Twinworld Game Reviews

Archive for the ‘News’ Category

Gothenburg, Sweden – June 10th, 2023 – Thunderful and internal development studio The Station have offered a deeper dive into the upcoming SteamWorld Build, due to release on PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch in 2023, via a new trailer that debuted today at the Future Game Show. Fans can dig into the next entry in the SteamWorld series themselves between June 19th and June 26th, where a SteamWorld Build demo will be part of the Steam Next Fest.

As is tradition with this beloved franchise, SteamWorld Build takes a well known genre and gives it a unique twist, delivering a multi-level city-building experience that tasks you with constructing a thriving town above ground, while mining resources and dealing with monsters below.

As the architect of a SteamWorld mining town, break ground and raise houses for your steambot citizens, keep them fed and provide some rootin’-tootin’ entertainment. Venture into the abandoned mine sitting under your town, rumoured to be filled with ancient tech that holds the key to escaping impending doom. Using the natural resources above ground and the abundant ores buried below, expand your town, stimulate new residential tiers to join the quest to dig deeper, unearth untold riches and ultimately help them to hightail it off the planet!

SteamWorld Build has been developed on PC and console simultaneously, ensuring that the game’s design, UX and UI all work just as well with a controller in hand, as they do with mouse and keyboard. The game features a user-friendly interface and mechanics designed to cater to both experienced players and newcomers to the city builder genre, further refined by three difficulty levels to choose from.

“The response to SteamWorld Build from our fans and critics has been fantastic so far,” said SteamWorld Universe and Franchise Director, Brjánn Sigurgeirsson. “It’s a pleasure to give fans another look at the game and we’ll be sharing more via our community-focused SteamWorld Telegraph show, which recently kicked back into gear”.

“The love that’s been shown for SteamWorld Build has been wonderful to see and only fuels our desire to deliver a game that meets the high standards of this award-winning franchise,” said Adam Vassee, producer at The Station. “The response so far suggests we’ve really hit on something with our Anno meets Dungeon Keeper style gameplay, but I can assure you we will keep working hard to make the best SteamWorld game possible!”

SteamWorld Build will release on PC, PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch™ in 2023.

Source: PR Email

Montpellier, France, June 8th, 2023 – Indie developer La Moutarde in partnership with Dear Villagers have revealed their upcoming turn-based RPG Terra Memoria. Coming to PC, Switch, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series platforms later this year, Terra Memoria is a ​​cozy exploration game with retro vibes made by RPG lovers.

Terra Memoria sends players on a globe-trotting journey full of exploration, crafting, building, and friendship! A shortage of magic crystals and the sudden awakening of ancient robots pushes six new friends into a crazy investigation through Terra, a whimsical and cozy world combining 3D graphics and pixel art. Players control all party members, as each embarks on their own story and brings their unique skills to the table as they engage in Terra Memoria’s turn-based combat.

You’ll have to do more than fight though, as to save the world players will have to master Terra Memoria’s unique building system that allows them to create all sorts of objects and solve environmental puzzles.​​ It’s like a​ map editor at the player’s disposal that can be used to shape the world and rebuild destroyed cities.​

As players explore Terra Memoria’s different countries, they’ll have to rely on their regional guide, offering info on new recipes, important characters, clues to help you during your investigation, and more information about regional specialties.​ Understanding local customs is key to a fruitful expedition.

“With Terra Memoria we wanted to create a timeless adventure in the style of a classic RPG that offers more modern twists on the genre, like building, cooking, and crafting,” said François Bertrand, Game Director at La Moutarde. “At the end of the day though, Terra Memoria is an ode to the road trip, with a focus on the bond between friends and found family, as they explore unfamiliar lands together.”

“Terra Memoria is a love letter to classic RPGs with its pixel art and turn-based combat, while the HEXA system and lively soundtrack give it a contemporary flair,” said Guillaume Jamet, Head of Publishing for Dear Villagers. “It offers a touch of nostalgia that reminds players of their favorite  90’s RPGs, but will also appeal to new generations who have recently gotten into the genre with games like Octopath Traveler, Eiyuden Chronicle, or Suikoden. This mix of retro and modern sensibilities make Terra Memoria feel utterly timeless!”

Source: PR Email

Lausanne, Switzerland, June 7th, 2023 – Indie developer Sunnyside Games, in partnership with Dear Villagers, have today launched their flame-wielding platformer Nocturnal on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series platforms for $19.99 / €19.99, and on Steam for $16.99 / €16.99; with a 10% discount on the Steam, Epic and Microsoft stores through its first week of sale. Nocturnal is an action exploration odyssey that will task players with repelling a nefarious mist as it enshrouds an ancient isle. Use your fire to uncover what secrets lay hidden beneath the fog!

