Twinworld Game Reviews

Posts Tagged ‘Nintendo’

December 11, 2025 — Red Essence Games and indie.io are thrilled to announce that Traveler’s Refrain, the hand-painted, music-infused action RPG, is now available on Nintendo Switch. After captivating players during its PC debut earlier this year, where the game garnered positive feedback for its visuals, mechanics, and narrative, the musical adventure arrives on console for the first time, inviting a new audience to explore its ancient forests, song-powered combat, and emotionally rich journey. Players can purchase Traveler’s Refrain today on the Nintendo eShop.

Players step into the role of Traveler, a lone musician searching for a long-lost love. Armed with an enchanted bouzouki capable of channeling powerful song-spells, Traveler battles twisted creatures, uncovers truths buried beneath centuries of myth and machinery, and solves cryptic puzzles scattered throughout the land. Combat blends melee weapon mastery with mystical song-casting, rewarding expressive play, magical precision, and inventive spell-and-steel combos in a world where every note is as powerful as the blade.

Dungeons inspired by classic adventure titles challenge players with puzzle-filled chambers, tools that unlock new pathways, and multi-phase boss encounters. This structure echoes the spirit of Zelda-style dungeon design, where each newly acquired item deepens exploration and reveals hidden layers of the world. Fans of expressive, ability-driven combat will find a fresh twist in Traveler’s Refrain’s music-powered spellcasting system, where enchanted melodies fuel powerful abilities and synergize with melee strikes.

Key Features

• Wield music like a weapon – Take up Traveler’s enchanted bouzouki, whose strings unleash devastating song-spells alongside an arsenal of melee tools, including a whip, hammer, and lantern.
• Fast-paced, customizable combat – Seamlessly swap between three melee weapons and nine castable song-spells, chaining abilities to discover powerful synergies and turn every battle into a spell-and-steel performance.
• Dynamic song-casting system – Song-spells consume Verve, the energy that fuels magic, and can be chained to summon turrets, spike walls, and other effects while weaving in melee attacks to build momentum.
• Classic adventure style inspired dungeon exploration – Solve intricate puzzles and traverse labyrinths powered by newly acquired tools, like an electrified whip that activates ancient machinery, all culminating in multi-phase boss encounters.
• Face the Mecha-Goddesses of Fate – Battle towering, myth-inspired bosses representing Traveler’s struggle to reclaim what was lost and defy the destiny written for him.
• An evolving soundtrack shaped by player choice – Discover puzzle-locked music sheets and select musical “moods” in each region to dynamically layer new elements into the score, creating a soundtrack that evolves with the journey.
• Deep build customization – Collect Totems that offer passive bonuses, unlock upgrades at Red Essence Fountains, and achieve Virtuoso Mode, a high-powered state unlocked by fully upgrading weapons.
• Hand-crafted world and fully voiced cast – Explore expressive, hand-painted environments brought to life by a standout cast led by multi-genre artist Essenger, with performances from Lee McKinney (Born of Osiris), Andy Cizek (Monuments), and Lexi Norton (Echos).

The world of Traveler’s Refrain is brought to life through its distinctive art style and evocative voice performances, crafting a journey shaped by melody, memory, and choice. Every step forward reveals new secrets, new harmonies, and new battles against the forces that govern fate itself.

Traveler’s Refrain is available now on Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam. Players can purchase the game today through the Nintendo eShop for USD $19.99 with a 20% launch discount.

Source: PR Email

Milano, Italy – December 10th, 2025 – Studio Cima is delighted to announce that its story-driven action platformer, The Perfect Pencil, is coming to PC and Switch on January 29th, 2026. 

Embark on a psychological odyssey where your curiosity and your choices are the only way out of the mind’s darkest corners. Explore a surreal kingdom ruled by peculiar personalities, hidden truths, unexpected twists, and frantic battles.

If you like David Lynch, Magritte or classic Nintendo games, you can’t miss The Perfect Pencil!

