plus 2 unlockable ones!
• Quality-of-life options, such as save states and the ability to rewind gameplay

Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III will be released on July 11th for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 & PlayStation 5, and Xbox!

Source: PR Email

OSAKA, June 8, 2024 – DANGEN Entertainment has announced that Bittersweet Birthday will be released on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series platforms in Q2 of 2025. The announcement is accompanied by a trailer revealed at the Summer Games Fest Latin America Showcase 2024.

Bittersweet Birthday is an action RPG where every combat encounter in the game is a challenging and unique experience. Players must learn enemy patterns and weave in past their ceaseless assault in order to tear down their opponent in fierce battles that combine Soulslike dodge roll mechanics with bullet hell mayhem. Players make use of punch combos, blocks, parries and powerful cancel attacks to topple an eclectic cast of antagonists who get progressively more challenging in multiple phases.

Outside of battle, players will uncover the mysteries surrounding the past of the protagonist through exploration and a colorful cast of characters. They can complete side quests and discover secret items to unlock Memories that affect their style of combat. Or, take a break with mini games, including darts, Gachapon and more.

Bittersweet Birthday Story

You wake up…dazed, and with no memories. As you ask yourself where you are and how you got there, a strange voice breaks through the speaker system offering you a way out. Unstable individuals are hunting you down and it looks like your only chance of escape…is to listen…

Among the traumas and the broken memories, gather up the pieces of your past and get ready… You’ve got a birthday party to attend.

Bittersweet Birthday Features

• A story of mystery driven by endearing characters
• Punishing combat where reading the enemy is the key to victory
• A lively village with friendly residents and interlocking quests ready to explore
• Hand drawn pixel-art with beautifully designed backgrounds
• A darts mini-game! Well, darts are being used, at least…
• A Gachapon machine with 48 collectibles up for grabs
• Dog!

The Bittersweet Birthday Announcement Trailer shows a glimpse into the early parts of the main character’s dilemma, his rivalship with bird-like character Rocc, and a glance at the intense action and lively field exploration.

“The main inspirations for Bittersweet Birthday are the earlier Monster Hunter titles, The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask, OneShot, Undertale and Hyper Light Drifter. These (and many others) are games that either through gameplay, story, or some x-factor have made a home deep inside our hearts; and we are eager to gift an experience that people can fall in love with and carry within themselves the same way,” says Ricardo Noriega from World Eater Games.

Source: PR Email

Berlin, 06 June 2024 – It’s official – Shadow of the Ninja Reborn slashes its way onto all consoles for its global release on August 29, 2024!

Grab the digital versions of this highly anticipated remake for 19,99€ on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam! Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 will get physical versions for 29,99€, while Limited and Collector’s Editions can be pre-ordered at Strictly Limited Games.

Two heroes emerge from the shadows… with one goal in mind: Take down Emperor Garuda and save the world. After 33 years, experience a revamped 16-bit style, an improved combat system, a BRAND-NEW additional level, and an epic soundtrack by, the one and only, Iku Mizutani!

But Wait, That’s Not All!

Players can soon get a sneak peek into the thrilling gameplay of Shadow of the Ninja Reborn with the release of our official playable demo! Keep an eye out on our website and social media channels for updates on the release date of the demo.

Regarded as one of the best two-player co-op games for the Nintendo Family Computer (NES) in the early 90s, Shadow of the Ninja (also known as Blue Shadow in Europe and Australia) propelled NatsumeAtari and TENGO PROJECT into becoming one of action gaming’s greats. From the original makers of recent hits, Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors and Pocky and Rocky Reshrined, Tengo Project delivers this stunning remake for a legendary NES title.

Check out the features of this exciting release:

• An Arsenal of Deadly Weapons: Caltrops, shuriken, and more! Departing from the NES original, Hayate and Kaede will have an expanded variety of weaponry!
• Jungle of Concrete and Steel: 5 completely recreated stages featuring devious traps and challenging platform puzzles. Plus, a 6th entirely new stage!
• Two Ninjas are Better Than One: Grab a friend and get ready for the critically acclaimed couch co-op!
• A Fresh New Look: Beautiful modern in-game sprite art as a faithful update to the 8-bit original!
• Bringin’ It Back to the 90’s: Feast your eyes on the key visuals and characters illustrated by Dynamic Productions, the same remarkable illustrators of the original 90’s title!

A Star-Studded, Rockin’ Soundtrack: Play along with the legendary Hiroyuki  Iwatsuki and Iku Mizutani’s electrifying guitar riffs and fast-paced retro melodies.

Source: PR Email

We are excited to announce that RPG MAKER WITH, the upcoming installment in the RPG Maker series, will launch on Nintendo Switch on October 11! PS4 and PS5 versions will release in 2025.

To celebrate, we’ve released a brand new trailer highlight how you and your friends can use the asset sharing feature to create a game together, no matter where you are!

About RPG MAKER WITH

As the latest installment in the RPG Maker series, RPG MAKER WITH features more tools and greater accessibility than ever before. The user-friendly interface and intuitive controls make it easy to choose between creating simple or complex assets and functions, so you can dive right in, regardless of skill level.

Source: PR Email

June 3rd, 2024 – Today Ratalaika Games and Shinyuden announce that Masaya’s legendary ‘Bike Daisuki! Hashiriya Kon‘ – or, Rider’s Spirits as it’s known in the west, is set to release on June 7th on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One & Series S|X and Nintendo Switch!

For the uninitiated, this evergreen cult classic at first seems heavily inspired by Mario Kart but looks can be deceiving! The game has features like being able to check on the actions of their competition, drop into the pit stop to fuel up and change items – more of a simulator style play but equally as fun!

The game has 20 different tracks which include asphalt and dirt, with each including their own unique design and obstacles to avoid like traffic cones, water ponds and even stone pillars. With each character in-game having their own skillset, players need to master various techniques to ensure they stay at the top of their game, as some stages are actually more difficult for certain characters.

Playing is Easy, Mastering is Not!

Each of the bikes and riders have their own unique attributes and qualities. Some bikes, for example, are faster in a straight line, whilst others have incredible grip. Find the bike and rider combination that suits you and aim for the elusive #1 spot!

Play head to head against the computer, or locally with a friend, and compete in a wide variety of racing tracks and game modes. Choose from an array of wacky racers and show off your riding skills. If things get ugly, use all kinds of crazy items in order to get advantage and be the first one to cross the finishing line!

The Game Includes Five Different Game Modes:

• Rider’s GP: You race in several tracks and earn points based on your finishing place. The racer with more points at the end wins the tournament.
• Time Trial: Try to obtain the fastest time
• Endurance: Make a team of two racers and try to stay first during 1, 3 or 5 minutes, just remember if you run out of fuel you are out, so make sure to enter the pit stop to exchange racers
• Battle Race (2 players): Compete with another player to see who is the first to cross the goal
• Chicken Run (2 players): Run down a road and stop as close to the edge without going over

Source: PR Email