Hello fellow gamers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Roundup for September 3rd, 2024! Today's article features in-depth reviews, starting with a comprehensive look at the Castlevania Dominus Collection, followed by an analysis of Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn, and concluding with quick takes on the newly released Pinball FX DLC tables. We'll then explore the day's new releases, highlighting the unique and captivating Bakeru, before diving into the latest sales and expiring discounts. Let's get started!
Reviews & Mini-Views
Castlevania Dominus Collection ($24.99)
Konami's recent track record with classic game collections has been exceptional, and the Castlevania franchise has been a prime beneficiary. Castlevania Dominus Collection, the third in the series on modern platforms, focuses on the Nintendo DS trilogy. Developed by M2, this collection delivers superior quality, offering more than initially apparent, potentially making it the most essential Castlevania compilation to date.
The Nintendo DS Castlevania games represent a pivotal, yet somewhat uneven, period for the franchise. Positively, each title boasts a distinct identity, resulting in a surprisingly diverse trio. Dawn of Sorrow, a direct sequel to Aria of Sorrow, initially suffered from cumbersome touchscreen controls, thankfully mitigated in this release. Portrait of Ruin cleverly integrates touchscreen elements into a bonus mode, utilizing a unique dual-character mechanic. Order of Ecclesia significantly deviates, featuring increased difficulty and design reminiscent of Simon's Quest. All three are excellent games, highly recommended.
However, this collection also marks the end of Koji Igarashi's era of exploratory Castlevania games, an era that began with the revitalizing Symphony of the Night. The diminishing returns led Konami to favor MercurySteam's Lords of Shadow. Were the distinct game designs a result of IGA's creative exploration or a desperate attempt to recapture audience interest? The answer remains elusive. Many players felt fatigued by this style of Castlevania, a sentiment I shared despite enthusiastically purchasing and playing each game upon release.
Surprisingly, these aren't emulated but native ports, allowing M2 to implement improvements such as replacing Dawn's frustrating touchscreen controls with button presses, and displaying the main screen, status screen, and map simultaneously. This significantly enhances Dawn of Sorrow, elevating it to my top five Castlevania titles.
The collection is packed with options and extras. Players can select game regions, customize button mapping, and choose between left stick controls for character movement or the touch cursor. An adorable credits sequence showcases the unsung heroes of the series. A comprehensive gallery features artwork, manual scans, and box art. The excellent soundtrack is accessible via a customizable playlist.
In-game options include save states, a rewind function, control remapping, screen layout customization, background color selection, and audio adjustments. A detailed compendium provides information on equipment, enemies, items, and other details. My only minor complaint is the lack of additional screen layout options to maximize the play area. This is an exceptional way to experience three fantastic games, offering incredible value for the price.
But there's more! The notoriously difficult arcade game, Haunted Castle, is included. Its inclusion here, rather than in the first collection, is puzzling. Unlimited continues are practically essential due to the game's brutal unfairness. While the music and opening sequence are excellent, the gameplay is unforgiving. Or is it?
The final extra, a complete remake of Haunted Castle titled Haunted Castle Revisited, is surprisingly substantial. Similar to M2's Castlevania: The Adventure Rebirth, this remake retains the spirit of the original while significantly improving the gameplay. Essentially, we have a new, excellent Castlevania game hidden within a Nintendo DS collection!
Castlevania Dominus Collection is a must-have for Castlevania fans. The inclusion of a fantastic new Castlevania game, along with the three superbly presented Nintendo DS titles and the original Haunted Castle, makes it an exceptional value. If you dislike Castlevania, well, we can't be friends. And if you're unfamiliar with the series, start with this and the other collections – you're in for a treat. Another stellar collaboration between Konami and M2.
SwitchArcade Score: 5/5
Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn ($19.99)
My experience with Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn has been a rollercoaster. Tengo Project's previous releases have been consistently excellent, but this remake presented some challenges. The team's limited involvement with the original 8-bit game, and my personal opinion that the original isn't as strong as their other titles, initially made me hesitant.
However, a preview at Tokyo Game Show reignited my enthusiasm. After completing the game multiple times, my opinion is nuanced. Compared to Tengo Project's other work, Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn feels less polished. The improvements are numerous, including enhanced presentation and a refined weapon/item system. While no new characters are introduced, the existing characters are better differentiated. It's undeniably superior to the original while retaining its core spirit. Fans of the original will adore this.
For those who, like me, found the original merely decent, this remake won't drastically alter that perception. The simultaneous access to both chain and sword is a welcome improvement, with the sword being more useful. The new inventory system adds a needed layer of complexity. The presentation is outstanding, masking its 8-bit origins. However, some challenging difficulty spikes are present, making it potentially harder than the original. Its brevity might necessitate this increased challenge. It's the best Shadow of the Ninja available, but it's still Shadow of the Ninja.
Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn is another solid Tengo Project effort, representing their most substantial improvement over a source material yet. Its appeal depends heavily on your feelings toward the original game, as the core remains faithful. Newcomers will find an enjoyable but not essential action game, retaining an 8-bit design sensibility.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Pinball FX – The Princess Bride Pinball ($5.49)
A brief review of the new Pinball FX DLC, celebrating the game's significant update improving Switch playability. Two new tables were released: The Princess Bride Pinball and Goat Simulator Pinball. The Princess Bride Pinball cleverly incorporates voice clips and video clips from the film, setting a high standard for licensed tables. The mechanics feel authentic and satisfying.
Zen Studios sometimes misses the mark with licensed tables, often lacking music, voice acting, and likenesses. The Princess Bride Pinball excels in these areas, appealing to fans of the movie and pinball enthusiasts. While not groundbreaking in its design, its familiarity adds to its charm. A solid choice for both newcomers and veterans.
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Pinball FX – Goat Simulator Pinball ($5.49)
Goat Simulator Pinball embraces its source material's absurdity, resulting in a unique and unconventional table. The goat-related antics add unexpected elements, although it might initially feel overwhelming. This table is better suited for veteran players. Goat Simulator fans without pinball experience may find it challenging.
Zen Studios' extensive experience shines through in this offbeat DLC. While initially tricky, mastering the table unlocks truly hilarious moments. Dedicated Goat Simulator players will be rewarded, but it requires more effort than other tables.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Select New Releases
Bakeru ($39.99)
As mentioned in yesterday's review, this charming 3D platformer from Good-Feel is a delightful experience. Play as Bakeru, a tanuki on a quest to save Japan from an evil overlord. Battle enemies, discover hidden trivia, collect souvenirs, and enjoy the humor. The inconsistent framerate on Switch might deter some, but it's otherwise a great game.
Holyhunt ($4.99)
A top-down arena twin-stick shooter described as an 8-bit homage, although its style isn't directly reminiscent of that era. It offers straightforward shoot-and-dash gameplay with boss battles.
Shashingo: Learn Japanese with Photography ($20.00)
While typically outside our focus, this language-learning game stands out due to its unique approach. Take photos, learn Japanese names for objects. The price might be a deterrent for some.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
Today's sales include OrangePixel's excellent pick-up-and-play titles, with Alien Hominid enjoying a rare discount, and Ufouria 2 also available at a good price. THQ and Team 17 titles are ending their sales. Explore both lists for more deals.
Select New Sales
(List of sales)
(List of sales)
Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 4th
(List of sales)
That's all for today! Join us tomorrow for more new releases, sales, and potentially news and reviews. We're in the midst of a fantastic gaming season, so hold onto your wallets and enjoy the abundance of great games. Have a great Tuesday!