After a difficult journey across a troubled sea, Ardeshir, a soldier of the Enduring Flame, returns to his home island of Nahran. Engulfed in a shadowy mist, Ardeshir must rely on fire to extinguish the sinister forces that have overtaken his native land. Flame has many uses here. It can ward off the Mist, ignite the scenery, turn on machinery, and be used to burn beings of dark magic impervious to conventional weaponry. But be forewarned: one cannot breathe in the Mist, so you’ll have to use your wits as you intuit new ways to keep it at bay.

Grow more powerful by offering collected ashes to the flame. Gain powers that help you expand your lifeforce, hold your breath longer, or sacrifice ashes in hopes of gaining new powers along the way.

Nocturnal encourages challengers to brave its beautiful ruins with a host of optional trials. Those seeking the glory of a true challenge can enable a host of speedrunning features, like faster transitions, skippable cutscenes, and a pausable timer. Only the fiercest warriors will try their hand Permadeath Mode, where you only have one life to undertake the entire journey.

“We’re so happy that people can finally play Nocturnal in its entirety,” said Sunnyside Games co-founder Gabriel Sonderegger. “Our aim with Nocturnal was to craft an experience that is highly focused on a core concept. We tried to respect the player’s time by avoiding needlessly stretching out the playtime and put a lot of heart and effort into polishing this short but hopefully genuine experience.”

Source: PR Email

Gothenburg, Sweden – June 7th, 2023 – Elden Pixels are delighted to unveil their atmospheric 2D puzzle platformer coming to PC and Switch, A Void Hope, via a mysterious new trailer that debuted today at the Guerrilla Collective 2023 digital showcase. A playable demo for PC will be available during Steam Next Fest from June 19th to June 26th. Featuring the gorgeous pixel art Elden Pixels is known for, along with a soundtrack from acclaimed synthwave artist Waveshaper, A Void Hope thrusts you into a collapsing city where residents are slowly losing their memories to become shells of their former selves.

A Void Hope’s compelling mystery unfolds via the perspective of a couple searching for a cure for the condition that’s enveloped their city. Through their personal journey, you will unearth memories that may not always be easy to interpret as you grasp for meaning in a world where everything is slowly slipping away.

You are encouraged to delve into every corner of A Void Hope’s atmospheric city, visiting different areas and ducking into buildings to explore inside. Via puzzles and platforming, you will find a host of challenges ahead of you and discover key items that allow you to access new areas and progress the story. A carefully crafted ambiance creates an experience that’s as emotionally engaging as it is aesthetically pleasing.

“We really hope people enjoy our appropriately mysterious first trailer for A Void Hope and I can’t wait for everyone to get to try it for themselves on June 19th when we release a demo for the game at Steam Next Fest”, said Mikael Forslind, CEO & Creative Director at Elden Pixels. “I can promise fans of our previous games, Alwa’s Awakening and Alwa’s Legacy, that this is our most ambitious title yet!”

A Void Hope is available to wishlist now on Steam.

Source: PR Email

Gothenburg, Sweden – June 6th, 2023 – Thunderful, Headup and Team Meat are thrilled to announce their highly anticipated meat-mincing puzzler Dr. Fetus’ Mean Meat Machine is coming to PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC on June 22nd. The match-4 puzzler was featured on Best Indie Games Summer Showcase 2023 today, showing off the game’s unique twist that brings buzzsaws, missiles and a whole host of other deadly hazards that the nefarious Dr. Fetus has cooked up in his lab. Mean Meat Machine brings the hardcore challenge Super Meat Boy is best known for to this one-of-a-kind blend of puzzle and intense action gameplay.

The events of Dr. Fetus’ Mean Meat Machine take place right after Super Meat Boy Forever. After meticulously analyzing Meat Boy, the nefarious Dr. Fetus now has all the data he needs to create the perfect Meat Boy clone! There’s just one problem: The DNA sample he’s collected isn’t a perfect specimen, which in turn yields some…less than perfect clones. Dr. Fetus’ solution is to create a bunch of ruthless test chambers to weed out the crap clones from the good ones. The specimens start out looking nothing like Meat Boy, but over time that grotesquely lovable face that Dr. Fetus hates so much, starts to emerge. Perfect clones are just on the horizon…

Puzzle your way through familiar Super Meat Boy and Super Meat Boy Forever locations like the picturesque forest, the hospital, and salt factory with dazzling backgrounds and animations created by the original Super Meat Boy Forever artists, as well as a wonderful soundtrack by RIDICULON. There are over 100 masterfully hand-crafted levels filled with creative traps and hazards for you to beat and, if you can survive this hardcore take on a classic formula, you’ll be confronted by an epic  boss fight at the end of each world to offer the ultimate challenge.

