Hello, dear readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for September 3rd, 2024. Today's article brings you several in-depth reviews, including my thoughts on the Castlevania Dominus Collection, a look at Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn, and quick critiques of two new Pinball FX tables. We'll also dive into today's new releases, featuring the quirky Bakeru, and round off with the latest sales and expiring discounts. Let's dive right in!
Konami has been excelling with its classic collections in recent years, and Castlevania fans have much to celebrate with the Castlevania Dominus Collection. This latest installment focuses on the beloved Nintendo DS trilogy, masterfully handled by M2. The collection not only offers a superior gaming experience but also includes some delightful surprises that make it an essential addition to any Castlevania enthusiast's library.
The Nintendo DS era of Castlevania was significant, introducing three distinct titles: Dawn of Sorrow, Portrait of Ruin, and Order of Ecclesia. Each game offers a unique experience, with Dawn of Sorrow improving on its predecessor, Aria of Sorrow, and Portrait of Ruin featuring an innovative dual-character mechanic. Order of Ecclesia challenges players with its increased difficulty and nostalgic nods to Simon's Quest. These titles are not merely emulated but have been natively ported, allowing M2 to enhance gameplay elements, such as replacing the cumbersome touchscreen seals in Dawn of Sorrow with more manageable button controls.
The collection is packed with extras, including a choice of regional versions, customizable controls, and an adorable credits sequence. A comprehensive gallery and a music player featuring the series' iconic soundtrack add to the package. In-game, you can utilize save states, rewind features, and a detailed compendium for each title, ensuring an optimal experience. The inclusion of the arcade game Haunted Castle—both in its original form and as a completely revamped Haunted Castle Revisited—is a pleasant surprise, with the latter offering a fresh take on the classic.
For Castlevania aficionados, the Dominus Collection is a must-have, delivering not only the DS trilogy in top form but also a new, exciting Castlevania experience. If you're new to the series, this collection, along with the others, is the perfect starting point.
SwitchArcade Score: 5/5
Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn presents a mixed bag of emotions for me. As a fan of Tengo Project's previous works, such as Wild Guns and The Ninja Warriors, I had high hopes for this remake of the 8-bit classic. However, my initial skepticism was due to the team's limited involvement with the original game and the challenge of updating an 8-bit title to modern standards.
After experiencing a promising demo at Tokyo Game Show, my excitement grew, though my final thoughts on the game are more tempered. Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn offers numerous enhancements, including a refined weapon and item system, and improved character differentiation. The presentation is top-notch, making it hard to believe it's based on an 8-bit game. However, the game's core remains closely tied to the original, which may not appeal to everyone, especially those who found the original to be merely decent.
For fans of the original, Reborn is a significant improvement, but for newcomers, it's a solid yet not indispensable action-platformer with an 8-bit charm. The game's difficulty spikes and relatively short length might not satisfy everyone, but it's undoubtedly the best version of Shadow of the Ninja available.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
With the recent massive update to Pinball FX, making it fully playable on the Switch, two new tables were released as DLC: The Princess Bride Pinball and Goat Simulator Pinball. The Princess Bride Pinball captures the essence of the beloved film with real voice and video clips, creating an immersive experience. The table design feels authentic and is easy to grasp, making it enjoyable for both newcomers and seasoned players.
Zen Studios has hit a home run with this licensed table, incorporating elements that fans of the movie will appreciate. While it doesn't reinvent the wheel, its well-executed design and faithful representation of the license make it a worthwhile addition for The Princess Bride enthusiasts and pinball lovers alike.
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Goat Simulator Pinball embraces the quirky nature of its source material, resulting in a unique and unconventional table. The gameplay involves engaging in humorous goat-related antics, which adds a layer of fun but can be challenging for newcomers to grasp. This table is best suited for veteran players and fans of the Goat Simulator series who are willing to invest time in mastering its mechanics.
While it might not be the most accessible table, Goat Simulator Pinball showcases Zen Studios' creativity and willingness to experiment with offbeat themes. For those who enjoy a challenge and appreciate the humor of the Goat Simulator series, this table offers a rewarding experience.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
If you caught my review yesterday, you know I thoroughly enjoyed Bakeru, a charming 3D platformer from Good-Feel. You play as a tanuki named Bakeru, on a quest to save Japan from an evil overlord who has trapped people in an endless festival. The game blends action with Japan trivia, collectible souvenirs, and humor. Despite some inconsistent framerates on the Switch, Bakeru is a delightful experience that's perfect for the platform.
Holyhunt is a top-down, arena-based twin-stick shooter that pays homage to 8-bit games. While it might not perfectly capture the essence of that era, it offers a fun, fast-paced experience. Players can expect to shoot, dash, and upgrade weapons as they tackle various bosses and challenges.
Though typically focused on games, I couldn't ignore Shashingo: Learn Japanese with Photography. This unique app allows players to learn Japanese by taking pictures of objects and learning their names. While it may not be for everyone, it's a novel approach to language learning that could be valuable for those who enjoy photography and interactive learning.
(North American eShop, US Prices)
Today's sales feature some fantastic titles, including OrangePixel's engaging pick-up-and-play games. Alien Hominid is seeing a rare discount, and Ufouria 2 is also available at a reduced price. Meanwhile, several titles from THQ and Team 17 are nearing the end of their current promotions. Be sure to check their publisher pages for more deals.
Select New Sales
Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 4th
That's all for today, friends. We'll return tomorrow with more new releases, sales, and perhaps some news. No promises on a review, but stay tuned! We're entering a season of an abundance of excellent games, so keep your wallets ready and enjoy the excitement. It might be the Switch's last holiday season, so let's make it memorable. I hope you all have a wonderful Tuesday, and as always, thank you for reading!
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