Reviews Featuring ‘Fitness Boxing feat. Hatsune Miku’, Plus New Releases, Sales, and Good-Byes – TouchArcade

Hiya mild readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Spherical-Up for September sixth, 2024. Properly, that is the final one. You’ll see yet another particular from me subsequent week with a number of critiques which have particular embargo dates, however that is the ultimate common SwitchArcade Spherical-Up for TouchArcade by yours actually. We’ve been at this for a number of years and I want I might have seen the Change by to its finish with these articles, however circumstances dictate one other course. We’re going out with one other chunky one, with a pair of critiques from our pal Mikhail, a pair of Shaun critiques, a handful of recent launch summaries, and the standard lists of recent and expiring gross sales. Let’s trip one final time!

Evaluations & Mini-Views

Health Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU ($49.99)

After Imagineer’s success with the Health Boxing video games that led to the hilarious however good Health Boxing Fist of the North Star, I didn’t know what IP the staff would work with for a brand new health recreation. When Health Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU was introduced, I assumed it was a sensible collaboration, however was curious to see how the sport felt after Fist of the North Star. I’ve been taking part in it over the previous few weeks alongside Ring Match Journey and I’m impressed with Health Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU in some ways.

For those who’re new to the Health Boxing sequence, these video games, because the title suggests, use boxing and rhythm recreation actions to get you into form by day by day workout routines, mini-games that additionally get you sweating, and extra. With Health Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU, everybody’s favourite vocaloid will get in on the motion and there’s even a separate devoted mode for her songs along with the traditional songs included on this launch. Remember that this can be a Pleasure-Con solely recreation so you may’t play it with a Professional Controller or any third celebration equipment so far as I’m conscious.

As with different video games within the sequence, there are issue choices, a free coaching mode to do as you please, warmups, and monitoring with reminders and the systemwide alarm that may remind you even when your Change is in sleep mode. There are cosmetics you may unlock by the factors you earn by taking part in as effectively. I can’t touch upon the DLC but, however as for the bottom launch, I preferred Health Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU greater than Fist of the North Star other than one problem.

The audio in Health Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU is nice, however the primary teacher’s voice isn’t nice. I ended up turning this voice down as a result of it felt misplaced with the remainder of the sport, and simply sounded a bit weirdly directed.

Similar to the Health Boxing Fist of the North Star launch from Imagineer, Health Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU is a strong fitness-focused recreation that does an important job of bringing Miku to the world of Health Boxing to attempt to enchantment to her followers. Whereas it’s a competent health recreation with its day by day exercise, customization, and monitoring, I really feel like it might be higher as a complement to one thing like Ring Match Journey or your personal different train routine reasonably than being the only train you do in the course of the week. -Mikhail Madnani

SwitchArcade Rating: 4/5

Magical Delicacy ($24.99)

Magical Delicacy from sKaule and Whitethorn Video games is one I hadn’t paid a lot consideration to till a good friend of mine linked me to an Xbox Sport Move announcement for it. Since then, I’ve performed it on Change as effectively, however really feel prefer it wants a bit extra time within the oven. I like Metroidvania-style platformers and cooking video games, but it surely appears like Magical Delicacy takes the nice bits of each genres whereas not placing them collectively in the easiest way potential. This leads to a recreation I like in components, however one the place the issues harm a bit extra.

You play as Flora who’s a younger witch in a narrative that’s equal components mysterious, magical, and healthful. Your intention is to prepare dinner meals and craft for numerous of us, and I used to be shocked at how effectively the exploration was applied other than the backtracking that aggravated me typically. I anticipated it to be missing in comparison with the cooking and crafting, however the staff nailed the Metroidvania parts. There are some points with components within the crafting and in how stock is managed. That is made a bit worse by the UI that I took some time to get used to with interplay.

Magical Delicacy makes an important first impression with its attractive pixel artwork visuals, beautiful music, and tons of settings. The latter contains UI scale and textual content choices which might be each very helpful when taking part in on Change in handheld mode. I really feel like Magical Delicacy would have benefited so much from an early entry launch or will from potential updates.

Relating to the Change model, it performs very effectively other than some seemingly body pacing-related hiccups. It has good rumble as effectively. Having performed it on Xbox Collection X, that is positively a recreation I’d play extra on a transportable so a Change or Steam Deck model can be greatest. I simply play the style extra on handhelds.

