Twinworld Game Reviews

Posts Tagged ‘Nicalis’

SANTA ANA, California, May 10, 2018—Nicalis, Inc. today announced that Crystal Crisis, a cute and colorful new color-matching combat game, is coming to Nintendo SwitchTM in the fall of 2018. Developed and published by Nicalis, Crystal Crisis is presented like a one-on-one fighting game, but instead of pressing buttons to kick and punch, players arrange falling gems into matching colors to clear them from the screen and inflict damage on their opponents. It’s the ultimate puzzle battle throwdown!

Crystal Crisis players can choose from 19 different playable characters, including fan favorites from Cave Story and The Binding of Isaac and many other surprise entrants. Each character has his or her own “home” stage, musical theme, unique special attacks and extensive voice-acted exclamations. The current roster includes:

• Quote, Curly Brace and Ballos (from Cave Story)
• Isaac (from The Binding of Isaac)
• Atom and Black Jack (from Tezuka Productions)
• Princess Solange (from Code of Princess EX and Blade Strangers)
• Aban, Tina and Jim Hawkins (from 1001 Spikes)
• President Thompson and a Zombie (from The Tempura of the Dead)
• Akuji (from Akuji the Demon)
• Knight (from Hydra Castle Labyrinth)
• Johnny Turbo (notorious TurboDuo spokesman)

 

The line-up also features four newly-created characters from other Nicalis games in development, three of whom are appearing for the first time anywhere in Crystal Crisis:

• Helen – a noble warrior inspired by Greek mythology (also appearing in Blade Strangers)
• Hunter – a whip-wielding vampire killer
• Elise – a bat-winged gothic vampire girl
• Ninja – a mysterious and acrobatic shinobi

 

By matching gems and unleashing combos in Crystal Crisis, players can build up their “burst gauge” which can trigger powerful, board-breaking hits that will leave opponents in pieces. The innovative new “wrap-around” feature lets players move a falling piece beyond the edge of the playfield to reappear on the other side; you can even divide it into two separate gems by allowing it to drop while the two halves are straddling the border.

A variety of different modes (including Arcade, Survival, Tag-Team and Training) accentuate the battle options, while local and online multiplayer functionality give challengers the opportunity to play against friends, family members and Crystal Crisis warriors worldwide!

Crystal Crisis for Nintendo Switch will be available digitally and physically in Fall 2018 for $39.99 MSRP. Like all of the retail games that Nicalis has previously published for Nintendo Switch, the launch edition of the physical version will include a full-color instruction booklet and a yet-to-be-announced bonus collectible.

About Nicalis, Inc.
Based in Southern California and founded in 2007, Nicalis, Inc. is currently celebrating its 10th year as a leading developer and publisher of highly polished, retro-inspired video games.

Source: PR Email

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8b2N-ONlqQ

SANTA ANA, California, May 1, 2018 — Nicalis, Inc. today announced the return of Ikaruga, the legendary and critically acclaimed vertical shooter from renowned Japanese game developer Treasure. Nicalis and Treasure have joined forces to introduce this groundbreaking piece of video game history to modern players in the updated version for Nintendo Switch.

The game’s story follows a rebel pilot named Shinra as he battles an enemy nation using a specially-designed fighter called the Ikaruga, which can switch between two energy polarities (black or white) at the touch of a button. Bullets that are the same color as Shinra’s ship can be absorbed, while the opposite color will do damage. This polarity-switching mechanic is the game’s core feature and the foundation for its stage and enemy design, as all of the enemies and bullets that players encounter will appear as either black or white.

Throughout the gameplay, as the amount of absorbed bullets increases, so does the player’s homing laser attack. When maxed out, this special attack can be ten times more powerful than a standard shot and all attacks can be chained together to earn bonuses that will achieve higher scores.

Ikaruga on Nintendo Switch features both single-player and two-player (local) cooperative modes, as well as global leaderboards that can be accessed online for tracking high scores. Ikaruga can be played in the traditional horizontal mode on Nintendo Switch, or flipped vertically for arcade-style “TATE” mode action.

