Twinworld Game Reviews

Archive for October, 2024

Berlin, Germany – October 29, 2024 – Excitement is building as ININ and TAITO proudly announce the release date for the third instalment of the TAITO Milestones series, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch!

Mark your calendars for December 10th, 2024! TAITO Milestones 3 will be available both physically and digitally, reviving ten beloved TAITO games from the late ’80s and early ’90s. This collection, created in collaboration with HAMSTER Corporation, promises to bring players back to the golden era of arcade gaming.

Pre-orders for the digital edition start today, while pre-orders for the physical edition are already available. Take advantage of a 10% discount on early digital pre-orders until the official release date. Go check your Nintendo eShop for more details and secure your copy now!

Whether you’re teaming up in the iconic “Bubble Bobble”, embarking on a heroic journey in the legendary Rastan series: “Rastan Saga”, “Rastan Saga II” and “Warrior Blade”, or experiencing the freshly added “Dead Connection”, TAITO Milestones 3 offers something for every retro gaming enthusiast. Notably, Dead Connection will be making its home console debut, adding a unique twist to this collection.

Prepare to relive the magic of arcade classics with TAITO Milestones 3 – a must-have for both nostalgic fans and new players alike.

Here are ten titles included in the collection:

Bubble Bobble (1986)

Experience a blast from the past in the original 2 player, co-op arcade version of Bubble Bobble! Use Bub and Bob ’s bubble-blowing powers to traverse all 100 floors of the Cave of Monsters to rescue their girlfriends!

Rainbow Islands: The Story of Bubble Bobble 2 (1987)

Play as Bubby and Bobby in their human forms! Instead of blowing bubbles, rule with rainbows as you climb to your goal! Battle monsters and more in order to save the inhabitants of Rainbow Islands who have been captured by your arch enemy, Boss of Shadow!

Cadash (1989)

Princess Sarasa, symbol of peace for the prosperous and naturally bountiful Deezar, has been kidnapped. Choose between a fighter, mage, priest or ninja to defeat monsters, gather riches and strengthen your equipment to defeat the evil Baarogue in this classic 2 player co-op action RPG!

Rastan Saga (1987)

In this platform action game, follow the journey of Rastan the Thief, in a tale set before he became king, as he sets off on the Princess’ orders to protect the kingdom of Ceim. Battle enemies along the way and defeat the monstrous dragon with various items, and weapons like a fire sword, a hammer, or an axe!

Rastan Saga 2 (1988)

Set out on a journey into battle against various enemies and traps to protect the holy city of Rastania and the temple, SkyScraper, from the wicked tribe. This action game is a prequel to Rastan Saga.

Champion Wrestler (1989)

Go to war in the ring in 8 rounds in order to become the champion. Use technical moves such as aerial techniques and submission holds to ringside brawls and the use of deadly weapons! The action never lets up! Play together in tag-team matches or against each other 1v1, either way, this couch co-op promises lots of wrestling action.

Runark (1990)

This iconic beat-em-up features up to 4 player couch co-op! Play as a squad of rangers that must save the animals from evil poachers. Destroy bad guys by any means possible; use hand to hand combat or weapons like knives and rocket launchers! SHBROOM!

Warrior Blade (1991)

The third game in the Rastan series. Set in the kingdom at the end of the earth; Depon, this adventure sees Rastan and his comrades set off in search of vast riches in the face of never-ending danger. Choose from 3 characters in this dual-screen cabinet 2 player co-op game.

Thunder Fox (1990)

A run and gun action game released for arcades in 1990! Play as the Thunder Fox anti-terrorism team to bring down a terrorist organization. Drive tanks, pilot autogyros and ride marine jets and defeat enemies on your way to the terrorist base!

Dead Connection (1992)

Four detectives take a stand against the mafia infesting their city! Mow down the oncoming gangsters and uncover the secrets behind the case! Lift the curtain on this dark plot in your pursuit of Don Nerozzia!! An action-shooting game set in 1950s America.

Source: PR Email

October 24th, 2024. Today Indie developer Hanako Games, best known for titles such as Long Live The Queen, the Magical Diary series, and the Cute Knight series (of which Cute Bite is a spinoff) together with Ratalaika Games are pleased to announce their vampire inspired title, Cute Bite, will see its release on 25th October 2023. Targeted for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Xbox One,  Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch, Cute Bite can best be described as a trainer, vampire raising simulation.

