Twinworld Game Reviews

Archive for March, 2025

London, U.K. – March 3rd, 2025 – SpecNext is pleased to announce that its enhanced version of iconic 80s classic, Head Over Heels: Deluxe, is due to release on PC on March 6th and will be coming to Nintendo Switch later this year. Originally released on the ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64 and Amstrad CPC in 1987 and renowned as one of the era’s most iconic titles, Head Over Heels was given a new lease of life by SpecNext with an enhanced remake created for the ZX Spectrum Next in 2024, winning rave reviews from the likes of Crash (94%) and Retro Gamer (90%). With this enhanced version now debuting on PC and Switch, SpecNext is making the game accessible to the millions of players that played it across various systems in the 80s.

Join the eccentric duo of Headus Mouthion (Head) and Footus Underium (Heels) – two halves of a whole who have been separated and imprisoned by the tyrannical Emperor. Each character possesses unique abilities to master and combine: Head’s remarkable jumping prowess and handy headshots pave the way over daunting obstacles, while Heels’ speed, carrying power, and snappy waddle keep the team nimble and resourceful. Reunite them to unlock even more powerful moves as you traverse fantastical worlds full of bizarre enemies, smart puzzles and secret passages waiting to be uncovered.

This faithful (and fresh!) remake elevates everything fans love about the original classic. Soak in beautifully updated isometric levels, re-engineered controls that feel snappy and precise, and a brand-new soundtrack that perfectly captures the whimsical — and sometimes devious – nature of the puzzle realms. For retro purists, optional “classic mode” graphics and sound settings are on hand to recreate that authentic 8-bit nostalgia, while newcomers will appreciate upgrades such as improved save systems, helpful hints, and quality-of-life updates that never compromise the game’s classic challenge.

“Head Over Heels is one of the most loved and awarded games from the 80s, and its fiendish gameplay still holds true today,” said Henrique Olifiers, Director at SpecNext. “If you are looking for a game challenge with soul, this is the game for you.”

Key Features

• Over 500 majestic locations
• Multiple save points (trust us, you’ll need them)
• Wonderful music throughout by Space Fractal
• Chickens! (Yes, these weren’t in the original… Blame Mike ‘Flash’ Ware for them)
• A complete new area (because more is better)
• New enemies and objects (there’s a new area after all)
• Stunning graphics by Simon Butler

Source: PR Email

Gateshead, United Kingdom – February 28th, 2025 – Coatsink are delighted to reveal the followup to their acclaimed minimalist strategy city-builder, ISLANDERS, with the debut trailer for ISLANDERS: New Shores. Coming to PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Switch in Summer 2025, ISLANDERS: New Shores recreates the relaxing atmosphere and streamlined strategy that made the original such a hit, and builds on those foundations with new mechanics, modes and features.

ISLANDERS: New Shores invites you back to a world of tranquil creativity that welcomes longtime fans and newcomers to explore, build, and strategise like never before. In New Shores, you are presented with a series of beautiful islands to build on, starting each level with an inventory of buildings to choose from. Carefully consider where to place them to get the most points over the course of the stage as you unlock more structures as part of an experience that reigns in the overwhelming complexity of the sprawling city-builder to deliver minimalist shots of short yet cerebral strategy.

Let’s unroll the blueprints and take a look at the new features ISLANDERS: New Shores is bringing too!  One key new feature is the introduction of “boons”. Boons are one-time power ups unlocked on each stage as you collect points, offering a helping hand that will become vital as you take on the game’s tricker levels. Boons can allow you to duplicate buildings in your inventory and replace buildings you’ve already built. There’s more for you to discover yourself in the full game, with each boon offering an intriguing new twist on how you go about building your city.

ISLANDERS: New Shores also features the new Sandbox mode, new building types to play with, advanced scoring mechanics and unique island properties. There’s also a Photo Mode with filters and a turntable camera for you to capture snaps of your aesthetically pleasing creations on the stunning natural landscapes New Shores offers up.  For streamers among you, there is Twitch integration, allowing viewers to vote on what to pick.

Key Features

• Two modes: High Score and Sandbox with separate saves
• 44 unique building types and 7 stunning island properties
• 50 dynamic island generators offering endless variety
• Photo Mode with filters and a turntable camera
• 75 minutes of original, immersive music
• Boons: new one-time power-ups for strategic gameplay
• Advanced scoring systems that reward clever tactics
• Twitch integration for an interactive streaming experience

Source: PR Email