Farewell, dear readers, and welcome to the final regular SwitchArcade Round-Up for TouchArcade from yours truly. This concludes several years of bringing you this weekly update. While a special edition with embargoed reviews will follow next week, this marks the end of my regular contributions. Today's edition is packed with content, including game reviews from Mikhail and Shaun, new release summaries, and the usual sales lists. Let’s enjoy one last roundup!
Reviews & Mini-Views
Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU ($49.99)
Following Imagineer's successful Fitness Boxing franchise and the surprisingly enjoyable Fitness Boxing Fist of the North Star, their collaboration with Hatsune Miku was an intriguing choice. Having played it alongside Ring Fit Adventure, I'm impressed.
For newcomers, Fitness Boxing utilizes boxing and rhythm game mechanics for fitness. Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU integrates the popular vocaloid, even including a dedicated mode for her songs. Note that this is a Joy-Con-only game.
Standard features include difficulty settings, a free training mode, warm-ups, progress tracking, and reminders. Unlockable cosmetics add extra incentive. While I can't comment on DLC yet, the base game surpasses Fist of the North Star, except for one flaw: the main instructor's voice is jarring and I found myself muting it.
Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU successfully blends Miku with the Fitness Boxing formula. It's a solid fitness game, best used as a supplement to other routines rather than as your sole exercise program. -Mikhail Madnani
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Magical Delicacy ($24.99)
Magical Delicacy from sKaule and Whitethorn Games blends Metroidvania exploration with cooking and crafting. While the exploration is well-implemented, inventory management and UI could use improvement. The charming pixel art and music are highlights.
You play as Flora, a young witch on a wholesome, magical adventure. The Metroidvania aspects are surprisingly well-done, despite some frustrating backtracking. Crafting and inventory systems, however, need refinement.
The game boasts beautiful visuals, lovely music, and excellent UI customization options for handheld mode. While enjoyable, Magical Delicacy feels slightly unfinished and would benefit from further polish and potential updates. The Switch version runs well, aside from occasional frame pacing hiccups.
Magical Delicacy is a promising game that combines two beloved genres, but some flaws prevent it from reaching its full potential. With a few quality-of-life improvements, it could become a must-have. -Mikhail Madnani
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Aero The Acro-Bat 2 ($5.99)
A sequel to the 16-bit classic, Aero The Acro-Bat 2, surprisingly surpasses expectations. This release boasts a significantly improved presentation compared to Ratalaika's typical emulation releases. The enhanced features include box and manual scans, achievements, a sprite sheet gallery, a jukebox, and various cheats.
The game itself is a polished improvement over its predecessor, though some might find it less charming. It's a solid platformer, and Ratalaika's effort on the emulation wrapper is commendable. The only drawback is the exclusion of the SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive version.
A worthy successor for fans of the original and a great addition to any 16-bit platformer collection.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Metro Quester | Osaka ($19.99)
Metro Quester | Osaka acts as a prequel expansion to the original, offering a new dungeon, characters, and setting in Osaka. The turn-based combat, top-down exploration, and strategic gameplay remain intact.
The new environment introduces water-based traversal and new challenges. Fans of the first game will find plenty to love, and newcomers might find this a better entry point. Careful planning is essential for success.
A satisfying expansion that expands upon the original’s mechanics in engaging ways.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Select New Releases
NBA 2K25 ($59.99)
The latest iteration of NBA 2K features improved gameplay, a new "Neighborhood" feature, and MyTEAM updates. Requires 53.3 GB of storage space.
Shogun Showdown ($14.99)
A Darkest Dungeon-style RPG with a Japanese setting. Offers a familiar yet enjoyable experience for fans of the genre.
Aero The Acro-Bat 2 ($5.99)
(See review above)
Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection ($9.99)
A collection of three previously unlocalized Famicom games offering diverse gameplay experiences. A good pick for fans of retro gaming.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
A selection of games are on sale, including Cosmic Fantasy Collection and Tinykin. See the detailed lists below for specific titles and discounts.
Select New Sales
(List of sales)
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Sales Ending This Weekend
(List of sales)
This concludes my time writing the SwitchArcade Round-Up. After eleven and a half years at TouchArcade, I'm moving on to new challenges. Thank you to all the readers for your support. I'll continue writing at Post Game Content and Patreon. Farewell, and thank you for reading.
