Twinworld Game Reviews

Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

Stuttgart, Germany – 13 July 2023 – ININ and Strictly Limited Games, in partnership with irem and Tozai Games, are delighted to announce the pre-order start for exclusive and highly limited boxed editions of irem Collection Vol. 2.

This exciting release, which includes arcade classics GunForce, GunForce II and Air Duel, is scheduled to launch in Q1 2024 and eager collectors can already pre-order their exclusive Limited Edition, starting on Sunday the 16th of July! The physical edition of Volume 2 will be exclusively available through Strictly Limited Games and will be the sole physical version worldwide.

ININ and Tozai will handle the digital editions for the Western and Japanese markets on Nintendo Switch, Sony PlayStation, and Microsoft Xbox, scheduled for release on February 20, 2024.

Included in the second volume of the irem Collection are:

• GunForce (SNES, M-92 Arcade)

This Run and Gun gem will include both the SNES and Arcade versions. Whether you played the original on your childhood SNES or prefer the much-improved Arcade version, we’ve got you covered!

• GunForce II (M-92 Arcade)

The official sequel to GunForce never made it out of the arcades, making this release its first official worldwide launch on consoles!

• Air Duel (M-72 Arcade)

Rounding out Volume 2 is another arcade-exclusive game. Air Duel was only ever released in Japanese arcades, and this marks its first official worldwide release on consoles. In this classic shoot ’em up, you can switch your aircraft before every new stage, a feature that was groundbreaking back in the day!

GunForce

Sometimes considered one of the first run ‘n’ gun games, GunForce: Battle Fire Engulfed Terror Island can be seen as the initial steps that paved the way for the highly acclaimed Metal Slug series and its sequel, GunForce II (GeoStorm). GunForce is where it all began, after all!

Originally released on the Super Nintendo in the West and arcades in Japan, GunForce challenges you to run and gun your way through hordes of aliens, aiming to stop a rogue CPU and restore freedom to the world. The game shows no mercy, throwing you into the enemy frontlines from the start as you parachute into action. And if that’s not enough ’90s action for you, how about performing a wheelie on a motorbike while shooting down helicopters? GunForce has got you covered. In keeping with tradition, GunForce introduced different vehicles players can control, including tanks, helicopters, and motorbikes. Make your choice!

GunForce II

GunForce II, known as GeoStorm in Japan, is the sequel to the SNES and Arcade game GunForce. It improves upon GunForce in every way and is considered one of the last arcade games from irem. GunForce II was never released outside of arcades, making its inclusion in the irem Collection Vol. 2 its first-ever worldwide console release.

Featuring enhanced animations, improved gameplay, and a killer soundtrack, GunForce II was created by the same staff that later developed the iconic Metal Slug series. It is considered the spiritual predecessor to the Metal Slug series, with many of its sound effects and designs being reused in the series. It is a must-play for all fans!

Set in a futuristic post-apocalyptic environment, the game allows you to take control of Max or Lei. Your goal is simple: dual blast your way through five different stages and rack up those high scores! Vehicles make a return, as is tradition, including motorbikes, mechs, and tanks, to name a few.

Air Duel

The year is 2004. Earth has been devastated by an unprecedented nuclear war, and a secret organization called D.A.S. is rising to ensure chaos in the world. It is now your job to thwart their mischievous plans and save what remains of the world!

Air Duel is a 2D vertically scrolling shoot ’em up that was exclusively available in Japanese arcades and never made it to the West. Its inclusion in the irem Collection Volume 2 marks its first-ever worldwide console release.

Developed by the same legendary team at irem that brought you GunForce and later the Metal Slug series, Air Duel offers 7 challenging stages that need to be mastered either alone or with a friend in co-op.

Choose your aircraft! Whether you prefer shooting forward only with the Jet Fighter FG-40 or firing crosswise with the Helicopter E-709, your playstyle is key to victory.

Together with GunForce and GunForce II, Air Duel completes the irem Collection Volume 2.

And that’s not all! For all the games, we have included Online Leaderboards & Global Rankings. If you are looking for a real challenge, this is your call!

Limited Editions:

Strictly Limited Games is giving irem Collection Volume 2the boxed legacy it deserves, with two unique limited editions available for pre-order exclusively via the Strictly Limited Games online shop.

The Limited Edition is limited to a maximum of 4000 copies for Nintendo Switch, 1500 for PlayStation 4, and 1500 for PlayStation 5 at a price of 34,99 € , including a colorful game manual.

