Twinworld Game Reviews

Posts Tagged ‘Ratalaika Games’

3rd August 2022 – Indie publisher Ratalaika Games, together with Venturous, is happy to announce the up and coming release of Voyage, a relaxing and beautiful cinematic journey of exploration. Out on the 12th August for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch, priced at $14.99 / €14.99, this imaginative, eye-catching, cooperative, adventure game is one not to miss.

A long-forgotten past.

Billed as a side-scrolling casual adventure, Voyage offers much more with its aesthetics and ongoing changing settings, following two survivors who find themselves on an unknown planet. Their travels, whether you decide to play by yourself or cooperatively, will consist of many obstacles that halt and hinder their ability to progress forward. Throughout their journey they will unravel a mystery of the past and there are three stories being told simultaneously in Voyage – ‘gameplay’ (the actual journey) – ‘statue scenes’ (which are big sisters’ personal memories) and lastly – ‘murals’ (which tell the story of the planet and the people who lived there.)

2 Becomes 1

When playing Voyage in single-player mode, as opposed to two player cooperatively, one of the two protagonists in the game acts as an AI companion as if you were to play the game with a friend. You can choose which of the characters to control at any given time, interact with objects and climb together, tell each other to follow or stay put, point and even hug. Many of the objectives throughout the journey of Voyage require cooperation between two characters; for example pushing pillars, moving objects and helping each other while climbing. In addition to this, the actual shared exploration of the game does also play a part in the narrative itself. Whether you decide to play by yourself or cooperatively, the journey will revolve around two survivors in their search for answers and unravel a mystery and find a way home together.

Interesting Facts – Features

• Share Experience, work alone or with a friend
• Lose yourself in Voyage’s sprawling and expansive hand painted environments
• Customizable input methods such as keyboard, gamepad, mouse and touch
• Music and sound by Calum Bowen, composer for Snipperclips, Pikuniku and Lovely Planet
• Replay the game and come to different personal conclusions
• Relaxing and Unique journey focus
• A game that could be played by anyone without much difficulty
• Players can expect to travel through several carefully chosen environments; sunlit ruins, windy grasslands, sandstorm filled desserts, swamps, misty forests, mossy forests, caves, underwater, a spaceship and more
• Find and understand murals that show what has transpired
• Creatures and otherworldly beings that players get to interact with along their journey, some playing a bigger part in the overall story of the game
• Voyage consists of various settings and moods all tailored to support both the gameplay and the narrative of the game

Unique – Ready to Captivate a broad audience

Voyage has already been described as unique and absorbing, with no audible voices and no text dialogue but soothing backdrop music it opens up a fascinating way to observe and play. With simple controls, focus is squarely toward the visual delights on offer and the challenges that unfold as you are instantly pulled into this beautifully crafted story!

Source: PR Email

7th July 2022 – Indie publisher Ratalaika Games, in collaboration with developer Hanako Games, is delighted to announce the forthcoming digital release of the eye catching visual novel Long Live The Queen for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch, which is set for July 12th 2022 priced at $10 / €10.

Creative and Polished

Long Live the Queen was first released on PC nearly 10 years ago and now debuts on console, showing off the talents of a development studio that presents games of graphical beauty and deep and compelling interactive experiences. Hanako Games has been releasing video games since 2003 with an emphasis on narrative and player choice.

And so the Story goes………………

Long Live the Queen begins with the young princess Elodie arriving at the castle of Nova after the untimely death of her mother, the Queen. She has no time to mourn, but must immediately begin making preparations to become the next Novan ruler. While she frantically studies and trains to raise her skills, others attempt to take advantage of Nova’s vulnerability. Elodie must fend off invasions, assassins, schemes, and civil war in order to survive long enough to be crowned Queen.

Long Live the Queen mixes and pulls together three genres: RPG, simulation and strategy into a unique formula. The developer continued with their own ideology,“It’s not so much that it uses elements from all three of those standard genres and more that the gameplay is something entirely different which might be described as any of those three. The gameplay consists of choosing what skills Elodie learns and then deciding how to respond to a series of events and crises that happen within her country. Many choices are not available or will lead to disastrous outcomes unless Elodie has sufficient skill to handle the problem effectively, and every choice has ongoing consequences for the story and the country.”

Let the Journey Start

Elodie begins as a fourteen-year-old girl, depressed and afraid after the death of her mother, with no skills to her name but enormous potential for growth. As the player manages her moods and training, she might become a wise diplomat, a cruel tyrant, a dashing warleader, or the mistress of devastatingly-powerful magic.

