Twinworld Game Reviews

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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

Warsaw, Poland – May 30, 2024 — Exciting news! Developer emergeWorlds has teamed up with publisher RedDeer.Games to bring their charming PC adventure platformer, DROS, to Nintendo Switch! Explore the Alchemist’s Tower, meet its strange inhabitants, collect alchemical treasures, and discover twists around every corner. Featuring distinct levels, gorgeous art, captivating mechanics, and a variety of compelling characters, DROS is great for on-the-go handheld fun– perfect for the Nintendo Switch!

A Little Switcheroo

DROS puts you in the boots and goop of Captain and Little Dros. Switch to Captain for “big” tasks like fighting through enemies, maneuvering heavy objects, and holding down pressure plates. For smaller tasks like sliding, wiggling, and squirming into areas Captain can’t reach you switch to the small alchemical creature, Little Dros. Combine their skills and swap between characters seamlessly to solve puzzles and make your way to the top of the Alchemist’s Tower.

Interactive Dioramas

Join Captain and Little Dros as they traverse through 40 beautifully crafted diorama-like stages, each with its own challenges to keep you on your toes. Every level is packed with platforming fun, environmental puzzles, hidden rooms, alchemical collectibles, and a menagerie of enemies known as ‘Corrupted Dros’.

A Tower with Charming Inhabitants

In your journey to climb the Alchemist’s Tower, you’ll come across many strange but lovable characters. Humans and Dros alike call the Tower home and many will work to either help or hinder your efforts to stop the Alchemist.

Features:

• Handcrafted visuals. Every little corner of the Tower has been designed with great detail.
• Unique soundtrack. We worked with electronic pioneer Arovane to make a soundtrack that weaves through the world.
• Explore 40 levels each with their own puzzle mechanics, enemies, hidden rooms, and platforming.
• Body Swap between Captain, a human bounty hunter, and Little Dros, a small gooey creature.
• Play as two very different characters with their own strengths and weaknesses.
• Amass Prima and gain new abilities.
• Odd and often charming characters to meet and talk with.
• Narrative with humor and a bunch of heart.
• Collect diary entries to unlock story and endings.
• New Challenges become available after you finish the game.
• Speedrun to find special secrets.

DROS is available now on Steam, Humble, and GOG.com and will be coming to Nintendo Switch.

Source: PR Email

Medellin, Colombia – May 30th, 2024 – Independent game developer C2 Game Studio is proud to announce that its third-person action-RPG Astor: Blade of the Monolith is available today on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms for $24.99 USD / £20.99 /€24.50.

Wield legendary runic weapons and magical abilities in fast-paced combat as you confront the source of evil found on planet Gilese, and enjoy a rich, immersive adventure as you guide a lone hero across the planet in a desperate search for answers.

“We’ve spent years crafting Astor: Blade of the Monolith. It’s our PC & console debut and we’re very proud of the colorful, wondrous world we’ve created,” said Luis Correa, Founder & game director at C2 Game Studio. “We wanted to create a world that’s both exciting to explore and captures the look and feel of our Colombian home, which is full of some of the most beautiful landscapes on earth. We think players will really get a kick out of exploring Astor’s lush landscapes and coming to grips with its gratifying combat system!”

More about Astor: Blade of the Monolith:

Explore the vibrant planet of Gliese, once inhabited by an ancient race, and now home to their sentient creations – the Diokek. After the ancients’ disappearance, the Diokek lived in peace until malevolent creatures, the Hiltsik, started wreaking havoc among their settlements. With threats of a more sinister force at play, Astor – a young Diokek warrior, must journey across Gliese to solve the mysterious disappearance of his creators thousands of years ago, believing that they may have left behind the key to their salvation.

Inspired by Devil May Cry, Bayonetta, and The Legend of Zelda, Astor: Blade of the Monolith features fierce fighting mechanics and wondrous exploration. Learn new attacks, abilities and combos, use runic power to summon powerful constructs in combat, and collect legendary weapons as you crush hordes of enemies.

KEY FEATURES

• Engage in intense battles against 16 different enemies and 10 formidable bosses across over 20 hours of main story and side quests
• Arm yourself with 4 unique weapons, master dynamic skills and combos, summon powerful constructs, and craft your own combat style
• Traverse Gliese’s diverse landscapes, complete various side quests and uncover remnants left by your creators
• Test your skills in combat challenges and conquer New Game+ mode for an even greater challenge

Source: PR Email

28th May, 2024: Indie publisher Ratalaika Games, and Spain’s indie Manic Boy Studio, are pleased  to announce the forthcoming release on May 31st of Skeler Boy launching on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch. A superb challenging retro arcade action  adventure  puzzler feast  with a dark and disturbing narrative at an amazing price point of 7.99 Euros.

