Hello, dear readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for September 3rd, 2024. Today, we dive into several in-depth reviews, explore the latest game releases, and highlight the newest sales and expiring discounts. Let's jump right in!
Reviews & Mini-Views
Castlevania Dominus Collection ($24.99)
Konami continues to impress with its classic collections, and the Castlevania Dominus Collection is no exception. This third collection on modern platforms focuses on the Nintendo DS trilogy, masterfully handled by M2. The collection includes Dawn of Sorrow, Portrait of Ruin, and Order of Ecclesia, each with its unique flair and gameplay mechanics.
Dawn of Sorrow follows Aria of Sorrow, and though it initially featured some cumbersome touchscreen elements, M2 has improved this in the collection. Portrait of Ruin introduces a dual-character system and relegates touchscreen elements to a bonus mode, while Order of Ecclesia brings a higher difficulty and a nod to Simon's Quest. These games mark the end of Koji Igarashi's exploratory Castlevania era, which saw diminishing returns but remains beloved.
A standout feature is that these games are not emulated but are native ports, allowing M2 to enhance gameplay significantly. For instance, Dawn of Sorrow's touchscreen seals are now manageable button presses, and the UI includes a third screen for maps. This collection also offers various options and extras, including region selection, customizable controls, a charming credits sequence, a comprehensive gallery, and a music player for the series' iconic soundtracks.
In addition to the main titles, the collection includes the notorious arcade game Haunted Castle, now with options for unlimited continues. But the true gem is Haunted Castle Revisited, a complete remake by M2 that transforms the original into a fantastic new Castlevania experience.
If you're a fan of Castlevania, the Dominus Collection is a must-have, offering not only three superb DS titles but also a remarkable new game. For newcomers, this is a perfect entry point into the franchise.
SwitchArcade Score: 5/5
Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn ($19.99)
Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn from Tengo Project brings the 8-bit classic into the modern era. While Tengo Project has excelled with games like Wild Guns and The Ninja Warriors, Shadow of the Ninja presented unique challenges due to its 8-bit origins and less acclaimed original.
The remake features significant enhancements, including a refined weapon and item system and improved character differentiation. The presentation is top-notch, yet the core gameplay remains true to the original. While fans of the original will adore these updates, those with mixed feelings about the NES version might not find Reborn as revolutionary.
The game's difficulty has been ramped up, potentially making it more challenging than its predecessor. Despite these improvements, Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn might not appeal to everyone, especially those without nostalgia for the original. It's a solid effort, but its appeal largely depends on your affection for the source material.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Pinball FX – The Princess Bride Pinball ($5.49)
With the recent massive update to Pinball FX on Switch, two new tables have been released: The Princess Bride Pinball and Goat Simulator Pinball. The Princess Bride Pinball captures the essence of the cult classic movie with real voice and video clips. The table design feels authentic and is enjoyable for both newcomers and veterans, making it a great addition for fans of the film.
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Pinball FX – Goat Simulator Pinball ($5.49)
Goat Simulator Pinball is a quirky and challenging table that truly reflects its source material. While it might be overwhelming for beginners, those familiar with Goat Simulator and pinball will appreciate the unique mechanics and humorous elements once they master the table.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Select New Releases
Bakeru ($39.99)
Bakeru is a delightful 3D platformer from Good-Feel, featuring a tanuki on a mission to save Japan from an evil overlord. The game combines charming visuals with engaging gameplay, Japan trivia, and collectible souvenirs. While the Switch version suffers from inconsistent framerates, it remains a great choice for those looking for a light-hearted adventure.
Holyhunt ($4.99)
Holyhunt is a top-down twin-stick shooter that pays homage to 8-bit games. While it may not replicate the classics perfectly, it offers straightforward, enjoyable action with a variety of weapons and challenging bosses.
Shashingo: Learn Japanese with Photography ($20.00)
Shashingo is a unique language-learning tool that uses photography to teach Japanese. While not typically covered here, its innovative approach may appeal to those interested in learning through interactive methods.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
Today's sales feature a variety of great titles, including discounts on OrangePixel's games and rare deals on Alien Hominid. As some sales from THQ and Team 17 are winding down, make sure to check their publisher pages for more deals.
