Good day light readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Spherical-Up for September sixth, 2024. Effectively, that is the final one. You’ll see yet another particular from me subsequent week with just a few critiques which have particular embargo dates, however that is the ultimate common SwitchArcade Spherical-Up for TouchArcade by yours really. We’ve been at this for a number of years and I want I might have seen the Change by means of 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 latest launch summaries, and the standard lists of latest and expiring gross sales. Let’s experience one final time!
Critiques & 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 crew would work with for a brand new health recreation. When Health Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU was introduced, I believed it was a sensible collaboration, however was curious to see how the sport felt after Fist of the North Star. I’ve been enjoying it over the previous couple of weeks alongside Ring Match Journey and I’m impressed with Health Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU in some ways.
When you’re new to the Health Boxing collection, these video games, because the identify suggests, use boxing and rhythm recreation actions to get you into form by means of each 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. Understand that it is a Pleasure-Con solely recreation so you possibly can’t play it with a Professional Controller or any third social gathering equipment so far as I’m conscious.
As with different video games within the collection, there are problem 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 possibly can unlock by means of the factors you earn by enjoying as nicely. I can’t touch upon the DLC but, however as for the bottom launch, I favored Health Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU greater than Fist of the North Star apart from one concern.
The audio in Health Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU is nice, however the principle 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 stable fitness-focused recreation that does an incredible job of bringing Miku to the world of Health Boxing to try to attraction to her followers. Whereas it’s a competent health recreation with its each day exercise, customization, and monitoring, I really feel like it will be higher as a complement to one thing like Ring Match Journey or your personal different train routine slightly 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 pal of mine linked me to an Xbox Recreation Move announcement for it. Since then, I’ve performed it on Change as nicely, however really feel prefer it wants a bit extra time within the oven. I like Metroidvania-style platformers and cooking video games, however it seems like Magical Delicacy takes the nice bits of each genres whereas not placing them collectively in one of the simplest ways 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 goal is to prepare dinner meals and craft for numerous people, and I used to be shocked at how nicely the exploration was carried out apart from the backtracking that aggravated me typically. I anticipated it to be missing in comparison with the cooking and crafting, however the crew 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 incredible first impression with its beautiful pixel artwork visuals, beautiful music, and tons of settings. The latter contains UI scale and textual content choices which can be each very helpful when enjoying on Change in handheld mode. I really feel like Magical Delicacy would have benefited loads from an early entry launch or will from potential updates.
In relation to the Change model, it performs very nicely apart from some seemingly body pacing-related hiccups. It has good rumble as nicely. Having performed it on Xbox Collection X, that is positively a recreation I’d play extra on a conveyable so a Change or Steam Deck model could be finest. I simply play the style extra on handhelds.
Magical Delicacy is a recreation I ought to’ve beloved given it’s principally a mix of a Metroidvania and a crooking/crafting recreation, however it feels slightly 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 residence on Change, just a few high quality of life updates and sprucing will make it a necessary. -Mikhail Madnani
SwitchArcade Rating: 4/5
Aero The Acro-Bat 2 ($5.99)
A variety of firms tried their hand on the complete 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 a lot of them managed to see sequels, however Aero The Acro-Bat is a part of that elite few. How every member of that membership acquired there’s its personal story, however in Aero’s case it appears to have been a mixture of the primary recreation going over nicely sufficient, and sheer power of will to try 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 outdoors of that Aero was by no means seen in one other authentic title once more.
Does that make Aero The Acro-Bat 2 a nasty recreation? I don’t suppose so. It doesn’t seem to be it was a large enough success to advantage one other follow-up, on the very least. However then once more, Sunsoft’s mother or father firm had not too long ago misplaced a ton of cash on a nasty funding involving golf programs, and that actually put it in a fiscally conservative temper for some time. Both method, I don’t suppose the fault might be positioned on the standard of the sport. It’s pretty much 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 an honest sufficient platforming romp.
I used to be totally anticipating this launch to be in Ratalaika’s regular 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 by way of each choices and extras I believe it is a much better expertise total. Field and guide scans, achievements, a gallery of sprite sheets, a jukebox, a bunch of cheats, and extra. I frankly haven’t any complaints in any respect about how the sport performs and the suite of options right here. The one nit I’ll decide is that you simply 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 joyful.
