Twinworld Game Reviews

Indie publisher Ratalaika Games, together with developer ds-sans, is proud to announce the soon to be released graphic novel, Chemically Bonded. With over seven years experience working on this specialised genre with more titles in development, the focus is on creating titles that will endeavour to make this style of game even more popular.

Releasing on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Xbox One,  Xbox Series S/X and Nintendo Switch, on 13th October 2023,  Chemically Bonded was created for a western audience based on anime and manga tropes.

What Awaits……………..Enter the melancholic life of an ordinary Japanese high school male as you become entwined in the dispute between two neighbouring female students.

Learn more about their past together as you piece together their relationship and mend their bond, all whilst forming new bonds of your own. You’ll be presented with both conventional and unconventional choices which shape the relationship formed with the girls. You could choose to help restart the Science club, or increase your athletic capabilities… all the while growing closer to the girl who holds the key to your heart.

The objective of the game is to mend the friendship between two students, Kiyoko and Naomi. This is done through in-game choices which affect the story and its outcomes. Find out what caused the breakdown in the relationship between Kiyoko and Naomi and learn more about each of the girls as individuals.

Kiyoko Ishikawa – Age 18 – As an aspiring scientist, Kiyoko prides herself on her ability to control her emotions through the use of logic. At least, that’s what she believes. Despite having an overly emotive personality, she’s often mistaken for the quiet type despite having a lot to say. Her inquisitive nature usually leads to chaos, as despite enjoying an experiment or two, she has no concern for health and safety procedures. Kiyoko is the founder and currently sole member of the science club and tends to keep to herself, being known around the school for her outstanding intellect.

Naomi Satou – Age 18 – Naomi is a girl with plenty of passion, most of which she puts into her attitude. Extremely popular, even to those of the same sex. She isn’t afraid of conversation, however despite her popularity her social circle is quite limited. She is the captain of the athletics team when she isn’t having her say over every sporting club in the school. She’d be considered a tomboy by most outsiders, but those who know her well are privy to her innermost girlish quirks.

“The story has been written with the tastes of the audience in mind and what people are looking for within the romance genre. It offers a more conventional take on modern day relationships and the emotional struggles of early adulthood as one stage of life progresses to the next. In contrast with other titles in this genre, Chemically Bonded follows the theme of ‘facades’ throughout its narrative and how people’s true selves often conflict with their desires to be accepted by others”, ds-sans.

Feature & Facts of Interest

• In Chemically Bonded the outfits and poses change depending on the scene/setting.
• ‘Interactive phone system’.
• A realistic depiction of a Japanese highschool (including classrooms, hallways and cafeterias) and a modern Japanese city featuring cafes and arcades.
• The ‘main character’s’ house which is used for moments of reflection.
• Replayability to allow for the player to reach every possible ending.
• Fully original soundtrack consisting of 14 different songs.
• Fully voiced by a talented team of voice actors / actresses
• Approx playtime is between 6 and 9 hours

Looking Good – Technically A1

Graphically the presentation is of the highest quality, as would  be expected, in a graphic novel. Focus and attention has been made with character and background artists creating an accurate depiction of the Japanese setting which is distinct from other visual novels. The backgrounds specifically have been 3D modelled based upon extensive research into how each location is presented and includes a careful attention to detail. Importantly, the choice of the character artist has also allowed to replicate the look of modern, originally Japanese titles within the genre allowing to cater better to the tastes of anime and manga fans looking for an ‘authentic’ feeling to the artwork.

Source: PR Email

Paris, October 9th, 2023 – Publisher Microids, studios Microids Lyon/Paris and Paul Cuisset are delighted to unveil the much anticipated story trailer for Flashback 2, a thrilling adventure bringing the legendary Flashback franchise back to life in all its glory.

In the heart of a dystopian future, the game’s hero, Conrad B. Hart, must confront the fearsome Morphs who aim to enslave all life in the solar system. To prevent them from carrying out their diabolical plan, players will need to deploy all their skills in a fast-paced platform shooter, which offers striking fluidity and precision.

