Twinworld Game Reviews

Posts Tagged ‘Switch’

11th July , 2024: Indie publisher Ratalaika Games is excited to announce the ionic and much loved Aero the Acro-Batis making a welcome return with a series of memorable titles. The first will be Aero the Acro-Bat launching on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Xbox One & Series X/S and Nintendo Switch on August 2nd 2024.

The original Aero the Acro-Bat was released in 1993 on the Super Nintendo and the Mega Drive/Sega Genesis and gamers will be able to enjoy and immerse themselves  in the first of this Aero series which  still looks and plays fantastically nearly 30 plus years since its first release, making Aero a special game not to be missed.

Aero to the Rescue

It’s up to Aero the Acro-Bat, the circus’s star performer, to rescue his friends and girlfriend Ariel, and put a stop to Edgar Ektor’s mad plans so everyone can enjoy the show again!

The powerful and eccentric industrialist Edgar Ektor has sworn to destroy the world of amusement as revenge for being banished from the circus when he was a kid after one of his pranks went too far and almost killed a circus animal. He started by invading a local circus with his gang of mad clowns and kidnapping all the circus staff to spoil the show.

A Challenge to become the best

Aero the Acro-Bat is NOT your typical platformer in which you just go from start to goal. The players will need to use Aero’s skills in specific ways in order to accomplish the objectives in each stage, and this sets the game aside from many platformers that came before or after. Aero  also comes from an era in which games were famous for being challenging, and the Aero series in particular has always been known for its challenging difficulty. Those who can clear these games can really consider themselves platforming masters! But fear not, if it’s too much for you, this new version includes cheats to make things a bit easier!

Features Facts:

• Play through 4 areas with 5 stages each, including stages with rides
• Use Aero’s acrobatic skills to fulfil the objectives in each stage and open the gate to the next stage
• Face all kinds of wacky enemies
• Choose between the English and the Japanese versions
• Rewind/Turbo function: repeat something till you achieve perfection or speed things up
• Save state function: save wherever you want and restart from that exact point
• Screen filters: select from several filters to modify the game’s looks (retro-style monitor, black-and-white, etc.)
• Gallery: check images from the original game’s illustrations, posters, box design, etc.
• Cheats function: activate several cheats that will make things easier (infinite energy, infinite lives, invulnerability, etc.)

Play to Win – Facts

Aero’s display presents  a health bar and each stage starts with a number of hit points which can be added to by  collecting items. He however loses a hit point whenever he takes damage from an enemy, which there are many, and loses a life when he loses every hit point. Hazards, such as spikes and lava, cost Aero a life regardless of his health metre.  Aero can gain more health and more lives by finding items in the stages and  also gains an extra life for every 20,000 points earned. Stages are timed, but the time remaining is used for bonus points and there is otherwise no penalty for running out of time. Aero gets an extra life for completing a ‘perfect round’ (by collecting every item in the stage and finding the exit before time runs out).

Aero The Acro-Bat – Fast Frantic Flying That’s As Fun As Ever!

Source: PR Email

Berlin, Germany – 08, July 2024 – Hold on to your seats, because it’s time to go full steampunk! On July 18th, ININ and Mebius will bring you the original retro game Over Horizon along with two versions of Steel Empire digitally for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 for just €14,99! Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch begin now with 10% off until release!

Over Horizon, formerly PAL territories exclusive and Japanese-only title, was developed by HOT-B and Steel Empire’s co-director. This classic shoot ‘em up could easily be seen as a spiritual successor to Steel Empire. Known for its impressive graphics, unique weapon system, and creative level design, Over Horizon became a standout title on the NES in 1991.

But that’s not all: In this exclusive bundle, relive the magic of the original Steel Empire in its purest form! Known as Empire of Steel in Europe and Koutetsu Teikoku (鋼鉄帝国) in Japan, The Steel Empire is a 1992 shoot-’em-up for the Sega Mega Drive and 2004 for Game Boy Advance developed by HOT-B, recognized for its distinctive diesel-punk aesthetic, combining elements of steampunk and late-19th-century industrial design, setting it apart from other shoot ’em-up games.

Ready to add some steampunk goodness to your impressive retrogaming archive? Then head to our partner store, Strictly Limited Games, and pre-order the Steel Empire Chronicles, available both as Limited and Collector’s Edition.

