Hello fellow gamers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for August 27th, 2024! Today's update starts with some exciting news, followed by a game review and a look at a new release. We'll wrap things up with our usual sales reports. Let's dive in!
News
Nintendo Direct/Indie World Showcase Recap
As predicted by some industry insiders, Nintendo surprised us with a last-minute Nintendo Direct! The 40-minute presentation featured a Partner Showcase and an Indie World Showcase. While primarily focusing on third-party titles and indie games, it lacked any major first-party announcements or news about the next-generation Switch console. You can watch the full presentation above; a detailed summary of the key announcements will be available tomorrow.
Reviews & Mini-Views
EGGCONSOLE Star Trader PC-8801mkIIsr ($6.49)
This unlocalized EGGCONSOLE release presents a familiar dilemma: is the game enjoyable despite the language barrier? Star Trader blends adventure and side-scrolling shooter elements, but neither aspect truly shines. The adventure sections feature appealing artwork, offering a unique narrative approach for a shoot 'em up. Players interact with characters, undertake quests, and earn money to upgrade their ship, crucial for navigating the challenging action sequences.
The shooting segments, however, suffer from the PC-8801's limitations, resulting in jerky scrolling. The game's structure is unclear, leaving the player wondering which element is meant to support the other. Ultimately, Star Trader is more intriguing than genuinely good. The heavy use of Japanese text in the adventure sections severely limits accessibility for Western players. While some may find enjoyment in experimenting with the game, a strong recommendation is difficult due to the language barrier.
Star Trader offers a glimpse into gaming history, showcasing a developer venturing beyond their usual style. However, the significant amount of Japanese text significantly detracts from the overall experience for non-Japanese speakers.
SwitchArcade Score: 3/5
Select New Releases
Crypt Custodian ($19.99)
This top-down action-adventure game follows Pluto, a recently deceased cat, banished from the afterlife and tasked with eternal cleaning duties. Players explore, battle enemies using a broom, encounter quirky characters, and defeat bosses. The game expands its abilities in a familiar, yet enjoyable, formula. Fans of the genre should definitely consider this title.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
For fans of colorful shoot 'em ups with unique mechanics, check out the Dreamer series and Harpoon Shooter Nozomi. Don't miss out on the sale for 1000xRESIST – it's a must-buy! Other noteworthy sales include Star Wars titles, Citizen Sleeper, Paradise Killer, Haiku, the Robot, and the Tomb Raider remastered collection. See the lists below for details!
Select New Sales
Sales Ending Tomorrow, August 28th
That's all for today! Join us tomorrow for a deeper dive into the Nintendo Direct announcements, along with new game releases, sales, and more reviews. Have a great Tuesday, and thanks for reading!