“I’ve always thought that Ikaruga is one of the most perfect vertical shooters of all time, and I know that a lot of shooter fans agree,” said Nicalis president Tyrone Rodriguez. “The fanboy in me is honored that Nicalis can work with Mr. Maegawa and Treasure in bringing this legendary game to Nintendo Switch.”

Ikaruga for Nintendo Switch is rated “E10+” by the ESRB and will be available digitally on May 29, 2018 for $14.99 MSRP.

 

About Nicalis, Inc.
Based in Southern California and founded in 2007, Nicalis, Inc. is currently celebrating its 10th year as a leading developer and publisher of highly polished, retro-inspired video games.

About Treasure Co., Ltd
Treasure Co., Ltd is an esteemed Japanese developer founded by industry veteran Masato Maegawa over 25 years ago. The privately held company is best known for its classic-style action games and innovative gameplay systems, including the arcade shooters Ikaruga and Radiant Silvergun.

SANTA ANA, California, April 25, 2018 — Nicalis, Inc. today confirmed that the upcoming fighting game Blade Strangers is on track for a Summer 2018 release on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Steam (as well as arcade game centers in Japan).

Developed in Japan by Studio Saizensen, Blade Strangers is an online and offline brawler that features intuitive controls, high-quality visuals and stunning character animations. The game combines the excitement and subtle dynamics of a classic one-on-one fighting game with the polish and features expected from a current-gen contender.

Blade Strangers embraces a traditional and streamlined four-button control scheme that offers accessible controls that are designed to bring fresh blood to the ranks of fighting game players worldwide. For advanced players, the intricate combos, counters and special moves provide tournament-caliber competitors with endless opportunities to hone their skills.

The action in the game is highlighted by the stunning character animations, which are created using a proprietary process. 3D character models are used to render individual animation frames, which are then rasterized into sprites and manually hand-touched up by talented 2D artists to create cel-like characters and movement.

The roster in Blade Strangers includes newly-created fighters in addition to characters from previous Studio Saizensen games (like Code of Princess EX and the Umihara Kawase series), Nicalis games (like Cave Story+) and four familiar surprise guest stars yet to be announced. Thus far, the confirmed roster of playable characters in Blade Strangers includes:

• Curly Brace (Cave Story+)
• Solange (Code of Princess EX)
• Ali (Code of Princess EX)
• Liongate (Code of Princess EX)
• Master T (Code of Princess EX)
• Kawase (Umihara Kawase series)
• Noko (Umihara Kawase series)
• Emiko (Umihara Kawase series)
• Lina (all-new character)
• Helen (all-new character)

Blade Strangers will arrive feature-rich and action-packed with content at launch, complete with offline Story, Missions, Arcade and Versus modes in addition to highly competitive online modes where players can duke it out for leaderboard supremacy.

Blade Strangers will be available digitally and physically for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 and digitally on the Steam platform in Summer 2018 for $39.99 MSRP.

Source: PR Email

SANTA ANA, California, February 13, 2018—Nicalis, Inc. is proud to announce today’s physical release of Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap for Nintendo Switch^™ and PlayStation®4 at major retailers across North America. In partnership with DotEmu, Nicalis has produced retail editions of the game with a generous collection of bonus items in the initial print run: a 12-track 3” mini CD music sampler, a full-color instruction booklet, a reversible cover and a cell phone strap of Wonder Boy’s alternate form, Lizard-Man.

The star of Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap is a brave adventurer who faces the quest of a lifetime after being stricken by a curse and transformed into a half-human/half-lizard by the evil Meka-Dragon. In search of a cure, the player will explore the interconnected world of Monster Land and encounter a variety of enemies and curse-wielding dragons. The six different forms of our shape-shifting hero—human, lizard, mouse, piranha, lion and hawk—each have different abilities and make up just a small percentage of the colorful cast of characters included in this non-stop action/adventure platformer.

Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap is a beautifully drawn and animated remake of the unforgettable Sega Master System game Wonder Boy III. The Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 versions are presented in widescreen HD, with enhanced interface functions, a new playable character (Wonder Girl), adjustable difficulty levels, a gallery mode and more. Best of all, players can press a button at any time to toggle between the modern hand-drawn visuals and the original 8-bit graphics, or between the re-orchestrated music and the original chiptunes.

