Hello, gaming enthusiasts, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for August 29th, 2024! Today's update features a robust selection of new releases, forming the core of this Thursday's column. We'll also explore a substantial list of new sales. While we can't expect daily Nintendo Directs, let's dive into the games!
Spotlight on New Releases
Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club ($49.99)
The Famicom Detective Club returns after a long hiatus. This latest installment stays true to its predecessors, 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 coming soon!
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 version naturally lags behind others in performance, it's still a satisfying experience. Check out Mikhail's insightful review for a complete picture.
Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn ($19.99)
Tengo Project continues its impressive streak of remakes. Following successful revivals of 16-bit classics, they now tackle an 8-bit title. Expect a departure from the original, but a solid action-platformer nonetheless. My review will be available early next week.
Valfaris: Mecha Therion ($19.99)
A sequel to Valfaris, but with a twist. This is a 2.5D side-scrolling shooter, a genre shift that might surprise some. However, embracing the change reveals a fun and engaging experience. My review is on the way!
Nour: Play With Your Food ($9.99)
While the gameplay remains a mystery to me, the visuals are undeniably appealing. Is it about food photography? Hidden secrets? Perhaps Mikhail will investigate further – it seems right up his alley.
Monster Jam Showdown ($49.99)
For monster truck enthusiasts, this game offers local and online multiplayer, multiple modes, and plenty of action. Reception on other platforms has been mixed, but it might satisfy the niche craving for monster truck games.
WitchSpring R ($39.99)
A potential remake of the original WitchSpring. Previously a budget-friendly mobile title, its price point now approaches that of a full-fledged Atelier game. While the price might be a deterrent, it’s visually the most polished WitchSpring yet.
Depths of Sanity ($19.99)
An underwater exploration game with a fantastical horror theme. Investigate your missing crew's fate in a vast, interconnected underwater world. Combat is involved. Well-received on other platforms, it's likely to resonate with Switch players.
Voltaire: The Vegan Vampire ($19.99)
Voltaire, a vegan vampire, rebels against his bloodthirsty father. Gameplay involves farming and combat. While I'm currently fatigued by this genre, those with more enthusiasm for farming sims might find it appealing.
Marble Abduction! Patti Hattu ($11.79)
A marble roller game with 70 stages and 80 marbles to collect. Secret collectibles and challenges add to the replayability. The core appeal of speed and precision remains intact.
Leo: The Firefighter Cat ($24.99)
A kid-friendly firefighting game with a focus on simpler gameplay and 20 missions. While not overly realistic, it might be a good fit for younger gamers.
Gori: Cuddly Carnage ($21.99)
A grotesque action game featuring 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 featuring a transforming robot protagonist. A charming, classic shooter experience.
EGGCONSOLE Xanadu Scenario II PC-8801mkIISR ($6.49)
An early expansion pack featuring the debut work of legendary composer Yuzo Koshiro. Gameplay is similar to the original Xanadu, but with increased difficulty.
The Backrooms: Survival ($10.99)
A blend of horror, survival, and roguelite elements. Ideal for online multiplayer (up to 10 players). The solo experience might be more niche due to its repetitive nature.
Can of Wormholes ($19.99)
A clever puzzle game where you, a sentient tin can, must deal with worms. 100 unique puzzles keep the gameplay fresh.
Ninja I & II ($9.99)
Two NES-style microgames with a ninja theme. Competitive gameplay is focused on local multiplayer or CPU opponents.
Dice Make 10! ($3.99)
A surprisingly fun puzzle game with two modes: falling blocks and traditional block placement. The goal is to create rows or columns where dice faces add up to multiples of ten.
Sales Bonanza
(North American eShop, US Prices)
The King of Fighters 30th anniversary is celebrated with a sale on the entire Arcade Archives series. Also, numerous Pixel Game Maker Series titles are at their lowest prices yet. Many other notable indie titles are also on sale.
Select New Sales (Partial List - See images for full list)
That’s all for today! We’ll return tomorrow with more new releases, sales, and news. Reviews are also a possibility, depending on the weather. Have a fantastic Thursday!
