Farewell, dear readers, and welcome to the final regular SwitchArcade Round-Up for TouchArcade. This marks the end of a multi-year run, and while I'd hoped to continue, circumstances have led me down a different path. Next week, I'll share one more special edition featuring a few reviews with specific embargo dates.
This week's roundup is packed with content: Mikhail provides two reviews, Shaun contributes another two, we'll summarize several new releases, and, as always, we'll cover new and expiring sales. Let's dive in!
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 felt like a natural progression. I've been testing it alongside Ring Fit Adventure and am impressed.
For newcomers, Fitness Boxing utilizes boxing and rhythm-game mechanics for daily workouts, mini-games, and more. Hatsune Miku's presence is significant, with a dedicated mode featuring her songs alongside the standard tracks. Note: This is a Joy-Con-only game, incompatible with Pro Controllers or third-party accessories (as far as I know).
The game offers adjustable difficulty, a free training mode, warm-ups, workout tracking, reminders, and a system-wide alarm. Unlockable cosmetics add extra incentive. While I can't comment on DLC yet, the base game surpasses Fist of the North Star – except for one minor issue.
The main instructor's voice feels out of sync with the rest of the game, a bit oddly directed. I ended up lowering the volume.
Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU successfully integrates Miku into the Fitness Boxing formula. It's a solid fitness game, but best used as a supplement to Ring Fit Adventure or other exercise routines, rather than as your sole fitness program. -Mikhail Madnani
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Magical Delicacy ($24.99)
Magical Delicacy from sKaule and Whitethorn Games blends Metroidvania exploration with cooking and crafting. While I love both genres, the combination feels slightly underdeveloped. The strengths of each are present, but not fully integrated.
You play as Flora, a young witch on a wholesome, magical adventure. The exploration is surprisingly well-done, despite some frustrating backtracking. The cooking and crafting elements, however, are hampered by inventory management and UI issues.
The game shines visually, with gorgeous pixel art and a charming soundtrack. Extensive settings, including UI scaling and text options, make it very Switch-friendly. Magical Delicacy would benefit from further refinement or post-launch updates.
The Switch version runs smoothly, with minor frame pacing hiccups, and features good rumble. It’s ideally suited for handheld play.
Despite its promising premise, Magical Delicacy feels slightly unfinished due to inventory and backtracking issues. It's still a good game, particularly well-suited to Switch, but improvements 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 surprisingly well-presented sequel. Unlike Ratalaika's typical emulation releases, this one features a customized interface with enhanced features. Box and manual scans, achievements, a sprite sheet gallery, a jukebox, and various cheats are included.
The gameplay is solid, a refined version of the original. While losing some of the original's charm, it’s a fun platformer. The only drawback is the exclusion of the SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive version.
Fans of the original Aero The Acro-Bat will enjoy this sequel, and those who found the first game too quirky might find this a more polished experience. Ratalaika's improved emulation wrapper is commendable, and hopefully, this sets a precedent for future releases.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Metro Quester | Osaka ($19.99)
Metro Quester | Osaka functions more as an expansion pack than a full sequel, but it's a welcome addition for fans of the original. Set in Osaka, it features a new dungeon, character types, weapons, skills, and enemies. The canoe mechanic adds a new layer of traversal.
The core mechanics remain largely unchanged from the original. Turn-based combat, top-down exploration, and careful planning are key.
Fans of the original will find plenty to enjoy, and newcomers can jump straight into this enhanced experience. It cleverly expands on the existing systems. Patience is required, but the rewards are worth it.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Select New Releases
NBA 2K25 ($59.99)
NBA 2K25 is here, with improved gameplay, a new "Neighborhood" feature, and MyTEAM enhancements. It requires 53.3 GB of storage.
Shogun Showdown ($14.99)
A Darkest Dungeon-style game with a Japanese setting. 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, offering a variety of gameplay styles. Ideal for fans of retro gaming.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
This week's sales include noteworthy discounts on Cosmic Fantasy Collection and Tinykin. Check the lists below for details.
Select New Sales
(List of sales)
Sales Ending This Weekend
(List of sales)
This concludes my contributions to SwitchArcade Round-Up and my time at TouchArcade. I'll continue writing on my blog (Post Game Content) and Patreon, but this marks the end of this chapter. Thank you to all the readers for your support over the years. I wish you all the best.