Magical Delicacy is a recreation I ought to’ve liked given it’s principally a mix of a Metroidvania and a crooking/crafting recreation, but it surely feels a bit undercooked (I couldn’t resist) in components due to some stock and backtracking points. Whereas it’s a superb recreation proper now that feels at dwelling on Change, a number of high quality of life updates and sharpening will make it an important. -Mikhail Madnani

SwitchArcade Rating: 4/5

Aero The Acro-Bat 2 ($5.99)

Numerous corporations tried their hand on the entire mascot platformer factor within the 16-bit period within the wake of Sonic the Hedgehog‘s explosive success. Like, the sheer variety of them is simply baffling. Much more than I remembered. Not lots of them managed to see sequels, however Aero The Acro-Bat is a part of that elite few. How every member of that membership bought there’s its personal story, however in Aero’s case it appears to have been a mix of the primary recreation going over effectively sufficient, and sheer power of will to attempt to make fetch occur. Sadly, fetch didn’t occur. Aero spin-off Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel launched a number of months after Aero 2, however exterior of that Aero was by no means seen in one other unique title once more.

Does that make Aero The Acro-Bat 2 a foul recreation? I don’t assume so. It doesn’t appear to be it was a sufficiently big success to benefit one other follow-up, on the very least. However then once more, Sunsoft’s father or mother firm had not too long ago misplaced a ton of cash on a foul funding involving golf programs, and that definitely put it in a fiscally conservative temper for some time. Both approach, I don’t assume the fault may be positioned on the standard of the sport. It’s nearly as good as the primary recreation was, with all that suggests. A extra polished expertise that in shedding a few of these tough edges loses a few of its character, however a good sufficient platforming romp.

I used to be totally anticipating this launch to be in Ratalaika’s traditional emulation wrapper, however a lot to my shock there’s been an improve within the presentation. This feels much more tailored for the sport, and when it comes to each choices and extras I believe this can be a much better expertise total. Field and handbook scans, achievements, a gallery of sprite sheets, a jukebox, a bunch of cheats, and extra. I frankly don’t have any complaints in any respect about how the sport performs and the suite of options right here. The one nit I’ll choose is that you just solely get the Tremendous NES model of the sport right here. I really feel just like the SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive model ought to have been included too, simply to maintain everybody completely happy.

Those that loved Aero The Acro-Bat ought to naturally give Aero The Acro-Bat 2 a shot. I even assume those that had been barely postpone by the primary recreation’s quirks might need a greater time right here. I actually should commend Ratalaika for stepping up its recreation with the emulation wrapper for this launch. Maybe I’m being grasping, however I’d like to see the primary recreation up to date with an identical interface only for consistency. A nice launch for Aero followers and people on the look out for 16-bit platformers to play, and one which makes me optimistic for the remaining reissues of this sequence.

SwitchArcade Rating: 3.5/5

Metro Quester | Osaka ($19.99)

I bought fairly a little bit of enjoyment out of the unique Metro Quester when it launched some time again. It’s a little bit of a bear to get into, however when you perceive its guidelines and what it’s a must to do, it’s an immensely satisfying dungeon-crawling turn-based RPG. Experimenting with celebration builds to attempt to discover the optimum staff was a job I really loved taking over. With that in thoughts, I used to be very completely happy to see that there was one other recreation within the sequence coming. Metro Quester | Osaka feels a bit extra like an growth pack than a correct sequel, however I’m more than pleased with that given how a lot I bought out of the unique.

The story here’s a prequel to the unique recreation, and we’ve moved to Osaka as a setting. You get a complete new dungeon to discover, and a few new character varieties to do this exploring with. Osaka is a a lot wetter location, so that you’ll want to make use of your canoe to journey over the water in locations. With the brand new dungeon comes new weapons, expertise, and enemies to cope with. Undoubtedly extra to chew on right here for many who have wrung out the unique recreation, and if you happen to had fun there then you’ll get pleasure from this one, too.

That mentioned, this recreation shares a lot of its broader mechanics with the unique Metro Quester. For those who want an evidence, please try my review of that recreation for extra particulars. Quick model: turn-based fight, top-down dungeon exploration, and a complete lot of inching your approach outward a bit additional every time earlier than having to go again to camp. You already know, the great things. Those that are careless will discover themselves in sizzling water in a short time, as planning and cautious play is virtually a necessity on this recreation.

