Twinworld Game Reviews

Archive for August, 2024

29 AUGUST, 2024 – Publisher Big Sugar is delighted to announce that after making its debut on PC last year, the hell-raising, head-banging shoot ’em up action of Valfaris: Mecha Therion is also now available to download for Nintendo Switch, PS4/PS5, and Xbox One/Xbox Series X|S, priced $19.99.

Developed by Steel Mantis, Valfaris: Mecha Therion is a sequel to the critically-acclaimed action-platformer Valfaris (ranked #16 Best PC Game of 2019 by Metacritic). It launched for PC late 2023 and currently has a 95% positive user rating on Steam.

About the game

Therion returns as the hunt for Lord Vroll continues. Pilot an advanced machine of death and destruction in this explosive 2.5D side-scrolling shoot ‘em up, and sequel to the critically acclaimed Valfaris. Strap in and unleash mecha hell!

After escaping Valfaris, Therion’s hunt for the evil Lord Vroll has taken him across the galaxy. As the final, inevitable showdown looms, Therion harnesses the awesome combat ability of his secret weapon – Mecha Therion!

Key features

• Pilot a behemoth suit forged of metal and fury
• Master a formidable selection of devastating weapons
• Annihilate waves of alien enemies and powerful bosses
• Collect module add-ons to enhance the suit’s capabilities
• Navigate a deadly world brought to life by the stunning art of Andrew Gilmour
• Succumb to another killer soundtrack by series composer Curt Victor Bryant

Source: PR Email

Berlin, 29th August 2024 – The wait is over. NatsumeAtari, in partnership with ININ, is proud to announce the global launch of Shadow of the Ninja: Reborn, the highly anticipated reimagining of the classic retro title. Available now on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S and Steam.

Reliving a Classic, Reinvented for a New Era!

Originally developed by Natsume and released in 1990 for the NES, Shadow of the Ninja (known as Blue Shadow or KAGE in some regions) stood out as a tough-but-fair side-scrolling action game that became a fan favourite among the retro gaming community. The game was praised for its challenging yet rewarding gameplay, two-player cooperative action, and atmospheric level design.

In this thrilling action-adventure platformer, you will use your striking katana, as well as the acrobatic finesse of a ninja to face the advance of powerful enemies. Our fearless heroes, Hayate and Kaede have undergone a major visual upgrade from their original 8-bit models. From the deadly foes to the no-less deadly stages, every part of this title has been faithfully remade in stunning high-quality graphics.

Special attention was dedicated to the already acclaimed 2-player mode, which now features upgraded cooperative gameplay dynamics, refined character interactions, and an overall optimised experience. So, grab a friend and engage in deadly shinobi combat to save the world in this dark action gem Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn!

This remake brings back Iku Mizutani, the star composer who helped create the iconic Natsume sound and renowned tracks for various NES games.

As with the original version, Dynamic Pro handled the illustrations!

The key visuals/character illustrations are also by Dynamic Productions, as was the case with the first version in 1990.

Features and Innovations

• Reimagined Visuals: Fully remastered in stunning high resolution, the game features hand-drawn 2D art mixed with dynamic environments, breathing new life into every corner of the original world.
• Enhanced Combat System: Refined combat mechanics introduce new ninja abilities, combos, and precision platforming that rewards skill and strategy.
• Expanded Storyline: Dive deeper into the lore of the Shadow of the Ninja universe with a completely new designed and added level, providing a more immersive experience.
• Co-op Mode Revamped: The beloved local cooperative mode has been reworked, offering seamless integration and more intense team-based action.
• A Star-Studded, Rockin’ Soundtrack: Play along with the legendary Hiroyuki Iwatsuki and Iku Mizutani’s electrifying guitar riffs and fast-paced melodies.

Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn is available digital for just €19,99 and physical for €29,99 (PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch). There is also a physical PS4 version available from SLG.

For the real retro game music lovers, Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn will also release a Digital Deluxe Edition for PS4/PS5, NSW, and Steam priced at €24.99, that includes the electric digital soundtrack by legends Iku Mizutani and Hiroyuki Iwatsuki!

Source: PR Email

THIONVILLE, France – Aug. 27, 2024 – Italian solo developer Roboatino and French publisher Goblinz Publishing are proud to announce the release of Shogun Showdown on Steam, GOG, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S this September 5 at a price of 14.99 EUR|USD. Shogun Showdown is an innovative turn-based combat game with rogue-like and deck-building elements set in a pixel-art Japanese-inspired universe. After 14 months on Steam Early Access, the title has garnered more than 2300 reviews on Steam averaging a user score of 96%, players have praised the game’s fair and challenging game design, satisfying mechanics, variety of situations and the beautiful pixel art visuals full of personality.

KEY FEATURES

• Turn-based combat where every action counts. Carefully position yourself, build up and unleash your attacks at the right time!
• Upgrade your attack tiles and combo them!
• Gain new skills and build the best deck you can before facing the Shogun.
• Rogue-like: death is not the end, but the beginning of your journey towards mastery. As you play, you will unlock new characters, attacks, skills and more!

