Hello gaming enthusiasts, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for August 29th, 2024! Today's update features a substantial lineup of new game releases, forming the core of this Thursday's column. We'll also explore a noteworthy selection of sales. Let's dive into the games!
Featured New Releases
Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club ($49.99)
The Famicom Detective Club returns after a lengthy 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 case of the latest serial killings? My review is coming soon.
Gundam Breaker 4 ($59.99)
Mikhail's comprehensive review provides a detailed look at the gameplay and Switch performance. In short: build and battle Gunplas! While the Switch version understandably lags behind other platforms in performance, it's still a solid experience. Check out Mikhail's excellent review for the full scoop.
Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn ($19.99)
Tengo Project continues its impressive streak of remakes/re-imaginings. Following the success of Wild Guns Reloaded, The Ninja Saviors, and Pocky & Rocky, they tackle an 8-bit classic. This iteration deviates more significantly from its source material than their previous titles. However, fans of classic-style action-platformers will find much to enjoy. My review drops 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 the original's gameplay. While the genre shift may surprise some, it offers a fun and engaging experience. Another review on its way!
Nour: Play With Your Food ($9.99)
I'll admit, I'm a bit puzzled by this one. The food imagery is stunning, but the gameplay remains a mystery. Photography? Secret-finding? Perhaps Mikhail will shed some light on this intriguing title.
Monster Jam Showdown ($49.99)
For monster truck enthusiasts, this game delivers. Featuring both local and online multiplayer, along with numerous game modes. Reception on other platforms has been mixed, but it might be the only option for dedicated monster truck fans.
WitchSpring R ($39.99)
This appears to be a remake of the original WitchSpring, a mobile title often compared to the Atelier series. While it served its purpose well at a lower price point, its current price tag brings it closer to actual Atelier games, making it a tougher sell. Still, it boasts the best visuals in the WitchSpring series.
Depths of Sanity ($19.99)
An underwater exploration game with a fantastical horror twist. Investigate the disappearance of your crew in a vast, dangerous underwater world. Combat is involved. Well-received on other platforms, this one should find a home on the Switch.
Voltaire: The Vegan Vampire ($19.99)
Voltaire, a vegan vampire, rebels against his bloodthirsty father. This farming sim with action elements might appeal to those seeking a unique take on the genre.
Marble Abduction! Patti Hattu ($11.79)
A marble roller game with 70 stages and 80 marbles to collect. Features secret collectibles and special challenges. A classic formula for fans of the genre.
Leo: The Firefighter Cat ($24.99)
A kid-friendly firefighting game with 20 missions. A different approach compared to more realistic firefighting games on the Switch.
Gori: Cuddly Carnage ($21.99)
A grotesque action game starring a hoverboarding cat. While the core gameplay is solid, the Switch version suffers from technical issues.
Arcade Archives Finalizer Super Transformation ($7.99)
A 1985 Konami vertical shooter featuring a transforming robot protagonist. A charming retro shooter for those who appreciate this style.
EGGCONSOLE Xanadu Scenario II PC-8801mkIISR ($6.49)
An early example of a video game expansion pack, featuring new areas to explore. Notable for its music by the legendary Yuzo Koshiro.
The Backrooms: Survival ($10.99)
A horror/survival/roguelite game best experienced with online multiplayer (up to 10 players). The solo experience is more niche due to its repetitive nature.
Can of Wormholes ($19.99)
A clever puzzle game where you play as a sentient tin can battling worms. 100 hand-crafted puzzles with consistently fresh ideas.
Ninja I & II ($9.99)
Two NES-style microgames featuring ninja themes. Competitive gameplay suitable for local multiplayer or against the CPU.
Dice Make 10! ($3.99)
A surprisingly fun puzzle game with two modes: falling blocks and tile placement. The goal is to create rows or columns where dice faces add up to multiples of ten.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
The King of Fighters 30th anniversary is celebrated with 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 (Images follow, similar format to original)
Sales Ending Tomorrow, August 30th (Images follow, similar format to original)
That concludes today's update. Join us tomorrow for more new releases, sales, and news. Until then, happy gaming! (Note: Due to a significant typhoon, tomorrow's update may be delayed).