Those that discovered themselves totally absorbed in Metro Quester will discover lots to get pleasure from in Metro Quester | Osaka, and new gamers ought to in all probability simply skip proper to this recreation. It’s extra of an growth pack than a sequel, however that by no means ought to be taken as a foul factor. Moderately, it simply looks as if the designer needed to ship gamers on one other journey that pushes out the prevailing programs in some fascinating methods. It’s definitely a recreation you’ll should be affected person with to get probably the most out of, however these prepared to take a position the time will benefit from the dividends.

SwitchArcade Rating: 4/5

Choose New Releases

NBA 2K25 ($59.99)

NBA 2K is again… in 25 kind! You already know, I discover myself questioning one thing. What occurs to the title of this sequence after we hit the yr 2100? NBA 2K100? Simply feels bizarre. We’ll have to speak about that when the scenario arises, I suppose. Apparently this yr’s model has improved gameplay, a brand new function referred to as Neighborhood, and a few nonsense about MyTEAM. I’m not going to faux to know what’s happening right here, so as an alternative I’ll simply toss out the quantity of house you’ll want in your reminiscence card for this recreation after which transfer on. Right here we go. 53.3 GB!

Shogun Showdown ($14.99)

Obtained room in your coronary heart for an additional riff on Darkest Dungeon? This one has a Japanese-inspired setting, and there are a number of bits in right here that change issues up a bit. Setting all of that apart, that is very a lot a well-known model of recreation and I believe it’s a good sufficient instance of such to be of curiosity to these on the hunt for an additional one.

Aero The Acro-Bat 2 ($5.99)

Properly, there’s a overview up above this part, however in case you’re within the behavior of skipping down the web page, let me fill you in. That is the considerably extra polished sequel to the profitable Aero The Acro-Bat, all carried out up in Ratalaika’s emulator wrapper. Stated wrapper was given further effort for this launch, and it seems good! The model of the sport included is the Tremendous NES one, and you may play the North American launch or the Japanese one. I want the Genesis/Mega Drive model was in right here, however I can’t think about Aero followers being sad with this total exterior of that.

Sunsoft is Again! Retro Sport Choice ($9.99)

Sunsoft is again! Okay, Sunsoft has been again for some time now, and also you in all probability don’t want a trio of heretofore non-localized Famicom video games to promote you on that. So as an alternative let the video games promote you on themselves, as you get a trio of distinctive and diversified titles on this bunch. A side-scrolling motion platformer, an journey recreation, and an action-RPG of types. I reviewed this set a few days in the past, so I counsel checking that out if you happen to want extra particulars. Quick model: if you happen to like bizarre previous video games, this can be a good pick-up.

Gross sales

(North American eShop, US Costs)

Some enjoyable stuff within the inbox at present, together with a very good value on the Cosmic Fantasy Assortment. Somewhat expensive at its regular value, however at 40% off I believe it’s price contemplating for retro RPG followers. I’ll additionally name out the pleasant platformer Tinykin, which is at its lowest value but. Have look by these lists and see what catches your eye.

Choose New Gross sales

Zombie Military Trilogy ($8.74 from $34.99 till 9/12)
Zombie Military 4: Useless Struggle ($14.99 from $49.99 till 9/12)
Wild Seas ($2.49 from $4.99 till 9/12)
Chants of Sennaar ($14.99 from $19.99 till 9/13)
The Home of Da Vinci 3 ($4.99 from $9.99 till 9/13)
Warhammer 40k: Boltgun ($15.39 from $21.99 till 9/13)
Toziuha Evening: Dracula’s Revenge ($1.99 from $4.99 till 9/16)
Monkey Barrels ($7.49 from $14.99 till 9/19)
Banchou Techniques ($15.99 from $19.99 till 9/19)
Transiruby ($10.49 from $14.99 till 9/19)
Picontier ($19.99 from $24.99 till 9/19)
Kamiko ($1.99 from $4.99 till 9/19)
Fairune Assortment ($3.99 from $9.99 till 9/19)
Alchemic Dungeons DX ($3.19 from $7.99 till 9/19)
Ninja Smasher! ($6.39 from $7.99 till 9/19)
Ninja Striker! ($1.99 from $3.99 till 9/19)

