Hello gaming enthusiasts, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for August 29th, 2024. Today's update features a substantial lineup of new game releases, forming the core of this Thursday's column. We'll also explore a noteworthy selection of new sales. Let's dive into the games!
New Game 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, both in its strengths and weaknesses. A fresh mystery unfolds, presented in a style reminiscent of the recent Switch remakes. Can you crack the case of the latest serial killings? My review is forthcoming.
Gundam Breaker 4 ($59.99)
Mikhail's comprehensive review provides an in-depth look at Gundam Breaker 4's gameplay and Switch performance. In short, you build and battle Gunpla. While the Switch port naturally lags behind other versions graphically, it's still a perfectly playable experience. Read Mikhail's insightful review for a complete picture.
Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn ($19.99)
Tengo Project continues its impressive streak of remakes. Following the success of Wild Guns Reloaded, The Ninja Saviors, and Pocky & Rocky Reshrined, they now tackle an 8-bit classic. This reimagining differs significantly from the original, but action-platformer fans seeking a retro aesthetic will find much to enjoy. My review will be published early next week.
Valfaris: Mecha Therion ($19.99)
A departure from its predecessor, Valfaris: Mecha Therion is a 2.5D side-scrolling shooter. While the genre shift might surprise some, it offers a satisfying experience. My review is on its way.
Nour: Play With Your Food ($9.99)
I'll admit, I'm unsure of this game's mechanics. 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)
For monster truck enthusiasts, Monster Jam Showdown offers local and online multiplayer, multiple game modes, and a generally middling reception on other platforms. If you're a fan, this might be your only option.
WitchSpring R ($39.99)
A possible remake of the original WitchSpring, this installment boasts enhanced visuals. While previously a budget-friendly alternative to Atelier games, its current price point is closer to its more established counterpart.
Depths of Sanity ($19.99)
An underwater exploration game with a fantastical horror twist. Investigate your missing crew's fate within a vast, perilous underwater world. Combat is involved. Well-received on other platforms, it's likely to appeal to fans of exploratory action games.
Voltaire: The Vegan Vampire ($19.99)
Voltaire, a vegan vampire, rebels against his bloodthirsty father. Gameplay involves farming and fending off his father's attacks. While I'm personally somewhat fatigued by this genre, it might appeal to those with more enthusiasm for farming simulators.
Marble Abduction! Patti Hattu ($11.79)
A marble roller game with 70 stages and 80 marbles to collect, including secret items and challenges. The core gameplay loop involves high-speed navigation, appealing to fans of the genre.
Leo: The Firefighter Cat ($24.99)
A kid-friendly firefighting game with 20 missions. A more lighthearted take on the firefighting genre.
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, impacting the overall experience.
Arcade Archives Finalizer Super Transformation ($7.99)
A 1985 Konami vertical shooter where you control a transforming robot. A charming, retro shooter experience.
EGGCONSOLE Xanadu Scenario II PC-8801mkIISR ($6.49)
An early expansion pack introducing a new underworld to explore. Features music by the legendary Yuzo Koshiro.
The Backrooms: Survival ($10.99)
A blend of horror, survival, and roguelite elements. Supports up to ten online players.
Can of Wormholes ($19.99)
A clever puzzle game where you, a sentient tin can, must deal with worms. Features 100 handcrafted puzzles.
Ninja I & II ($9.99)
Two NES-style microgames with a ninja theme. Competitive local multiplayer or CPU battles.
Dice Make 10! ($3.99)
A simple yet engaging dice puzzle game with two modes. The goal is to create rows or columns adding up to 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. Numerous Pixel Game Maker Series titles are also at their lowest prices yet. Check out the full list for other deals.
Select New Sales (Images below list individual games on sale)
That concludes today's round-up. Join us tomorrow for more new releases, sales, and news. Reviews may also be included. Due to a significant typhoon, there's a possibility tomorrow's update might be delayed. Have a great Thursday!