Reviews Featuring ‘Castlevania Dominus Collection’, Plus Today’s Releases and Sales – TouchArcade

Howdy light readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Spherical-Up for September third, 2024. In in the present day’s article, I’ve a number of extra opinions for you. Some prolonged ideas on Castlevania Dominus Assortment, a take a look at Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn, and a few fast critiques of a pair of Pinball FX tables that just lately arrived as DLC. After that, we take a look at the brand new releases of the day together with the quirky and funky Bakeru, then roll into the most recent gross sales and expiring reductions for the day. Let’s get into it!

Opinions & Mini-Views

Castlevania Dominus Assortment ($24.99)

Say what you’ll about Konami within the trendy period, nevertheless it has been completely killing it with most of its basic collections. Castlevania specifically has been having fun with a substantial amount of love on this regard, with Castlevania Dominus Assortment being its third on trendy platforms. This time round, the main target is on the Nintendo DS trilogy of video games within the franchise. The event chores have once more been dealt with by M2, with the standard wonderful outcomes. However there’s extra right here than meets the attention, and with the whole lot taken into consideration this might be probably the most important Castlevania assortment but.

I’m getting forward of myself, although. Let’s speak about the principle course first. The Nintendo DS period of Castlevania was a historic one in some methods for the franchise, and never all of them good. On the constructive aspect, all three of the video games had a novel identification and make for a surprisingly diverse trio. Daybreak of Sorrow is a direct sequel to Aria of Sorrow. It hit very early within the Nintendo DS’s life, and is thus cursed to some silly touchscreen gimmicks which have fortunately been mitigated on this launch. Portrait of Break shoves the touchscreen nonsense right into a bonus mode, counting on an attention-grabbing dual-character gimmick to differentiate itself. Order of Ecclesia actually mixes issues up, with significantly greater issue than its predecessor and a design that calls again to Simon’s Quest of all video games. All good video games. Nice even? Would suggest.

On the damaging aspect, this was the final gasp of the run of exploratory Castlevania video games created by Koji Igarashi, who gave the sequence a kick within the pants with Symphony of the Evening when it wanted it most. Returns had been diminishing, and Konami thought it had a greater play in MercurySteam’s Lords of Shadow. Properly, hindsight is 20/20 I suppose. Had been these video games so distinct from one another as a result of IGA needed to stretch his inventive legs, or was it a determined try to search out one thing that will persist with an more and more disinterested viewers? We’ll by no means know. I do keep in mind on the time many individuals had been feeling exhausted with one of these Castlevania, and I’ll shamefully admit that regardless of shopping for them on day one each time and taking part in the heck out of them, I used to be additionally feeling just like the sequence was falling right into a rut. Don’t it at all times appear to go that you simply don’t know what you’ve received ’til it’s gone?

So, bizarre factor right here is that these video games don’t seem like emulated, however are as an alternative native ports. That allowed M2 to do neat issues like substitute the annoying touchscreen seals in Daybreak with much more manageable button presses, and present you not solely the principle display and the standing display always, but additionally the map as a 3rd display. What is that this, a Nintendo TS? There are nonetheless some very DS-like facets to those video games, however all of them needed to work with a controller for docked mode, and they also all do. This truly makes Daybreak of Sorrow rather a lot higher, and I might now put it inside my prime 5 Castlevania video games of all-time.

When it comes to choices and extras, there may be loads right here. For basic choices, you get a alternative of which area of every recreation you’d prefer to play, the flexibility to swap verify/cancel button mapping, and the selection of whether or not you need the left persist with be mapped to character motion or the contact cursor. The latter is vital for one of many bonus modes in Portrait of Break. There’s additionally an extremely lovable credit sequence the place one of many unsung heroes of the sequence achieves his desires. Ensure you watch them. There’s a pleasant gallery the place you may view some artwork, guide scans, and field artwork for every of the three DS video games. It’s also possible to hearken to the music from the entire included video games, and when the music is that this good you recognize that’s a deal with. You’ll be able to even make your individual customized playlist of tunes.