Scene Setter

For centuries, the Old Vampire Master lived in luxury in his Northern European mansion, active by night and sleeping in his coffin by day while his blood-bound human Butler managed the estate. He also had a vampire protegee, his daughter, until they quarrelled and he locked her in a coffin underground as punishment. The Vampire Master dies in an accident, and so the Butler frees the ‘daughter’ from her punishment so that she will have a new vampire to serve.

Unfortunately, having been locked away for the Little Mistress has reverted to a child-sized form and lost her memory, her magical skills and wants to bite everything in sight. So it’s up to the Butler to guide the adorable vampire who must build up her strength in order to regain her power and be able to shapeshift back into adult form.

Be Warned

As a child the Mistress is spoiled, petulant, and impulsive. She loses her temper and will bite anything she can lay her hands upon! She does not always understand the modern world and often gets into comedic hijinks. You’ll soon realise that the Mistress  feels superior to the humans around her and resents being treated like a little girl. However, she can learn very quickly and become quite powerful, taking on a number of possible professions based on her personality and skill choices.

Friendly neighborhood vampire or a wicked tyrant…That’s down to you!

In Cute Bite players are encouraged to play their own way. The decisions you take, the stats you decide to have higher and the skills you unlock determines your vampire type and the ending you’ll receive. With an average single playthrough lasting about two hours it means the player can quickly experience the twenty possible endings, plus variations on those endings and secret character-specific scenes to unlock!

Features

• Stat-raising gameplay. Balance the vampire’s schedule to train skills and earn gold.
• Hunt targets to feed upon in an RPG minigame
• Unlock advanced jobs and activities as skills increase
• Interact with characters to learn their backstories
• Uncover the secrets of the vampire’s origins
• Restore your mistress to her adult form
• Over twenty different endings to collect

Source: PR Email

October 17, 2024 – Today sees the release on Nintendo Switch of ASTLIBRA Gaiden: The Cave of Phantom Mist, a standalone side story to ASTLIBRA Revision, starting a new (but very familiar!) female protagonist in a 20+ hour-long adventure. Take control of the baker’s reclusive daughter as she enters challenging, randomly, generated dungeons in a roguelike fashion. A fresh perspective on the ASTLIBRA saga. A perfect blend of action, with a story and strategy game play to match.

ASTLIBRA Revision Gaiden: The Cave Phantom Mist offers a fresh perspective on the ASTLIBRA saga, delving deeper into the intricacies of the game’s world and character relationships and elevating the original game’s randomised maze elements — richer variety of rooms, challenges, and experiences that are as strong and immersive as fans have come to expect from ASTLIBRA!

Source: PR Email

17th October, 2024. Today developer HomeBearStudio and publisher Hound Picked Games are pleased to announce that NAIRI: Rising Tide is set to release on PC Steam and Nintendo Switch on November 14th, 2024! The game is available to pre-order now on Nintendo Switch with a 25% discount – €10.79 $11.99 £9.75!

In this next instalment of the series, players can expect to experience richer, vastly improved hand drawn artwork with many new characters and, of course, some beloved friends returning!

Set after the events of NAIRI: Tower of Shirin, NAIRI: Rising Tide sees Nairi continue on her journey to save her family. As Nairi and her companions try to overcome the many dangers of the corrupt city of Shirin, an apocalyptic prophecy emerges that threatens to devour everything.

In NAIRI: Rising Tide players experience an engaging story filled with charm and adventure. Exploration is key with a large, hand drawn world full of colourful and memorable animal (and human) characters that players know and expect from HomeBearStudio!

As players explore, they will be able to craft creative solutions by combining items with the new Toolbelt, which will aid them with challenging brain teasers that are contained within intricate puzzle-dungeons!

Will Nairi and her companions be able to overcome the many dangers of the corrupt city of Shirin while an apocalyptic prophecy threatens to devour everything?

Features:

• World: A larger and more interconnected world/dungeons.
• Puzzles: more complex dungeons and puzzles require serious wit to overcome.
• Skip: for players who would rather focus on the narrative: dungeons can be skipped.
• Toolbelt: craft new items by placing items in the ‘Toolbelt’ and using the correct tool!
• Maps & Goal Markers: find maps to help with orientation and figure out where to go.
• Fast-Travel: alleviate backtracking by fast-travelling to key areas in the  ‘overworld’.
• Improved Hint System: purchase hints system ranging from nudges to full solutions.
• Collectibles, Lore & Log: the Journal now includes much more than just hints.
• Recruits: earn coins by recruiting certain NPCs (which also spruce up your ‘base)’.
• Figurines: coins aren’t just for hints – purchase cute figurines for extra lore!
• Item Descriptions: items can now be examined for context and/or guidance.
• Synopsis: an illustrated synopsis explains the events of ‘NAIRI: Tower of Shirin’ to catch up new and old players alike.
• Artwork: another collectible comes in the form of hidden concept art pieces.