The Collector’s Edition is limited to a maximum of 2000 copies for Nintendo Switch, 999 for PlayStation 4, and 999 for PlayStation 5 for 89,99 €, including lots of additional collectibles:

• Game for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5
•  Collector’s Edition Box
•  Colorful Game Manual
•  Original Soundtrack on 3 CDs in one jewel case
•  DIY Mini Game Box Reproduction for GunForce
•  Visual Compendium
•  Reversible Posters
•  Arcade Flyer Set
•  Marquee Sticker
•  irem Collection Volume 2 Arcade Coin

Source: PR Email

Thursday 13th April 2023, Geel Belgium, World Indie publisher and developer Rogueside today is pleased to announce that the highly acclaimed Hidden Through Time, released in 2020 across both console, mobile and PC, is well in development for a sequel. This game, aptly named Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic across all platforms (including mobile), is to be released later in the year. Community wish list requests, along with its initial success, will see the sequel expand on many ideas, concepts and simplicity of gameplay to create a bigger, deeper and more expansive/impressive challenge that will continue to captivate gamers of all ages.

Rogueside has a pedigree of creating successful and distinguished titles which include the recent Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & Teef in partnership with iconic Games Workshop, which succeeded Guns, Gore & Cannoli and its sequel.

The premise of Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic, distinguished by its colourful, hand-drawn graphics, ever changing and detailed settings, challenged players to find and collect hidden objects whilst taking the player on a journey of discovery through the ages. The story boarded, highly detailed animated screens help features and immersive gameplay pulls gamers into what is an intuitive, leisurely and moreish experience that is fun to come back to time and time again!

Hidden Through Time 2: Myth & Magic’stransformation/upgrade will present improved visuals and sound and the introduction of engaging features for the player to manipulate, such as the added customization options, increased intractability and improved ambience, all of which will make the levels feel more alive and vibrant as the player immerses in their own world with the tools presented. Editors for both structures and characters will enable the player to build their perfect world in the smallest of details.

“The idea for Hidden Through Time originated from those “Where’s Waldo” books everyone had back when they were young. The key difference between us and competitors is the addition of a map editor, enabling the community to create and share their own maps, as well as play other’s creations. One of the big focuses for the sequel is customisation. ”, Jacobein Van den Bergh – Marketing Manager.

A deeper challenge and experience for all ages!

Source: PR Email

Stuttgart, Germany – 6th of April 2023 – Strictly Limited Games, in partnership with Mebius and Starfish are delighted to announce the pre-order start for exclusive and highly limited boxed editions of Steel Empire – Chronicles. This exciting collection of Steel Empire releases with a big extra, OVER HORIZON, and will launch in Spring 2023 and eager collectors can already pre-order their exclusive Limited Edition, starting on Sunday the 9th of April!

These editions will only be available at Strictly Limited Games and will be the only physical version of the game.

About Steel Empire

The Motorhead Empire reigns over most of the world with an iron fist, but there is still freedom to be found in the Republic of Silverhead. What follows is your typical (and very likeable) shoot ’em up narrative of the free world sending a sole pilot to save the day and bring peace and harmony to all.

The story itself is displayed through what is most easily described as an old sepia-toned film newsreel. The narrative is filled with made-up historical references that’ll help to set the mood. Of course, just as you’ve come to expect of Strictly Limited Games, we’ll add to this through the presentation of the physical releases.

About Over Horizon

Released in 1991 for the Famicom/NES, this shoot ‘em up was created by the same developers as Steel Empire. Experience a hidden gem of gaming history that was originally only released in Japan and Germany and enjoy the atmospheric and colorful presentation!

Features:

• Three games of Steel Empire in one package. (Remake 2018) , (Game Boy Advance 2005), (Sega Mega Drive 1992).
• Over Horizon (1991) – An old school shooting classic!

Limited Editions:

Steel Empire Chronicles, powered by Strictly Limited Games. The Limited Editions for Nintendo Switch™ and PlayStation® 4 (PS4) can only be found on the Strictly Limited Games store!

The Limited Edition is limited to 3,000 individually numbered copies for Nintendo Switch and 1,300 for PS4, at a price of 39.99€ / $39.99. Customers have the option between two cover variations, which feature the Steel Empire Chronicles title sheet or the classic Over Horizon title sheet.