What you will find in The Perfect Pencil:

• Born from Personal Experience: The game is an allegorical journey inspired by the creator’s real-life battle with anxiety. It amplifies subconscious struggles, acting as a mirror for players to confront their own fears.
• A Hand-Crafted Kingdom: An entirely hand-drawn world where every detail hides a meaning. It invites players to use their wit and spirit of observation to uncover secrets that change their perspective.
• Weird, Dark, & Funny: A tone that swings effortlessly between psychological depth and bizarre humor, creating a “what did I just see?” energy that keeps players hooked.
• A Massive, Branching Adventure: A substantial journey (20+ hours, up to 30 for completionists) where your choices matter. The narrative branches based on exploration and decisions, leading to multiple distinct outcomes.

More about The Perfect Pencil

Set in a surreal hand-drawn world, The Perfect Pencil tells a story of personal development and the psychological weight of fear. Join the protagonist John as he awakens in a bizarre kingdom and comes face-to-face with the terrors that dwell in his inner psyche. Embark on an emotional odyssey exploring the depths of an unfamiliar environment using John’s innate ability to see things that others can’t.

John’s unique analysis ability grants you the power to uncover hidden information about The Perfect Pencil’s characters, objects and elements of the environment. The world is filled with additional lore and information to be discovered. Roam beyond the beaten path, absorb the space around you. Who knows? Behind one of these corners, you might find something that will change your perspective on life itself.

Witness John’s potent internal struggles through intense boss battles in the form of monstrous manifestations, each symbolizing unique elements of the human psyche. Some encounters may even make you question your sense of reality. Remember – survival requires risk, and with great risk comes great reward.

Source: PR Email

Stuttgart, Germany – ININ Games is proud to officially announce R-Type Dimensions III, a major new milestone in one of gaming’s most iconic shoot ’em up series. Developed in close cooperation with Tozai and Irem, the license owner, and the original creator of R-Type, this new project represents one of the most ambitious and significant undertakings in ININ’s history. The game is set to be released on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2,
PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC (Steam).

Building on the legacy of R-Type Dimensions and R-Type Dimensions EX, Dimensions III has been completely re-envisioned with cutting-edge visuals and sounds and expanded gameplay modes to deliver the most definitive modern edition of R-Type’s classic era.

A Landmark Project for ININ Games

As one of ININ’s most extensive projects to date, R-Type Dimensions III emphasizes precision craftsmanship, technical ambition, and deep respect for one of gaming’s most influential arcade properties.

A Complete Modern Rebuild of the Arcade Legend

R-Type Dimensions III brings the intensity, precision, and creative enemy design of the arcade originals to a new generation. Every stage, boss, and projectile pattern has been rebuilt with high-end 3D graphics, enhanced animations, and richly detailed environments, whilst preserving the instantly recognizable atmosphere that defined R-Type’s identity.

The same applies to the original music and sound effects. With an enormous effort, everything has been rebuilt so that Players can switch seamlessly between the original and the new R-Type III at any time, offering both nostalgic authenticity and a striking modern reinterpretation.

“R-Type is a cornerstone of video game history, and working with Tozai to reimagine these classics at this scale has been an extraordinary honor,” said Felix Wagner, Publishing Producer at ININ Games. “Dimensions III is our most ambitious restoration and modernization project yet, created for long-time fans and newcomers discovering R-Type for the first time.”

Key features include:

• A fully remastered experience with completely reconstructed assets

• Local co-op, enhanced with new scoring and survival mechanics

• Advanced mode is accessible from the start

• Customizable controls and quality-of-life features in the settings

• 3D Camera settings (normal and crazy)

Pre-Order Now Live – Special & Collector’s Edition

Alongside today’s announcement, pre-orders for R-Type Dimensions III begin immediately. Fans can secure one of two premium physical editions:

Special Edition

The Special Edition includes the full game, a beautifully crafted artbook showcasing concept art and visual development, as well as the complete new original soundtrack, perfect for players who want to dive deeper into the creative universe of R-Type Dimensions III. This edition will be sold for € 59,99.