About Flashback 2

In the 22nd century, the United Worlds extends throughout the Solar System, but this tranquillity is threatened by the Morph invasion led by the fearsome General Lazarus. In search of his lifelong friend Ian, Conrad B. Hart dives once again into an action-packed adventure full of twists, turns and revelations with the help of his allies and AI-powered weapon A.I.S.H.A.

Game features:

• A vibrant sci-fi/cyberpunk universe and explore various environments including New Tokyo, New Washington and the Jungle of Titan.
• Use A.I.S.H.A., a lethal adaptive weapon enhanced with combat AI.
• A gripping, fluid and intricate platform shooter.
• A 3D environment crafted for even deeper immersion.
• Designed and developed by the creator of the original game, Paul Cuisset.

Flashback 2 will be available November 16th, 2023 in digital. The retail versions on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch for the North American region will be released in 2024.

Source: PR Email

Friday October 6th, 2023, indie publisher Hound Picked Games, and developer Fossil Games, are excited to announce that today sees Sunshine Manor release on PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One, Series S & X and Nintendo Switch! Just in time for the Halloween season!

About Sunshine Manor

In Sunshine Manor, players adopt the role of Ada McReady who, unfortunately and against her will, gets trapped in Sunshine Manor whilst out trick or treating. It is not a place where most folks would want to be. Its long dark corridors dripping with cobwebs, creaking floorboards and unwelcoming atmosphere hang heavy. Ada has only one recourse, to get the ‘hell’ out of this nightmare as fast as possible!

As Ada tentatively explores the manor, you’ll meet ghosts, battle demons (some more friendly than others) and attempt to stop whatever is happening in the old Aitken house. As always with good versus evil, Ada has plenty of her own tricks to even things up with psychic powers that can banish demons for good!

Sunshine Manor offers twists, turns, blood, mystery and lots more once the door SLAMS behind you!

Game Features:

• An original 1hr 22m soundtrack written exclusively for the game
• A dark, involved and outright weird story that builds to the events of the infamous Camp Sunshine massacre!
• Beautiful hand-drawn 8 bit-esque pixel art
• Inspired by classic horror movies of the 1980s and beyond.

Do you dare play Sunshine Manor, a dangerous game of cat and mouse, where the nefarious Shadow Man could be waiting for you around any corner?

Source: PR Email

Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless is available now on Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, and PC!

Disgaea is back and better than ever in Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless! Join Fuji and Pirilika as they embark on a perilous journey of redemption, and experience unique features new to the Disgaea series!

Dive into an epic SRPG adventure stuffed to the brim with new features including Jumbification, Hell Mode, Item Reincarnation, new and improved auto-battle, and online ranked battles! You can even customize your own team with a robust roster of 45 character classes, including 4 new classes.

Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless is bigger and better than ever!

Celebrate the launch of Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless with exclusive launch DLC! Read our new blog post to find out how you can obtain the Special Weapons Set!

Source: PR Email

Vila-real, Spain – October 2, 2023 – Spanish indie game publisher BlitWorks Games announces that, due to technical and polishing reasons, the launch date for the acclaimed micromanagement tycoon puzzler Train Valley 2: Community Edition to Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and PlayStation 4 has been postponed to the 22nd of November. After the feedback obtained from players in the recent international (Gamescom) and national (Indie Dev Day) events, BlitWorks Games management team decided to postpone the launch in order to improve all the adaptations and ensure the game arrives in the hands of the players in the best possible version for each platform. At a price of 24.99 USD|Euros, this edition of Train Valley 2 includes the DLCs Passenger’s Flow, Myths & Rails and Editor’s Bulletin and a selection of 158 community made levels carefully curated by the developers.

Drive forward the industrial revolution in Train Valley 2 Community Edition, build railroads, upgrade your locomotives, and keep your trains on schedule without delays or accidents to meet the ever-growing demand of the cities and industries in your tiny valley. Take your railroad company from the days of the Industrial Revolution and into the future, meeting the needs of the valley’s cities and industries.

If you’ve ever wanted to solve complex logistics and transportation problems, fancied yourself as a bit of a train mogul, or you just love solving puzzles – there is a lot for players both new and old. Even if you’ve never played the original, there’s a lot to do in Train Valley 2: Community Edition!