Early in the game, Elodie discovers that her mother controlled magical powers with the aid of a Lumen crystal, and that this crystal should now fall to Elodie. However, her father forbids her from studying magic, claiming that magic is inherently dangerous and was responsible for her mother’s death. If Elodie wants to become a Lumen, she will first have to find a way to get around her father and steal her hidden heritage. But is it true that magic can only lead to doom? Long Live the Queen offers much: It is a leadership simulation, which inherently involves strategizing to determine your priorities, and a game in which you play the role of a princess and invest points in her character skills as she progresses.

Many first-time players will soon see Elodie meet a tragic death… and then again and again as they attempt different approaches. There are many possible ways for your princess to die, and achievements for the number of deaths you collect.

Impressive Features List

• A rich and compelling story
• RPG, Strategy and Simulation
• Magic and Secret Powers
• Multiple Endings
• Intriguing Cast each with their own political agenda
• Background Mysteries to uncover
• Cute Graphics
• Unlockable Outfits
• Achievements list
• Cruelty, Moods, Skills and Approval
• Black Humour

For Elodie, her options are generally to end up as Queen, deposed, or dead. For her country, the options are much greater. Will her reign usher in a renaissance of technological advancement, or an age of superstition? Will magic-users be openly embraced, or hunted down like witches? Will monsters despoil the countryside? Will Nova suffer great losses in war or become the seed of a new empire? Every choice the player makes can help to shape the epilogue.

Let the game begin….

Source: PR Email

27th June, 2022, Indie publisher Ratalaika Games, along with Scotland developer Lowtek Games Studio, is looking forward to presenting  the Parasite  Pack – two titles, Flea and Tapeworm Disco Puzzle, to  gamers which is due for release on July 1st, 2022.

Released on all console platforms, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Xbox One,  Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch priced at a remarkable $7.99 / €7.99 / £5.99, this delightful retro inspired twin set will traverse gamers back to the heyday, when games offered  real nail biting challenges, focus and joystick shenanigans!

Although Lowtek may be tagged as a Scotland developer they interact with many developers around the world pulling in expertise from as far away as Brazil. An experienced team has gone into the creation of the Parasite Pack that will have gamers gravitating from one game to another and both can be enjoyed by all ages.

Tapeworm Disco Puzzle (PS4/5/XB1/Switch)

Inspiration and obvious retro homage goes to Snake and lolo with a few extra ingredients added to give it its own originality, Tapeworm Disco Puzzle… offers a little bit more to keep the player entertained. It’s a mix somewhere between snake, lolo and lemmings but has enough unique elements to set it apart from all of those. Best described as a more casual puzzle game with occasional ‘thinky’ moments.

Gamers will help uncover the mystery of the fleas acting strangely. Puzzles will become increasingly harder at times but are never too long with fresh challenges and new mechanics every 20 levels or so. Gamers can also team up with a friend in tapeworm for 25 co-op levels.

Each level has an objectives and obstacles like:

• Avoid enemies
• Don’t kill the fleas
• Collect all the notes
• Help the fleas collect the blood
• Open Doors with switches
• Help Fleada get to the gig on time

Flea (PS4/5/XB1/Switch)

Flea is a challenging 2D platformer with an intriguing back story. Play as Henry the Hyperactive Flea who just can’t stop jumping! Navigate the beasts and collect blood to get to the heart of the problems. These fleas are intelligent and have created a network of bendy straws to help navigate.

Henry must come to terms with his hyperactivity while avoiding thumb tacks and collecting blood for the refu-fleas. In flea you are constantly jumping. You must avoid tacks, pits and other less friendly parasites.

• Explore 80 levels
• Meet weird characters
• Discover secrets

Every dog has a different theme and soundtrack, more abilities and enemies make appearances in later levels. There are a bunch of other parasites you will meet on your journey from friendly fleas, to ticks, mosquitos and tapeworms.

LowTek quotes “It’s about the gameplay. Games really don’t need to have cutting edge graphics to be fun to play. The graphics were also originally built for 8-bit hardware so have the authentic feel. The idea of bringing the games to modern consoles was so that many more people could play and experience the game in its original setting. Flea and tapeworm take place in the same universe with characters appearing in both games.”

It’s cute and fun and we know you’re all itching to give it a go!