The Motorhead Empire has conquered and enslaved virtually the entire planet… Save the Republic of Silverhead… You are the only hope!

Source: PR Email

We are thrilled to announce The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak II is coming early 2025 to Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC (Steam®, Epic Games Store, and GOG)!

The NIS America Online Store Limited Edition, featuring a large-scale map of the Calvard Republic, is also available to preorder for Nintendo Switch, PS4, and PS5.

About The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II

No longer threatened by the mafia organization Almata, the people of Calvard have returned to their peaceful lives. But one day, a shocking series of murders involving a mysterious crimson beast sets the wheels of fate in motion once again. Various factions spring into action – both those who abide by the law to uncover the truth and those looking to capitalize on any new developments wherever possible, no matter how sinister. With chaos once again looming on the horizon, the spriggan Van Arkride receives an unexpected visitor, prompting his own investigation.

Who is behind the murders, and what is their goal? The sands of time bring old and new faces together for this thrilling second installment in the Trails through Daybreak saga.

Source: PR Email

Between law and chaos lies the dawn of adventure. The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak is out now for Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, and PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG).

About The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak

The spriggan Van Arkride is about to take on a job that will change the fate of a nation! In the aftermath of a brief war, Calvard is enjoying unprecedented economic prosperity. However, the public grows uncertain as the number of immigrants increases and questionable political reform runs rampant. Explore the reaches of the Calvard Republic while immersing yourself in a rich story filled with action and intrigue in a brand new chapter of the beloved Trails series!

Source: PR Email

We are thrilled to announce that Ys X: Nordics, the milestone entry in the legendary Ys series, is launching October 25, 2024 on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG)! The PC versions will include a Japanese language text option, and both PC and console versions will include Japanese and English audio.

The long-awaited Limited Edition is now available to preorder exclusively on the NIS America Online Store for $104.99. Bundles include a copy of the game, soundtrack, mini art book, sling bag, and more!

About Ys X: Nordics

A milestone entry in the legendary Ys series, Ys X: Nordics offers exhilarating, fast-paced combat, a moving story of unlikely allies, and naval exploration across the vibrant Obelia Gulf.

Following their tenuous encounter at sea, the young red-haired adventurer Adol Christin and the proud pirate Karja Balta find themselves bound by fate – and the mysterious power of Mana! As they search for a way to undo the mystical ties that bind them, they soon find themselves caught up in a conflict between two factions: the seafaring warriors known as the Normans and the enigmatic and seemingly immortal Griegr. In order to save the people of Obelia Gulf, Adol and Karja must navigate the depths of their unexpected bond and the power that it grants them.

Source: PR Email

2nd July, 2024: Indie publisher Ratalaika Games and Shinyuden are pleased to announce the forthcoming release of Cyber Citizen Shockman Zero on July 5th – this week! Yes folks, it has taken us all by surprise but this ionic genre favourite is certainly not one to be overlooked!

Explosive 2D, sideways scrolling, retro action invades all consoles – PlayStation 4 & 5, Nintendo Switch, and  Microsoft Xbox as gamers can be a part of the bionic heroes Raita and Azuki’s challenge as they face all kinds of dangerous enemies to save humanity.

This is the first game in the series to include beat ‘em up elements (players can do small combos and enemies don’t die with a single hit). It also includes the platforming elements that are typical of the series, delivering a unique twist in the Shockman gameplay experience!

The Game’s Story

Dr. Gotokuji’s newly invented engine has been stolen by the evil B.B. Dan group! They have begun to invade the city using their cyber henchmen under the orders of their leader, the mad scientist Dr. Shen Kung! It’s up to the powerful duo of Raita and Azuki to put an end to all havoc. In this action title, you’ll go through 8 stages filled with unique enemies and big boss fights. Available officially in English for the first time digitally –  this game is easy to play but challenging to master. Grab a friend to enjoy the two-player mode to unleash powerful team attacks! Like in all the previous entries in the series, the game includes a superb 2-player co-op mode.

Attack Attack!

Cyber Citizen Shockman Zero features brand new heroes, unique stages and action and gameplay that marks it down as something really different! Players take control of either Raita or Azuki’s unique fighting techniques and beam attacks. Raita fights like a boxer using physical attacks while Azuki fights with a sword, together with some slick combo moves. On top of the normal attack, the characters can release a powerful beam attack (hold down attack button to charge).

Careful!