Published by Nicalis, the new physical release of Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap is rated E10+ by the ESRB and is available now on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 for $39.99 MSRP.

Source: PR Email

SANTA ANA, California, December 13th, 2017—Nicalis, Inc. announces today that the eagerly awaited Nintendo Switch™ action game Runner3 will speed into retail next year. The all-new chapter of the critically acclaimed Runner series will appear in North American retail stores in early 2018 with a suggested retail price of $39.99.

Developed by Choice Provisions, Runner3 continues the endless platforming adventures of the stoic, unflappable Commander Video. The “hero in high tops” leaves a multicolored trail in his wake, punctuating the beat of the game’s infectious soundtrack with every step. Like Runner2, the new game will also feature the voice-acting talents of none other than Charles Martinet, legendary voice of Mario and dozens of other popular Nintendo characters.

“Some games just belong on physical cartridges, and this is clearly one of the most deserving,” says Nicalis president Tyrone Rodriguez. “We can’t wait for people to get their hands on Runner3—literally.”

“We know everyone’s going to love Runner3, but I’ll bet you’re going to love it even more in tiny little cartridge form,” says Choice Provisions co-founder Alex Neuse. “Just try not to lick it—play it!” adds Mike Roush, also a co-founder of Choice Provisions.

Runner3 includes some surprising new features, like branching paths, item shops and vehicles that CommanderVideo can take for a ride. The game also features new playable characters, new gameplay modes, new moves and an assortment of Hero Quests and retro challenges.

Nicalis’ retail edition of Runner3 for Nintendo Switch is currently planned for release in the first quarter of 2018. More details and a specific street date will be announced in the near future.

About Nicalis, Inc.
Based in Southern California and founded in 2007, Nicalis, Inc. is currently celebrating its 10th year as a leading developer and publisher of highly polished, retro-inspired video games. Its best-selling recent releases include Cave Story+, Tiny Barbarian DX, Ittle Dew 2+ and VVVVVV for Nintendo Switch and The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+ for Switch and PS4.

About Choice Provisions Inc.
Formerly known as Gaijin Games Inc., Choice Provisions is an independent video game development studio founded by industry veterans Alex Neuse and Mike Roush in 2008. This message is approved by Dant Rambo.

Source: PR Email

SANTA ANA, California, December 12, 2017—Nicalis, Inc. is proud to announce that the post-apocalyptic platform adventure The End Is Nigh is now available for Nintendo Switch. Fans of neo-classic video games can now play one of the world’s finest as either a physical Game Card—complete with free launch edition bonus goodies at retail—or as a digital download from the Nintendo eShop.

In The End Is Nigh, a lone survivor named Ash travels through dangerous terrain in search of a head, a body and a soul. His goal is to construct a friend who can share in the joy of playing the video game cartridges that still remain after all the other players are gone. Ash survives by leaping, hanging from ledges and swimming through toxic waters, smashing through barriers and outsmarting bloodthirsty mutants with perfectly timed jumps and precision maneuvers.

“The End Is Nigh is one of the most challenging video games you’ll ever play,” says Nicalis president Tyrone Rodriguez. “But it’s never frustrating because we let you keep trying, as many times as it takes, until you succeed. And it feels great when you do, because it’s like you perfected a new skill…it actually makes you a better player.”

The End Is Nigh is the newest project from beloved indie game designer Edmund McMillen and Tyler Glaiel. The hardcore game mechanics, dark humor and audio-visual aesthetics represent a natural evolution from his previous games.

Launch editions of the game box include a full-color instruction booklet and a squishy Ash toy made of sticky silicone, with stickers on the outside calling attention to the “Ash-kicking goodies inside.” These bonuses are not exclusive to any retailer and will be included with the entirety of The End Is Nigh’s initial production run.

Developed and published by Nicalis, Inc. for Nintendo Switch, The End Is Nigh is now available as both a physical retail release (in North America) and a digital download from the Nintendo eShop (in both North America and Europe). The game has been rated M by the ESRB.

Source: PR Email

SANTA ANA, California, November 17, 2017—Starting today, Nintendo Switch owners in North America and Europe can download and play VVVVVV, the incredible gravity-disrupting new retro game from Nicalis, Inc.

