Twinworld Game Reviews

Posts Tagged ‘Return to Dust’

MINNEAPOLIS — February 18, 2021 — Anodyne 2: Return to Dust, the deeply personal lo-fi 2D and 3D adventure game from developer Analgesic Productions and publisher Ratalaika Games S.L., begins a dreamy journey today on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. Anodyne 2 is also available on PC via Steam.

Nano Dust distorts the emotions and desires of the dreamy denizens of New Theland. To help save those afflicted, The Center creates people called Nano Cleaners, capable of shrinking down, entering beings, and removing the Nano Dust. One such Cleaner named Nova awakens, ready to scrub minds and win hearts.

Traverse a fantastical lo-fi 3D overworld that feels like a half-remembered dream rendered on a PlayStation 1. Drift across genres and tones, feeling whimsical one moment and tragic the next. Roam by foot or transform into a car to find those suffering from Dust, then shrink down to enter their mindscapes. Once inside, wield Nova’s Nano Vacuum to solve puzzles and battle bosses in top-down 2D dungeons inspired by SNES games to remove the Dust.

Deposit Dust to further expand the world and find new citizens to assist. Meet new characters who question the ways of Nova’s creators at The Center. What exactly is Nano Dust? How does it really affect everyone in New Theland? Nova’s curiosity just might lead her to a whole new perspective if she listens to her heart.

With only two creators behind Anodyne 2, each aspect of New Theland feels lovingly crafted. Unravel late-game secrets to explore cut levels and better understand the oft-understood world of game development with commentary straight from the devs. Wander through Marina Kittaka’s surreal dreamscapes accompanied by Melos Han-Tani’s eclectic, emotional soundtrack.

“Anodyne 2 is a unique sequel, accessible to newcomers and fans alike, filled with Marina and I’s peculiarities and design sensibilities,” said Melos Han-Tani, co-founder of Analgesic Productions. “Games as groundbreaking as Anodyne 2 rarely come along, and I guarantee you’ll find yourself affected by its emotional narrative and surprising mixture of 3D and 2D gameplay!”

Anodyne 2: Return to Dust is available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4 for $19.99 in English, French, German, Spanish (Spain), Portuguese (Brazil), Simplified and Traditional Chinese, and Japanese. Cross-Buy and Smart Delivery ensure that PlayStation and Xbox purchases respectively have access to both current and next-gen versions of Anodyne 2.

Source: PR Email

MINNEAPOLIS — January 19, 2021 — Anodyne 2: Return to Dust, the deeply personal lo-fi 2D and 3D adventure game from developer Analgesic Productions and publisher Ratalaika Games S.L., ventures forth from PC to clear the dust for a PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4 launch February 18.

Awaken to a surreal realm of dream-logic as Nova, The Center’s newest-appointed Nano Cleaner. After Nova’s guardians welcome her to the world, they explain her purpose: shrinking to enter denizens of the land, then removing any Nano Dust distorting their emotions and desires. Go forth into the beautifully bizarre world of New Theland on a journey playing with the conventions of genre, perspective, and tone.

Explore expansive 3D landscapes inspired by the PlayStation 1 and Nintendo 64 era. Transform into a car to quickly cover ground in the overworld, then shrink down to enter denizens in need of assistance. Upon entering their mindscapes, the world shifts to a gorgeous 2D GBA/SNES-like aesthetic representing Anodyne 2’s dungeons. Wisely wield Nova’s Nano Vacuum to solve puzzles, battle bosses, and ultimately clean up the troublesome Nano Dust.

Investigate the many mysteries of New Theland to discover Cards. Deposit Nano Dust and Cards at the main city to unlock more of the world and encounter perspectives differing from The Center’s established ideals. Perhaps simply vacuuming problems out instead of analyzing and coping with them ultimately harms rather than heals. Continue to donate Nano Dust to The Center to maintain a safe status quo, or learn an altogether new way to live.

Created by only two people, Melos Han-Tani and Marina Kittaka, Anodyne 2 occasionally offers peeks behind the curtain of game development. Unlock Metacoins hidden in devious locations later in the game to hear directly from the devs about their design process and even explore cut levels. Succumb to Han-Tani’s ethereal soundtrack while wandering through Kittaka’s handcrafted world.

“Anodyne 2 drifts from whimsical to sometimes strange and scary places,” said Melos Han-Tani, co-founder of Analgesic Studios. “But ultimately it’s been known to inspire hope, and we welcome a new audience into our world with open arms.”

Anodyne 2: Return to Dust will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4 February 18 for $19.99 in English, French, German, Spanish (Spain), Portuguese (Brazil), Simplified and Traditional Chinese, and Japanese.

Source: PR Email