Scrolling right way action is constant and non stop presenting a delightful challenge as you climb, jump, avoid hails of projectiles, plus fighting is intermingled with finding a successful way to avoid the hordes of flying fish and steer clear of protagonists.

The stages are full of all kinds of dangerous enemies, and at the end of each stage the heroes will have to face a powerful boss. The heroes will have to fight their way through several stages that include construction sites, museums, forests, trains and even a spaceship. Many of these stages include dangerous traps such as pits full of spikes, flying saws or hidden switches that shoot arrows when you step on them. By defeating enemies and picking up items, the player can gather points, which will allow their character to level up and increase their max energy.

Cyber Citizen Shockman Zero soon becomes strangely addictive – mind the chainsaw!

Feature-Facts

• Platform beat ‘em up gameplay
• 2 characters with their unique skills
• Co-op 2-player mode
• Image gallery from hand-made scans
• Rewind/Forward function
• Brand new English translation plus original Japanese text
• Save states
• CRT Filter

Source: PR Email

We are excited to announce that Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is coming to Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Steam in 2025! (Steam version to follow later in 2025.) Witness the tale of a girl and her bond with Phantoms unfold in this colorful Strategy RPG.

This release will feature both English and French text, with Japanese and English audio.

Watch the all-new multiplatform announcement trailer by clicking the thumbnail above.

About Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero

In Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero, the story follows Marona – a gifted young girl with the power to speak to Phantoms – as she traverses the ocean world of Ivoire, providing aid to those in need. When a fleet of ghost ships attack, it’s up to Marona and her new friend Apricot to assemble the legendary crew that once defeated these spectral foes.

Recruit Phantoms, bind them to objects, combine them with Gadgets, and even merge them with Marona herself to unleash show-stopping abilities and sink the Shipwreck Fleet!

Source: PR Email

25th June, 2024: Indie publisher Ratalaika Games, together with solo developer Miguel H. Death, who is already working on a sequel, are pleased  to announce the forthcoming release on June 28th of Nocturnal Visitors  launching on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Xbox One & Series X/S, Nintendo Switch and Steam PC.  A thrilling and challenging experience as you Investigate morally grey crimes in this fantasy thriller in which magic and science, chaos and order, are two sides of the same coin.

Scene Setting with more to come

Nocturnal Visitors is the first in a five-episode series which tells the story of Jamie, 16 year old boy, who, on one ordinary November night, witnesses a paranormal event. Shortly afterwards, he is transported to Aliorbis, a mysterious alternate version of Earth where magic and science coexist in almost perfect harmony. It’s the place where all the legends that we know of are born. There Jamie learns that he is what is known as a “Visitor”, someone who can cross the barrier that separates his world and Aliorbis. He quickly becomes part of SEEK, an organisation that investigates crimes that are a threat to both worlds. Through his adventures with SEEK, Jamie slowly becomes acquainted with Aliorbis’ dark and twisted past filled with corruption and chaos, and gradually begins to wonder if he is truly on the right side of this story.

One for all

In this episode you play as multiple characters, the main one being Jamie, who acts as “the chosen one” in Nocturnal Visitors. However, the point of view changes, some of the chapters being narrated in their entirety by different characters, as a way to provide different points of view, backgrounds and, most importantly, clues to understand the overall mystery of the Nocturnal Visitors series.

The storyteller explains –  Miguel H. Death, “ Nocturnal Visitors is all about environmental storytelling. The player is highly encouraged to explore all the areas in the game and interact with everything, as ninety percent of the elements present in the game are interactive and provide context for both the plot and characters. While the player is always given clear and simple objectives to make the story progress, were they only to do that, they would probably not be able to understand the story as a whole once the climax of the series is reached. Nocturnal Visitors asks players to be curious and to pay attention to every single piece of information provided by both the plot and the gameplay, as it will be essential to understand the mystery that will develop throughout the series.”

Getting in there

Nocturnal Visitors takes place in Aliorbis, an alternative version of Earth where both magic and science, chaos and order, coexist. The premise is that every element of folklore that we know of – like magic, witches, ghosts, dragons, etc., do exist in this world and the reason why we know of them is because of the existence of Visitors, people from Earth, like Jamie, who can cross the barrier that separates both worlds. This has allowed them to become acquainted with these fantasy elements and to share their knowledge with the rest of the world.