By distilling the video game art form into its essential elements, VVVVVV presents a gameplay experience of exceptional purity and clarity of vision. As the brave Captain Viridian, the player moves left and right but cannot jump. You avoid enemies and obstacles by reversing the pull of gravity with the touch of a button. There are no weapons, tools or ability upgrades—only an expansive, cleverly designed world that you explore at your own pace, searching for your spaceship’s lost crew one screen at a time.

“Like many of the essential classic video games, VVVVVV uses solid colors and basic shapes to get information into your brain as quickly as possible, so you can focus on the gameplay and let your imagination fill in the abstract details,” says Nicalis president Tyrone Rodriguez. “It’s almost like a pre-1980 game in that way, except it’s huge and it has an awesome, super-catchy soundtrack!”

The Switch version of VVVVVV includes multiple unlockable game modes like Time Trials, No Death Mode, Flip Mode and more, all of which can be played with a new two-player cooperative option. Its high frame rate of 60 fps ensures responsive controls, smooth animation and precision maneuvering.

Developed by distractionware and Nicalis, Inc., VVVVVV is now available for Nintendo Switch as a digital download from the Nintendo eShop. MSRP is $9.99 (North America) or 9,99€ (Europe). The game has been rated E by the ESRB

About Nicalis, Inc.
Based in Southern California and founded in 2007, Nicalis, Inc. is currently celebrating its 10th year as a leading developer and publisher of highly polished, retro-inspired video games. Its best-selling recent releases include Cave Story+ for Nintendo Switch and The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+ for Switch and PS4.

About distractionware
Terry Cavanagh is an independent game developer from Monaghan, Ireland, currently living in London. He is the creator of Don’t Look Back, VVVVVV and the award-winning Super Hexagon.

Source: PR Email

SANTA ANA, Calif., November 13, 2017—We don’t yet know when the apocalypse will take place, but we do know the exact date on which Nicalis, Inc., will release its next great video game, The End Is Nigh. The super-challenging retro-inspired action/platformer will be available on December 12 as both a physical retail package and a digital download from the Nintendo eShop.

The End Is Nigh is the newest game from award-winning designer Edmund McMillen, creator of indie-game sensations like The Binding of Isaac and Super Meat Boy. It stars Ash, a little anthropomorphic globule who sets out to find himself a friend in the aftermath of a global catastrophic event. Ash must avoid mutated monsters, lethal hazards and deadly pitfalls as he navigates the wasteland, picking up collectable tumors and playable mini-game cartridges along the way.

“The key themes are survival and the basic human need for friendship,” says Nicalis president Tyrone Rodriguez. “But The End Is Nigh is also a parable about persistence, facing adversity and maintaining a positive attitude in unbelievably stressful situations. You get a rush of pride and delirious satisfaction every time you clear a screen.”

There’s no life counter in The End Is Nigh; you’re free to try and fail as many times as it takes to conquer each challenge. Ash’s plight is accented by the game’s dramatic soundtrack, a collection of classical music themes arranged by the fan-favorite game music composition team known as Ridiculon.

The End Is Nigh will continue the Nicalis tradition of high-quality physical packaging with fun and collectable bonus items inside the game box. The initial print run of retail copies will include the Game Card along with a full-color instruction booklet and a squishy Ash toy made of sticky silicone. Squishy Ash makes a fine friend and can recreate scenes from the game by clinging to walls and dropping into crevices in your own home.

Developed and published by Nicalis, Inc., The End Is Nigh will be available for Nintendo Switch on December 12 as both a physical retail release (in North America) and a digital download from the Nintendo eShop (in both North America and Europe). Suggested retail price is $29.99 (NA) or 29,99€ (EU). The game has been rated M by the ESRB.

About Nicalis, Inc.
Based in Southern California and founded in 2007, Nicalis, Inc. is currently celebrating its 10th year as a leading developer and publisher of highly polished, retro-inspired video games. Its best-selling recent releases include Cave Story+ for Nintendo Switch and The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+ for Switch and PS4.