MAIN FEATURES

• A Unique blend of Micromanagement, Tycoon and Puzzle games, putting you in control of your own company – that needs to help its local community thrive.

• Train Valley 2 Community Edition not only includes the DLCs Passenger’s Flow, Myths & Rails and Editor’s Bulletin, but also a selection of 158 community made levels.

• Upgrade your stock of locomotives and acquire advanced engines, with 18 models to unlock.

• Keep your trains running on schedule across 50 levels in Company Mode.

• Discover the history of railroads in elegant low-poly graphics! Train Valley 2 is a joy to look at and immerse yourself in.

• Produce and ship increasingly sophisticated goods in 18 models of locomotives to unlock and more than 45 types of train cars – it’s up to you to keep things as efficient and cost-effective as possible, while the world around you gets more demanding!

Source: PR Email

Paris,  September 29th, 2023 — Microids and Bilibili Games are delighted to announce that the Rogue-Lite game Warm Snow will be available digitally on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and Windows Store October 20th, 2023. Discover the game’s dark fantasy oriental universe in this first trailer, and embark on an epic adventure in the heart of a world corrupted by “Warm Snow”, a snow that refuses to melt.

Since its arrival on Steam in January 2022, Warm Snow came into its own, earning a glowing reputation thanks to a ‘very positive’ rating from over 25,000 enthusiastic reviewers. The game was also honoured with three major awards: the Jincha Award for the most anticipated game of 2022, the 2020 Indieplay Nova Prize and the Bilibili 2022 Must-play. In May 2023, the studio proudly celebrated the sale of over 2 000 000 copies on PC and mobile.

About Warm Snow:

In the year 27 of the Longwu era, a strange “Warm Snow” plunges the world into chaos, turning people into out-of-control monsters. Play as Bi-An, a mysterious wandering warrior, and embark on an epic journey to restore balance to the world. Free the 5 houses that once protected the world from corruption and unravel the mystery behind the Warm Snow. Choose your equipment according to your fighting style and plunge into the heart of epic battles!

Game features:

• A dynamic rogue-lite gameplay: adapt your arsenal of weapons, powers and elements to suit your personal fighting style.
• Art direction inspired by silk paintings: immerse yourself in breathtaking aesthetic visuals inspired by silk paintings, adding a unique dimension of poetry and elegance to the game universe.
• An exotic world drawn from Chinese folklore: explore a fantasy realm imbued with rich Chinese folklore, where legendary creatures and breathtaking landscapes create an authentic and immersive atmosphere.
• New languages: enjoy an even more immersive gaming experience with new languages available.
• Endless replay value: explore the game over and over again until you finally discover the truth about “Warm Snow” and put an end to it.
• Ash of Nightmare content included: discover the Nightmare system, new mechanics, items, skills, weapons and bosses

Warm Snow will be available digitally on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and Windows Store the 20th of October, 2023.

Source: PR Email

27th September, 2023: Today Fossil Games, along with indie game publisher Hound Picked Games, are excited to announce that Sunshine Manor is only ten days away from its release on the 6th October! A perfect blood teasing morsel to enjoy this fall before Halloween really kicks in. If you feel that retro games have lost their edge, then this retro 80s horror movie inspired game is exactly what is described on the box, but in this case press release. Primed for all consoles, Xbox One| Series S and X,PS4|5 and Switch, the Sunshine Manor retro experience materializes on the latest machines to present an immersive and atmospheric chapter of horror!

Welcome to Sunshine Manor, a spine-chilling retro horror adventure!

Ada is a reluctant adventurer who accepts the challenge to spend a night in the infamous haunted Sunshine Manor and encounters ghosts, demons and other blood-soaked horrors along with quirky characters, unique challenges and a cute but eerie atmosphere.

Travel between the mortal and demon realms, outwit the evil Shadow Man, and solve devious puzzles while exploring the mansion. Enjoy stunning hand-drawn pixel art graphics and an 80s-inspired soundtrack that combine perfectly to create a hauntingly thrilling experience.

Uncover the mansion’s dark secrets and step into a captivating journey that blends horror, comedy and a sprinkling of retro charm.

About Sunshine Manor – You’ll Have Chills… & They WILL Multiply!

