Hello fellow gamers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Roundup for September 3rd, 2024! Today's article features several game reviews, including in-depth analyses of Castlevania Dominus Collection and Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn, plus quick looks at some new Pinball FX DLC. We'll also explore the latest game releases, spotlighting the charming Bakeru, and round up the day's best sales and expiring deals. Let's dive in!
Reviews & Mini-Reviews
Castlevania Dominus Collection ($24.99)
Konami's recent track record with classic game collections has been undeniably impressive, and the Castlevania franchise has been a major beneficiary. Castlevania Dominus Collection, the third in the series for modern platforms, focuses on the Nintendo DS trilogy. Developed by M2, the collection delivers the usual high-quality presentation, but it offers much more than just a simple port. This might just be the most comprehensive Castlevania collection to date.
Let's start with the core games. The Nintendo DS era of Castlevania holds a unique place in franchise history, with both highs and lows. Positively, the trilogy boasts distinct identities, creating a surprisingly varied experience. Dawn of Sorrow, a direct sequel to Aria of Sorrow, initially suffered from awkward touchscreen controls, thankfully mitigated in this release. Portrait of Ruin cleverly integrates touchscreen elements into a bonus mode, while Order of Ecclesia stands out with its challenging gameplay and design reminiscent of Simon's Quest. All three are excellent titles.
However, this era also marked the end of Koji Igarashi's run of exploratory Castlevania games. While each title is unique, the question remains: were these distinct games a creative exploration, or a response to a waning audience interest? This collection presents these games not as emulations, but as native ports, allowing M2 to implement significant improvements. The frustrating touchscreen controls of Dawn of Sorrow are replaced with intuitive button controls, and the map is integrated as a third screen alongside the main game and status screens. This significantly enhances the gameplay experience, making Dawn of Sorrow a top contender in my personal Castlevania rankings.
The collection is packed with features and extras. Players can select regional versions of each game, customize button mapping, and choose control schemes. A delightful credits sequence highlights unsung contributors, and a comprehensive gallery showcases art, manuals, and box art. A robust music player allows for custom playlists, and each game includes a detailed compendium covering equipment, enemies, and items. While a few additional screen layout options would be welcome, these are minor quibbles. This is a fantastic way to experience three exceptional games at an incredible value.
But the surprises don't end there! The notoriously difficult arcade game, Haunted Castle, is also included. This is a welcome addition, and M2 has gone above and beyond by including a complete remake titled Haunted Castle Revisited. This isn't just a simple enhancement; it's a full-fledged remake that retains the spirit of the original while significantly improving the gameplay. It's a hidden gem within this DS collection.
If you're a Castlevania fan, Castlevania Dominus Collection is a must-have. It includes a fantastic new Castlevania game, along with three superb DS titles presented flawlessly. The original Haunted Castle is also included for those seeking a challenging retro experience. If you're unfamiliar with Castlevania, this collection, alongside the others, is the perfect starting point. Konami and M2 have delivered another stellar collection.
SwitchArcade Score: 5/5
Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn ($19.99)
My experience with Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn has been a mixed bag. While I've generally enjoyed Tengo Project's previous releases, this remake presented some unique challenges. The team's involvement with the original 8-bit game was limited, and the source material isn't as strong as their other projects. My initial excitement was tempered by these factors.
After playing the game extensively, my opinion is nuanced. Compared to Tengo Project's other work, Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn feels less polished. However, the improvements are significant, from the enhanced visuals to the refined weapon and item system. While there are no new characters, the existing ones are better differentiated. It's undoubtedly superior to the original while retaining its core essence. Fans of the original will adore this remake.
For those who found the original merely decent, Reborn likely won't drastically change your opinion. The constant access to both the chain and sword is a great improvement, and the sword is much more useful. The new inventory system adds depth, and the presentation is exceptional. However, there are some frustrating difficulty spikes, making it arguably more challenging than the original. It's the definitive Shadow of the Ninja experience, but it's still Shadow of the Ninja.
Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn is another solid release from Tengo Project, representing a substantial improvement over its predecessor. Whether it's worth purchasing depends on your feelings about the original. Newcomers will find an enjoyable, albeit not essential, action game with a distinct 8-bit aesthetic.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Pinball FX – The Princess Bride Pinball ($5.49)
A quick look at the new Pinball FX DLC, celebrating the recent update that greatly improved the Switch version. The Princess Bride Pinball is a well-executed licensed table, featuring voice clips and video clips from the movie. The gameplay is solid, feeling authentic to both pinball and the source material. It's a great addition for fans of the film and pinball enthusiasts alike.
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Pinball FX – Goat Simulator Pinball ($5.49)
Goat Simulator Pinball embraces the absurdity of its license. It's a unique and quirky table, best suited for experienced pinball players. While initially confusing, the table rewards persistence with its humorous gameplay elements. Goat Simulator fans who can master the mechanics will find it hilarious, but it has a steeper learning curve than other tables.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Select New Releases
Bakeru ($39.99)
As mentioned in yesterday's review, this 3D platformer from Good-Feel is a delightful and charming experience. Play as Bakeru, a tanuki on a quest to save Japan. The game features engaging combat, fun Japan trivia, collectible souvenirs, and plenty of humor. While the Switch version suffers from occasional framerate issues, it's still a worthwhile title.
Holyhunt ($4.99)
A top-down arena shooter described as an homage to 8-bit games. It's a simple but potentially fun twin-stick shooter with a focus on shooting, dashing, and upgrading weapons.
Shashingo: Learn Japanese with Photography ($20.00)
A language-learning game where players take photos and learn the Japanese names for objects. While not strictly a game, its unique approach might appeal to some learners.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
Today's sales include OrangePixel's excellent pick-up-and-play titles, a rare discount on Alien Hominid, and a good deal on Ufouria 2. THQ and Team 17 titles are also ending their sales soon. Be sure to check both the new and expiring sales lists for potential bargains.
Select New Sales
(List of new sales)
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Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 4th
(List of expiring sales)
That's it for today! Join us tomorrow for more new releases, sales, and possibly a new review. With so many great games releasing, keep an eye on your wallets and enjoy the fun! Thanks for reading!
