Hello fellow gamers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Roundup for September 3rd, 2024! Today's article features in-depth reviews, including a comprehensive look at the Castlevania Dominus Collection, an analysis of Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn, and concise critiques of the newly released Pinball FX DLC tables. We'll then explore the day's new releases, highlighting the unique and charming Bakeru, followed by a summary of the latest sales and expiring discounts. Let's dive in!
Reviews & Mini-Views
Castlevania Dominus Collection ($24.99)
Konami's recent track record with classic game collections has been exceptional, and the Castlevania Dominus Collection is no exception. This third installment focuses on the Nintendo DS trilogy, expertly handled by M2. However, this collection offers more than just a simple port; it's arguably the most comprehensive Castlevania compilation to date.
The Nintendo DS era of Castlevania presented a unique, if somewhat uneven, trilogy. Dawn of Sorrow, a direct sequel to Aria of Sorrow, initially suffered from clunky touchscreen controls, thankfully mitigated in this release. Portrait of Ruin cleverly integrates touchscreen elements into a bonus mode, utilizing a dual-character mechanic. Order of Ecclesia stands out with its increased difficulty and design reminiscent of Simon's Quest. All three are solid, even great, games.
This collection marks the final installment of the exploratory Castlevania games under Koji Igarashi's direction. While each game possesses a distinct identity, the question remains whether this variety reflects creative exploration or a search for a formula to engage a waning audience. Regardless, these games, while enjoyable, may feel repetitive to some players.
Surprisingly, these aren't emulated but are native ports, enabling M2 to implement significant improvements. The troublesome touchscreen controls in Dawn of Sorrow are replaced with button controls, and a three-screen layout displays the main screen, status screen, and map simultaneously. This significantly enhances the gameplay experience, particularly for Dawn of Sorrow, elevating it to a top-tier Castlevania title for many.
The collection is packed with options and extras. Players can select game regions, customize button mappings, and choose between stick and cursor controls. A charming credits sequence, an art gallery, a music player with playlist functionality, and comprehensive game compendiums are included. The only minor drawback is the limited screen arrangement options. This is a fantastic way to experience these three excellent games at an incredible price.
But the surprises don't end there! The notoriously difficult arcade game, Haunted Castle, is included. M2 has also provided a complete remake, Haunted Castle Revisited, which significantly improves upon the original's flaws while retaining its core elements. This is essentially a bonus, brand-new Castlevania game!
Castlevania Dominus Collection is a must-have for Castlevania fans. It offers a fantastic new game alongside three expertly remastered classics. Even if you're not a Castlevania enthusiast, this collection is a compelling package. Another triumph from Konami and M2.
SwitchArcade Score: 5/5
Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn ($19.99)
My experience with Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn has been a mixed bag. While Tengo Project's previous releases have been consistently impressive, this remake of an 8-bit game presents unique challenges. The original game wasn't as strong as their other titles, and the remake, while improved, doesn't quite reach the same heights.
The improvements are substantial: enhanced visuals, a refined weapon and item system, and differentiated playable characters. It's undeniably superior to the original, capturing its essence while adding modern touches. Fans of the original will adore this.
However, if you found the original merely decent, this remake won't drastically alter your opinion. While improvements like simultaneous access to both the chain and sword are welcome, the core gameplay remains largely unchanged. The increased difficulty might be a necessary adjustment, given the game's shorter length. It's the best version of Shadow of the Ninja, but it's still Shadow of the Ninja.
Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn is another solid effort from Tengo Project, representing a significant upgrade over its predecessor. Its appeal hinges on your enjoyment of the original game. Newcomers will find a fun but not essential action title.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Pinball FX – The Princess Bride Pinball ($5.49)
Two quick reviews of the newly updated Pinball FX DLC: The Princess Bride Pinball and Goat Simulator Pinball. The Princess Bride Pinball cleverly incorporates voice clips and video clips from the film, a welcome addition to licensed pinball tables. The gameplay is straightforward, faithful to the source material, and highly replayable. A solid entry for both seasoned and novice pinball players.
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Pinball FX – Goat Simulator Pinball ($5.49)
Goat Simulator Pinball embraces the absurdity of its license, resulting in a uniquely bizarre and challenging table. The gameplay is initially perplexing but rewarding, offering plenty of silly moments. This table is more suited for experienced pinball players; Goat Simulator fans new to pinball might find it initially difficult.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Select New Releases
Bakeru ($39.99)
A charming 3D platformer from Good-Feel. Play as a tanuki on a quest to save Japan. While the framerate is inconsistent on Switch, the game's charm and gameplay make it a worthwhile experience.
Holyhunt ($4.99)
A top-down arena twin-stick shooter reminiscent of classic 8-bit games. Simple but potentially fun.
Shashingo: Learn Japanese with Photography ($20.00)
A language-learning game that uses photography to teach Japanese vocabulary.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
Several noteworthy sales are underway, including discounts on OrangePixel titles, Alien Hominid, and Ufouria 2. Sales from THQ and Team 17 are also ending soon. Check both the new and expiring sales lists for more details.
Select New Sales
(List of new sales)
(List of sales ending tomorrow)
That's all for today! Join us tomorrow for more new releases, sales, and potentially a new review. Enjoy the abundance of great games!
