Hello gentle readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for September 3rd, 2024! Today, we've got several reviews lined up for you: in-depth thoughts on Castlevania Dominus Collection, a look at Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn, and quick takes on a pair of new Pinball FX DLC tables. After that, we'll explore today's new releases, including the quirky and charming Bakeru, and wrap things up with the latest sales and expiring discounts. Let's dive in!
Reviews & Mini-Views
Castlevania Dominus Collection ($24.99)
Konami's been on a roll lately with its classic collections, and Castlevania has been a particular beneficiary. Castlevania Dominus Collection, the third such collection on modern platforms, focuses on the Nintendo DS trilogy. Developed by M2, it delivers the usual high quality, but this collection offers even more, potentially making it the most essential Castlevania compilation yet.
Let's start with the games themselves. The Nintendo DS era of Castlevania was a pivotal, if somewhat uneven, period for the franchise. Positively, the trilogy boasts unique identities, resulting in a surprisingly diverse set of experiences. Dawn of Sorrow, a direct sequel to Aria of Sorrow, launched early in the DS's lifespan, incorporating some clunky touchscreen elements that have thankfully been addressed in this release. Portrait of Ruin relegates touchscreen controls to a bonus mode, instead focusing on an engaging dual-character mechanic. Order of Ecclesia shakes things up further, presenting a significantly higher difficulty and design reminiscent of Simon's Quest. All three are solid games—even great, in my opinion—and highly recommended.
However, this trilogy also marked the end of the exploratory Castlevania games helmed by Koji Igarashi, whose Symphony of the Night revitalized the franchise. Returns were diminishing, and Konami opted for MercurySteam's Lords of Shadow. Looking back, perhaps these distinct games were IGA stretching his creative wings, or maybe a desperate attempt to recapture audience interest. Regardless, many felt fatigued by this style of Castlevania at the time. Even I, despite playing them all on release, sensed a creative rut. It's often said you don't know what you've got until it's gone, and that certainly rings true here.
Surprisingly, these aren't emulated but native ports, allowing M2 to implement clever enhancements. Annoying touchscreen controls in Dawn of Sorrow are replaced with far more manageable button presses. The presentation is also improved, showing the main screen, status screen, and map simultaneously. While some DS-like elements remain, the games are fully playable with a controller in docked mode. This significantly improves Dawn of Sorrow, elevating it to my top five Castlevania games.
The options and extras are plentiful. You can select game regions, remap buttons, choose stick controls, and even customize screen layouts. A charming credits sequence highlights unsung heroes, and a generous gallery showcases art, manuals, and box art. A music player allows for custom playlists, a true treat given the quality of the soundtracks. Each game also includes a comprehensive compendium detailing equipment, enemies, and items. My only minor complaint is the lack of screen arrangement options to enlarge the play area. Overall, this is a fantastic way to experience these three excellent games, offering incredible value for the price.
But wait, there's more! The notoriously difficult arcade game, Haunted Castle, is included (curiously absent from the first collection). Options here include the essential unlimited continues—this game is brutally unfair! While the music and opening sequence are great, the game itself is undeniably terrible. Or is it?
The final extra—and it feels odd calling something so significant an "extra"—is a complete remake of Haunted Castle. Similar to M2's Castlevania: The Adventure Rebirth, they've essentially created a good game from a bad one. Haunted Castle Revisited retains elements of the original but is largely its own creation. We have a new, and very good, Castlevania game! Hidden within a Nintendo DS collection, it's a welcome surprise.
If you enjoy Castlevania, Castlevania Dominus Collection is a must-buy. A fantastic new Castlevania game alongside the three excellent DS titles, presented flawlessly. The original Haunted Castle is also included. If you don't like Castlevania, well, we can't be friends! And if you're unfamiliar with the series, grab all three collections and prepare for a good time. Another stellar achievement from Konami and M2.
