Hello, game enthusiasts! Welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for August 29th, 2024. Today's update features a substantial lineup of new releases, forming the core of this Thursday's column. We'll also explore a noteworthy selection of new sales. While we can't expect daily Nintendo Directs, let's dive into the gaming action!
Featured New Releases
Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club ($49.99)
The Famicom Detective Club returns after a multi-decade hiatus. This latest installment stays true to the originals, both in its strengths and weaknesses. A fresh mystery unfolds, presented in a style reminiscent of the recent Switch remakes. Can you crack the latest serial murder case? My review is forthcoming.
Gundam Breaker 4 ($59.99)
Mikhail's comprehensive review provides an in-depth look at the gameplay and Switch performance. In short, you build and battle Gunpla. While the Switch port naturally lags behind other versions in performance, it's perfectly playable. Read Mikhail's excellent review for a complete analysis.
Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn ($19.99)
Tengo Project continues its impressive streak of remakes/reimaginings. Following successful revivals of 16-bit classics like Wild Guns Reloaded and The Ninja Saviors, they now tackle an 8-bit title. Expect a more significant departure from the source material compared to their previous efforts. However, fans of classic-style action-platformers will find much to appreciate. My review will be published early next week.
Valfaris: Mecha Therion ($19.99)
A Valfaris sequel, but with a twist. This is a 2.5D side-scrolling shooter, a departure from its predecessor's gameplay. While the genre shift might surprise some, it offers a rewarding experience for those who embrace the change. A review is on its way.
Nour: Play With Your Food ($9.99)
I'll admit, I'm not entirely sure what this game entails. The food imagery is undeniably appealing. Is it about taking photos, uncovering secrets, or something else entirely? Perhaps Mikhail will investigate further.
Monster Jam Showdown ($49.99)
If you're a monster truck enthusiast, this game might be for you. It features both local and online multiplayer, along with various game modes. While reception on other platforms has been mixed, it offers a niche experience for monster truck fans.
WitchSpring R ($39.99)
I believe this is a remake of the original WitchSpring, though I could be mistaken. Previously a mobile title often compared to the Atelier series, its price point now approaches that of a full-fledged Atelier game, which might give some pause. However, it appears to be the most polished WitchSpring entry yet.
Depths of Sanity ($19.99)
An underwater exploration game with a fantastical horror theme. You investigate the disappearance of your crew within a vast, perilous underwater world. Combat is involved. Well-received on other platforms, it's likely to find a dedicated following on Switch.
Voltaire: The Vegan Vampire ($19.99)
Voltaire, a vegan vampire, rebels against his bloodthirsty father. Gameplay involves farming and fending off his father's attempts to derail his lifestyle. While I'm personally somewhat fatigued by the genre, those with more enthusiasm for farming sims might find this appealing.
Marble Abduction! Patti Hattu ($11.79)
A marble roller game with seventy stages and eighty marbles to collect. Secret collectibles and challenges add to the replayability. Fans of high-speed marble rolling will find plenty to enjoy.
Leo: The Firefighter Cat ($24.99)
A firefighting game geared towards a younger audience. Featuring twenty missions, it offers a simpler take on the firefighting theme.
Gori: Cuddly Carnage ($21.99)
A grotesque action game starring a hoverboarding cat. While the core gameplay is reportedly decent, the Switch version suffers from technical issues impacting the overall experience. Consider this if you're not overly sensitive to framerate problems.
Arcade Archives Finalizer Super Transformation ($7.99)
A 1985 Konami vertical shooter featuring a transforming robot protagonist. A charming, retro-styled shooter reminiscent of the era between Xevious and Tiger Heli.
EGGCONSOLE Xanadu Scenario II PC-8801mkIISR ($6.49)
An early expansion pack for Xanadu, introducing a new underworld to explore. Gameplay mirrors the original, but with increased difficulty. Notable for featuring the debut work of legendary composer Yuzo Koshiro.
The Backrooms: Survival ($10.99)
A blend of horror, survival, and roguelite elements. Supports up to ten online players, offering the optimal experience. Solo play caters to a more specific taste due to its repetitive nature.
Can of Wormholes ($19.99)
A clever puzzle game where you, a sentient tin can, must deal with worms. One hundred hand-crafted puzzles offer a consistently fresh and engaging experience.
Ninja I & II ($9.99)
Two NES-style microgames featuring ninja-themed challenges. Competitive gameplay supports local multiplayer or CPU opponents.
Dice Make 10! ($3.99)
A surprisingly fun puzzle game with two modes: falling blocks and placement puzzles. The goal is to create rows or columns where dice faces add up to multiples of ten.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
Celebrating the 30th anniversary of The King of Fighters, Hamster and SNK offer a sale on the entire Arcade Archives series. Numerous Pixel Game Maker Series titles are also at their lowest prices yet. Check out the full list for other noteworthy deals.
Select New Sales
Sales Ending Tomorrow, August 30th
That's all for today! Join us tomorrow for the rest of the week's new releases, sales, and news. Reviews may also be included. Due to a significant typhoon, there's a possibility tomorrow's update might be delayed. Have a great Thursday!