Collector’s Edition

For devoted R-Type enthusiasts, the ultra-limited Collector’s Edition offers everything from the Special Edition plus a selection of exclusive bonus items. The centerpiece is a highly collectible figurine based on the new cover interpretation. This exclusive edition is priced at
€ 199,99.

More information will be available soon. The game is going to be released in May 2026 worldwide, physical and digital.

Source: PR Email

Halifax, Canada, December 9th, 2025 – Board game creator Brueh Games and video game developer YarnCat Games are pleased to announce that their video game adaptation of Luís Brueh’s acclaimed strategy board game Keep the Heroes Out! is out today on PC and Switch for $19.99 / €15.49 / £18.50. Xbox and Meta Quest versions will follow thereafter.

Having raised over 22x its Kickstarter goal last year, Keep the Heroes Out! is an asymmetric, cooperative dungeon defense game for 1-4 players where you play as the monsters protecting their hard-earned treasures against invading hordes of “heroes” trying to steal it. This digital rendition of Keep the Heroes Out! offers the same asymmetric, co-op dungeon defense gameplay as its tabletop counterpart with a bevy of added extras.

The original board game version of Keep the Heroes Out! was a massive success, selling over 70,000 copies since its launch in 2022. It became a Golden Geek Best Cooperative Game Nominee at BoardGameGeek, where it’s currently ranked as the 376th best board game of all time out of a database of roughly 156,000 titles. For thematic games, it’s even ranked as the 67th best board game out there!

The digital game brings the tabletop experience faithfully to life, with the same art style and gameplay, only now being that the computer controls the nasty heroes invading our lair. This means you can play solo against the AI, or get a gaming going remotely with your friends from afar. Furthermore, YarnCat Games has boosted the visuals with fluid animation and a tutorial to help onboard new players. There’s never been an easier, more convenient way to get into hero thwarting!

“The tabletop version of Keep the Heroes Out! has been a runaway success over the past three years, and we wanted to create a more convenient way for people to play with their friends remotely, or embark upon a solo campaign against the computer,’” said Luís Brueh, Founder of Brueh Games. “Thanks to YarnCat Games, that vision is finally a reality! We’re excited to be able to share Keep the Heroes Out! with longtime fans and newcomers alike!”

In Keep the Heroes Out!, your goal as a team is to survive going through the Guild deck two times, protecting the treasures in each room. If the main treasure is taken, the game ends in defeat, but if you manage to protect your treasures for long enough, you all win. Monsters may die, which is tragic, but you can always bring them back to the dungeon, so you are never eliminated from the game. However, once the treasure is gone, it’s gone forever.

Source: PR Email

December 4, 2025 —  Red Essence Games and publishing platform indie.io are excited to announce that Traveler’s Refrain, the hand-painted, music-infused action RPG, is coming to consoles for the very first time with its launch on Nintendo Switch on December 11, 2025. Players can wishlist Traveler’s Refrain now on the Nintendo eShop.

Following its PC debut on Steam earlier this year, where the game has garnered positive feedback for its visuals, mechanics, and narrative, Traveler’s Refrain now arrives on a platform perfectly suited for story-driven adventures at home or on the go. Players will journey into a ruined forest shaped by ancient secrets, magical melodies, and looming godlike forces.

Players step into the role of Traveler, a lone musician searching for a long-lost love. Armed with an enchanted bouzouki capable of channeling powerful song-spells, Traveler battles twisted creatures, uncovers truths buried beneath centuries of myth and machinery, and solves cryptic puzzles scattered throughout the land. Combat blends melee weapon mastery with mystical song-casting, rewarding expressive play, magical precision, and inventive spell-and-steel combos—set in a world where every note is as powerful as the blade.

