Hello gaming enthusiasts, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for August 29th, 2024. Today's update brings 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!
Featured New 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 the gameplay and Switch performance. In short, you build and battle Gunpla. While the Switch port naturally lags behind other versions in performance, it's perfectly playable. Check out Mikhail's insightful review for a complete analysis.
Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn ($19.99)
Tengo Project continues its impressive streak of remakes/reimaginings. Following successful revivals of Wild Guns Reloaded, The Ninja Saviors, and Pocky & Rocky, they now tackle an 8-bit classic. This iteration offers a more significant departure from the source material than their previous projects. However, fans of classic-style action-platformers will find much to enjoy. My review will be published 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 departure from its predecessor's gameplay. While the genre change might surprise some, it offers a rewarding experience for those willing to embrace the shift. A review is on its way.
Nour: Play With Your Food ($9.99)
I'll admit, I'm a bit puzzled by this one. The visuals are stunning, showcasing delectable food. The gameplay involves interacting with the food – photography, perhaps? Secret-finding? Mikhail might be the best person to investigate this further.
Monster Jam Showdown ($49.99)
For monster truck enthusiasts, this game delivers. Featuring local and online multiplayer, numerous modes, and a decent reception on other platforms, it offers a solid option for fans of the genre.
WitchSpring R ($39.99)
This appears to be a remake of the original WitchSpring, a mobile title often compared to the Atelier series. While previously budget-friendly, its current price point is closer to a full-fledged Atelier game, making the value proposition less clear. However, it boasts the best visuals in the WitchSpring series to date.
Depths of Sanity ($19.99)
An underwater exploration game with a fantastical horror twist. Investigate the disappearance of your crew by exploring a vast, perilous underwater world, engaging in combat along the way. Well-received on other platforms, it's likely to appeal to fans of exploratory action games.
Voltaire: The Vegan Vampire ($19.99)
A rebellious vegan vampire, Voltaire, clashes with his neck-biting father. This farming-sim-meets-action game might appeal to those seeking a unique take on the genre.
Marble Abduction! Patti Hattu ($11.79)
A classic marble roller game with 70 stages and 80 marbles to collect, plus secret collectibles and challenges. Fans of fast-paced, track-based gameplay will find this title appealing.
Leo: The Firefighter Cat ($24.99)
A firefighting game geared towards younger players, offering 20 missions and a kid-friendly aesthetic.
Gori: Cuddly Carnage ($21.99)
A hoverboarding cat slices and dices enemies in this grotesque action game. While the core gameplay is enjoyable, the Switch version suffers from technical issues, impacting the overall experience.
Arcade Archives Finalizer Super Transformation ($7.99)
A lesser-known 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 example of a video game expansion pack, featuring new areas to explore and the debut of legendary composer Yuzo Koshiro.
The Backrooms: Survival ($10.99)
A blend of horror, survival, and roguelite elements, best enjoyed with up to ten online players.
Can of Wormholes ($19.99)
A clever puzzle game where you, a sentient tin can, must deal with worms. Featuring 100 handcrafted puzzles.
Ninja I & II ($9.99)
Two NES-style microgames featuring ninja-themed challenges, ideal for local multiplayer.
Dice Make 10! ($3.99)
A surprisingly fun puzzle game with two modes: falling blocks and tile placement, both aiming to create dice combinations totaling 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. Many Pixel Game Maker Series titles are also at their lowest prices yet. Several other noteworthy indie titles are also on sale.
Select New Sales
(Images of sale banners follow, mirroring the original input)
Sales Ending Tomorrow, August 30th
(Images of sale banners follow, mirroring the original input)
That concludes today's update. Join us tomorrow for more new releases, sales, and news. Reviews may also be included, depending on circumstances. A major typhoon is affecting the area, so there's a possibility tomorrow's article might be delayed. Have a great Thursday!