The Special Limited Edition is limited to 2,000 individually numbered copies for Nintendo Switch and 700 for PS4, at a price of 59.99€ / $59.99. A unique collector’s edition box in the shape of a Mega Drive case with several collectors items. Including the Soundtrack of all games, which are included in this collection.

Both editions will be available for pre-order on Sunday the 9th of April, at 8 AM PDT / 11 AM EDT / 5 PM CEST and shipping is expected for spring 2023, alongside the launch of the game.

Source: PR Email

Paris, February 23, 2023 – Microids is excited to reveal the first gameplay trailer for UFO Robot Grendizer: The Feast of the Wolves and announce the opening of pre-orders for the video game based on Go Nagai’s popular manga UFO Robot Grendizer. Details of the limited edition and collector’s edition will be disclosed soon.

UFO Robot Grendizer: The Feast of the Wolves will follow the first story arc of the anime series, giving players the chance to revisit the most iconic moments of this epic adventure. Fans of the show will be thrilled to hear that the game will feature the memorable musical themes from the anime, re-orchestrated for an even more immersive experience. These musical themes have been a crucial part of the anime’s success and players will now be able to enjoy them in an interactive way.

UFO Robot Grendizer: The Feast of The Wolves will be released in 2023 on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One,
Nintendo Switch and PC.

About UFO Robot Grendizer – The Feast of The Wolves:

Based on the famous anime adapted from Go Nagai’s manga UFO Robo Grendizer, this new action game will grant the nostalgic gamers the chance to play as Duke Fleet and his great robot and enjoy epic adventures. A unique opportunity to dive head first into an iconic pop culture universe filled with bravery, treason and sensational battles!

The cult animated series was one of the first successful exports of Japanese animation at the end of the 70’s. We all remember the iconic battles and the Grendizer’s weaponry used to defeat King Vega’s forces, launching attacks on Earth from its secret base hidden on the dark side of the moon. Are you ready for a legendary comeback?

UFO Robot Grendizer: The Feast of the Wolves is being developed by the French development studio Endroad, made up of experienced developers formerly at Ubisoft or Amplitude Studios. Additionally, Philippe “Golgoth71” Dessoly, Ocean Software veteran (where he started in 1989) and Grendizer’s official artist for five years, will also pitch in to support the creative efforts on the game’s art style.

Source: PR Email

London, UK – 10th September 2020: Curve Digital, Sumo Nottingham and Lucky Mountain Games are delighted to announce that their blisteringly fast arcade racing game, Hotshot Racing, launches today for PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

Developed by esteemed racing game veterans Sumo Nottingham (Outrun 2, Sonic & SEGA All Star Racing, Team Sonic Racing and more) and Lucky Mountain Games, Hotshot Racing takes the colourful and iconic arcade racing formula of the 90s and updates it for the modern generation.

Featuring tracks in playfully re-imagined locations from across the globe, drivers bursting with personality and an easy to pick up yet hard to master drift centered gameplay, this new release is sure to be a winner with anyone who spent their formative years slinging coins into driving games at arcades. Thankfully though this arcade racer is easy on the wallet…

Hotshot Racing’s recommended retail price is £15.99 / €19.99 / $19.99 USD but during the week of launch, prospective racers can purchase the game for 20% off that price. Additionally, there are no micro-transactions, and Sumo Nottingham and Lucky Mountain Games are already working on free post-release downloadable content in the guise of new tracks, a new championship and more! Further details on this exciting new content will be shared in the weeks ahead.

Xbox One Game Pass subscribers have even more reason to be excited as Hotshot Racing will be available on the service from launch.

For the full breakdown of Hotshot Racing’s extensive features, check out the rundown below:

– RACE AROUND THE WORLD

Hotshot Racing features 16 tracks set across the globe with sharp corners providing technical yet enjoyable challenges. Take in coastal, jungle, alpine and Las Vegas desert environments, with each course modeled with the most vivid colors and blue skies for miles.

– PLAY YOUR WAY (AGAINST AI, 8 PLAYER ONLINE and LOCAL 4 PLAYER SPLIT-SCREEN)

Time Trial and Grand Prix modes cater to those who like to compete in classic racing formats, while ‘Cops and Robbers’ and ‘Drive or Explode’ modes offer exhilarating new ways to play. Each mode is available in single-player, four-player split-screen and eight-player online, while Time Trial is single-player only. Smash lap records to rise-up the global online leader-boards or download ghost laps to match your racing lines against the very best.