“We were fortunate to be able to work with fewer restraints this time around and are proud of how Rising Tide turned out. HomeBearStudio is beyond excited for NAIRI fans – and any fan of the genre – to finally get their hands on the sequel!” – Joshua van Kuilenburg, HomeBearStudio.

Source: PR Email

16th October, 2024 – Australian developer Critical Games today is pleased to announce that the console versions – PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch – are available now– October 16th, 2024.

Aussie Rules!

Nine years in development is a long time but if the media praise is a good guide then critical acclaim from the PC version, released last year, proved the wait was worth it. Two top prestigious RPG US specialist gaming sites gave it marks of 87/100 and 4/5 with comments like ‘standalone classic of the genre and fantastic gameplay!’ It even got 10/10 with a must play.

See for Yourself! XB/Switch & PS Gamers! Play Me!

Now console gamers can find out for themselves. This one man indie developer, working with a small team of freelancers, deserves to be placed in the spotlight for creating a game that will immerse players in a vast world that comes to life encased in retro experiences you won’t forget!

The Game

Pilot your Airship and explore a vast World Map in 8-Bit Adventures 2 – an exciting, emotional tribute to the Golden Age of JRPGs. Strengthen your party’s bonds with character-driven side-quests, and face off with challenging Super Bosses in dynamic.

Turn-Based Battles!

When a mistreated child with impossible powers threatens to reshape the world, a hero’s disappearance kicks off a grand adventure – and a battle for survival…

A perfect entry point into the series, 8-Bit Adventures 2 is for new and returning players alike.

Features:

• Airship Travel! Fly across an expansive World Map, filled with character-driven Side-Quests & challenging Super Boss battles!
• Nostalgia Perfected – vivid & vibrant Pixel Art visuals, with an enchanting & unforgettable Chiptune OST.
• Uplifting, Story-Rich Adventure which blends Fantasy & Sci-Fi.
• 30-40 Hours Playtime.
• Turn-Based Battles with Depth & Strategy. Freely swap allies mid-combat, & unleash Team Attacks or Omega Burst finishing moves!
• No Random Battles – enemies are always visible on the map.
• Seven Playable Characters, including a blind martial artist & an Exterminator-class robot.
• Constant Variety – everything from exploring ancient ruins to solving a robot murder mystery!
• Tightly Paced Story which balances the classic JRPG experience with modern design.
• A Tragic Villain with a Unique Twist – save the world from a vengeful Glitch!

“If you love airships, world maps, turn-based combat, and uplifting storytelling – and you’re looking for a fresh experience in that classic style – I sincerely invite you to play 8-Bit Adventures 2.” – Joshua Hallaran. (Developer)

So, while the journey has been long, the true adventure is just getting started!

Source: PR Email

We are excited to announce that The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak II will launch on February 14, 2025 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG)!

About The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II

No longer threatened by the mafia organization Almata, the people of Calvard have returned to their peaceful lives. But one day, a shocking series of murders involving a mysterious crimson beast sets the wheels of fate in motion once again. Various factions spring into action – both those who abide by the law to uncover the truth and those looking to capitalize on any new developments wherever possible, no matter how sinister. With chaos once again looming on the horizon, the spriggan Van Arkride receives an unexpected visitor, prompting his own investigation.

Who is behind the murders, and what is their goal? The sands of time bring old and new faces together for this thrilling second installment in the Trails through Daybreak saga.

Source: PR Email

Deck13 Spotlight and Just2D are proud and excited to announce that DROVA  – Forsaken Kin, the grim dark Pixel RPG set in a mystic celtic world is OUT NOW on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch for €24.99.

Welcome to the Otherworld

In DROVA you end up in a mystical world, praised as a new hope. A new paradise. But after only a few moments you will start realizing: This is anything but a paradise. Monsters will try to kill you, characters you meet will only help you for their own favor. Drova is a grim world where every man is for himself.