The Story!

The story begins in a forest… A white-haired boy, Skeler, is looking for his girlfriend Megan. She has disappeared without a trace, with just a somewhat disconcerting voice message. But we do not know Megan’s motives. She left of her own free will? Did someone kidnap her? Everything is a mystery to Skeler, and he will travel many places to find out. As we progress the story will become increasingly darker and more sinister, leading Skeler to not be able to distinguish reality.

Who Me?

Skeler is a shy and reserved boy. He likes music, movies and especially spending time with his girlfriend Megan. He is a good boy who would never get into trouble and would always be willing to help you if you needed it.

In the guise of Skeler the player has to solve ingenious puzzles, investigate clues and solve problems. At some point there will be realms of action,  together with terror, where the player also has to use their ingenuity and decide if it is better to attack or hide.

Moving on!

The main objective of the game will be to find Megan, Skeler’s girlfriend, but the road will be long, and no one will help  altruistically, although you will have to help other people to get information or objects necessary to continue the search. In the game the player will meet Sven! He will accompany him throughout the process through his phone, and he will guide him and advise  on what decisions to make at some important moments. The further you go in the story, the more confidence and skills you will attain. Many skills will be learnt on your own , whilst others will be taught to you by people who will cross your path.

Spooky!

This is not an  adventure game but a wholesome experience! Fans of  horror movies from the 70s and 80s will empathise and instantly love the retro feel of  Skeler Boy. The developer endeavoured  to create that scary and cold atmosphere, inspired by films like The Shining and The Exorcist, with moments of tense and disturbing dialogue.

Developer talk

“Skeler’s story is very emotional, which will make your hair stand on end on several occasions, as will the voice-over of Megan and other characters.”  This is a spectacular work of which the development team are most proud, along with the fact they are  currently creating versions of Skeler Boy compatible with retro systems, Game Boy, Nes plus and are about to start the second part, Skeler boy part 2!

Added Pointers

• Skeler Boy is an open world video game in which to discover areas and unlock places to continue.
• The music is a very strong point, it will have moments of tension, terror and, above all, be very emotional with piano and violin songs that will leave you breathless.
• Learn skills such as playing the flute, hiding inside a box, shooting and many more surprises.
• Skeler Boy has a digital manga of more than 50 pages, which you can unlock as you progress through the story. With a great quality of drawing in which you can put faces to the characters and discover more details of the story

Get Ready for Something You Really Didn’t expect!

Source: PR Email

Edinburgh, Scotland – May 23rd, 2024 – Firestoke and Moonloop Games are pleased to announce that their anticipated indie adventure, Hauntii, is out today on PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch for $19.99 / £16.99 / €19.99. It’s also available today for Xbox Game Pass subscribers.

Hauntii features a creative haunting mechanic that lets you possess the environment and the creatures that inhabit it as the game shifts effortlessly between compelling puzzles, minimalist storytelling, action and discovery. Take control of enemies, rocks, trees, bugs and much more with the haunt mechanic, then use the special abilities of Hauntii’s denizens to come up with ingenious solutions to overcome the many challenges littered across the game’s enchanting world. On your adventure, you will meet a host of charming characters bursting with personality that will give you insights into the game’s mythology, battle enemies with twin-stick shooter mechanics and delve into a ghostly mystery that will see you diving deep into your past –  all set to a richly textured, dynamic soundtrack by Michael Kirby Ward that sways and swells with the action on-screen.

Hauntii is set in Eternity, a place that exists outside of space, where all souls eventually end up. No ghost can truly die in Eternity, but all can be led astray, corrupted into hellish versions of their former selves. A mysterious race of glowing creatures, known as Eternians, guides lost souls to an ominous central tower where they appear to ascend to a higher plane. They look like angels, but no one really knows who they are, nor where they came from. Can you journey to the tower? Can you solve the mystery behind the Eternians? Can you decode your own past?

“We’re overjoyed to finally be able to share Hauntii with PC and console players across the world,” said Leo Dasso, founder of Moonloop Games. “We’re proud of everyone’s work on the game, from its eye-catching visuals, to its moody music, to its ingenious game design. This really was a passion project from everyone at Moonloop and Firestoke was great at supporting us throughout development. We can’t wait for you all to play it!”

