Hello, readers! Welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for August 29th, 2024. Today's roundup features a substantial lineup of new game releases, forming the core of our discussion, as is customary on Thursdays. We'll also explore a noteworthy selection of new sales. Unfortunately, Nintendo Directs aren't a daily occurrence! Let's dive into the games.
Featured New Releases
Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club ($49.99)
The Famicom Detective Club series returns after a lengthy hiatus. This latest installment stays true to the originals, both in its strengths and weaknesses. A brand-new mystery awaits, presented in a style reminiscent of the recent Switch remakes. Can you crack the case of the latest serial killings? My review is forthcoming.
Gundam Breaker 4 ($59.99)
Mikhail's comprehensive review provides a detailed 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 perfectly playable. Read Mikhail's insightful review for a complete analysis.
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, they now tackle an 8-bit classic. This rendition differs significantly from the original. However, fans of classic-style action-platformers will find much to enjoy. My review will be published early next week.
Valfaris: Mecha Therion ($19.99)
A departure from its predecessor, Valfaris: Mecha Therion is a 2.5D side-scrolling shooter. While the genre shift might surprise some, it offers a rewarding experience. A review is on its way.
Nour: Play With Your Food ($9.99)
I'll admit, I'm unsure of this game's premise. The food imagery is stunning, but the gameplay remains a mystery. Perhaps it involves photography, secret-finding, or a combination thereof. Mikhail might be the best person to investigate further.
Monster Jam Showdown ($49.99)
If you're a monster truck enthusiast, this game might be for you. It features both local and online multiplayer, along with numerous game modes. While reception on other platforms has been mixed, it offers a niche experience for monster truck fans.
WitchSpring R ($39.99)
This appears to be a remake of the original WitchSpring, a mobile title often compared to the Atelier series. At this price point, however, it's closer to the cost of an actual Atelier game, making the value proposition less compelling. Still, it looks to be the most polished WitchSpring entry yet.
Depths of Sanity ($19.99)
An underwater exploration game with a fantastical horror twist. You search for your missing crew in a dangerous, interconnected underwater world. Combat is involved. It's well-received on other platforms and should appeal to fans of exploratory action games.
Voltaire: The Vegan Vampire ($19.99)
Voltaire, a vegan vampire, rebels against his bloodthirsty father. Gameplay involves farming and action as you defend against your father's attempts to thwart your lifestyle choice.
Marble Abduction! Patti Hattu ($11.79)
A marble-rolling game with seventy stages and eighty marbles to collect, featuring secret collectibles and challenges.
Leo: The Firefighter Cat ($24.99)
A firefighting game geared towards a younger audience, featuring twenty missions.
Gori: Cuddly Carnage ($21.99)
A grotesque action game about a hoverboarding cat. While the core gameplay is decent, the Switch version suffers from technical issues.
Arcade Archives Finalizer Super Transformation ($7.99)
A 1985 Konami vertical shooter where you control a transforming robot.
EGGCONSOLE Xanadu Scenario II PC-8801mkIISR ($6.49)
An early expansion pack featuring the debut work of legendary composer Yuzo Koshiro.
The Backrooms: Survival ($10.99)
A horror/survival/roguelite game best experienced with online multiplayer (up to ten players).
Can of Wormholes ($19.99)
A clever puzzle game where you, a sentient tin can, must deal with worms.
Ninja I & II ($9.99)
Two NES-style microgames featuring ninja-themed challenges.
Dice Make 10! ($3.99)
A simple yet engaging dice puzzle game with two modes of play.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
The King of Fighters 30th Anniversary Sale! Hamster and SNK are celebrating with a sale on every Arcade Archives King of Fighters game. Many Pixel Game Maker Series titles are also at their lowest prices. Check the eShop for other noteworthy sales.
Select New Sales
Sales Ending Tomorrow, August 30th
That concludes today's roundup. We'll be back tomorrow with more new releases, sales, and news. Reviews may also be included, time permitting. A major typhoon is affecting the area, so there's a slight chance tomorrow's article might be delayed. Have a great Thursday!