Features:

• Dungeon Exploration Inspired by Classic Adventure Games: Dungeons inspired by classic adventure titles challenge players with puzzle-filled chambers, tools that unlock new pathways, and multi-phase boss encounters. This structure echoes the spirit of Zelda-style dungeon design, where each newly acquired item deepens exploration and reveals hidden layers of the world. Fans of expressive, ability-driven combat will find a fresh twist in Traveler’s Refrain’s music-powered spellcasting system, where enchanted melodies fuel powerful abilities and synergize with melee strikes.
• A World That Evolves Through Music: Exploration is richly layered, with hidden treasure maps, puzzle-locked music sheets, and side quests that offer meaningful worldbuilding. In each major region, players will shape their own soundtrack by selecting musical “moods” that dynamically layer into the background, creating a score that evolves with their story. Even small choices—like how Traveler narrates his past—affect both the music and the fate of those around him.
• Hand-Crafted Art and a Standout Voice Cast:  The world of Traveler’s Refrain is brought to life through expressive, hand-painted visuals and an evocative cast of voice actors. Multi-genre artist Essenger leads the cast as Traveler, also contributing an original track to the game. Joining him are Lee McKinney (Born of Osiris), Andy Cizek (Monuments), and Lexi Norton (Echos) as The Gearman, each lending emotional depth to the unfolding story.

Traveler’s Refrain launches on Nintendo Switch on December 11, 2025. Players can wishlist the game today on the Nintendo eShop.

Source: PR Email

We are excited to announce that Etrange Overlord, the upcoming musical action-adventure game, will be coming to Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC on March 26, 2026.

Sohei Niikawa, creator of Etrange Overlord, Disgaea, and Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure, will be hosting an AMA (Ask Me Anything) at r/JRPG on Reddit tomorrow, 12/5, at 4:00 PM PT. Questions will be collected for translation an hour before start time. Hope to see you there.

Etrange Overlord’s Limited Edition is available for pre-order for the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 for $89.99 and includes Etrange Overlord Deluxe Edition, Collector’s Box, “Art of Étrange: From Hell to Heaven” Art Book, Étrange Encore Original Soundtrack, Conductor of Chaos Musical Acrylic Stand, and Stuck in Hell Sticker Sheet.

Falsely accused of assassinating the king, Étrange von Rosenburg is swiftly executed—only to find herself in hell! What’s a sweets-loving daughter of the duke to do? Why, take the place over, of course! Experience a tale of humor and heart in this frenetic action RPG from Sohei Niikawa, creator of Disgaea and Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure!

Take advantage of the unique revolving lane mechanic that sends items, buffs, and even characters circling around the map. As you progress through the story, you’ll be able to challenge action-packed stages with your friends in the separate, 2-4 player multiplayer mode! Indulge Étrange in her insatiable need for sweets in order to reap rewards of temporary buffs and bonuses. The gorgeous character designs brought to life by legendary illustrator Shinichiro Otsuka are sure to delight as Étrange and her many, many allies ride, fight, and even sing their way across hell. This is one musical odyssey you won’t want to miss!

Features:

• An Army of Subordinates: As Étrange von Rosenburg, gather a colorful cast of characters from all corners of hell and put them to work as your subordinates! Each lovable character was designed by legendary illustrator Shinichiro Otsuka.

• Chase the Revolving Lane: Shoot, dodge, and slash your way across the battlefield in fast-paced action RPG gameplay, featuring a unique lane mechanic that sends items, power ups, and even your characters revolving around the stage! Then enjoy the frenetic gameplay with up to four friends in the multiplayer mode!

• Living Your Best Afterlife: Just because you’re in hell doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself! Follow Étrange as she tries to live her best life no matter the circumstances in a far-reaching story with plenty of laughs, heart, and musical numbers!

Source: PR Email

Stuttgart, Germany, November 28, 2025 – The wait is coming to an end! Get ready for more troublesome adventures with 12 adorable witches. ININ, in collaboration with Japanese indie game publisher/developer Studio Siesta and Rocket Engine, is delighted to announce the release dates for the Cute ’Em Up Trouble Witches FINAL! Episode 01 Daughters of Amalgam, coming to Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 this December.

The digital edition of Trouble Witches FINAL! Episode 01 Daughters of Amalgam will be launching on December 15 for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 (fully playable on PlayStation 5).