“On June 22nd, people are going to get their mitts on Dr. Fetus’s Mean Meat Machine and kill a ton of Meat Boy clones..most likely by accident.”, said Team Meat co-founder Tommy Refenes. “People are going to have a great time trying to group clones together to create matches while dodging the obstacle hell we’ve designed for them. Match 4 puzzle games don’t normally have saws, but that’s why this game f***ing rules! Our latest weird baby is coming to PlayStation, Xbox, Switch and PC! I can’t wait for everyone to play it!”

Source: PR Email

Raiden III x MIKADO MANIAX is available now on  Nintendo Switch™, PS4™, PS5™, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S! Coming June 2023 to PC. More details coming soon.

Soar sky-high in Raiden III x MIKADO MANIAX, an electrifying entry in the classic arcade shoot-‘em-up series! Customize your music, wallpapers, game mode, and more before launching into high-octane aerial action!

Take the pilot’s seat, and get a taste of the action by watching the Launch Trailer!

Source: PR Email

Friday June 2nd 2023: Today sees the release of Indie publisher Ratalaika Games and Blackwing Gaming’s Kuroi Tsubasa, a colourful and polished visual novel. Coming on  PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Xbox One,  Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch, fans of this genre will be interested to note that the game was developed by a team who are visual novel fiends!

Feature and facts

• 120,000 words, so around 10 hours playtime plus achievements
• Over 50 songs, all created for this game, including several vocal tracks
• Two music videos in-game
• Including variations: over 50 CGs! (CG = graphic that’s not sprite + background, but a unique piece of art for a specific scene)
• A completely new bonus chapter after the game, exclusive for the console release
• Neat cast
• Cool and heart warming story
• Thoughtful interaction
• Developed by a group who know visual novels inside out!
• Kuroi Tsubasa is a linear visual novel with different paths to explore.

Peace & Love – A Trip to experience!

Source: PR Email

Paris, June 1st, 2023 – Microids is proud to announce the highly anticipated return of one of its most beloved real-time strategy franchises with Corsairs: Battle of the Caribbean. Prepare to set sail on the thrilling seas of the Caribbean in this revitalized action/adventure and strategy/management game, slated for release in 2024 on PC, as well as PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.

More than 20 years ago, Microids captivated players eager for strategy and piracy with Corsairs Gold, a game that allowing them to take on the role of a privateer serving England, France, or Holland, in their quest for fame and fortune.

In Corsairs: Battle of the Caribbean, the real-time strategy genre evolves within the ever-popular world of pirates. The game provides a thrilling Campaign and Adventure modes, as well as a new Skirmish mode where players will challenge AI opponents in solo play or engage in online multiplayer for up to 4 players buccaneering action.

“Corsairs holds a special place in both the genre and the history of Microids. We are dedicated to preserving its essence while introducing significant enhancements to revive this iconic franchise. We are thrilled to bring this experience to new players and to rekindle the excitement for nostalgic fans who embarked on the Corsairs adventure two decades ago.” – Elliot Grassiano – COO & DGA of Microids

About Corsairs: Battle of The Caribbean

Considered as one of the top pirate-themed strategy game series, Corsairs: Battle of the Caribbean seamlessly blends tactical combat and management elements. The new trading mechanics will require players to carefully manage their fleet to navigate trade negotiations and defend their trading positions. With the ability to upgrade ships, a treasure map system, an enhanced “Boarding” mode featuring multiple soldier classes and the participation of the Captain in battles, the game offers a deep immersive experience.

Embark on a thrilling journey through the turbulent waters of the Caribbean, commanding a formidable fleet to engage enemy ships in combat. Explore the exotic islands of the Caribbean, unravel hidden treasures, and recruit skilled crew members to strengthen your naval forces. Compete for supremacy as you align with the French, Danish, Spanish, British, or Dutch factions.

Immerse yourself in the detailed and expansive open world, teeming with possibilities, as you set sail for the ultimate pirate adventure!

Source: PR Email

Stuttgart, Germany – May 31st, 2023 – Fans all over the world enjoyed the addictive titles from TAITO Milestones… and now ININ Games is delighted to announce it will be publishing its highly requested follow-up, TAITO Milestones 2! Relive the spirit of these action-packed classics, and reignite the flame of TAITO’s nostalgic gems in this thrilling new compilation, exclusively for Nintendo Switch, physical and digital.

