Twinworld Game Reviews

Indie publisher Ratalaika Games and Meridian4 join forces with Indie developer R_Games to announce the forthcoming release of Replikator, a challenging, eventful and addictive overhead shooter. Launching on  PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Xbox One,  Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch on May 26th 2023, this roguelite presentation combines fast gameplay in an ongoing experience of discovering a mystery of a deadly saga  of what occurred at a research complex.

Death Walks Beside you

Replikator offers shooter fans a sci-fi setting where gameplay centres around exploring the intricate labyrinths of space stations and fighting with hordes of enemies. Dozens of weapons and implants (passive skills) help the player but a sharp eye and evasive movement are also required to avoid hail of bullets and monsters that lurk. If the player’s character dies, then he will be reborn at the very beginning, but thanks to the resources found, he will be able to buy permanent improvements that will help him move forward in the next run.

Disaster Strikes

It appears that an accident occurred at the classified research complex, which led to the death of all personnel but all is not quite clear. A group of mercenaries led by the smuggler Khan will have to find out the reason for what happened.

To keep explosive action ‘unpredictably’  challenging, station mazes and items in them are generated procedurally, so each attempt is essentially unique. Gradually, the player will find blueprints of new items as well as finding entries from the crew of the complex which will  reveal what happened here. At the same time, the player has the main goal – to get to the Replicator and defeat it.

• Dynamic battles. You will have to constantly move and aim well to survive!
• Danger at every turn. Many different enemies and traps will not let you get bored.
• Dozens of upgrade items. Explore stations looking for new upgrades for your character.
• Meta progression. In this game, each death will only make you stronger, because after death you will be able to buy permanent improvements for your character and the hub ship.
• Procedural generation! The location of rooms, enemies and traps, as well as weapons and all items, are generated procedurally.
• Space raccoon! and three more playable characters. All of them differ in starting characteristics, preferred weapons and special techniques.
• Intriguing story. Explore the abandoned science complex and find out what happened here!

The player needs to complete 12 levels, including 5 bosses and as the player progresses the challenge becomes harder so many attempts may be required! Constant battles with ‘bosses’  with new attacks and moves as they become stronger will have to be faced!  During the exploration of the stations, the player will find nanocubes that remain with him after death.

They can be spent on the purchase of permanent improvements – for example, you can increase the maximum supply of ammunition or open access to a new workbench to improve weapons.

Replikator delivers masses of new content as the game progresses,  and action is unashamedly fast, precise and deadly!

This twin stick shooter is red hot with hordes of crazy and blood thirsty enemies out to get you or one of the playable characters you select – of which there are 4! Top down action has never been so demanding, so can you win out?

‘The game is designed for one player. Approx 8-9 hours will be enough to defeat the last boss, however, it may take 30 or more hours to study all the content’ , R_Games.

Replikator offers a full package of challenges, settings & atmosphere!

Source: PR Email

Monster Menu: The Scavenger’s Cookbook is available now on Nintendo Switch™, PS4™ and PS5™!

Tighten your pack and loosen your belt before digging into this dungeon-crawling adventure! Monster Menu: The Scavenger’s Cookbook spices up the classic SRPG formula with deliciously fun cooking-based mechanics. Indulge in detailed character creation for your party, gather resources, ingredients, and items while exploring, and fight monsters in tactical combat!

Watch the launch trailer to get a glimpse into the gourmet adventures that await, then prepare for your journey by purchasing a Limited Edition while supplies last!

Help us celebrate the launch of Monster Menu by heading over to Twitter and entering in our Limited Edition & Acrylic Print Giveaway going on now through May 26, 2023!

Source: PR Email

IRVINE, Calif. – May 23, 2023 – SEGA®️ announced today that the digital editions of the upcoming rhythm action game Samba de Amigo: Party Central are now available to pre-order for Nintendo Switch on the Nintendo eShop. In addition, SEGA has also revealed that Samba de Amigo: Party Central will officially be released for Nintendo Switch in the West on August 29, 2023!

Digital Deluxe Edition details revealed

Those who purchase the Samba de Amigo: Party Central Digital Deluxe Edition ($49.99 MSRP) on the Nintendo eShop will receive the following:

• The Standard Edition of the game

• Sonic Music DLC Pack that includes fan-favorite tracks such as “Open Your Heart” from Sonic Adventure™, “Reach For The Stars (Re-Colors)” from Sonic Colors™️: Ultimate, and “I’m Here” from Sonic Frontiers™!

• SEGA Music DLC Pack has you setting the festivities on fire with popular tracks from SEGA’s history: “Bakamitai (Taxi Driver Edition)”, “Go Go Cheer Girl!” from Space Channel 5™️: Part 2, and “Rhythm Thief Theme” from Rhythm Thief & the Emperor’s Treasure™️!

