Farewell, dear readers, and welcome to the final regular SwitchArcade Round-Up for TouchArcade. Next week, I'll share a special edition with a few delayed reviews, but this marks the conclusion of my years-long contributions. While I'd hoped to see the Switch's lifecycle through to its end with these articles, circumstances have led me elsewhere. This week's roundup is packed with content: reviews from Mikhail and Shaun, new release summaries, and the usual sales updates. Let's enjoy one last ride!
Reviews & Mini-Views
Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU ($49.99)
Following Imagineer's successful Fitness Boxing series (including the surprisingly enjoyable Fitness Boxing Fist of the North Star), their collaboration with Hatsune Miku was a welcome surprise. Having played it alongside Ring Fit Adventure, I'm impressed.
This entry, as with previous titles, uses boxing and rhythm game mechanics for fitness. Miku's presence is significant, featuring a dedicated mode for her songs in addition to the standard tracklist. Note: this is a Joy-Con-only game; Pro Controllers and third-party accessories are not supported (as far as I know).
The game includes difficulty settings, a free training mode, warm-ups, progress tracking, reminders, and a system-wide alarm. Unlockable cosmetics add replay value. While I can't comment on DLC yet, the base game surpasses Fist of the North Star, except for one minor flaw: the main instructor's voice feels jarring and oddly directed, prompting me to lower its volume.
Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU successfully blends Miku's appeal with solid fitness mechanics. It's best used as a supplement to other routines rather than your sole exercise program. - Mikhail Madnani
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Magical Delicacy ($24.99)
Magical Delicacy from sKaule and Whitethorn Games initially flew under my radar, but after an Xbox Game Pass announcement, I played the Switch version. It skillfully blends Metroidvania exploration with cooking and crafting, but these elements aren't perfectly integrated. The result is a game with strong points marred by some flaws.
As Flora, a young witch, you cook and craft for various characters. The exploration is surprisingly well-executed, despite some frustrating backtracking. However, ingredient management and the UI require some adjustment.
The game boasts beautiful pixel art, charming music, and customizable UI settings, which are very useful in handheld mode. Magical Delicacy would benefit from further refinement. The Switch version plays well, save for occasional frame pacing hiccups; the rumble feature is also a plus. I prefer playing this genre on handheld devices, making the Switch version ideal.
Despite its potential, Magical Delicacy feels slightly unfinished due to inventory and backtracking issues. It's still a good game, well-suited for the Switch, but quality-of-life updates would elevate it to essential status. -Mikhail Madnani
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Aero The Acro-Bat 2 ($5.99)
Aero The Acro-Bat 2 is a sequel to a successful 16-bit mascot platformer. While it didn't spawn further sequels, it's not inherently a bad game. It's a polished experience that, while losing some of its original charm, remains a decent platforming adventure.
This release surprisingly deviates from Ratalaika's usual emulation wrapper, offering a more tailored presentation. It includes box and manual scans, achievements, a sprite sheet gallery, a jukebox, cheats, and more. The only drawback is the exclusive inclusion of the Super NES version; the SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive version would have been a welcome addition.
Fans of the original Aero The Acro-Bat will appreciate this sequel, and even those who found the first game flawed might find this one more enjoyable. Ratalaika's improved emulation wrapper is commendable. A strong release for fans and retro platformer enthusiasts.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Metro Quester | Osaka ($19.99)
Building on the original Metro Quester, this installment feels more like an expansion than a full sequel. Set in Osaka, it introduces a new dungeon, character types, and challenges. The new setting introduces water traversal using a canoe. This adds depth for those who've completed the original.
The core mechanics remain largely unchanged from the original Metro Quester: turn-based combat, top-down exploration, and strategic progression. Careful planning is crucial. Fans of the original will find much to enjoy, and newcomers should start here. It's a strong expansion that enhances the existing systems.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Select New Releases
NBA 2K25 ($59.99)
NBA 2K25 arrives with improved gameplay, a new "Neighborhood" feature, and MyTEAM updates. The game requires 53.3 GB of storage space.
Shogun Showdown ($14.99)
A Darkest Dungeon-style game with a Japanese setting. It's a solid entry in 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: a side-scrolling action platformer, an adventure game, and an action-RPG. A good choice for fans of unusual retro games.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
Noteworthy sales include Cosmic Fantasy Collection (40% off) and Tinykin (at its lowest price yet). Check the full lists for more deals.
(Sales lists omitted for brevity, but images are retained.)
This concludes my contributions to SwitchArcade Round-Up, and also marks the end of my eleven and a half years at TouchArcade. I'll continue writing at my blog, Post Game Content, and on my Patreon. Thank you to all the TouchArcade readers for your support. I wish you all the best.