SwitchArcade Score: 5/5
Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn ($19.99)
My experience with Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn has been a rollercoaster. I've generally enjoyed Tengo Project's releases, considering their versions of Wild Guns and The Ninja Warriors definitive. While I had some minor issues with Pocky & Rocky, it was still enjoyable. Shadow of the Ninja, however, felt different. The team's involvement was limited, and it's an 8-bit game update rather than a 16-bit one. I also personally found the original less compelling than their other titles. Thus, I was initially hesitant about this remake.
My Tokyo Game Show demo last year rekindled my enthusiasm. Having now played the full game, I'm somewhere in the middle. Compared to their other work, Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn feels less polished. Improvements are evident—the presentation is excellent, and the weapon and item system is refined. While no new characters are added, existing ones are better differentiated. It's undeniably better than the original, while retaining its core spirit. Fans of the original will adore this.
However, if you only found the original decent, this remake won't significantly change your opinion. The constant access to both chain and sword is a great improvement, with the sword more useful than before. The new inventory system adds welcome depth. The presentation is superb, masking its 8-bit origins. However, some difficulty spikes are jarring, and it's arguably more challenging than the original. Perhaps this is necessary, given its shorter length. It's the best Shadow of the Ninja experience, but it's still Shadow of the Ninja.
Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn is another solid Tengo Project effort, arguably their most substantial remake yet. Whether it's worth purchasing depends entirely on your feelings towards the original, as the core remains largely unchanged. Newcomers will find an enjoyable but not essential action game, adhering to classic 8-bit design sensibilities.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Pinball FX – The Princess Bride Pinball ($5.49)
A couple of quick Pinball FX DLC reviews, celebrating the recent update that greatly improves Switch playability. Two new tables were released: The Princess Bride Pinball and Goat Simulator Pinball. The Princess Bride features voice clips and video clips from the film—exactly the kind of inclusion I want to see in licensed tables, Zen! Mechanically, it feels like a real-world table. Easy to learn, authentic to the license, and satisfying to play.
Zen Studios doesn't always nail licensed tables, often missing music, voices, and likenesses. The Princess Bride Pinball excels in this regard. Fans of the movie who enjoy pinball should definitely check it out. It's not the most innovative table, but its familiar design choices work well. A fun time for both newcomers and veterans.
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Pinball FX – Goat Simulator Pinball ($5.49)
Goat Simulator Pinball perfectly embodies its license, resulting in a truly bizarre table. Only possible in a video game, it features silly goat-related events, adding effects to your ball to trigger various table elements. Initially bewildering, it rewards persistence. More suited for veteran players, Goat Simulator fans without pinball experience might struggle initially.
Another solid DLC offering from Zen Studios, this table embraces the absurd. Tricky to master, but the wacky antics are worth the effort. Goat Simulator fans willing to learn the ropes will be rewarded, but it requires more effort than other tables.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Select New Releases
Bakeru ($39.99)
As mentioned in yesterday's review, I thoroughly enjoyed this charming 3D platformer from Good-Feel. Play as Bakeru, a tanuki on a mission to save Japan from an evil overlord. Battle enemies, discover hidden trivia, collect souvenirs, and enjoy some laughs. The Switch version suffers from inconsistent framerate, so those sensitive to technical issues might prefer other platforms. Otherwise, it's a delightful Switch game.
Holyhunt ($4.99)
A top-down arena-based twin-stick shooter, described as a love letter to 8-bit games. It looks fun—shoot, dash, get new guns, repeat. Boss battles included.
Shashingo: Learn Japanese with Photography ($20.00)
While not typically covered, this language-learning game seems well-made. Take pictures, learn Japanese names. A bit pricey for me, but learning styles vary.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
A good selection of games on sale today, including OrangePixel's titles. Alien Hominid is rarely discounted, and Ufouria 2 is also attractively priced. THQ and Team 17 sales are ending soon, so check their publisher pages for more deals. Browse both lists carefully!
