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 assessment of Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn, and concise critiques of two recently released Pinball FX DLC tables. Following the reviews, we'll explore the day's new releases, highlighting the unique and engaging Bakeru, and then dive into the latest sales and expiring discounts. Let's begin!
Reviews & Mini-Views
Castlevania Dominus Collection ($24.99)
Konami's recent track record with classic game collections has been exceptional, and the Castlevania franchise has been a particular beneficiary. Castlevania Dominus Collection, the third in the series on modern platforms, focuses on the Nintendo DS trilogy. Developed by M2, this collection boasts not only excellent emulation but also surprising depth, potentially making it the most essential Castlevania compilation to date.
The Nintendo DS Castlevania games offer a unique and varied experience. Dawn of Sorrow, a direct sequel to Aria of Sorrow, initially suffered from awkward touchscreen controls, thankfully mitigated in this release. Portrait of Ruin cleverly integrates touchscreen elements into a bonus mode, focusing on a dual-character mechanic. Order of Ecclesia stands apart with increased difficulty and a design reminiscent of Simon's Quest. All three are strong titles.
This collection marks the end of Koji Igarashi's era of exploration-focused Castlevania games. While each game possesses a distinct identity, there's a question of whether this variety reflects creative exploration or a search for a winning formula in a changing market. Regardless, these titles represent a significant chapter in the series' history.
Surprisingly, these aren't emulated but are native ports, allowing M2 to enhance the experience. Annoying touchscreen controls in Dawn of Sorrow are replaced with button presses, and a three-screen layout (main screen, status, and map) is implemented. This significantly improves 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 mapping, adjust control schemes, and enjoy a charming credits sequence. A comprehensive gallery features art, manuals, and box art, while a music player allows for custom playlist creation. In-game options include save states, rewind, screen layout customization, background color choices, and audio adjustments. A detailed compendium provides information on equipment, enemies, and items. The only minor drawback is a limited number of screen arrangement options. This is an exceptional value for fans.
But the surprises don't end there! The notoriously difficult arcade game, Haunted Castle, is included. This is accompanied by a complete remake, Haunted Castle Revisited, which significantly improves upon the original's flaws while retaining its core elements. This essentially adds a whole new Castlevania game to the collection!
Castlevania Dominus Collection is a must-have for Castlevania fans. It offers a new game, enhanced versions of three classic DS titles, and even the original Haunted Castle. Konami and M2 have delivered another exceptional collection.
SwitchArcade Score: 5/5
Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn ($19.99)
My experience with Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn has been mixed. While Tengo Project's previous releases have been impressive, this remake of an 8-bit title presents unique challenges. The improvements are undeniable, with enhanced presentation and refined gameplay mechanics. However, compared to their other work, it feels less polished. While superior to the original, it doesn't quite reach the same heights.
The simultaneous access to both the chain and sword is a significant improvement, and the new inventory system adds depth. The presentation is excellent, masking its 8-bit origins. However, the game features some challenging difficulty spikes. It's the best version of Shadow of the Ninja, but it remains fundamentally Shadow of the Ninja.
Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn is a solid effort, but its appeal hinges on your appreciation of the original game. Newcomers will find an enjoyable but not essential action game.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Pinball FX – The Princess Bride Pinball ($5.49)
Two new Pinball FX DLC tables have been released, and The Princess Bride Pinball stands out. It features voice clips and video clips from the movie, a welcome addition. The table's mechanics are well-designed and authentic to the source material. It's a solid addition for fans of the movie and pinball alike.
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Pinball FX – Goat Simulator Pinball ($5.49)
Goat Simulator Pinball embraces its source material's absurdity. It's a unique and challenging table, rewarding experienced players with its wacky antics. While potentially difficult for newcomers, it's a fun and creative addition to the Pinball FX lineup.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Select New Releases
Bakeru ($39.99)
A charming 3D platformer from Good-Feel. While the framerate is inconsistent on Switch, the game's breezy charm and engaging gameplay make it a worthwhile experience.
Holyhunt ($4.99)
A top-down twin-stick shooter. Simple but potentially fun.
Shashingo: Learn Japanese with Photography ($20.00)
A language-learning game with a unique approach.
Sales
Several notable sales are happening, including discounts on OrangePixel titles, Alien Hominid, and Ufouria 2. Check the full lists for more details.
That's it for today! Join us tomorrow for more news, reviews, and sales. Enjoy the abundance of great games available!