– 60FPS ON EVERY PLATFORM

Thanks to the awesome Sumo Engine, Hotshot Racing runs at a solid 60 frames per second in all single-player game modes! This 60FPS performance promise also includes basic Xbox One and PlayStation 4 models, as well as Nintendo Switch.

– MEET THE HOTSHOTS

Keiko, Xing, Mike, Alexa, Aston, Toshiro, Marcus and Viktor – eight speed addicts that have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of being the greatest racing driver in the world. These racers have no qualms about rubbing fenders and quarter panels before reaching the checkered flag. Each racer has four unique vehicles which pay homage to some of the most iconic racing cars on the planet.

– ADDITIONAL RACE TYPES

In addition to classic single race and championship game modes, Hotshot Racing also features two new signature game modes; Drive or Explode and Cops And Robbers. In Drive or Explode players must keep their vehicle above a minimum speed which continues to increase at regular intervals. Drop below that speed and the car begins to take damage. Too little speed or too many bumps with your fellow competitors and BOOM – game over! Cops And Robbers is an eight-player game mode which casts players as law enforcement or criminals. The robbers need to flee their pursuers while the cops need to catch them. Each robber apprehended is immediately drafted into the cops in this frenetic yet fun game of cat and mouse.

– GOTTA UNLOCK ‘EM ALL

It’s only through mastery of these 16 courses that players will be able to unlock everything Hotshot Racing has to offer. Every race completed earns players dollars based on their performance which they can utilize to customize their ride from new chassis components to cockpit ‘improvements’ like furry dice and bobble-heads. There are dozens and dozens to choose from, some of which are unlockable with in-game currency whereas others are by achieving in-game objectives such as winning championships, drifting for a certain amount of time etc. All customization are purely cosmetic and ensure your ride will appear different to your competitors when you roar over the finishing line.

Source: PR Email

Beijing China, June 18th, 2020 – Global publisher Lightning Games in collaboration with Independent developer RocketPunch Games is happy to announce that its 2D action platformer HARDCORE MECHA will be launching on Nintendo Switch this October. This follows its critically acclaimed launch on PC via Steam in 2019 and on PlayStation 4 in January 2020.

HARDCORE MECHA is a 2D platformer where players select their mecha to embark on a thrilling action-packed adventure filled with shooting, flying and exquisite animations – imagine a mix of Metal Slug and Super Robot Wars! The game features 3 major game modes: Campaign, Multiplayer, and Survival mode.

In Campaign Mode you take control of Tarethur, a mercenary tasked with finding a missing intelligence officer on Mars. Players will be engrossed in a story of conspiracy and insurgency consisting of 8 chapters and 18 stages ranging from deep underwater, out in space or confined in urban environments, all gorgeously realized with seamless animated cutscenes. In several stages, Human pilots can also exit their mechas, giving a greater ability to explore the environment and engage in further platform-based combat.

For players that are looking for a greater challenge beyond the 8 hours single-player campaign, there is a Survival mode, “Simulation Battle”. Here players can handpick from the 40 mechas that appear in-game, as they fight to survive against waves of deadly enemies.

Multiplayer mode allows players to select from a huge roster of customizable mechas and showcase amazing freestyle combo moves and experience the high-speed hardcore competitive PVP battles. HARDCORE MECHA supports online multiplayer and local split-screen for up to four players.

“HARDCORE MECHA is the ultimate mecha experience. From the array of different mechs available, the variety of stunning manoeuvres, on top of the engaging platforming elements, there is so much for players to enjoy,” said Louiky Mu, Producer at RocketPunch. “Now it’s coming to the Nintendo Switch, players will be able to engage in the fast paced competitive action anywhere and everywhere.”

HARDCORE MECHA was first announced back in 2016 and was successfully funded via Kickstarter which saw more than 4,000 backers pledge to the project. Since then, the game has won critical praise for its super slick and fast paced 2D gameplay taking home a clutch of indie awards at the Tokyo Game show, and Developer Award at the PlayStation™Awards 2019. HARDCORE MECHA was on top of PlayStation Japan sales chart for weeks, and remained in the top 3 for over a month after its release.

Source: PR Email

Here’s my original review, which I ended up turning into a tutorial.

Figured I would modify and release it as a tutorial to benefit you all. 🙂