• Special costumes inspired by Sonic and Tails from the Sonic the Hedgehog™ series; Space Channel 5; Super Monkey Ball™️; and Puyo Puyo™️!

A Digital Standard edition of the game ($39.99 MSRP) is also available for pre-order.

For more information on the game, including where to pre-order the physical edition and check out the full reveal of the 40 songs featured in the game at launch, be sure to visit the newly-updated official website at https://sambadeamigo.sega.com/!

About Samba de Amigo: Party Central

• Get up and shake it center stage in this vibrant and colorful rhythm action game with smooth Joy-Con controls that make the game fun for everyone.
• Groove to 40 hit songs from the world’s most popular genres, with more arriving as post-launch DLC!
• Test your technique in a variety of minigames and challenges.
• Strut that style by customizing your character with unique costumes and accessories.
• Hit the dance floor with up to 7 other players online in World Party mode.
• Show the world what you’ve got by competing on the online leaderboards.

Source: PR Email

Stuttgart, Germany – May 23, 2023 – ININ Games, together with TAITO Corporation, announces that Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! – the latest instalment of the family-friendly Puzzle Bobble / Bust-A-Move franchise – is AVAILABLE NOW!

This highly anticipated game is now available for purchase digitally and physically for Nintendo Switch, offering a delightful and addictive puzzle experience for players of all ages.

Is your couch big enough? For the very first time, you can enjoy it with up to four players locally, in exciting multiplayer matches but also as cooperative gameplay inside the rich story mode. Play together or against each other, individually or as teams – or challenge the whole world in the online mode with 1vs1 battles.

To celebrate the launch, TAITO Corporation and ININ Games are releasing a Free Online Demo of Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! on the same day. Available in the Nintendo eShop, this demo provides access to the online game mode until June 30th. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to take a sneak peek into the world of Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! and engage in bubble-popping 1vs1 online matches! Players can keep the progress when upgrading to the full version of the game later. A subscription to “Nintendo Switch Online “ is required to play the Free Online Demo.

All editions of the title can be found at ININGames.com.

The launch of Puzzle Bobble Everybobble! is accompanied by the release of the 16-bit version of Puzzle Bobble. This classic title, which has captivated nostalgic fans for years, can now be downloaded separately on the Nintendo eShop at the price of Euro 7,99 – ensuring that you can relive the cherished memories this timeless gem has to offer. The original game was released in 1995 on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System and was internationally known as Bust-A-Move.

Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! is already receiving a lot of love, with Famitsu awarding the game an impressive score of 8/8/8/7 [31/40], confirming its status as a must-play title for puzzle enthusiasts and fans of the series alike.

Key features of Puzzle Bobble Everybubble!:

• For the first time in the series, up to four players can play together in the Story Mode!
• You can compete with players worldwide for high scores in online rankings!
• Local battles feature 2vs2 team battles for the first time in the series!
• Climb the ranks in online leaderboards in 1vs1 battles against players from around the world!
• Create your own password-protected online matches and invite your friends
• Aliens incoming! To commemorate the 45th anniversary of TAITO´s famous brand SPACE INVADERS, you have to defend the planet in the “PUZZLE BOBBLE VS SPACE INVADERS” mini-game.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, this latest bubbly entry guarantees hours of addictive fun and challenging puzzles, when playing alone or with your friends.

For more information about Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! and the Puzzle Bobble / Bust-A-Move series, please visit ININ Games or TAITO’s official website.

Source: PR Email

Paris, May 22, 2023 – Microids is thrilled to announce that the highly anticipated sequel of Hercule Poirot: The First Cases, the video game Agatha Christie – Hercule Poirot: The London Case will be available on August 29th, 2023. Get a glimpse of the excitement with a brand-new teaser!

Developed by the award-winning Blazing Griffin studio, the team behind the first game, for which they won the BAFTA Scotland’s Best Game Award in 2022, the detective adventure game is set to release on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S on August 29th, 2023.

About Agatha Christie – Hercule Poirot: The London Case:

In this new chapter for Hercule Poirot, players will experience an exciting, original story, true to the style and tone of Agatha Christie, in which they will be introduced to Arthur Hastings, Poirot’s beloved sidekick.

Together, they have been charged with the safe transport of a priceless work of art on its way to be displayed in London. However, the opening night will not go to plan… the detectives will be called upon to solve a brand-new mystery in the heart of London.

Agatha Christie – Hercule Poirot: The London Case will feature a compelling gameplay and will bring you into Hercule Poirot’s world. Explore the capital, search for clues, interview suspects and witnesses, and solve this all-new investigation.