As soon as in-game, you may make use of save states and a rewind function, remap the controls as you want, modify how the three screens are laid out, select from a handful of background colours, and modify the degrees on the completely different audio components. There’s additionally an exhaustive compendium for every recreation, with data on gear, enemies, gadgets, and different factors of curiosity. Just about something you would want to get pleasure from these video games to the utmost. About all I may ask for is maybe a number of different display association choices that enable me to make the play space larger, however that’s a really minor nitpick. This can be a nice option to get pleasure from three very cool video games, and for the value it’s an absurd worth.

However wait! There’s extra! The completely dreadful arcade Castlevania recreation, Haunted Citadel, has been included right here. I’m undecided why it was left off the primary assortment and shunted to the in any other case shooter-heavy Konami arcade assortment, however right here it’s. Right here too you get quite a lot of choices, together with the just about vital choice for limitless continues. Severely, this recreation is brutally unfair. Good music, a terrific opening that sees Simon in a snazzy tux, however the recreation itself is horrible and fully irredeemable. Or… is it?

The final further, and it feels ridiculous to name one thing so substantial an additional nevertheless it’s M2’s wording not mine, is a whole remake of Haunted Citadel. Very similar to when it took on the duty of remaking Castlevania: The Journey with Castlevania: The Journey Rebirth on the Nintendo Wii (please reissue the entire Rebirth video games), M2 mainly took a take a look at the unique recreation and determined to make an excellent one as an alternative. Haunted Citadel Revisited takes a variety of cues from the arcade unique, nevertheless it actually does its personal factor just about from prime to backside. Sure, we now have a brand new Castlevania recreation! An excellent one! It’s tucked away within the Extras tab of a Nintendo DS assortment, nevertheless it’s right here!

If you happen to like Castlevania, you actually can buy Castlevania Dominus Assortment. There’s a whole new Castlevania recreation right here and it sort of guidelines. You additionally get what you’re ostensibly shopping for the gathering for with the three Nintendo DS IGAvanias, introduced in as positive a type as you could possibly hope for. The unique Haunted Citadel can be right here. If, alternatively, you don’t like Castlevania, we’re not mates. And eventually, for those who don’t know Castlevania, you must decide up all three of the collections and get to the nice instances. One other completely stellar displaying from Konami and M2.

SwitchArcade Rating: 5/5

Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn ($19.99)

I’ve been by means of a little bit of a curler coaster with Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn. I’ve loved all of Tengo Mission’s releases to date, and I imagine its variations of Wild Weapons and The Ninja Warriors are definitive in each means. I had a number of points with Pocky & Rocky, however total that was additionally a really fulfilling romp. Shadow of the Ninja appeared like a distinct kettle of fish in a variety of methods, nevertheless. The Tengo Mission crew members didn’t have a lot to do with the unique recreation, and this was an 8-bit recreation being up to date somewhat than a 16-bit one. I additionally personally don’t assume the unique recreation is nearly as good as Wild Weapons, The Ninja Warriors, and Pocky & Rocky had been. Consequently, when this remake was introduced I used to be a bit of hesitant.

Then I had an opportunity to play the primary little a part of the sport on the Tokyo Sport Present final 12 months, and I loved that nicely sufficient to get excited once more. Now that I’ve performed by means of the sport a number of instances, I’ve settled someplace within the center. I feel relative to the opposite video games from this developer, Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn is a bit much less well-rounded. The enhancements from the unique recreation are many, from the superb presentation to a extra refined weapon and merchandise system. You don’t get any enjoyable new characters on this one, however the two present playable characters have been differentiated. It’s, as one would count on, higher than the unique recreation whereas sustaining the vital facets of its spirit. If you happen to liked Shadow of the Ninja, you’ll actually love this.

If alternatively you’re like me and solely discovered the unique to be an honest action-platformer, you in all probability gained’t land a lot farther from that mark with Reborn. Getting access to each the chain and the sword always is a superb enchancment, and the sword on the entire is extra helpful than it was within the unique recreation. The brand new stock system is cool, including a bit of spice to a recreation that wanted one thing like that. The presentation is great, and you’ll by no means realize it was primarily based on an 8-bit recreation. There are a few impolite issue spikes, and I feel that is truly a more difficult recreation on the entire than the unique. Maybe that’s vital, because it’s not a really prolonged affair total. It’s the most effective Shadow of the Ninja you could possibly play, however it’s nonetheless Shadow of the Ninja.

Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn is one other stable effort from Tengo Mission, and in some methods is probably the most substantial enchancment over its predecessor of any of their releases but. Whether or not or not you must decide it up is basically going to rely upon how you’re feeling about that unique recreation, as a result of the core continues to be very a lot consistent with that NES title. These with none prior expertise will discover an fulfilling however not important motion recreation right here, one which very a lot subscribes to an 8-bit design sensibility.

SwitchArcade Rating: 3.5/5

Pinball FX – The Princess Bride Pinball ($5.49)

Simply a few fast Pinball FX DLC opinions, partly to have fun the huge replace Pinball FX has acquired that lastly makes it correctly playable on Swap. To go together with that, two new tables had been launched as DLC: The Princess Bride Pinball, and Goat Simulator Pinball. The previous relies on the cult basic film, and it contains not solely actual voice clips but additionally video clips from the movie. Now that’s the sort of factor I wish to see in these licensed tables, Zen. Mechanically talking, this desk appears like one thing you could possibly truly see an actual bodily model of. Comparatively easy to be taught, comparatively genuine to the license, and satisfying to attain assault on.

Zen Studios doesn’t at all times hit with its licensed tables, usually lacking issues like music, actual voices, and likenesses. The Princess Bride Pinball is among the higher ones in that regard, and I feel any fan of the film who isn’t allergic to pinball would do nicely to test it out. It’s not probably the most progressive of tables, counting on a variety of well-worn design selections, however I feel that too suits. A great time for newcomers or veterans alike.

SwitchArcade Rating: 4.5/5

Pinball FX – Goat Simulator Pinball ($5.49)

Then we now have Goat Simulator Pinball, and this one understands its license equally nicely. Which means this can be a very odd desk in a variety of methods, and it actually may solely exist in online game type. You’ll become involved in a variety of foolish goat-related incidents, including results to your ball to set off varied components of the desk. It’s a bit of bewildering at first, however keep it up and also you’ll be rewarded. Extra of a desk for the veteran gamers, I feel. Goat Simulator followers with no pinball expertise will in all probability have some issue getting a deal with on it sufficient to see among the funnier antics.

Goat Simulator Pinball is one other stable piece of DLC from the parents at Zen Studios, who’ve made so many tables by now that they probably relish an opportunity to do one thing off-the-wall like this. It’s a difficult desk to be taught, however when you do you’ll get to see some actually wacky stuff. Followers of the Goat Simulator video games who can persist with the sport lengthy sufficient to be taught the ropes shall be rewarded, nevertheless it’s going to take a bit extra work to get there than with another tables.

SwitchArcade Rating: 4/5

Choose New Releases

Bakeru ($39.99)

If you happen to learn my evaluation yesterday, you’ll know I actually loved this breezy, charming 3D platformer from the positive people at Good-Really feel. Play as a tanuki named Bakeru who’s on a mission to avoid wasting Japan from an evil overlord who has trapped individuals in an everlasting competition. Battle enemies, get attention-grabbing Japan trivia from hidden poo, acquire souvenirs, and perhaps even snigger right here and there. The framerate on this Swap model is inconsistent, so tech heads could wish to play it elsewhere. If you happen to don’t thoughts that side, this can be a good recreation to play in your Swap.

Holyhunt ($4.99)

This can be a top-down arena-based twin-stick shooter. It describes itself as a love letter to 8-bit video games, however I don’t actually keep in mind seeing many video games like this again then. At any charge, it seems to be amusing sufficient for what it’s. Shoot, shoot, sprint, sprint, get new gun, repeat. Be careful for bosses. That sort of factor.

Shashingo: Study Japanese with Images ($20.00)

I don’t usually embody these language-learning issues since we’re extra game-focused right here, however this one no less than appears to have some further effort put into it. You go round, take photos of issues, and be taught the Japanese names for them. Would I spend twenty on it? Most likely not. However everybody learns in several methods, and this is likely to be the way you be taught.

Gross sales

(North American eShop, US Costs)

Some respectable video games within the inbox in the present day, together with OrangePixel’s choice of nice pick-up-and-play titles. Alien Hominid is having fun with a particularly uncommon low cost, and you may as well scoop up Ufouria 2 at a pleasant value. Over within the outbox, titles from THQ and Staff 17 are ending up their newest reductions. Take a look at their writer pages as I’ve solely included a handful for every. Have a gander by means of each lists, as ever.