Sunshine Manor is a thrilling game where you take on the role of Ada McReady, who finds herself unexpectedly trapped in an eerie haunted house while out on a Halloween adventure. As you explore the manor, you’ll encounter ghosts, demons, a a host of other spooky creatures, all while utilizing unique psychic powers. Your ultimate goal is to banish evil entities that threaten your life and uncover the mysteries that lie within the walls of the manor. Beware of The Shadow Man, who could be around the very next corner, watching and waiting. With its captivating storyline and immersive gameplay, Sunshine Manor is a must-play for fans of horror and mystery games.

Game Features – The Scare Factor!

• An original 1hr 22m atmospheric  soundtrack written exclusively for the game
• Sinister outrageously weird story that builds to the events of the infamous  Camp Sunshine massacre!
• Beautiful hand-drawn 8-bit-esque pixel art in the retro mould
• Inspired by classic horror movies of the 1980s and beyond
• 6 to 8 hours of gameplay
• Deviously devised linear story to constantly uncover secrets and build understanding of the Sunshine Universe and Sunshine Manor
• French, German, Spanish, Russian & Japanese language localization

A real ‘retro’ chiller thriller

Source: PR Email

Paris – September 26th, 2023 – Microids is pleased to announce that Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission is available now for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and PC. Players who already own Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission VR on PSVR2 or Steam VR will be able to access the non-VR version of the game for free. Similarly, those who buy the game on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 or Steam will be able to enjoy both experiences, whether in virtual reality or traditional mode.

Discover or rediscover Operation Wolf, the cult arcade game released, developed and published by TAITO in 1987, which left its mark on a whole generation of gamers as one of the first games to feature a horizontal scrolling rail shooter. Developed by the French studio Virtuallyz Gaming, Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission remains faithful to the spirit of the original game, while premiering a new artistic direction. Players will find themselves transported back to the world of 80s action films, thanks to a gameplay focused entirely on non-stop action.

In its solo or coop campaign, play as a special agent fighting a new criminal organization. In addition to arms and drug trafficking, the organization, led by the mysterious General Viper, has developed a powerful new weapon. After discovering several of its bases, you will be sent to dismantle the organization, destroy the weapon and free the hostages held captive in surrounding camps.

Game features:

• Comeback of the 1987 cult arcade game!
• New art style
• Non-stop action
• A 6-level campaign that can be played by one or two players
• A survival mode (endless waves of enemies)
• A full blown arsenal (smg, shotgun, grenade launcher…)

Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission (non-VR) is now available digitally and in a retail Day One Edition on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch. The game is available exclusively as a digital version on Xbox One, Xbox Series and PC. Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission VR is already available on Steam VR, Meta Quest 2, PlayStation VR 2, Pico 4, GOG and Epic Game Store.

Source: PR Email

Take charge of your tale in The Legend of Legacy HD Remastered!

The unique stories of seven heroes spring to life as you explore the mystical land of Avalon and face unknown dangers along the way. Classic RPG gameplay has never felt more engaging with features such as battle formations, combat roles, and forging contracts to channel the power of elementals. An adventure unlike any other awaits you!

Coming Early 2024 to Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, and PC!

Source: PR Email

Friday 22nd September, 2023: Indie publisher Ratalaika Games and Shinyuden  today release Cyber Citizen Shockman 2: A New Menace. This is the sequel to the recent release in the West of the original title that was a hit way back on the PC Engine. Launching on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch this is a superb retro arcade action feast starring two characters that captures the excitement and appeal that made it a true genre favourite. It builds with new gameplay and challenges from the first title.

Features & Facts:

• New game modes
• 9 Stages
• 12 Boss fights
• A true red hot blaster
• More  action that the original game
• Art gallery
• A more focused and serious experience
• Co-op local mode
• Music was composed by Koji Hayama (Mega Man ZX Advent)
• Producer was Toshiro Tsuchida, who would later work as a director/producer for the Arc the Lad and Front Mission series
• Many of the game’s bosses in Cyber Citizen Shockman 2 were the winning results of a contest held for fans in Japan at the time

A retro experience brought to life – straight from Japan

Source: PR Email