NEW CONTENT ADDED IN VERSION 1.0

• New location (Ieyasu’s garden) & new boss (Ieyasu the Patient)
• Day 7: New elite enemy type (Corrupted) and new enemy (Corrupted progeny), True final boss after Shogun fight: the Corrupted Soul
• Lore: Small cut scenes after you defeat a new Day for the first time (can also be accessed from the main menu: Other -> Endings). Reworked a lot of boss barks and descriptions
• 7 New Skills (Rogue Retail, Seiryu’s Scale, Fenghuangs’s Feather, Two-Faced Dancer, Overflow Guard, Chilling Combo, Odd Curse)
• 6 New Quests
• 7 New Tiles (Hookblade, Nagiboku, Sharp Turn, Ki Push, Thorns, Back-Smoke Bomb, Chakram)
• New Hero: Chain Master
• New “Stats” page in camp Archive

Source: PR Email

Tuesday September 27th, 2024: After the successful release and reintroduction of Aero the Acro-Bat, Indie publisher Ratalaika Games and Tokyo-based publisher LLC Shinyuden, who specialise in retro game licences, are delighted to announce the sequel Aero The Acro-Bat 2 on September 6th 2024. This iconic and well loved and received hero flies onto PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch for another extravaganza from Aero the daredevil and the star acrobat of his circus!

After managing to stop Edgar Ektor’s mad plans to destroy the world of amusement, Aero decides to investigate the madman’s museum of horror. There he finds a strange floating magician’s box. When he gets inside to investigate it, he is suddenly transported to a mysterious place. However, unbeknownst to Aero, Edgar has managed to survive after being rescued by his minion Zero, and has asked him to execute plan B, but what could this mysterious plan be? More fun and colourful antics!

1 into 8

Split into eight worlds, all of them, except for the final world, with three ‘acts’ each. The levels are significantly longer, more challenging and inventive  than the first game with many secret areas. The goal of each level is to find the exit at the end of every act, defeating enemies and collecting power-ups along the way.

Aero has his stupendous  drill jump from the first game, an ability that can be aimed either diagonally up or down to reach enemies and platforms. New is the ability to aim the drill jump straight down, allowing Aero to attack enemies directly below him. Food can be collected for extra points, and stars can be thrown at enemies to defeat them, much like in the original game.

New features for a new version

A rewind/turbo function (ideal to practise for the speedruns that many influencers do), a save function to save wherever you want, cheats, and screen filters that you can find in many of Shunyuden’s previous games. As always, Shinyuden wants to deliver an experience that is as close as possible to the original, especially with a game that holds so well by today’s standards like Aero The Acro-Bat 2!

Source: PR Email

Montpellier, France – August 22, 2024. Through their participation at Future Game Show, yesterday Dear Villagers and Studio Plane Toast had the pleasure to announce that their cozy, semi-open world exploration adventure Caravan Sandwitch will be launching this September 12 on PC (Steam and Epic Games Store), PS5 and Nintendo Switch platforms. The title sets the player in a Sci-Fi Provence-like world, driven by a mystery through your missing sister that unfolds with each step you take. Players will traverse a rich landscape in their customizable van, interacting with various inhabitants and uncovering the mysteries of Cigalo.

With an emphasis on inclusivity and environmental themes, the life in Caravan Sandwitch is simple: no combat, no death, no timer, just you, your van, and the world.

KEY FEATURES

Explore a Provence-like World

Equipped with your van and an array of essential tools, you set out on a quest to find your missing sister. Upgrade your van throughout your adventure and explorations to open up new passages and ruins. From navigating treacherous terrain to uncovering ancient ruins, every step of your journey brings you closer to unraveling the truth behind your sister’s disappearance.

An hopeful Post-Apocalypse

From a green planet to a desertic one due to human activities and sur-exploitation; discover on Cigalo the impact of humans and its population through your road trip. Meet the Reinetos, an old aboriginal species, the Robots left behind after the planet exploitation, the humans who stayed after everyone left for another planet, and the mysterious SandWitch. All of them live peacefully in Cigalo and help each other in this unwelcome environment.

Meet a diverse cast of characters

As you interact with the diverse characters you meet along the way, you’ll come to understand that your community is your home. Help everyone and contribute your piece to the edifice, enabling everyone to live in harmony in an environment hostile to all civilizations due to over-exploitation.

A Game developed for All

Plane Toast made a huge effort to create a game in which everyone can feel included, representing their vision of a world where communities help each other to overcome the environmental consequences of our world.Caravan SandWitch is written with an inclusive script, that represents a real community with its people and representation.

Accessibility options are available.

Source: PR Email

Berlin, 22 August 2024 – The wait is almost over! In seven short days, ININ Games, in collaboration with Tengo Project and Natsume, will release the highly anticipated, Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn! Set to launch on August 29, 2024 on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S & X, and PC Steam, this release is definitely not one to miss!

This revitalised masterpiece pays homage to its original classic 90’s NES title by combining the authentic retro action gaming feel with brand new 16-bit graphics, new music and even a brand new game stage!