Source: PR Email

May 26 2022 – Indie publisher Ratalaika Games is delighted to be working with developer The Bworg on their debut title TEN – Ten Rooms, Ten Seconds to be released on 3rd June 2022 for PC (Steam) / Playstation 4 + 5 / Xbox One, Series X and Series S / Nintendo Switch for £4.99 / $4.99 / €4.99.

Are you looking for an addictive, satisfying and challenging game that you can pick up and play any time? Whether you’ve got a few minutes to spare or you’re in it for the long haul, TEN – Ten Rooms, Ten Seconds is the game for you.

Simply addictive – Don’t Judge a book by its cover

You have TEN seconds to live, or die.

TEN – Ten Rooms, Ten Seconds is a simple yet challenging single player game that takes place across ten floors of an underground facility. Each floor contains ten rooms, and each room seals the player in for ten seconds while various traps try to kill them. But there’s hope – the player can collect ‘tokens’ which can be spent in safe rooms at the start of each floor to unlock upgrades and abilities to help them survive.

The game’s focus is on a “learn from failure approach”. Each room is technically a puzzle, and as players learn from their mistakes, they’ll discover their own solution, overcome each floor’s gauntlet and make it to the next level. Although simple on the surface, it’s reminiscent of similar challenging games of its kind like Super Meat Boy, and also takes influence from more modern games such as those in the “souls like” genre.

For trophy hunters or casual players, there’s an easy/casual mode that allows for optional invincibility so you can simply enjoy the story (which really starts to take off around the midway point).

For players who really want a challenge, there’s an optional ‘Hell Mode’ which offers up more threats in each room.

Game Elements:

• Fast-paced, adrenaline fuelled gameplay
• Mysterious and rewarding story
• Deadly and varied bosses
• Upgrade and skill system
• Killer soundtrack by dBXY Collective
• An onslaught of cannon fire, bizarre monsters and more
• Plus an epic and surprising conclusion

Escape, survive and overcome – TEN seconds at a time!

Source: PR Email

May 17th 2022 , Indie publisher Ratalaika Games, together with developer Next Game Level, is on a special countdown for its inspirational Shoot-em-up Remote Life due to be released on May 27th 2022. Releasing on all console platforms, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch, priced at a must have $18.99 / €17.99 / £14.99.

Top Marks

With a crazy number of distinguishing features, neat level design, 3D rendered graphics, insane creature design, cool music and SFX, with the most important focus on challenging gameplay, variety and playability, Remote Life really packs a punch in a retro visionsed game fit for the 2020s.

One Man – One Vision

Remote Life has been put together by a one man production team, with a skill set that is remarkable. Inspired by seeing and playing games from the past decades that have helped formulate and create his concept, design, gameplay elements and mechanics. From Commodore 64, SNES, Sega Genesis and Amiga 500, to current consoles, he has captured the essence of those games and their playability and game feel to create his own unique game – Remote Life…

…and so the story goes

A Huge and menacing Alien Hive is approaching our planet. The only way to defeat it is to get inside and destroy it from the centre. You are John Leone, an ambitious pilot, ready to fire all his ammo inside the jaws of horror! Take your space Jet and save our planet. Discover the reason why the aliens are attacking and experience a mysterious story behind this attack.

Insane and delightful

Insanely scary graphics, with a pointer to sci-fi films of the 80s and 90s, set in a credible alien world, Remote life will suck the player into the atmosphere of the game and create excitement with background music and sound effects that summon a nice balance to the pending chaos that unfolds.

A Message to Gamers

Developer, Mario Malagrino, gives a poignant message, “For Remote Life I tried not to be inspired by any specific game. That ensures its uniqueness in this genre. I don’t think that producing clones of other games is a great challenge . This allowed me to have a free mindset, and you can see that especially in the weapon system that is quite unique for shmups. Another thing that you do not see usually is the autosave of level progress. This allows you to finish the game in a longer timeline, and does not force you to play ‘restless’ the entire day. There are so many other features on offer”.

The Game, The Objective

To defeat each Final Boss on each level in this way the players progress until they arrive at the centre of HIVE. Mainly because, only from the centre of the Alien Hive, humans can launch a big missile and destroy the Hive. There are also special levels where the pilot (gamer) has to escort bigger vehicles that are carrying items that are needed to win this war. All these great features make sure that the game is really a great challenge every time you play without being boring or repetitive.

