Twinworld Game Reviews

Archive for July, 2025

We are proud to announce that The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon is coming to Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG) platforms on January 15, 2026.

About The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon

Van Arkride and the members of Arkride Solutions are back, and this time the future of the entire Zemurian continent is at stake! The people of Zemuria await the launch of humanity’s first foray into space with bated breath. A sudden invitation from Marduk to cooperate in a high-tech training exercise sets Van, Ashen Chevalier Rean Schwarzer, and Father Kevin Graham on a collision course with the secrets at the very core of Zemuria.

Their paths may diverge, but the ultimate question remains the same: Just what lies beyond the edge of the horizon?

Source: PR Email

(Germany – 24th July 2025)  – Deck13 Spotlight and Umami Tiger, the newly founded Studio from Matthias Linda, are proud to announce Ashes of Elrant. The official DLC for the masterpiece and award winning indie JRPG Chained Echoes is in countdown mode with release date of August 7th for PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch not far away!

BIGGER THAN BIG!

An enticing and compelling DLC, Ashes of Elrant builds on an already classic offering of Chained Echoes and presents another fresh momentum to a game that captured the imagination of JRPG players. Ashes of Elrant takes place right before the end of Chained Echoes and whilst you and your clan are preparing for the final fight, a new call for help reaches the Crimson Wings. The ensuing mission will reveal more about the origin of the Order of Leonar and Lenne’s past. What challenges await you in a new land where nothing is as it seems? The long list of new and fascinating features is impressive and includes visiting many new areas that will look and feel vibrant and ready to explore. Over 40 new enemies and bosses, fresh equipment and many new items, plus compelling mini games. Along with its superb presentation, over 15 new music tracks will be released!

Ashes of Elrant is a triumphal DLC that costs 9.99 Euros but is a huge offering that will not disappoint!

Source: PR Email

Calgary, Canada – July 16th, 2025 – Independent developer and publisher Eastasiasoft Limited in partnership with Vivid Helix are thrilled to announce that Neon Noodles, the award-winning cyberpunk kitchen automation puzzler, is out now on PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch!

After making waves with its PC release, Neon Noodles is bringing its deep, open-ended automation gameplay to consoles, letting players orchestrate culinary perfection in a dystopian world where food is power and precision is everything.

Inspired by beloved puzzle automation classics from Zachtronics, Neon Noodles puts you in control of a futuristic food factory. Record and refine the movements of your robotic chefs as they whip up a global menu of dishes, from ramen and bibimbap to paella and guacamole, over 100 recipes using more than 200 ingredients.

As a mysterious figure with no memory and a hidden past, you’ll rise through the ranks of a Criminal Rehabilitation Program to uncover your true identity and take control of Neon Noodles itself. Design elaborate machines, optimise your food production pipeline, and expose the corporate secrets behind the world’s most coveted meals.

Whether you’re cooking on the go with the Nintendo Switch or seeking ultra-optimized builds on Xbox and PlayStation, Neon Noodles delivers a satisfying blend of story, challenge, and cyberpunk flair, no matter your platform.

“Neon Noodles is a love letter to puzzle games, ramen, and cyberpunk cities,” said Radu Muresan, founder and solo developer at Vivid Helix. “I wanted to merge the chaos of Overcooked with the programming puzzles of Zachtronics games and Neon Noodles was the result. It was also designed from the ground up to work with controller support, so these console versions aren’t leftovers, but rather the main course as it was always intended!”

Source: PR Email

Friday July 11th , 2025 – Hold onto your sherwanis, adventure fans: Detective Dotson, the quirky, award winning and colorful cosy mystery sensation from Masala Games, is sashaying its way onto Nintendo Switch later this year. This creative India Indie has perfectly captured the charm and chaos of small-town India, and fans have fallen in love with the titular Desi detective and his Bollywood swagger. Japan publisher, Rainy Frog, noted for their previous stylish titles including Piczle deliver another not to miss title!

Dotson didn’t set out to be a detective – he craved the spotlight. But when his detective dad’s suspicious demise crashes his dreams, Dotson trades the big screen for an oversized magnifying glass. Cue Bollywood dance breaks, bargain-happy bazaars, and chase sequences.

You are Sherlock in Salwar Kameez

The game features four interconnected cases, each with its own bizarre twist: a pink painted dog, lost jewellery and notorious gangsters. Each mystery brings you a step closer to the dramatic reveal of what really happened to Dotson’s father.