Features:

• 40 Hours of Story-driven gameplay
• A brutal combat system with multiple weapon classes and magic
• A handcrafted seamless open pixel art world
• Join one of two factions to survive in this grim dark world
• Trust no one
• No AI generated content
• No microtransactions
• No lootboxes
• No cut out content for DLC
• Just a damn fine singleplayer RPG, as it should be!

A RPG Like It Should Be!

DROVA is an old school RPG. There are no quest-markers. Just an open world to explore for you. No microtransactions. Players just pay once, the 24,99€. No cut content for Day 1 DLCs. There are no DLCs. No AI generated content. Just a handcrafted world with 40 hours of content, a complex combat system and more than 250 characters to meet. DROVA stays true to its roots, the games which inspired it.

Grab your axe, sharpen your blades and explore a grim dark world in Drova – Forsaken Kin, out now on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.

Source: PR Email

We are excited to share that the demo for Ys X: Nordics, the milestone entry in the legendary Ys series, is now available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Steam ahead of its launch on October 25!

The Ys X: Nordics demo offers fast-paced fighting action, powerful offense and defense in Solo Mode and Duo Mode, charged elemental attacks with Mana Burst, exhilarating sailing, battles on land and sea, and more. Demo save data can be carried over to the full version of the game when it launches on October 25.

About Ys X: Nordics

A milestone entry in the legendary Ys series, Ys X: Nordics offers exhilarating, fast-paced combat, a moving story of unlikely allies, and naval exploration across the vibrant Obelia Gulf.

Following their tenuous encounter at sea, the young red-haired adventurer Adol Christin and the proud pirate Karja Balta find themselves bound by fate – and the mysterious power of Mana! As they search for a way to undo the mystical ties that bind them, they soon find themselves caught up in a conflict between two factions: the seafaring warriors known as the Normans and the enigmatic and seemingly immortal Griegr. In order to save the people of Obelia Gulf, Adol and Karja must navigate the depths of their unexpected bond and the power that it grants them.

Source: PR Email

We are excited to announce that RPG MAKER WITH, the latest installment in the RPG Maker series, is out now for Nintendo Switch! To try out the game’s creation features and play user-created games for free, the RPG MAKER WITH PLAYER is available to download on the Nintendo eShop. PS4 and PS5 versions will release in 2025.

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

Montpellier, France – October 10, 2024. Dear Villagers and Sunny Syrup Studio are proud to announce the Spirit Mancer participation in the Steam Next Fest with its last demo between October 14 and 21, also the game will postpone its launch on PC, PS5 and Nintendo Switch to November 22 to deliver the best possible version of the game to players.

The 2D Hack and Slash adventure with deck-building mechanics inspired by classics like Mega Man, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure and Pokemon is also opening pre-orders and offering the very special Demon Hunter Edition, which lets you control exclusive dragons and tarot cards, and also features a comic book, artbook and OST.

Get the whole inferno dancing, with the Idols of IFN66, by pre-ordering Spirit Mancer!

Pre-order Bonus :

• Exclusive Idol Card Set IFN66 (5 demons spirit cards)

Demon hunter edition Bonus:

• Tarot Spirit Card Set (5 demons spirit cards)
• Ancient Dragon Spirit Card Set (5 demons spirit cards)
• Original Soundtrack.
• Digital Artbook (148 pages)
• Comics (119 pages)

In Spirit Mancer, players are in the role of a modern-day demon hunter, they can go alone or also can join forces with a friend in local couch co-op mode. Slash, Shoot and Break hordes of demons from Ars Goetia and stop the evil queen with the power of the Spirit Mancer. Capture their spirits and summon them out into battle in the beautiful yet dangerous world of Inferno!

Key Features

Hack and Slash action combines with deck building elements.

With a skill base card, you can summon demons to do your bidding and help you during combat.

Local co-op support.

Like in the old arcade times, join forces with a friend and jump together for an epic battle into a colourful and vibrant inferno.

100+ Unique enemies you can fight and capture

Huge variety of unique monsters and demons that you can fight and capture.

Summon captured enemies to battle as spirit cards

Capture any demons into spirit cards then summon them out into battle as your friends.

Deck building with 100+ spirit cards

Build your deck with demon spirits that you want in your pocket.

10+ Guns and weapons to be used

Blast any foes with a large variety of weapons.

8+ levels for you to explore

Beautiful beach, Volcanic fortress, Lush forest, and more Adventure a huge fantasy world of inferno with 20+ biomes to explore.

Source: PR Email