Features:

• A brand-new mystery – Written by the award-winning team who bought you Agatha Christie – Hercule Poirot: The First Cases comes a gripping new adventure for Poirot with a whole new cast of characters to challenge the great detective.
• Witnesses and Suspect Interrogations – Solve mysteries and challenge suspects using the new match puzzle system to spot inconsistencies on the spot.
• Environment and Item Inspection – Explore all new environments and get up close with new first person inspection puzzles for a more cinematic view of the scenes.
• Mindmaps and Character Profiles – The game’s trademark mindmaps return allowing you to use Poirot’s famous little grey cells to build challenging mindmaps and then draw the correct links that can solve the case. The same now applies to the various suspects as Poirot gathers facts and information about each one to build detailed character profiles, key to solving the case and finding the true criminal among them.
• Enhanced Environments – More detail, weather effects and enhanced audio all provide more depth and life to each of the new isometric game scenes across London.
• Fully Voiced – The story comes to life with a fully voiced script in English, French and German

Agatha Christie – Hercule Poirot: The London Case will be available on August 29th on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, in physical and digital editions.

Source: PR Email

Friday 19th May, 2023: Indie publisher Ratalaika Games and Shinyuden  today, 19th May release  Cyber Citizen Shockman, an iconic title previously released on PC Engine in Japan but never before released in the West.

This retro arcade action platformer starring two characters (boy and girl), with a number of improvements, captures the excitement and appeal that made it a genre favourite.

‘Cyber Citizen Shockman marks the beginning of the release of the entire Shockman’s titles that will be  presented  to retro game fans over the year for the first time which will be available for home consoles (except Shockman 2), which is the only one that was ever officially released’.

FEATURES/FACTS

• A retro classic for Switch/PS4/5 XB gamers.
• Action platformer starring 2 characters (boy and girl), 18 exciting platforming stages with multiple routes to explore.
• A plethora of upgrades to unlock.
• Fun and challenging.
• Added image gallery from hand-made scans.
• Rewind/FF functions.
• Brand new english translation, plus old JP Original.
• Complete EN and JP user interface!
• Save states.
• CRT Filter
• Suu Urabe, famous mangaka, created the character design and the main illustrations of the game.

For the very first time in the West!

Source: PR Email

SANTA ANA, California, May 18, 2023 — A new obsession will be unleashed on July 19 when Nicalis releases the dungeon puzzle game Cramped Room of Death as a digital download on Nintendo Switch, Steam, GOG.com and the Epic Games Store.

Developed by Hafiz Mohd Rozlan with Nicalis, Cramped Room of Death features a brave hero named Lance who had his treasure and nearly all of his weapons stolen by subterranean skeleton army. He enters the thieves’ lair armed with only a giant spear, and quickly realizes why the spear was left behind: It’s almost impossible to maneuver in the cramped tunnels and caverns.

To conquer Cramped Room of Death, players must use the spear to jab every enemy in each room of the catacombs. Doing so will unlock another door, allowing you to enter another area. But it’s never as easy as it sounds. Sometimes you can’t turn to face an enemy because the spear won’t clear an obstacle. Sometimes you can’t approach an enemy from a certain direction because they’ll shoot you with an arrow before you get close enough to strike.

You’ll face many different enemy types, and there are tons of tricky traps that will force you to walk backwards, or traverse tiles in a specific order, or slide helplessly across a slippery floor. The game doesn’t count “lives”—if you get stuck or if you get killed, you can try again as many times as you like.

Cramped Room of Death is a brain-teasing puzzle game with the look of a classic dungeon crawler and the charm of an epic action/adventure game. It will be available digitally on Nintendo Switch, Steam, GOG.com and the Epic Games Store on July 19, 2023 for $14.99.

Source: PR Email

Stuttgart, Germany – 18 May 2023 – Strictly Limited Games, in partnership with Qute Corporation, is delighted to announce the pre-order start for exclusive and highly limited boxed editions of Eschatos for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4. This exciting release of the Shoot ‘em up hidden gem is scheduled to launch in autumn 2023 and eager collectors can already pre-order their exclusive Limited Edition, starting on Sunday the 21st of May!

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

About Eschatos:

Eschatos is a beloved polygonal vertical shoot ’em up by Qute Corporation. Initially released exclusively on the Xbox 360 in Japan, the game has since gained a cult following.

In Eschatos aliens have taken over the moon and now threaten to do the same to earth. It’s your job to prevent that from happening. To do that your ship is equipped with three different functions, with each being suited for different situations.

