Hello, gaming enthusiasts! Welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for August 29th, 2024. Today's roundup features a substantial lineup of new releases, forming the core of our discussion, as is customary on Thursdays. We'll also explore a noteworthy selection of new sales. Unfortunately, Nintendo Directs aren't a daily occurrence, but let's dive into the games!
Featured New Releases
Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club ($49.99)
The Famicom Detective Club franchise returns after a lengthy hiatus. This latest installment stays true to the originals, for better or worse. A fresh mystery unfolds, presented in a style reminiscent of the recent Switch remakes. Can you crack the latest serial murder case? My review is forthcoming.
Gundam Breaker 4 ($59.99)
Mikhail's comprehensive review provides an in-depth look at the gameplay and Switch performance. In short: build and battle Gunpla. While the Switch port naturally lags behind other versions in performance, it's perfectly playable. Check out Mikhail's excellent review for a complete analysis.
Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn ($19.99)
Tengo Project continues its impressive streak of remakes/reimaginings. Following successful revivals of 16-bit classics like Wild Guns Reloaded, this time they tackle an 8-bit title. Expect a departure from the original, but a solid action-platformer nonetheless. My review will be available early next week.
Valfaris: Mecha Therion ($19.99)
A Valfaris sequel, but with a significant gameplay shift. This is a 2.5D side-scrolling shooter. While the genre change might surprise some, it's a worthwhile experience. My review is on the way.
Nour: Play With Your Food ($9.99)
I'm still figuring out this game's premise. The food imagery is stunning, but the gameplay remains a mystery. Perhaps photography, secret-finding, or a combination thereof? Mikhail might shed some light on this one.
Monster Jam Showdown ($49.99)
If you're a monster truck enthusiast, this might be for you. It features both local and online multiplayer, along with various game modes. Reception on other platforms has been mixed, but it's a viable option for fans of the genre.
WitchSpring R ($39.99)
Likely a remake of the original WitchSpring, this title offers a polished experience. However, the price point approaches that of full-fledged Atelier games, which might give some pause.
Depths of Sanity ($19.99)
An underwater exploration game with a fantastical horror twist. You investigate your missing crew in a vast, dangerous underwater world. Combat is involved. Well-received on other platforms, it should find a home on the Switch.
Voltaire: The Vegan Vampire ($19.99)
A farming-focused action game where a vegan vampire son rebels against his neck-biting father. While I'm currently fatigued by the genre, it might appeal to those with more enthusiasm for virtual horticulture.
Marble Abduction! Patti Hattu ($11.79)
A classic marble roller game with seventy stages and eighty marbles to collect, plus secret collectibles and challenges.
Leo: The Firefighter Cat ($24.99)
A kid-friendly firefighting game with twenty missions. A departure from the 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 decent, 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 experience.
EGGCONSOLE Xanadu Scenario II PC-8801mkIISR ($6.49)
An early expansion pack featuring the debut work of legendary composer Yuzo Koshiro.
The Backrooms: Survival ($10.99)
A blend of horror, survival, and roguelite elements. Best experienced with online multiplayer (up to ten players).
Can of Wormholes ($19.99)
A clever puzzle game where you, a sentient tin can, must deal with worms. One hundred unique puzzles are included.
Ninja I & II ($9.99)
Two NES-style microgames featuring ninja-themed challenges. Local multiplayer or CPU competition.
Dice Make 10! ($3.99)
A surprisingly engaging puzzle game with two modes: falling blocks and tile placement. The goal is to create rows or columns where the dice faces add up to ten or multiples of ten.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
The 30th anniversary of The King of Fighters is celebrated with a sale on the entire Arcade Archives series. Many Pixel Game Maker Series titles are also at their lowest prices yet. Several other noteworthy indie titles are also on sale.
Select New Sales (Images below show a selection of sales, but the full list is too extensive to include here.)
That's all for today! Join us tomorrow for more new releases, sales, and news. We might even have some reviews. However, due to a significant typhoon, there's a chance tomorrow's article might be delayed. Have a great Thursday!