Select New Sales
- Space Grunts ($8.39 from $13.99 until 9/7)
- Meganoid ($5.39 from $8.99 until 9/7)
- Stardash ($5.99 from $9.99 until 9/7)
- Gunslugs ($4.79 from $7.99 until 9/7)
- Gunslugs 2 ($4.79 from $7.99 until 9/7)
- Heroes of Loot ($4.79 from $7.99 until 9/7)
- Heroes of Loot 2 ($5.99 from $9.99 until 9/7)
- Warhammer 40k Dakka Squadron ($1.99 from $19.99 until 9/9)
- Castle Crashers Remastered ($7.49 from $14.99 until 9/10)
- Alien Hominid HD ($9.59 from $11.99 until 9/10)
- Alien Hominid Invasion ($15.99 from $19.99 until 9/10)
- Conscript ($17.59 from $21.99 until 9/15)
- Overdelivery ($1.99 from $7.99 until 9/15)
- Hero-U: Rogue to Redemption ($2.99 from $19.99 until 9/16)
- Agent Intercept ($7.99 from $19.99 until 9/16)
- Secret Files Tunguska ($2.09 from $14.99 until 9/16)
- Secret Files Puritas Cordis ($2.09 from $14.99 until 9/16)
- Secret Files Sam Peters ($2.02 from $6.99 until 9/16)
- Lost Horizon ($2.09 from $14.99 until 9/16)
- Lost Horizon 2 ($2.09 from $14.99 until 9/16)
- Zombo Buster Advance ($1.99 from $3.99 until 9/16)
- Skautfold Usurper ($7.49 from $14.99 until 9/17)
- Nuclear Blaze ($4.99 from $9.99 until 9/17)
- Helvetii ($5.09 from $16.99 until 9/17)
- Heidelberg 1693 ($4.49 from $14.99 until 9/17)
- Sophstar ($6.49 from $12.99 until 9/17)
- Harmony’s Odyssey ($2.99 from $14.99 until 9/17)
- Ufouria 2: The Saga ($17.49 from $24.99 until 9/17)
- Promenade ($12.49 from $24.99 until 9/17)
- Shinorubi ($9.99 from $19.99 until 9/17)
- Last Night of Winter ($6.99 from $9.99 until 9/17)
- Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge ($15.99 from $19.99 until 9/18)
- Nobody Saves The World ($9.99 from $24.99 until 9/23)
- Summer in Mara ($7.99 from $19.99 until 9/23)
- Guacamelee 2 ($4.99 from $19.99 until 9/23)
- Railbound ($2.59 from $12.99 until 9/23)
Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 4th
- Capes ($29.99 from $39.99 until 9/4)
- Fates of Ort ($4.49 from $14.99 until 9/4)
- Floogen ($1.99 from $3.99 until 9/4)
- Fluffy Horde ($1.99 from $9.99 until 9/4)
- Gum+ ($1.99 from $7.99 until 9/4)
- Hopping Girl Kohane EX ($16.74 from $24.99 until 9/4)
- Kingdom Come Deliverance ($29.99 from $49.99 until 9/4)
- Kona II: Brume ($11.99 from $29.99 until 9/4)
- Metro 2033 Redux ($3.99 from $19.99 until 9/4)
- Metro Last Light Redux ($3.99 from $19.99 until 9/4)
- Outward Definitive ($23.99 from $39.99 until 9/4)
- Overcooked Special Edition ($3.99 from $19.99 until 9/4)
- Rolling Car ($1.99 from $7.99 until 9/4)
- Stunt Paradise ($5.19 from $7.99 until 9/4)
- Tiny Pixels Vol 1 Ninpo Blast ($3.99 from $4.99 until 9/4)
- Worms WMD ($5.99 from $29.99 until 9/4)
- Yoku’s Island Express ($3.99 from $19.99 until 9/4)
That wraps up today's SwitchArcade Round-Up. We'll be back tomorrow with more new releases, sales, and possibly some news or a review. As we approach the holiday season, the flood of excellent games continues, so keep an eye on your wallet and enjoy the gaming journey. This might be the Switch's last holiday season, so let's make it memorable. Have a wonderful Tuesday, and thank you for reading!