“Hauntii is a game that will surprise, delight and emotionally move you in a manner rarely achieved in AAA games from established studios, much less in the debut title from a micro indie studio,” said Paul Farley, CEO of Firestoke. “Moonloop has crafted a very special game that delivers a unique visual style, one of the best game soundtracks we’ve heard and an adventure like no other. It’s an absolute joy to finally share the Hauntii experience with players across the globe!”

Source: PR Email

Berlin, Germany – May 18th, 2024 – We won’t slow down just yet – the ININ x TAITO partnership continues to heat up! ININ, in collaboration with TAITO, is thrilled to announce the third instalment in the TAITO Milestones series, made exclusively for the Nintendo Switch!

TAITO Milestones 3 is set to release in Winter 2024, so retro gaming fans all around the world can get hype for over seven classic TAITO games from the late 1980s and early 90s! With the cooperation of HAMSTER Corporation – the iconic gaming company from Japan that has dedicated efforts to porting arcade games to modern consoles in the “Arcade Archives”, reliving the memory of the golden age of arcade gaming.

But wait, there’s more! ININ’s newest announcement trailer features brand new original music straight from the legends of TAITO!

So grab a friend and enjoy the original “Bubble Bobble” title, or play as a thief-turned-hero in “Rastan Saga”! TAITO Milestones 3 revives timeless arcade classics for nostalgic fans and newcomers alike.

Read on to see the first batch of games to be included in TAITO Milestones 3!

Bubble Bobble (1986)

Experience a blast from the past in the original 2 player, co-op arcade version of Bubble Bobble! Use Bubby and Bobby’s bubble-blowing powers to travel through 100 floors 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 the ultimate arch enemy, Boss of Shadow, in order to save the inhabitants of Rainbow Islands who have been captured by your arch enemy!

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!

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!

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!

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!

MORE TITLES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!

What? Sad that you don’t see your favorite TAITO arcade classic? Well, it’s not over yet! Stay tuned for more titles to be announced in TAITO Milestones 3 later this summer!

Source: PR Email

Berlin, 9 May 2024 – THIS JUST IN! We interrupt your endless web scrolling for an important news announcement! Gaming consoles worldwide have now been endlessly bombarded! Prime suspect is a chaotic, willow-obsessed, red-haired witch named Cotton! Be safe and read on for more on this story!

Prepare for the ultimate blast from the past – Rainbow Cotton, the beloved Dreamcast exclusive, makes its long-awaited comeback TODAY! Follow the wacky adventures of Cotton, Silk and their friends on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S & X, and PC Steam now!

Over two decades ago, Rainbow Cotton captured the hearts of retro gamers in Japan when it first debuted on the Dreamcast. Now, fans old and new can experience the remade HD graphics, enhanced controls, and addictive gameplay for the first time worldwide! With a dedicated Little Brother mode, find your player two and dive right into Cotton’s hilarious antics. With fully dubbed Japanese anime cutscenes and English, French, Spanish, Italian, and German subtitles!

• Bring on the Nostalgia The Retro Mode allows you to experience the charm of the original Dreamcast version– as authentic as it can be!
• Enhanced Gaming Experience Revamped snap-back, lock-on targeting, controller rumble & speaker support, and more for a luxurious gaming experience.
• Cotton’s New Look Immerse yourself in the magic of the upgraded, stunning visuals!
• Little Brother Mode Play as Cotton and Silk together with your Player 2 in this newly added local co-op mode!
• Team Sub or Team Dub?! The fully animated cutscenes return in their original Japanese dubbing with translated English, French, Spanish, Italian, and German subtitles for your viewing pleasure!

Source: PR Email

Liberate your world when the action-packed magical RPG REYNATIS releases on September 27, 2024 for Nintendo Switch, PS 4, PS 5, and Steam! Preorders are now open for the REYNATIS limited edition on Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, at the NIS America online store.

In addition, the game will include special crossover content featuring Square Enix’s NEO: The World Ends With You, featuring characters, locations, and enemies from the game!

REYNATIS is an atmospheric urban fantasy set in a realistic recreation of Shibuya, Tokyo, where the ultimate clash between magic and order is about to unfold. Seeking freedom through strength, the wizard Marin heads to Shibuya, where he meets Sari, an officer of the M.E.A., an organization dedicated to keeping wizards under control.