• Talk to quirky townsfolk (some helpful, most nosy).

• Examine exotic environments for clues.

• Make deductive leaps in your clue board, which looks suspiciously like a glittery school project.

The game pairs retro 2D pixel characters layered over lush 3D backgrounds inspired by small-town India: markets, dusty roads, rooftop cricket pitches, and Holi festivals. All this is accompanied by an charming and foot-tapping original soundtrack perfect for exploring the streets of India.

Game Director’s Note

18 percent of the world lives in India — our home. It’s the most diverse and interesting place on the planet. But, you really don’t get to see it in games much do you? We’re pretty much non-existent. So we took it upon ourselves at Masala Games to fix that.

We want to bring our home to YOU!

India is often (incorrectly) shown as poor or ancient, in media. We would like help alter perception and to tell stories from modern India and represent our home more appropriately.

Detective Dotson is a love letter to India! Welcome to our home.

Detective Dotson is a feel-good detective game filled with heart, color, and unapologetic Bollywood drama.

Source: PR Email

SANTA ANA, California, July 10, 2025 — Nicalis celebrates National Kitten Day today with the release of Cats Away for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 and Steam.

A real-time strategy game with extensive visual-novel dialogue, Cats Away features adventurous girls, adorable talking cats and exciting sea battles. By giving orders to an ever-expanding crew of cat sailors, players can attempt to save the world from the reawakening of an ancient evil.

As the game begins, three seafaring sisters and their faithful cat crewmates reunite at the port where their father’s ship is docked. But when the father doesn’t show and the ship is suddenly attacked, they embark on a perilous maritime journey involving pirate guilds, a mysterious cat-hating syndicate, ancient magic spells, giant mutated monsters and more.

Developed by Studio Saizensen with Success Corp., Cats Away is a dramatic single-player adventure with 30+ hours of thrills, laughs and adventure. Players can unlock new ships as well as customize equipment, weaponry, colors and pirate flags. Over 150 unique weapons can be equipped, from catapults and spear guns to gatling guns, torpedos and laser cannons.

Cats Away features 60 different cat breeds that can be recruited to fire weapons, pilot detachable remote units, repair and maintain the ship or administer first aid. Special unlockable crewmembers include cats that resemble Umihara Kawase, Cotton and Ria (a “personification” of the Axion ship from Psyvariar). There’s also an unlockable online mode in which players compete to gain control of the sea and become the Pirate King.

Cats Away is now available as a digital download on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 and Steam platforms.

Source: PR Email

Helsinborg, Sweden, 3rd July, 2025 – Independent Swedish developer Decemberborn Interactive today announced that Cathedral: Crow’s Curse, a standalone prequel to their acclaimed action-adventure Cathedral, is coming to Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PC via Steam! Cathedral: Crow’s Curse invites players to return to the mysterious world of Cathedral, reimagined with a bold new pixel art style, dynamic lighting, fluid animations, and a gripping new story centered around the enigmatic Shade Sentinels and their fateful curse.

Play as Crow, a skilled Shade Sentinel first introduced as an NPC in Cathedral. As the balance of the Shade Forest begins to unravel, Crow must venture through cursed woods and forgotten ancient ruins to uncover the roots of the Sentinel order and confront the dark forces at its core.

Combat is fast, fluid, and skill-based, requiring players to learn enemy patterns, time dodges, blocks, parries, and strike with precision. Not every encounter needs to be loud – stealth plays a key role, allowing players to sneak past foes or ambush them with devastating backstabs.

Explore a richly hand-crafted world, featuring familiar locations from Cathedral alongside vast new areas, seamlessly connected in a more open and immersive landscape. Departing from the signature 8-bit NES aesthetic of the original game, Cathedral: Crow’s Curse elevates the series with detailed pixel art, dynamic lighting, and enhanced animations, creating a tighter, more responsive combat experience and a visually stunning world to explore.

“At Decemberborn Interactive, we’re passionate about making games that resonate with players,” said Eric Lavesson, Founder and CTO at Decemberborn Interactive. “Returning to the world of Cathedral and telling this story in our own way is something we’ve poured our hearts into. We hope that passion shines through in every part of Cathedral: Crow’s Curse.”

