Farewell, dear readers, and welcome to the final regular SwitchArcade Round-Up for TouchArcade. This marks the end of a multi-year journey, and while I'd hoped to continue covering the Switch's lifespan, circumstances have led me elsewhere. Next week, I'll share a special edition with a few embargoed reviews, but this is my last regular column.
Reviews & Mini-Views
Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU ($49.99)
Following the success of Fitness Boxing Fist of the North Star, Imagineer's latest collaboration features the beloved vocaloid, Hatsune Miku. This rhythm-boxing fitness game offers daily workouts, mini-games, and Miku-themed song modes. Note: Joy-Con controllers are required; Pro Controllers and third-party accessories aren't compatible.
The game includes difficulty settings, free training, warm-ups, progress tracking, and unlockable cosmetics. While the music is excellent, the main instructor's voice felt jarring and I lowered the volume accordingly.
Overall, Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU is a solid fitness title, though best used to supplement, rather than replace, a complete workout routine. It's a worthy addition to the series, particularly for Miku fans. - Mikhail Madnani
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Magical Delicacy ($24.99)
Magical Delicacy blends Metroidvania exploration with cooking and crafting. As witch Flora, you cook and craft for various characters. The exploration is well-implemented, though some backtracking can be frustrating. Inventory management and UI interaction could use improvement.
The game boasts charming pixel art, lovely music, and customizable UI settings. While the Switch version runs smoothly, minor frame pacing issues were noted. The game's strengths are best experienced in handheld mode.
Despite its appealing premise, Magical Delicacy feels slightly unfinished due to inventory and backtracking issues. A few quality-of-life updates would elevate it to an essential title. - Mikhail Madnani
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Aero The Acro-Bat 2 ($5.99)
This sequel to the 16-bit classic is a polished improvement, though it lacks some of the original's charm. Ratalaika's emulation is surprisingly well-done, offering enhanced presentation, including box and manual scans, achievements, a gallery, and cheats. However, only the Super NES version is included.
Fans of the original will find this a worthy successor, and it's a strong entry for 16-bit platformer enthusiasts. The improved emulation is a welcome surprise. - Shaun
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Metro Quester | Osaka ($19.99)
This prequel to Metro Quester acts as an expansion, introducing a new Osaka setting, dungeon, characters, and challenges. It retains the original's turn-based combat and top-down exploration. The new setting introduces water travel via canoe.
Fans of the original will find plenty to love, and newcomers should jump straight to this entry. It's a patient, rewarding experience for those who appreciate strategic gameplay. - Shaun
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Select New Releases
NBA 2K25 ($59.99)
The latest NBA 2K installment boasts improved gameplay, a new "Neighborhood" feature, and MyTEAM enhancements. Requires 53.3 GB of storage space.
Shogun Showdown ($14.99)
A Darkest Dungeon-style game with a Japanese setting.
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.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
Numerous sales are highlighted, including discounts on Cosmic Fantasy Collection and Tinykin. (See images below for full lists)
This concludes my tenure at TouchArcade. While I'll continue writing elsewhere (Post Game Content blog and Patreon), this marks the end of an era. Thank you for your readership over the past eleven and a half years. I wish you all the best.