Source: PR Email

Vilnius, Lithuania – May 9, 2024 – Indie games publisher Nordcurrent Labs, in collaboration with developer Emergo Entertainment, are delighted to reveal their upcoming cozy narrative adventure Fireside will launch on PC and Nintendo Switch on June 4th for $14.99 / £12.79 / €14.79. This mesmerizing journey is set to kindle warmth in players’ hearts as they venture through the great outdoors and bond with fellow travelers along the way.

In Fireside, immerse yourself in a magical world, where the captivating narrative unfolds through a whimsical hiking adventure. Explore a wonderful hand-drawn landscape by traveling between campsites, and encounter a diverse cast of fellow travelers during nightly campfires. These cozy evenings at the crackling Fireside serve as the main point for nonviolent gameplay, featuring trading, cooking, and dialogue choices that generate “soul energy” – a magical currency for upgrading the player’s home. These gatherings form the heart of Fireside’s enchantment, fostering a profound sense of fellowship and connection between characters.

You can catch an all new glimpse at Fireside’s wholesome gameplay and colorful cast of characters in the brand new release date trailer. This offers a sneak peek into Fireside’s rich, hand-drawn visuals, cozy atmosphere, non-violent gameplay and emotionally resonant stories.

“With Fireside we wanted to create a warm-hearted wholesome adventure about the beauty of connecting with others, even when we’re all on our separate journeys,” said Paul Redetzky, CEO at Emergo Entertainment. “Fireside is an Adventure about Talking, Cooking, and Trading instead of Hacking and Slaying with small choices, heartwarming stories, and relatable characters that will make you happy.. This is an escape into tranquility, full of friendly faces, serene landscapes, and magical mystery. We can’t wait to hear about your experiences in Fireside when it launches on June 4th.”

“Fireside immediately charmed us as soon as we tried it,” said Andrius Mackevičius, Head of Publishing at Nordcurrent Labs. “Its whimsical art, humorous, touching dialogue, and breadth of player choice filled us with joy, so we’re very excited to share this experience with everyone else.”

Fireside Features:

• Campfire Conversations: Gather around the campfire with friends and engage in meaningful, heartwarming or whimsical conversations.

• Trade and Barter System: Each character has their own wants and needs. Collect various items and trade with other travelers.

• Cooking: Explore 50+ recipes to cook at the campfire. Cook the items fellow travelers desire and trade with them.

• Home Building and Improvement: Collect materials and soul energy to enhance your home base. Invite friends to visit, turning your space into a hub for shared experiences.

• Helping Hand Philosophy: Emphasizes compassion and empathy. Non-violent interactions contribute to the well-being of others.

• Tranquil Ambiance: Fireside provides a calming atmosphere for a break from everyday life. Enjoy nature sounds, campfire crackles, and soothing music for a peaceful experience.

Source: PR Email

30th April, 2024: Indie publisher Ratalaika Games and Shinyuden are pleased  to announce the forthcoming release of Cyber Citizen Shockman 3: The Princess from Another World, which continues the iconic IP, previously released on PC Engine in Japan but never before seen in the West. It was the first game in the series to be released in CD format, which allowed the development team to include animated cutscenes with voice acting.

Cyber Citizen Shockman 3: The Princess from Another World, launching on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Xbox One,  Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch, is a superb retro arcade action feast that captures the excitement and appeal that made it a true genre favourite.

Cyber Citizen Shockman 3: The Princess from Another World was produced by Toshiro Tsuchida, who also worked as a producer in Cyber Citizen Shockman 2: A New Menace, as well as other classics such as Gley Lancer, Langrisser, and Assault Suits Valken. Later he founded G-Craft, a company known for creating the popular Front Mission and Arc the Lad RPG franchises. After Square Enix purchased G-Craft, he would work also on the Final Fantasy series.

Background Story

After Sonya wins a big prize in the lottery, she and Arnold travel to a tropical southern island to enjoy some well-deserved holidays. However, paradise soon turns into hell when a strange spaceship appears all of a sudden and starts attacking the city. Unable to just sit around and do nothing while chaos unfolds, Arnold and Sonya transform into Shockman and head to battle this new mysterious enemy!

Features Include

• Play through a big variety of stages that include platform stages as well as scrolling shooting stages
• Fight powerful bosses alone or with a friend with the 2-player mode
• Brand new English translation plus original Japanese text
• Image gallery from hand-made scans
• Handy emulation features such as rewind/forward, save states and CRT filters

Source: PR Email