Hello gaming enthusiasts, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for August 29th, 2024! Today's update features a substantial lineup of new releases, forming the core of this Thursday's column, as is customary. 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 with a new installment. This latest case stays true to the original games' style, both its strengths and weaknesses. A fresh mystery unfolds, presented in a manner reminiscent of the recent Switch remakes. Can you crack the latest serial murder case? My review is forthcoming.
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 Gunplas. While the Switch port naturally lags behind other versions in performance, it's still a solid experience. Check out Mikhail's insightful review for a complete breakdown.
Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn ($19.99)
Tengo Project continues its successful streak of remakes/reimaginings. Following the well-received Wild Guns Reloaded, The Ninja Saviors, and Pocky & Rocky Reshrined, they now tackle an 8-bit classic. Expect a departure from the source material, but a solid action-platformer nonetheless. My review will be available early next week.
Valfaris: Mecha Therion ($19.99)
A Valfaris sequel with a significant gameplay shift. This 2.5D side-scrolling shooter offers a different experience from its predecessor. While the genre change might surprise some, it's a worthwhile title for fans of the genre. My review is on its way.
Nour: Play With Your Food ($9.99)
I'll admit, I'm not entirely sure what to make of this game yet. The food imagery is stunning, but the gameplay remains a mystery. Perhaps photography, hidden secrets, or a combination thereof? Mikhail might shed more light on this one.
Monster Jam Showdown ($49.99)
A game centered around Monster Jam monster trucks. Features local and online multiplayer, along with numerous game modes. While reception on other platforms has been mixed, it might appeal to monster truck enthusiasts seeking more options in the genre.
WitchSpring R ($39.99)
Likely a remake of the original WitchSpring, this installment boasts the series' best visuals yet. While previously a budget-friendly mobile title, its current price point approaches that of full-fledged Atelier games, which may give some pause.
Depths of Sanity ($19.99)
An underwater exploration game with a fantastical horror twist. Investigate the disappearance of your crew within a vast, perilous underwater world. Combat is involved. Well-received on other platforms, it's likely to find a dedicated following on the Switch.
Voltaire: The Vegan Vampire ($19.99)
A farming and action game where a vegan vampire son rebels against his bloodthirsty father. While I'm personally a bit fatigued by the genre, those with more enthusiasm for farming sims might find this appealing.
Marble Abduction! Patti Hattu ($11.79)
A marble roller game featuring seventy stages and eighty marbles to collect, along with secret items and challenges. For fans of high-speed marble rolling gameplay.
Leo: The Firefighter Cat ($24.99)
A kid-friendly firefighting game with twenty missions. A lighter take on the firefighting genre compared to more realistic options.
Gori: Cuddly Carnage ($21.99)
A grotesque action game starring a hoverboarding cat. While the core gameplay is promising, the Switch version suffers from performance issues.
Arcade Archives Finalizer Super Transformation ($7.99)
A relatively obscure 1985 Konami vertical shooter where you control a transforming robot. A charming, classic shooter experience.
EGGCONSOLE Xanadu Scenario II PC-8801mkIISR ($6.49)
An early expansion pack for Xanadu, featuring a new underworld to explore and the debut work of legendary composer Yuzo Koshiro.
The Backrooms: Survival ($10.99)
A blend of horror, survival, and roguelite elements. Supports up to ten online players. Best experienced with multiple players.
Can of Wormholes ($19.99)
A clever puzzle game where you, a sentient tin can, must deal with worms. One hundred unique puzzles are included.
Ninja I & II ($9.99)
Two NES-style microgames featuring ninja-themed challenges. Supports local multiplayer.
Dice Make 10! ($3.99)
A surprisingly fun dice-based puzzle game with two modes of play.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
Celebrating The King of Fighters' 30th anniversary, Hamster and SNK are offering 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. See below for a selection.
Select New Sales
Sales Ending Tomorrow, August 30th
That's all for today! We'll return tomorrow with more new releases, sales, and news. See you then!