Choose New Gross sales

Area Grunts ($8.39 from $13.99 till 9/7)
Meganoid ($5.39 from $8.99 till 9/7)
Stardash ($5.99 from $9.99 till 9/7)
Gunslugs ($4.79 from $7.99 till 9/7)
Gunslugs 2 ($4.79 from $7.99 till 9/7)
Heroes of Loot ($4.79 from $7.99 till 9/7)
Heroes of Loot 2 ($5.99 from $9.99 till 9/7)
Warhammer 40k Dakka Squadron ($1.99 from $19.99 till 9/9)
Citadel Crashers Remastered ($7.49 from $14.99 till 9/10)
Alien Hominid HD ($9.59 from $11.99 till 9/10)
Alien Hominid Invasion ($15.99 from $19.99 till 9/10)
Conscript ($17.59 from $21.99 till 9/15)
Overdelivery ($1.99 from $7.99 till 9/15)
Hero-U: Rogue to Redemption ($2.99 from $19.99 till 9/16)
Agent Intercept ($7.99 type $19.99 till 9/16)

Secret Recordsdata Tunguska ($2.09 from $14.99 till 9/16)
Secret Recordsdata Puritas Cordis ($2.09 from $14.99 till 9/16)
Secret Recordsdata Sam Peters ($2.02 from $6.99 till 9/16)
Misplaced Horizon ($2.09 from $14.99 till 9/16)
Misplaced Horizon 2 ($2.09 from $14.99 till 9/16)
Zombo Buster Advance ($1.99 from $3.99 till 9/16)
Skautfold Usurper ($7.49 from $14.99 till 9/17)
Nuclear Blaze ($4.99 from $9.99 till 9/17)
Helvetii ($5.09 from $16.99 till 9/17)
Heidelberg 1693 ($4.49 from $14.99 till 9/17)
Sophstar ($6.49 from $12.99 till 9/17)
Concord’s Odyssey ($2.99 from $14.99 till 9/17)
Ufouria 2: The Saga ($17.49 from $24.99 till 9/17)
Promenade ($12.49 from $24.99 till 9/17)
Shinorubi ($9.99 from $19.99 till 9/17)
Final Evening of Winter ($6.99 from $9.99 till 9/17)
Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge ($15.99 from $19.99 till 9/18)
No person Saves The World ($9.99 from $24.99 till 9/23)
Summer season in Mara ($7.99 from $19.99 till 9/23)
Guacamelee 2 ($4.99 from $19.99 till 9/23)
Railbound ($2.59 from $12.99 till 9/23)

Gross sales Ending Tomorrow, September 4th

Capes ($29.99 from $39.99 till 9/4)
Fates of Ort ($4.49 from $14.99 till 9/4)
Floogen ($1.99 from $3.99 till 9/4)
Fluffy Horde ($1.99 from $9.99 till 9/4)
Gum+ ($1.99 from $7.99 till 9/4)
Hopping Lady Kohane EX ($16.74 from $24.99 till 9/4)
Kingdom Come Deliverance ($29.99 from $49.99 till 9/4)
Kona II: Brume ($11.99 from $29.99 till 9/4)
Metro 2033 Redux ($3.99 from $19.99 till 9/4)
Metro Final Gentle Redux ($3.99 from $19.99 till 9/4)
Outward Definitive ($23.99 from $39.99 till 9/4)
Overcooked Particular Version ($3.99 from $19.99 till 9/4)
Rolling Car ($1.99 from $7.99 till 9/4)
Stunt Paradise ($5.19 from $7.99 till 9/4)
Tiny Pixels Vol 1 Ninpo Blast ($3.99 from $4.99 till 9/4)
Worms WMD ($5.99 from $29.99 till 9/4)
Yoku’s Island Categorical ($3.99 from $19.99 till 9/4)

That’s all for in the present day, mates. We’ll be again tomorrow with extra new releases, extra gross sales, and maybe some information. Possibly a evaluation? No guarantees. I feel we’re formally within the season of TOO MANY GOOD GAMES, so maintain on to your wallets and benefit from the enjoyable. It’s in all probability the Swap’s final vacation trip, so let’s make it definitely worth the whereas. I hope you all have a terrific Tuesday, and as at all times, thanks for studying!