Nice Ambition of the Slimes ($9.59 from $11.99 till 9/19)
Shinobi Non Grata ($11.99 from $14.99 till 9/19)
Let’s Construct a Zoo ($7.99 from $19.99 till 9/20)
Owlboy ($8.74 from $24.99 till 9/20)
Hakuoki: Wind & Blossom ($44.99 from $49.99 till 9/20)
Omen of Sorrow ($7.99 from $19.99 till 9/20)
Dungeonoid 2 Awakening ($4.49 from $8.99 till 9/20)
The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt CE ($23.99 from $59.99 till 9/22)
Knights of Grayfang ($10.49 from $14.99 till 9/26)
Gale of Windoria ($7.49 from $14.99 till 9/26)
Justice Chronicles ($7.49 from $14.99 till 9/26)
Armed Emeth ($7.49 from $14.99 till 9/26)
Jinshin ($10.49 from $14.99 till 9/26)
Alphadia Genesis ($7.49 from $14.99 till 9/26)
Grace of Letoile ($10.49 from $14.99 till 9/26)

Tinykin ($6.24 from $24.99 till 9/26)
Despot’s Sport ($4.99 from $19.99 till 9/26)
Cosmic Fantasy Assortment ($29.99 from $49.99 till 9/26)
Cosmic Fantasy ($15.90 from $26.50 till 9/26)
Cosmic Fantasy 2 ($15.90 from $26.50 till 9/26)
Spirittea ($15.99 from $19.99 till 9/26)
Punch Membership 2: Quick Ahead ($9.99 from $19.99 till 9/26)
Railway Empire 2 ($37.49 from $49.99 till 9/26)
Lil’ Guardsman ($11.99 from $19.99 till 9/26)
Potion Craft Alchemist Simulator ($11.99 from $19.99 till 9/26)
Euphoria ($1.99 from $14.99 till 9/26)
Of The Purple, the Mild, & Ayakashi ($25.06 from $50.13 till 9/26)
Fashionable Fight Blackout ($1.99 from $7.99 till 9/26)
The Mates of Ringo Ishikawa ($8.99 from $14.99 till 9/26)
Arrest of a Stone Buddha ($8.99 from $14.99 till 9/26)
Fading Afternoon ($16.99 from $19.99 till 9/26)
Astor: Blade of the Monolith ($14.99 from $24.99 till 9/26)
Tamarak Path ($8.99 from $14.99 till 9/26)
Inflexible Drive Redux ($3.99 from $19.99 till 9/26)
Yaga ($6.24 from $24.99 till 9/26)
Rabi-Ribi ($13.99 from $19.99 till 9/26)

Gross sales Ending This Weekend

Useless in Vinland: True Viking ($2.79 from $27.99 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)
Meganoid ($5.39 from $8.99 till 9/7)
NOISZ re:||COLLECTION G ($19.99 from $24.99 till 9/7)
Phoenotopia: Awakening ($6.99 from $19.99 till 9/7)
House Grunts ($8.39 from $13.99 till 9/7)
Stardash ($5.99 from $9.99 till 9/7)
Superhot ($9.99 from $24.99 till 9/7)
Dormitory Love ($24.49 from $34.99 till 9/8)
Dying Mild: Definitive Version ($9.99 from $49.99 till 9/8)
Fur Squadron ($2.79 from $6.99 till 9/8)
Tchia: Oleti Version ($23.44 from $34.99 till 9/8)

That’s all for at present, this week, this month, this yr, and eternally, associates. I haven’t been very loud about this, however this isn’t solely the tip of the SwitchArcade Spherical-Up, but in addition of my eleven and a half years at TouchArcade. I’ll nonetheless be writing right here and there at my weblog at Post Game Content in addition to placing up unique articles on my Patreon, however apart from that I believe I’m hanging up the ol’ webs on this particular form of work. Twenty-six years on this finish of the enterprise is an efficient run, and I’m prepared for brand spanking new challenges. Do search for me at one of many aforementioned locations, hit me up on BlueSky and say hello, and if you happen to’re a flowery government trying to rent a really seasoned author, I’m your man.

With that mentioned, I’ll prolong the best potential gratitude to all of TouchArcade’s readers for being with me on this leg of my life’s journey. I treasure all of you greater than you may know. I want you all of the sincerest happiness in your lives, and eternally and all the time – thanks for studying.