Exciting Elements:

• Aggressive, smart and ceaseless enemy attacks
• Use your brain to select the right weapons – there are lots
• Fabulous auto save function
• Unlock other spaceships that are faster and better suited
• Special Missions
• Guns galore with their own attributes
• 16 levels with great final bosses
• Mid level bosses
• 4 difficulty levels
• OnScreen frame rate to impress

Source: PR Email

May 6th 2022 – Indie publisher Ratalaika Games is delighted to be working with developer Next Game Level on the distinguished Shoot-em-up Remote Life that is due to be released on May 27th 2022. Releasing on all console platforms, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Xbox One,  Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch  priced at a remarkable $18.99 / €17.99 / £14.99.

Remote Life shows off the amazing expertise and talent of a one man developer whose creation gives a salute to some of the amazing shooters on the scene. By adding his own touch of magic, with its  beautifully rendered 3D backdrops, superbly created enemies, eye catching and jaw dropping bosses, this retro inspired shooter leaves an indelible impression.

Source: PR Email

25th April 2022 – Indie publisher Ratalaika Games, together with Brazil indie developer Asterstic Game Studio, today announced the digital release of Dandy & Randy DX for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. Steam PC and Nintendo Switch set for April 29th 2022.

A real cutesy action adventure puzzler that draws inspiration from old fashioned gaming fun and a challenge with Dandy and Randy, the main cast, can be played alone or with a friend to double the excitement in co-op mode!

Don’t Get Fooled Again

Don’t be fooled by its simplistic look and design, for humour, interaction and a host of puzzle solving and collecting of goodies heads the list of intrigue, all encased within a very colourful world.

Dandy and Randy are two archeologists who owe a ton of money to a huge bank. They’re on the brink of bankruptcy, until one day they get a promotional flyer mentioning riches in a faraway island. They have no other option but to check it out!

The Perfect Duo

Dandy Duck- The main character is a pink duck who loves archeology and discovering new things. He also loves not being in debt, which hasn’t happened in a while. Randy Rabbit – the blue bunny, is Dandy’s partner. He loves technology and flying his plane. He also loves adventure!

Boo for the Baddies

A host of enemies will confront our duo including : Otto the Octopus – The first boss of the game, Otto is part of the NoGood pirates – who are also on the island, wreaking havoc.

Bruno the Bear – is another pirate from the NoGood gang. Natalia NoGood – Boss of the NoGood pirates. She’s also on the island searching for riches, and will allow nothing to stand in her way.

Grab goodies like a boomerang that allows the players to stun enemies and can also be used to grab health pickups and coins from afar. Find a hammer to break stones, allowing the players to find more money and open up paths. Hookshot – With a hookshot the players are able to cross dangerous swamp areas. Best of all running shoes makes the players run faster, helping avoid dangerous situations and solve quick puzzles. So much to do so look out!

Lots of Features:

• Lots of Routes
• Lots of Equipment
• Lots of Enemies
• Lots of Goodies
• Lots of Unlockable Characters
• Lots of Puzzles

Source: PR Email

10th March 2022 – Indie publisher Ratalaika Games, in collaboration with Finland developer Woblyware, is delighted to announce the digital release of Royal Frontier for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. Steam PC and Nintendo Switch is set for March 18th 2022.

Billed as an epic roguelite styled, light hearted, turned based, strategic adventure it encompasses many exciting experiences and challenges giving it a broader appeal than many other similar games of this genre.

Setting the scene

Settlers are ready to head East, across the perilous continent, through hardships and dangers, in hopes for a better life in the far away land. A group of heroes is tasked to guide the caravan safely through the dangerous continent. Not all succeed. The main goal of the game is to choose the right paths, make the right decisions while making the most of the resources you have available, and guide the settlers safely through the continent. The game also gives players smaller challenges they can try to complete on each run.

Features:

• Unlock characters and power ups for your next trip
• Use the gold to buy weapons and equipment
• Take decisions that can help or hurt your party
• Turn-based and time-based combat
• Choose your road wisely

The Challenge is set

Each run will be different, and as you play more you will unlock new heroes to try out and more powerful blessings that will push you towards the final boss. 60 optional challenges that vary from surviving 4 days without taking any damage to hunting down Old Sawtooth, an ancient grizzly living in the heart of the forest.

Royal Frontier has a wide variety of items, spells, heroes and monsters to keep each run interesting. The paths and events the player experiences are randomly chosen for each run, so every time you play the game, it should be a new experience. Combinations of different heroes will require the player to try new tactics and finding the right combination of heroes can be critical for survival.