At the heart of this revival is Tengo Project, the Natsume development team behind “Wild Guns”, “Pocky & Rocky Reshrined” and “The Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors.” With this new release,  “Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn,” Tengo Project continues on the wave of action-packed, brain bursting, mindless retro gaming fun.

What are you waiting for? Pre-order Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn today! Still not sure if it’s right for you? Play the free demo available on Nintendo eStore and Xbox Store (PlayStation coming very soon) – … we know you wanna!

Source: PR Email

Valencia, Spain – August 21st, 2024 –  Chibig studio is pleased as punch to announce that their new delivery adventure, Mika and the Witch’s Mountain, is available now on Steam and Nintendo Switch! The release is taking place at gamescom, where the team will be showcasing this wonderful title to all the attendees, media, and content creators at the event. The demo will also be available to those who want to deliver some packages with the young witch and get some perks from the game.

While the game is coming Steam as an Early Access title (a first for Chibig) at least two content patches are already planned to launch before the end of the year:

“Our community has been with us and supported us in the Kickstarter campaign and the closed beta.” — in the words of Abraham Cozar, CEO of Chibig — “We want them to give us feedback once again to help us achieve a better version of the game, all together.”

Mika and the Witch’s Mountain Kickstarter campaign in 2023 received the support of 24.000 backers and €1.3M, being the most supported Spanish video game project on the platform and helping the team to continue developing this fantasy adventure inspired by Kiki’s Delivery Service and The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker.

Mika and the Witch’s Mountain is available now on Nintendo Switch as well as on Steam via Early Access for $19.99 USD with a 15% launch discount, though fans of Mika and the Witch’s Mountain on PlayStation 4 | 5 and Xbox Series X | S will have to wait later this year to join the party.

Source: PR Email

Deck13 Spotlight and developer ShrooMoon UG are thrilled to announce the release of the first Gameplay Trailer for their upcoming Retro-JIGRPG Elements Destiny, showing off the variety of landscapes to discover, the turn based combat system, overworld abilities and cheerful characters. The game is also playable at this year’s Gamescom at the Indie Arena Booth in Hall 10.2.

Elements Destiny is set in the world of Solitas which is threatened by a new shadow crusade. Only the descendants of the Clans of the Elements have the power to avert it – descendants like Erika. And so she embarks on a journey into the unknown that will take her throughout Solitas and perhaps beyond.

Join Erika on her mission! Find all those who have been chosen to walk this path with her and awaken their elemental powers. These not only open up unique possibilities in battle, but also help you overcome various obstacles along the way. Defeat terrifying monsters, treacherous adversaries and sometimes Erika’s own fears.

Can YOU change the future?

Solitas depends on you. Every one of your heroes has special abilities during the fights against countless fantastic monsters. Craft unique items, master the elements and experience a complex story where nothing is as it seems. Bit by bit, put the puzzle pieces you discover during your journey together. The goal is clear, but the paths to it are more branched than they seem. Has the battle between light and darkness always been preordained? And what role do you play in all of this?

Elements Destiny, developed by the ambitious team from ShrooMoon, will release soon for PC and Consoles after nearly 7 years of development with the idea being worked on for nearly 20 years. Prepare yourself for a 80 – 100 hour journey and the first real JIGRPG, Japanese inspired German RPG, with tons of dialogues being fully voiced in German by famous Anime voice actors. The game will be released in combination with a gigantic soundtrack with over 100 Tracks.

Source: PR Email

Gateshead, United Kingdom – August 15th 2024 – Coatsink and Ghosts’ exhilarating high-speed racer, Phantom Spark, is available today on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch. Inspired by adrenaline-fueled games like Trackmania, WipeOut, F-Zero and Thumper, Phantom Spark challenges players to push for the best times while speeding through otherworldly architecture.

Phantom Spark features a full single-player campaign where you must challenge the domain champions, as well as a split-screen multiplayer mode where you can take on your friends. Global online leaderboards will test your skills to the limit as you seek to hone your abilities and set record-breaking times.
Compete against ghost opponents to see the current best time in action, allowing you to improve your racing line and find those extra fractions of a second that can make all the difference. With instant restarts, you stay in the rhythm, keeping focus as you refine your times on each pathway.

“For three years the leaderboards have been just us, friends and testers,” said Joon Van Hove, Design & Developer of Ghosts. I’m really excited to see how the leaderboard will evolve, what players’ strategies are, and how hard much better they inevitably are than the developers.”

Source: PR Email

We are proud to share additional information about the battle system in Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero, coming to Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Steam in 2025! (Steam version to follow later in 2025.)

About Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero

In Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero, the story follows Marona – a gifted young girl with the power to speak to Phantoms – as she traverses the ocean world of Ivoire, providing aid to those in need. When a fleet of ghost ships attack, it’s up to Marona and her new friend Apricot to assemble the legendary crew that once defeated these spectral foes.

Recruit Phantoms, bind them to objects, combine them with Gadgets, and even merge them with Marona herself to unleash show-stopping abilities and sink the Shipwreck Fleet!

Source: PR Email