However, what may seem at first sight as a magical world everyone would love to live in, hides a darkness underlying truth that becomes more and more present as the series goes on, increasingly showing more scenes of corruption, chaos and violence that resemble what we experience on a daily basis on Earth. As the best works of fantasy do, Nocturnal Visitors aims to create parallels with real life, as a way to explore why we play video games as a form of escapism, when in reality video games usually resemble many of the struggles of our daily lives and help us understand them more.

Facts – not Fiction

• Storytelling – Experience an immersive story with a carefully crafted lore.
• Crack the case!
• Play as Jamie and five other characters with unique personalities, backgrounds and points of view.
• Investigating – gory crime scenes and look for clues.
• Explore multiple otherworldly scenarios full of details.
• Buildup towards sequel release
• 3 hours / 5 to complete it.
• Nocturnal Visitors’ soundtrack includes music by multiple artists, most notably two songs by the French heavy metal band, Onlap.

An intriguing experience rich brimming with clever ideas & dialogue!

Source: PR Email

London, United Kingdom – June 18th, 2024 – Avast, ye scurvy dogs! Captain Blood, the pirate-themed action game last showcased in 2010, will launch in 2024! SNEG Ltd, a publishing studio that aims to preserve forgotten titles, reveals today that Captain Blood will be released on Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch later this year.

Loosely based on the adventure novels written by author Rafael Sabatini, Captain Blood is a pirate-themed action game set in the golden age of piracy during the 17th century, where you step into the boots of the most feared pirate captain to ever sail across the seven seas on his quest for gold and glory. Undergoing several iterations throughout its development in the 2000s, Captain Blood was last showcased in 2010 before vanishing for years due to publishing disputes. Now, SNEG Ltd. is excited to bring the game back for fans of classic pirate adventure, combining its original glory with modern improvements for today’s gamers and consoles.

You play as Captain Blood, the manliest pirate captain ever to drink grog while romancing maidens across the Spanish main. When the local magistrate’s beautiful buxom daughter is kidnapped, he swallows his pride and hires you and your crew to rescue her. Expect wild adventures with cannon firing, pistol shooting, swashbuckling sword fights, and plenty of pirate shenanigans. This action-packed hack’n’slash features fierce hand-to-hand combat, hordes of enemies, and a classic fighting system with flashy combos and epic finishers.

Key Features:

• Epic Pirate Shenanigans: As Captain Blood, live the life of the bravest and most fearsome pirate on the Spanish Main (or at least fake it convincingly).
• Intense Action: Dive into fiery hand-to-hand combat and show enemy pirates and landlubbers alike who’s the boss with various slick combat techniques.
• Ship Deck Brawls: Fight off enemy pirates trying to board your ship with unique moves, combos, and executions while blasting enemy ships to pieces with your cannons!
• Arsenal of Awesomeness: Arm yourself with cutlasses, pistols, muskets, throwing knives, and hand bombs. Don’t forget those sneaky pirate tricks!
•  Graphic Novel Vibes: Enjoy a unique art style that feels like reading through a pirate comic book.

The game will launch simultaneously on all platforms later this year.

Source: PR Email

Berlin, 13.06.2024 – In 1991, TAITO released the third entry in its enduring Bubble Bobble series: Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III. Originally released for the PC Engine, the game followed the success of its predecessors, building on the foundations Bubble Bobble and Rainbow Islands laid down and continuing the story from where they left off. It quickly became a fantastic hit, later being ported to Atari ST, Amiga, Game Boy, and even NES, gaining huge popularity and its own dedicated fandom.

Some thirty-three years later, this iconic platformer is ready to land on modern consoles on July 11th for only €9,99 and can be pre-ordered for Nintendo Switch as of now. Xbox pre-orders will start on 19.06.2024. Both offers an additional 10% pre-order bonus until release! Hurry up! PlayStation®4/PlayStation®5 versions will also be out on the 11th of July 2024.

Features:

• The triumphant return of the Bubble Bobble franchise;
• An enigmatic ensemble of enemies, each with unique abilities (and charm);
• 2-player mode: double the fun with Bubby and Bobby!
• Dazzling parasols with magical powers;
• Power-ups galore;
• 8 worlds to save, plus 2 unlockable ones!
• Quality-of-life options, such as save states and the ability to rewind gameplay

Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III will be released on July 11th for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 & PlayStation 5, and Xbox!

Source: PR Email