What´s in the Physical Special Edition?

Ahead of the digital release, fans and collectors will be able to secure the Physical Special Edition, packed with exciting goodies! The official release date for this edition is set for December 9, and Pre-Orders are available until the release date at ININ.com.

Trouble Witches FINAL! Episode 01 Daughters of Amalgam – Special Edition contains:

• Physical game for Nintendo Switch or PlayStation 4

• Original Soundtrack featuring in-game music composed by Ina Kondo from Studio AiestA

• Full-Color History Artbook showcasing original and exclusive artwork

• Digital download code for Cotton DLC – the sweets-hungry witch from the well-known Cotton series from Success Inc., as a character in the game

Originally released in 2007 by the developer of Cotton Reboot!, Trouble Witches has evolved into the ultimate Cute ‘Em Up experience after over a decade of development and updates. Now, in Trouble Witches FINAL! Episode 01 Daughters of Amalgam, this manic shooter returns with a visual overhaul, new game modes, and its most complete version ever.

Check out the features:

• Adorable Witches: Play as 12 unique characters with distinctive abilities, attack styles, and magical familiars for endless strategic depth.

• Bullet-Hell Gameplay: Experience exhilarating shoot ’em up action with extreme danmaku mechanics that will put your reflexes to the test.

• Unique Combat System: Summon the Magic Circle to slow down enemy fire and convert bullets into gold coins. Spend your earnings at the Pumpkin Shop on Magic Cards that grant powerful abilities, clear bullets, and protect your witch from harm.

• Vibrant Visuals: Stunning hand-drawn 2D character designs combined with beautifully reimagined 3D stage backgrounds for a fresh, eye-catching experience.

• Complete DLC Pack: Includes all previously released DLC content (Cotton available separately).

• Endless Replayability: Infinite fun for both casual and hardcore players, thanks to 8 different game modes.

Whether you’re a fan of fast-paced bullet-hell shoot ’em up or charming Japanese anime-inspired art styles, Trouble Witches FINAL! Episode 01 Daughters of Amalgam delivers the ultimate Cute ‘Em Up experience!

Source: PR Email

Cologne/Berlin, Germany – November 24th, 2025 – Blue Backpack and co-publishing partners ByteRockers’ Games and PARCO GAMES are pleased to announce that their anticipated 2D hand-drawn metroidvania, Constance, is out now on Steam for $19.99 / €19.99 / £16.75, with a 10% launch discount. The game will be coming to PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch/Switch 2 in 2026.

Constance has won comparisons from press to the likes of Hollow Knight and Celeste thanks to its metroidvania exploration, flow-state platforming and combat, and mental health themes. In Constance, you can transform into paint to dive into the ground and walls, slice through the air and enemies, and utilize an array of unique brush techniques to experience a constant state of flow. But beware: using your brush techniques will corrupt your paint. Rely on them too much and you’ll become fully corrupted, so learn to strive for balance!

Become stronger by unlocking new brush techniques, defeating threatening foes, overcoming platforming challenges, and solving complex puzzles to advance your progress as you uncover Constance’s past! Help her understand her personal struggles, unlock her creativity, and find her inner purpose.

Explore more than six unique biomes in Constance’s inner-world, with each region featuring its unique set of enemies and characters representing different aspects of her psyche and personal history. Uncover countless secrets, multiple paths, deadly boss battles, characters, side quests and collectibles in this nonlinear interconnected inner-world.

“We’ve been flattered by the praise we’ve had from players and press who have had a chance to check out Constance over the past couple of years” said Game Director Sebastian Drews. “It’s great to be able to finally let you all loose to explore the world we created today and we look forward to bringing the game to console players in 2026!”

Source: PR Email

November 18, 2025 – Stuttgart, Germany – Developer and publisher Smallthing Studios is proud to announce a major milestone for Simon the Sorcerer Origins. Since launch, the game has garnered widespread critical acclaim, earning multiple awards, high review scores, and enthusiastic praise from fans of both classic point-and-click adventures and newcomers to the genre.

