Hello gaming enthusiasts, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Roundup for September 3rd, 2024! Today's article features in-depth reviews, starting with a comprehensive look at the Castlevania Dominus Collection, followed by an analysis of Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn, and concluding with quick takes on the newly released Pinball FX DLC tables. We'll then explore today's new game releases, including the unique and captivating Bakeru, and finally, delve into 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 undeniably impressive, and the Castlevania franchise is a prime example. Castlevania Dominus Collection, the third in the series for modern platforms, focuses on the Nintendo DS trilogy. Developed by M2, this collection delivers exceptional quality, offering more than initially meets the eye and potentially becoming the most essential Castlevania compilation yet.
The Nintendo DS Castlevania games hold a unique place in franchise history, showcasing both strengths and weaknesses. Positively, the trilogy boasts distinct identities, creating a surprisingly diverse collection. 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 an innovative dual-character mechanic. Order of Ecclesia significantly departs from its predecessors, offering increased difficulty and a design reminiscent of Simon’s Quest. All three are excellent, even great games, highly recommended.
However, this trilogy also marked the end of Koji Igarashi's era of exploratory Castlevania games, a period that began with the revitalizing Symphony of the Night. While these DS titles offer unique gameplay, the question remains whether their distinct styles reflect Igarashi's creative exploration or a desperate attempt to recapture a dwindling audience's interest. Regardless, many players felt a sense of fatigue with the formula at the time.
Surprisingly, these aren't emulated but native ports, allowing M2 to implement significant improvements. Annoying touchscreen controls in Dawn of Sorrow are replaced with button presses, and the interface now displays the main screen, status screen, and map simultaneously. While some DS elements remain, the games are fully playable with a controller, significantly enhancing Dawn of Sorrow and solidifying its place among the top Castlevania titles.
The collection is packed with options and extras. Players can select game regions, customize button mapping, and choose left stick functionality. A charming credits sequence highlights unsung heroes, and a gallery showcases art, manuals, and box art. The excellent soundtrack is fully accessible, allowing custom playlist creation. In-game features include save states, rewind, customizable screen layouts, background color options, audio adjustments, and comprehensive compendiums for each game. The only minor drawback is the limited screen arrangement options. This is a fantastic way to experience three exceptional games at an incredible price.
But the surprises don't end there! The notoriously challenging arcade game, Haunted Castle, is included. This addition, previously absent from the first collection, is accompanied by options such as unlimited continues, a necessity given the game's brutal difficulty. However, the inclusion of a complete remake of Haunted Castle, titled Haunted Castle Revisited, elevates this collection to another level. M2 has essentially created a new, excellent Castlevania game, a remarkable bonus hidden within the extras.
Castlevania Dominus Collection is a must-have for Castlevania fans. It features a fantastic new game and presents the three Nintendo DS titles flawlessly. The inclusion of the original Haunted Castle, while challenging, adds to the overall value. If you're a Castlevania enthusiast, this is a no-brainer. If you're unfamiliar with the series, this collection, along with the others, is an excellent starting point. Konami and M2 have once again delivered an exceptional product.
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 I've enjoyed Tengo Project's previous releases, this remake presented some unique challenges. The team's limited involvement with the original 8-bit game, coupled with my personal reservations about the original's quality, initially made me hesitant.
However, after playing a preview at Tokyo Game Show and completing the full game, my opinion has evolved. Compared to Tengo Project's other works, Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn feels less polished. Despite this, the improvements are substantial, including enhanced presentation and a refined weapon/item system. While lacking new characters, the existing characters are better differentiated. It's undoubtedly superior to the original while retaining its core spirit. Fans of the original will adore this remake.
For those who, like me, found the original merely decent, Reborn offers a similar experience with significant enhancements. Simultaneous access to the chain and sword is a welcome improvement, and the sword's functionality is greatly enhanced. The new inventory system adds a layer of strategic depth. The presentation is excellent, masking its 8-bit origins. However, the game features some frustrating difficulty spikes, presenting a more challenging experience than the original. 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, showcasing the most significant improvements over its predecessor. Its appeal depends heavily on one's appreciation for the original game. Newcomers will find an enjoyable but not essential action game, retaining a distinct 8-bit aesthetic.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Pinball FX – The Princess Bride Pinball ($5.49)
These quick reviews celebrate the Pinball FX update, improving Switch playability. Two new DLC tables were released: The Princess Bride Pinball and Goat Simulator Pinball. The Princess Bride Pinball utilizes voice clips and video clips from the movie, a welcome addition. The table's mechanics feel authentic and provide a satisfying scoring experience.
Zen Studios often misses the mark with licensed tables, lacking music, voices, or likenesses. The Princess Bride Pinball excels in this regard, providing a fun experience for both newcomers and veterans. While not the most innovative, its familiar design choices complement the license.
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Pinball FX – Goat Simulator Pinball ($5.49)
Goat Simulator Pinball embraces its source material's absurdity. This unique table is only possible in a video game format, incorporating silly goat-related events and ball effects. Initially bewildering, it becomes rewarding upon mastering its mechanics. It's more challenging than other tables, better suited for veteran players. Goat Simulator fans may find it difficult initially but will be rewarded with its wacky antics.
Goat Simulator Pinball is another solid DLC offering from Zen Studios, showcasing their willingness to experiment. It's a challenging but ultimately rewarding table, offering a unique and humorous experience for those willing to invest the time.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Select New Releases
Bakeru ($39.99)
As mentioned in yesterday's review, this charming 3D platformer from Good-Feel is a delightful experience. Play as Bakeru, a tanuki on a mission to save Japan from an evil overlord. The game combines platforming, combat, Japan trivia, and humor. While the Switch version suffers from inconsistent framerate, it remains an enjoyable title.
Holyhunt ($4.99)
A top-down arena twin-stick shooter, described as an 8-bit homage. It offers simple yet engaging gameplay: shoot, dash, acquire new weapons, and defeat bosses.
Shashingo: Learn Japanese with Photography ($20.00)
A language-learning game where players take pictures and learn Japanese vocabulary. While not typically covered, its unique approach may appeal to some learners.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
Today's sales include OrangePixel's titles, a rare discount on Alien Hominid, and a discounted Ufouria 2. THQ and Team 17 titles are also ending their sales. Explore both lists for further details.
Select New Sales
(List of games on sale)
(List of games on sale)
Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 4th
(List of games on sale)
That concludes today's roundup. Join us tomorrow for more new releases, sales, news, and potentially another review! Enjoy the abundance of great games and have a fantastic Tuesday!