Those that loved Aero The Acro-Bat ought to naturally give Aero The Acro-Bat 2 a shot. I even suppose those that had been barely postpone by the primary recreation’s quirks may need a greater time right here. I actually must 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 analogous interface only for consistency. A positive 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 collection.
SwitchArcade Rating: 3.5/5
Metro Quester | Osaka ($19.99)
I acquired 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 you need to do, it’s an immensely satisfying dungeon-crawling turn-based RPG. Experimenting with social gathering builds to attempt to discover the optimum crew was a activity I really loved taking over. With that in thoughts, I used to be very joyful to see that there was one other recreation within the collection coming. Metro Quester | Osaka feels slightly extra like an growth pack than a correct sequel, however I’m very happy with that given how a lot I acquired 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 sorts 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 stated, this recreation shares a lot of its broader mechanics with the unique Metro Quester. When you want an evidence, please try my evaluate of that recreation for extra particulars. Brief model: turn-based fight, top-down dungeon exploration, and a complete lot of inching your method outward slightly additional every time earlier than having to move again to camp. You already know, the good 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 loads to get pleasure from in Metro Quester | Osaka, and new gamers ought to most likely simply skip proper to this recreation. It’s extra of an growth pack than a sequel, however that on no account ought to be taken as a nasty factor. Relatively, 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 actually a recreation you’ll must be affected person with to get essentially 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 type! You already know, I discover myself questioning one thing. What occurs to the identify of this collection once we hit the 12 months 2100? NBA 2K100? Simply feels bizarre. We’ll have to speak about that when the scenario arises, I suppose. Apparently this 12 months’s model has improved gameplay, a brand new function known as Neighborhood, and a few nonsense about MyTEAM. I’m not going to fake to know what’s happening right here, so as a substitute I’ll simply toss out the quantity of area 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)
Acquired room in your coronary heart for one more riff on Darkest Dungeon? This one has a Japanese-inspired setting, and there are just a few bits in right here that change issues up slightly. Setting all of that apart, that is very a lot a well-known model of recreation and I believe it’s an honest sufficient instance of such to be of curiosity to these on the hunt for one more one.
Aero The Acro-Bat 2 ($5.99)
Effectively, there’s a evaluate 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 accomplished up in Ratalaika’s emulator wrapper. Stated wrapper was given extra effort for this launch, and it appears 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 outdoors of that.
Sunsoft is Again! Retro Recreation Choice ($9.99)
Sunsoft is again! Okay, Sunsoft has been again for some time now, and also you most likely don’t want a trio of heretofore non-localized Famicom video games to promote you on that. So as a substitute let the video games promote you on themselves, as you get a trio of distinctive and assorted titles on this bunch. A side-scrolling motion platformer, an journey recreation, and an action-RPG of kinds. I reviewed this set a few days in the past, so I counsel checking that out if you happen to want extra particulars. Brief model: if you happen to like bizarre previous video games, it is a good pick-up.
Gross sales
(North American eShop, US Costs)
Some enjoyable stuff within the inbox immediately, together with a extremely good value on the Cosmic Fantasy Assortment. A bit of expensive at its regular value, however at 40% off I believe it’s value contemplating for retro RPG followers. I’ll additionally name out the pleasant platformer Tinykin, which is at its lowest value but. Have a superb look by means of 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 Recreation ($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 Crimson, the Gentle, & Ayakashi ($25.06 from $50.13 till 9/26)
Fashionable Fight Blackout ($1.99 from $7.99 till 9/26)
The Pals 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 Pressure 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)
Area 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 Gentle: 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 immediately, this week, this month, this 12 months, and eternally, associates. I haven’t been very loud about this, however this isn’t solely the top of the SwitchArcade Spherical-Up, but additionally of my eleven and a half years at TouchArcade. I’ll nonetheless be writing right here and there at my weblog at Submit Recreation Content material in addition to placing up unique articles on my Patreon, however aside from that I believe I’m hanging up the ol’ webs on this particular sort of work. Twenty-six years on this finish of the enterprise is an effective run, and I’m prepared for brand 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 elaborate government seeking to rent a really seasoned author, I’m your man.
With that stated, 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 possibly can know. I want you all of the sincerest happiness in your lives, and eternally and at all times – thanks for studying.