Select New Sales
Space Grunts ($8.39 from $13.99 until 9/7) Meganoid ($5.39 from $8.99 until 9/7) Stardash ($5.99 from $9.99 until 9/7) Gunslugs ($4.79 from $7.99 until 9/7) Gunslugs 2 ($4.79 from $7.99 until 9/7) Heroes of Loot ($4.79 from $7.99 until 9/7) Heroes of Loot 2 ($5.99 from $9.99 until 9/7) Warhammer 40k Dakka Squadron ($1.99 from $19.99 until 9/9) Castle Crashers Remastered ($7.49 from $14.99 until 9/10) Alien Hominid HD ($9.59 from $11.99 until 9/10) Alien Hominid Invasion ($15.99 from $19.99 until 9/10) Conscript ($17.59 from $21.99 until 9/15) Overdelivery ($1.99 from $7.99 until 9/15) Hero-U: Rogue to Redemption ($2.99 from $19.99 until 9/16) Agent Intercept ($7.99 from $19.99 until 9/16)
Secret Files Tunguska ($2.09 from $14.99 until 9/16)
Secret Files Puritas Cordis ($2.09 from $14.99 until 9/16)
Secret Files Sam Peters ($2.02 from $6.99 until 9/16)
Lost Horizon ($2.09 from $14.99 until 9/16)
Lost Horizon 2 ($2.09 from $14.99 until 9/16)
Zombo Buster Advance ($1.99 from $3.99 until 9/16)
Skautfold Usurper ($7.49 from $14.99 until 9/17)
Nuclear Blaze ($4.99 from $9.99 until 9/17)
Helvetii ($5.09 from $16.99 until 9/17)
Heidelberg 1693 ($4.49 from $14.99 until 9/17)
Sophstar ($6.49 from $12.99 until 9/17)
Harmony’s Odyssey ($2.99 from $14.99 until 9/17)
Ufouria 2: The Saga ($17.49 from $24.99 until 9/17)
Promenade ($12.49 from $24.99 until 9/17)
Shinorubi ($9.99 from $19.99 until 9/17)
Last Night of Winter ($6.99 from $9.99 until 9/17)
Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge ($15.99 from $19.99 until 9/18)
Nobody Saves The World ($9.99 from $24.99 until 9/23)
Summer in Mara ($7.99 from $19.99 until 9/23)
Guacamelee 2 ($4.99 from $19.99 until 9/23)
Railbound ($2.59 from $12.99 until 9/23)
Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 4th
Capes ($29.99 from $39.99 until 9/4) Fates of Ort ($4.49 from $14.99 until 9/4) Floogen ($1.99 from $3.99 until 9/4) Fluffy Horde ($1.99 from $9.99 until 9/4) Gum+ ($1.99 from $7.99 until 9/4) Hopping Girl Kohane EX ($16.74 from $24.99 until 9/4) Kingdom Come Deliverance ($29.99 from $49.99 until 9/4) Kona II: Brume ($11.99 from $29.99 until 9/4) Metro 2033 Redux ($3.99 from $19.99 until 9/4) Metro Last Light Redux ($3.99 from $19.99 until 9/4) Outward Definitive ($23.99 from $39.99 until 9/4) Overcooked Special Edition ($3.99 from $19.99 until 9/4) Rolling Car ($1.99 from $7.99 until 9/4) Stunt Paradise ($5.19 from $7.99 until 9/4) Tiny Pixels Vol 1 Ninpo Blast ($3.99 from $4.99 until 9/4) Worms WMD ($5.99 from $29.99 until 9/4) Yoku’s Island Express ($3.99 from $19.99 until 9/4)
That's all for today, folks! Join us tomorrow for more new releases, sales, and maybe even some news—perhaps another review? No promises! We're in the midst of a fantastic game release season, so hold onto your wallets and enjoy the fun. It's likely the Switch's last big holiday push, so let's make it count. Have a great Tuesday, and thanks for reading!