Get Ready

Before each run the player will get to choose 3 heroes from a total of 6. After that they will choose 3 out of a selection of 48 blessings. Blessings will give the party various buffs that will increase the chances of survival. The party will face a wide variety of monsters along the way. From lowly goblins to powerful ogres. There is also a boss at the end of each area, as well as optional bosses the players can hunt down, in search of greater challenges and rewards.

The length of the game will of course vary greatly depending on the player’s abilities but Royal Frontier has a really nice intuitive feel to ensure fun and immersement into the experience.The game doesn’t end when the player completes one run. Each run is different and the player won’t be able to find all treasures, bosses, or complete all challenges during one run. So the replayability is quite high.

Source: PR Email

24th February 2022 – Indie publisher Ratalaika Games, together with Infamous Quests, the developer, is delighted to announce the digital release of Quest For Infamy for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch is set for March 4th 2022 priced $9.99 / €9.99.

Quest For Infamy is an homage to some of the great ad iconic releases of the mid and early 90s where the focus was on story, variety, gameplay, in-depth adventure, wit, serious RPG elements and interaction, along many surprises – all combined within a great storyline and neatly encased with a simple point and click interface. It may look old-fashioned or retro focused to some, but Quest for Infamy presents an experience not to be missed with many laughs and sarcasm along the way in the fulfilling jaunt/adventure. Topped with plenty of mystery, intrigue, action, fighting enemies, boss battles, and discovering hidden secrets, the wise cracking lead character marks the experience as a title to check out!

So Much to See and Experience

Featuring a large, explorable world, with hundreds of NPCs to interact with – including some very strange and interesting fantasy characters. Three acts will draw the player into the story and many various settings and locations keep interest and focus high. There is the quaint village of Volksville, the large, sprawling Grecian inspired city of Tyr, the vast and lonely Grasslands, The mysterious North Woods and the treacherous South Woods, Rogue’s beach, and many other places that will intrigue players along with lots of hidden environments to discover.

RPG elements are central to the genre mix, as are developing individual skills that can help you in your quest, and in some cases, using your skills changes the outcome of certain incidents will be one of the many factors that contributes to and shapes your gaming experience.

And so the story begins……….

Quest For Infamy starts with Mr. Roehm, a roguish fellow, escaping the clutches of Baron Brandlevrot, who believes he’s done him wrong – and he escapes in a straw-filled cart to the town of Volksville, in the picturesque Valley of Krasna. Stuck in town, due to a bridge being out, Mr. Roehm finds himself unintentionally drawn into the secretly nefarious goings on in the valley. As he explores the town and valley, he faces a strange cult that has plans for the peaceful valley, and unravels the connection to a mystery that has long plagued the people of Krasna.

Roehm can seek out one of three mentors which will teach him about the different classes he can become – a rogue, a sorcerer or a brigand. He can use his cunning, brains or brawn to craft his own adventure! Learn the secrets of thievery and practice your sneakiness on the path of the rogue. Train your muscles and forge friendships with a brutish band of toughs on the path of the Brigand. Learning magic spells on the path of the sorcerer; gathering items and reagents to create spells as you learn how to use magic to your advantage are all part of the overall experience in Quest for Infamy.

Features:

• Fully hand painted backgrounds and hand animated figures.
• Over 200 locations to explore
• Three different paths through the game with different classes to choose from.
• An intuitive combat and magic system.
• Plenty of secrets to find on your exploration of the Valley of Krasna.
• Plus lots more……………

A mixed cross genre game that combines all the best in a gaming experience!

Source: PR Email

15th of February 2022 – Indie publisher Ratalaika Games is delighted to announce the digital release of Moto Roader for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch is set for February 25th 2022.

Facts – Not Fiction

The iconic Moto Roader MC was first released in 1992 and its return allows gamers to now test their reactions, skill and bottle! Looks easy – it’s not! Full speed ahead thirty years on, and this beloved title is now poised at the starting line on consoles.

Play head to head against the computer or locally with a friend in multiple modes of futuristic race challenge. Choose from an array of cool cars and drivers, as well as a variety of gameplay modes.

Features:

• Classic legacy title
• Choose from multiple cars and drivers
• Numerous race tracks
• Multiple game modes including bumper car challenges
• Up to 4 player (up to 5 on Switch) local coop

Top down action, a fabulous array of scenery where precision, together with luck, is required!

When it comes to iconic video game fun, Moto Roader MC is a time-honored first place finish.

Source: PR Email