Key Features:

• Skill-Based Combat – Face challenging enemies and master fast, precision-based combat. Learn patterns, dodge, parry and time your strikes for maximum impact.
• Seamless, Hand-Crafted World – Explore a meticulously designed world that’s more interconnected and seamless than ever before.
• Stealth and Tactics – Sneak past vigilant foes or strike from the shadows with deadly backstabs. Enemies respond to sight, sound, and touch – stay quiet, stay hidden, strike quickly.
• Upgrades and Abilities – Discover powerful items, unlock expansive skill trees and acquire new movement abilities to aid your journey.

Source: PR Email

Berlin, Germany,  3rd July, 2025 – Fans of the Simon The Sorcerer point and click adventure tales, or should we say enthralling dramas, were thrilled to learn last month that ININ Games is set to release Simon The Sorcerer ORIGINS, this 28st October 2025, on all major platforms. The brand new prequel release is already  having an impact as the wish lists are rapidly growing as excitement builds. Targeted for PC, Nintendo Switch, Sony PlayStation 4/5,  Microsoft Xbox, Mac and PC, Linux + Steam Deck.

Quality Looks!

It has been well chronicled that the game has a number of stops and starts but throughout development the quality and entertainment value has been unsurpassed with animation, hand drawn artwork and music created by a professional team whose work has been seen via a number of Disney, Netflix projects.

Quality Music and Voice Overs!

Dialogue comes in two languages by iconic actors (Chris Barrie – English and Erik Borner – Deutsch) plus localisation in 11 languages gives it worldwide appeal!

Composer Mason Fisher, celebrated for his work on Eye of the Beholder, Age of Wonders, F.E.A.R, Extraction Point, etc., contributes the backing soundtrack to the game, as well as the HUGE pop hitmaker and chart topper Rick Astley.

Quality Story Line

Set in April 1993, a few weeks before the events of the first episodes released 30 years ago…… SMALLTHING Studios, the developer, spent years researching and creating the storyline with the assistance and input from Simon Woodroffe (along with his father Mike), who was the lead creator and designer of the original Simon The Sorcerer series back in the 90s that were HUGE hits. Attention to detail, character analysation, attention to settings have all been researched to bring everything to life as you will see in the latest video creation!

Humour, sarcasm and a challenge was always the essence of a Simon the Sorcerer tale and Simon The Sorcerer ORIGINS has it in shed loads!

Source: PR Email

We are excited to announce that the latest entry in the pixel action RPG series Cladun, Cladun X3, will launch digitally on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC later this year.

About Cladun X3

Villains from near and far have been summoned to Arcanus Cella to participate in a cutthroat death game in the name of achieving world peace. You are one of those villains.

To survive this dangerous death game, you’ll need to power up your strength and venture into the depths of mysterious dungeons. Conquer floors teeming with ferocious monsters, avoid deadly traps, and make evil allies to aid in your journey. Do you have what it takes to become the ultimate evil?

Cladun X3 is the latest entry in the Cladun series of pixel action RPGs where everything from characters to their weapons and even music is fully customizable. Players can choose from six different weapon types and 10 different jobs to conquer the dungeons of Arcanus Cella. Recruit custom characters to join your cause and use their power to enhance a single unit with the Magic Circle System, a unique system to the Cladun series. Each job has their own stats, preferred weapons, and Magic Circles to try!

Features

Pixel Power

Hack, slash, and spell your way to villainous victory in floors teeming with monsters and traps! Conquer the death game in the story mode, and test your mettle in randomly-generated Ran-geons filled with untold treasures.

Your Dungeon, Your Rules

Customize practically every aspect of your Cladun experience from A to Z! Create your own characters, weapons, towns—even music!

Form a Circle

A Magic Circle, that is! In this system unique to the Cladun series, inactive party members can be assigned to formations to provide stat boosts and abilities to a single player-controlled character. Plus, they’ll also serve as handy meat shields in battle!

Source: PR Email

Stuttgart, Germany – 01.July 2025 – Today ININ, Tozai Games, Irem are proud to announce the release of Irem Collection Volume 3, the latest installment in the beloved retro game series, bringing back a trio of true arcade treasures. This digital-only release is available now on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5/4, Xbox One and Series X|S, priced at €24,99.

Taking a fresh twist from previous volumes, Volume 3 explores the fantasy-infused side of Irem´s arcade legacy, showcasing three unique shoot ‘em up titles from late ’80s and early ’90s. Each title offers its own distinct game mechanics that will challenge your play-skill and imagination.