The second instalment of TAITO Milestones will include celebrated games like The NewZealand Story, Darius II (three Screen Arcade Version), Metal Black, Kiki KaiKai, and many more!

Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or exploring the classics for the first time, you can’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind compilation! Physical pre-orders are now available at ININGames.com!

Get ready for a blast to the past – see the complete list of games included in TAITO Milestones 2!

The NewZealand Story (1988)

Embark on an adventure to save Tiki’s lover Phee-phee, and his friends who have been kidnapped by the leopard seal. Strategize using the various balloons and weapons to complete the colourful mazes by defeating enemies and using balloons to float!

Kiki Kaikai (1986)

In Kiki KaiKai, precursor of the universally beloved Pocky & Rocky, you’ll play as Shinto shrine maiden Sayo-chan and fight against Yokai across the Japanese countryside to save the kidnapped seven gods of fortune!

Darius II (3 Screen Arcade  Version) (1989)

The mysterious, intelligent creatures, Belser, that once attacked the planet Darius have begun an attack on the solar system, and the Silver Hawk pilots must go to the rescue. Travel through the stars, across planets, and beyond in this beloved action-arcade shooter! This is the very first port of the special, 3 Screen Arcade Edition of Darius II!

Gun Frontier (1990)

Set on the planet Gloria, this vertically-scrolling shooter follows the pilots of the aircraft, Desperado, as they confront the space pirates, Wild Lizard. Don’t miss out on the legendary soundtrack and the challenging, gun-themed bosses!

Ben Bero Beh (1984)

A fire broke out! Play as Dami-chan to extinguish the flames while dodging various obstacles to rescue Nao-chan! This title is jam-packed with wacky and unique characters that appear in later games– will you be able to recognize them all?

The Legend of Kage (1985)

Taking place in Japan at the end of the Edo period, you play as the Iga Ninja Kage in his battle against Yukigusa Yoshiro and his demonic army to rescue the captured Princess Kiri. Backed with an energetic and unforgettable soundtrack, journey through forests, castle walls, and mansions in this action-adventure to save the day!

Liquid Kids (Mizubaku Adventure) (1990)

Flying in on a giant pelican, play as the young hero Hippopo’ and fight to protect the peaceful Hippo country, Woody Lake, from the evil of Fire Satan. Complete with colorful graphics, adorable characters, and loads of action, this platformer promises an enjoyable time.

Solitary Fighter (1991)

In the early 1950s, fighters from all over the United States competed against each other for prizes, money, and the honor of being the “strongest.” Can the young fighter Bud take the No. 1 spot against all odds? In this updated version of “Violence Fight” choose from 6 playable characters instead of the original 4 and enjoy new features and gimmicks.

Dinorex (1992)

Set in a world ruled by the Amazons, where humans and dinosaurs coexisted, this fighting game tells the story of the dino-tamers; young men who pit their tamed dinosaurs against each other in order to win the title of Dinorex, and the hand of the much sought-after Queen of Amazonia!

Metal Black (1991)

Earth is on the verge of collapse due to invading alien forces, and this side-scrolling shooter sees you piloting the Black Fly fighter ship to take the battle to your enemies! Compete for the Newalone energy source with the invaders and defeat them with powerful laser weapons.

Attention all TAITO super fans!

For those who were with us during the release of the first legendary TAITO Milestones collection, and for those who wish they were, we’ve been busy crafting something just for you, and the countdown has begun!

So, gear up, spread the word, and keep your eyes locked on our channels for the upcoming announcement.

Source: PR Email

Today, 31st of May 2023, Deck13 Spotlight and Just2D are thrilled to announce the release of an exciting and revealing ‘teaser’ gameplay trailer for DROVA – Forsaken Kin, the grim dark Pixel RPG set in a mystic celtic world.

The brutal open world will welcome new travellers in 2024 on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.

Enslave the spirits of nature – or save them!

Welcome to the promised land of Drova, where the priests have praised this new world. Full of hope you travel through a portal into this new otherworld – just to realize that you are on your own and no one seems to appreciate the paradise. Instead, Drova is a grim world where every man is for himself.

Two factions  – one trying to enslave the spirits of nature, one trying to save the spirits to keep the world alive – which path will you choose? And, more importantly, will you be able to survive in a world which will always try to kill you?

The new Gameplay Trailer gives players the chance to take a first look at the atmospheric open world, gruesome enemies and the harsh conditions where bandits might just knock you out to rob you.  And maybe even a first look on the magic abilities players will be able to cast if they make use of the spirits of nature.

Grab your axe, sharpen your blades and explore a grim dark world when Drova – Forsaken Kin will launch on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch in 2024.

Source: PR Email