Source: PR Email

SANTA ANA, Calif., November 14, 2017—Video game publisher and developer Nicalis, Inc. is pleased to announce that Ittle Dew 2+ is launching today at major North American retailers and in the Nintendo eShop. The company’s newest Nintendo Switch production is a “puzzly adventure” starring a feisty heroine named Ittle Dew and her traveling companion, a sarcastic flying fox named Tippsie.

Offering something for nearly every taste, Ittle Dew 2+ contains a carefully curated balance of weapons-based combat, deep exploration, intense boss battles, charming storytelling, brain-teasing puzzles and treasure hunting. The expansive island environment holds more secrets than most players will ever be able to discover, with a series of challenging dungeons that can be explored in any order.

“If you’re looking for a colorful, long-lasting adventure with memorable characters and endless surprises, then Ittle Dew 2+ is the perfect game for you,” says Nicalis founder and president Tyrone Rodriguez. “And if you go for the Game Card version at retail, you’ll get some really cool bonuses, like a tear-resistant island map and an adorable instruction manual.”

“In many ways, Ittle Dew 2+ is one of the most appealing games we’ve ever released,” adds Nicalis executive producer and CEO Victor Rodriguez. “It’s challenging, but it’s also very gentle. It’s retro, but it’s also very modern.”

Developed by Ludosity AB with Nicalis, Inc., Ittle Dew 2+ is now available for Nintendo Switch as both a physical retail release (in North America) and a digital download from the Nintendo eShop (in both North America and Europe). Suggested retail price is $29.99 (NA) or 29,99€ (EU). The game has been rated E10+ by the ESRB.

About Nicalis, Inc.
Based in Southern California and founded in 2007, Nicalis, Inc. is currently celebrating its 10th year as a leading developer and publisher of highly polished, retro-inspired video games. Its best-selling recent releases include Cave Story+ for Nintendo Switch and The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+ for Switch and PS4.

About Ludosity AB
Ludosity makes kick-ass computer and video games for multiple platforms. The company was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Skövde, Sweden.

Source: PR Email

SANTA ANA, Calif., October 31, 2017—Nicalis, Inc., the developer and publisher of Nintendo Switch hits like The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+, Cave Story+ and Tiny Barbarian DX, is proud to announce its next great game, Ittle Dew 2+. The charming “puzzly adventure” will be available on November 14 as both a physical retail and digital release for the Switch.

Continuing the saga of sassy adventurer Ittle Dew and her deadpan sidekick (the flying fox named Tippsie), Ittle Dew 2+ is a sprawling action-adventure game that takes place entirely on a mysterious, faraway island. Left stranded on the shore after their raft breaks, Ittle and Tippsie explore the terrain in search of treasure, weapons, puzzle-solving tools and the eight scattered pieces of another raft that can allow them to escape the island.

“If you’re expecting a Zelda-inspired game like the original Ittle Dew, you’ll find that there are plenty of similarities,” says Nicalis president Tyrone Rodriguez. “But Ittle Dew 2+ offers so much more. It’s cuter, it’s funnier, the puzzles are more devious and there are secrets everywhere…in fact, the island is loaded with them!”

Ittle Dew 2+ will continue the tradition of added-value packaging that has made Nicalis games the most highly collectable properties in the Nintendo Switch library. The initial print run of physical retail copies will include the Game Card along with a full-color instruction booklet and a limited-edition map of the island. The map is printed on tear-resistant and weatherproof synthetic paper that has been specially formulated to endure the rigors of the island’s hazards and unpredictable storm patterns.

Developed by Ludosity AB with Nicalis, Inc., Ittle Dew 2+ will be available for Nintendo Switch on November 14 as both a physical retail release (in North America) and a digital download from the Nintendo eShop (in both North America and Europe). Suggested retail price is $29.99 (NA) or 29,99€ (EU). The game has been rated E10+ by the ESRB.

About Nicalis, Inc.
Based in Southern California and founded in 2007, Nicalis, Inc. is currently celebrating its 10th year as a leading developer and publisher of highly polished, retro-inspired video games. Its best-selling recent releases include Cave Story+ for Nintendo Switch and The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+ for Switch and PS4.

About Ludosity AB
Ludosity makes kick-ass computer and video games for multiple platforms. The company was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Skövde, Sweden.