Mr. Heli

Meet Mr. Heli, the quirky, legged chopper with a whole lot of firepower! Debuting in Japanese arcades in 1987, this multidirectional “cute ‘em up” shooter lets you pilot through inventive stages filled with puzzle-like maps, hidden paths, and massive bosses. Mine crystals, earn cash, and upgrade your arsenal to keep those rotor blades spinning! This arcade classic created a sensation when it was released, and made players wonder how a game that looked so cute could kick so much ass!

Mystic Riders

Magic meets mayhem in Mystic Riders, the 1992 fantasy shooter where you ride broomsticks and battle giant sky turtles, flaming demons, and other mythical creatures. Use your broom as a boomerang to block projectiles, dodge-roll past dangerous hazards, and blast through vibrant worlds. Don’t go it alone – team up in local co-op as Mark the wizard or Zeal the witch for an enchanted ride through arcade history. Mystic Riders features some very original gameplay mechanics, making it both interesting and fun to play – while also challenging players in ways that other shooters never could!

Dragon Breed

Finally, from brooms to dragons – the 1989 arcade gem Dragon Breed throws you into a biomechanical nightmare! Ride into battle on the mighty dragon Bahamoot who can shield you from danger and scorch everything in your path. Think R-Type meets fantasy apocalypse – with wings. This fabulous coin-op was overlooked by many players when it was released, but now you have the chance to see for yourself why so many arcade aficionados consider this to be one of Irem’s best-kept secrets.

Irem Collection Volume 3 Highlights:

• Three high-fantasy and sci-fi horizontal shoot ‘em ups from Irem

Included Versions:

• Mr. Heli/Battle Chopper: Arcade (EN/JP), PC Engine (JP)

• Mystic Riders: Arcade (EN/JP)

• Dragon Breed: Arcade (EN/JP)

• Gameplay features:

  • Optional controller enhancements, including rapid-fire button assignment and customizable control layouts.

  • Quick save/load and built-in rewind to keep the action flowing.

  • Display filters to recreate that original arcade look and feel.

  • Worldwide leaderboards to show off your high-score dominance.

  • Local 2-player co-op in Mystic Riders for magical tag-team action.

  • Packed with bizarre enemies, massive bosses, and legendary gameplay.

Don’t stop at Volume 3! Remember Volume 1 and Volume 2 are also available digitally on the same platforms, so you can complete your Irem Collection experience.

Are you an enthusiastic game collector that prefers physical editions? Our sister label, Strictly Limited Games, offers limited and collector´s editions for all three volumes, which are available now for pre-order. Interested? Visit Strictly Limited Games and secure your copy today!

Source: PR Email

Calgary, Canada – July 1st, 2025 – Independent developer and publisher Eastasiasoft Limited in partnership with Vivid Helix are thrilled to announce that Neon Noodles, the award-winning cyberpunk kitchen automation puzzler, will officially launch on PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch on July 16th, 2025.

After making waves with its PC release, Neon Noodles is bringing its deep, open-ended automation gameplay to consoles, letting players orchestrate culinary perfection in a dystopian world where food is power and precision is everything.

Inspired by beloved puzzle automation classics from Zachtronics, Neon Noodles puts you in control of a futuristic food factory. Record and refine the movements of your robotic chefs as they whip up a global menu of dishes, from ramen and bibimbap to paella and guacamole—over 250 recipes using more than 400 ingredients.

As a mysterious figure with no memory and a hidden past, you’ll rise through the ranks of a Criminal Rehabilitation Program to uncover your true identity and take control of Neon Noodles itself. Design elaborate machines, optimize your food production pipeline, and expose the corporate secrets behind the world’s most coveted meals.

Whether you’re cooking on the go with the Nintendo Switch or seeking ultra-optimized builds on Xbox and PlayStation, Neon Noodles delivers a satisfying blend of story, challenge, and cyberpunk flair, no matter your platform.

“I designed Neon Noodles with controller support from the start, so players could flexibly create and optimise the smallest, fastest – or simply the prettiest – cooking layouts in a truly cyberpunk future,” says Radu Muresan, founder and solo developer at Vivid Helix. “The idea actually came to me after playing Overcooked and thinking, ‘I want this… but without having to talk to anyone.’ So instead, you get to program robots!”

Source PR Email