The Front Shot shoots a powerful beam in a straight line, the Wide Shot shoots at an angle and the Shield absorbs shots and damages enemies, but works on a limited energy meter. Using them to adapt to each situation is key.

Easy to learn, hard to master is the name of the game; but thankfully there are five difficulty options to help you find your groove and if you have mastered ORIGINAL MODE, try your hand at ADVANCED MODE (no upgrades) or TIME ATTACK MODE.

Not only is the gameplay excellent, the clean graphic style is very pleasing visually and allows the game to transition from one stage to the next without any breaks or even load times in this version! These transitions are accompanied by awesome dynamic camera angles, really showing off the colorful stage backgrounds and creatively bizarre enemy designs. Let’s not forget the superb soundtrack by Yousuke Yasui, whose high-energy synth-heavy work alone will keep you playing! It really is an aural feast.

Shoot ‘Em Up Fans and Collectors can get even more excited as Eschatos is accompanied by its two spiritual predecessors and Qute’s first releases, Judgement Silversword and Cardinal Sins. Both were released in 2004 for the WonderSwan Color and are among the finest looking and playing games of the handheld, both featuring creative scoring mechanics. It’s also fun trying to spot the elements that would later be used as a basis and be built upon by Eschatos, be it gameplay elements or enemy designs. A must have for all WonderSwan fans.

Features:

• Three games in one package:  Eschatos, Judgement Silversword and Cardinal Sins
• Exclusive to the Switch and PS4 versions of Eschatos: Improved load times, remastered soundtrack and performance improvements

• Original, Advanced and Time Attack Mode

• Three types of weapons:  Front Shot, Wide Shot and Shield

• Dynamic camera system, creating a sense of exhilarating speed
• Five beautiful stages, including temple ruins, Earth’s orbit, and the alien moon base

• Massive bosses, battle screen-filling UFOs and other strange enemies
• Online leaderboards and downloadable replay system
• Phenomenal retro-synth soundtrack composed by Yousuke Yasui

Limited Editions:

Eschatos gets physical, powered by Strictly Limited Games. The Limited Editions for Nintendo Switch™and PlayStation® 4 (PS4) can only be found there.

The Limited Edition is limited to 2,600 individually numbered copies for Nintendo Switch and 1,300 for PS4, at a price of 29.99€ / $29.99.

The Collector’s Edition is limited to 1,400 individually numbered copies for Nintendo Switch and 700 for PS4, at a price of 69.99€ / $69.99.

Both editions will be available for pre-order on Sunday the 21st of May, at 8 AM PST / 11 AM EST / 5 PM CET and shipping is expected for autumn 2023.

Source: PR Email

Paris, May 17th, 2023 – Publisher Microids and IMPS, the Smurfs license holder, are thrilled to announce The Smurfs 2: The Prisoner of the Green Stone and unveil the first images of this 3D adventure/platform game, set to be released in Q4 2023 on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC.

Developed by OSome Studio, The Smurfs 2: The Prisoner of the Green Stone is an all-new story, and sequel to the previous opus released in 2021, from the same studio, The Smurfs – Mission Vileaf.

About The Smurfs 2: The Prisoner of the Green Stone

Handy Smurf has created a revolutionary invention: SmurfoMix! However, it’s missing a key ingredient, the Green Stone, which lays in the greedy clutches of Gargamel.

He sets off on a mission to retrieve the famous Green Stone, a key ingredient that would greatly help him  improve his invention, from Gargamel’s laboratory. But a fatal misstep causes it to explode, its fragments scattering throughout the Cursed Land. In addition to unleashing into the wild its incredible powers to copy and decompose matter, the Green Stone has set free the evil Stolas, a new order bent on creating a reign of terror.

A crack team of 4 Smurfs must then adventure to save the Cursed Land from the mighty Stolas! Well equipped, the Smurfs can count on the SmurfoMix and an unexpected ally… Gargamel himself!

Key features:

• Meet the team of 4 iconic Smurfs: Handy Smurf, Brainy Smurf, Clumsy Smurf, and Smurfstorm.
• An accessible and intuitive gameplay that will delight both Smurf fans and action/platforming fans.
• Enjoy dynamic gameplay with exploration, platforming and even more intense combat thanks to the SmurfoMix!
• For the first time in a video game, collaborate with Gargamel! Use his teleporters to travel through the Cursed Land and discover 3 brand new unexplored regions.
• Collect various resources to acquire the BoostiBoom and improve the Smurfomix throughout your adventure!
• Embark on the adventure with a friend or family partner in co-op mode.
• A new story which respects the license, set in a beautiful, well-crafted colorful universe!

The Smurfs 2: The Prisoner of the Green Stone will be available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC.

Source: PR Email