To celebrate this success, the studio has released a brand-new Trailer, highlighting the many honors and glowing comments the game has received. The trailer offers a look at what reviewers and players love most—hand-painted visuals, modernized puzzle design, and a faithful revival of Simon’s unmistakable wit.

Alongside the trailer, Smallthing Studios has rolled out the first full patch, now live on every platform. This update focuses on polishing several visual and narrative details, further refining the experience based on community feedback.

Patch Notes – Live Today on All Platforms

• Players can now choose their preferred graphics mode immediately upon launching the game.

• Fixed visual elements in the Magic Lantern room that were not updating correctly.

• Stone fragments and certain inscriptions now display properly and are easier to read.

• This element now appears as intended.

• Corrected several in-game camera shots that previously failed to update.

• Resolved an issue that caused some of Mundus’ dialogue lines to play in the wrong order.

• Fixed a rare game-blocking situation in Sordid’s Laboratory.

• Based on player feedback, the soundtrack volume has been slightly increased—still safely balanced against dialogue.

• The “Marathon Runner” trophy now unlocks correctly. Collectors can once again chase that Platinum!

A Celebrated Return to a Cult Classic Universe

Simon the Sorcerer Origins reintroduces players to one of gaming’s most iconic sorcerer apprentices, capturing the charm of the original 1990s classics while delivering a modern production worthy of today’s adventure fans. Its warm reception demonstrates the enduring legacy of the series and the appetite for story-driven, character-rich adventures.

Smallthing Studios will continue releasing updates and new content while engaging closely with the game’s passionate community.

Source: PR Email

Halifax, Canada, November 17th, 2025 – Board game creator Brueh Games and video game developer YarnCat Games have revealed that their video game adaptation of Luís Brueh’s acclaimed strategy board game Keep the Heroes Out! will launch on December 9th for PC and Switch. Xbox and Meta Quest versions will follow thereafter.

Having raised over 22x its Kickstarter goal last year, Keep the Heroes Out! is an asymmetric, cooperative dungeon defense game for 1-4 players where you play as the monsters protecting their hard-earned treasures against invading hordes of “heroes” trying to steal it. This digital rendition of Keep the Heroes Out! offers the same asymmetric, co-op dungeon defense gameplay as its tabletop counterpart with a bevy of added extras.

Your goal as a team is to survive going through the Guild deck two times, protecting the treasures in each room. If the main treasure is taken, the game ends in defeat, but if you manage to protect your treasures for long enough, you all win. Monsters may die, which is tragic, but you can always bring them back to the dungeon, so you are never eliminated from the game. However, once the treasure is gone, it’s gone forever.

The digital game brings the tabletop experience faithfully to life, with the same art style and gameplay, only now being that the computer controls the nasty heroes invading our lair. This means you can play solo against the AI, or get a gaming going remotely with your friends from afar. Furthermore, YarnCat Games has boosted the visuals with fluid animation and a tutorial to help onboard new players. There’s never been an easier, more convenient way to get into hero thwarting!

If you’d like to give it a try now, there’s a demo currently on Steam that lets players go through the tutorial and first stage.

The original board game version of Keep the Heroes Out! was a massive success, selling over 70,000 copies since its launch in 2022. It became a Golden Geek Best Cooperative Game Nominee at BoardGameGeek, where it’s currently ranked as the 473rd best board game of all time out of a database of roughly 156,000 titles. For thematic games, it’s even ranked as the 80th best board game out there!

“When I launched the tabletop version of Keep the Heroes Out! The response was phenomenal. The board game community thoroughly embraced it, but there was one question that kept popping up: ‘will there be a digital version?’” said Luís Brueh, Founder of Brueh Games. “Well now there is, allowing players to play with their friends remotely or embark on skirmishes against an AI opponent. We appreciate our community for Kickstarting this version and eagerly spreading the word about it. We couldn’t have done it without you all!”

Source: PR Email