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 takes on some new Pinball FX DLC. We'll then explore the day's new releases, highlighting the charming Bakeru, and wrap up with the latest sales and expiring deals. Let's dive in!
Reviews & Mini-Views
Castlevania Dominus Collection ($24.99)
Konami's recent track record with classic game collections has been outstanding, and the Castlevania Dominus Collection is no exception. This third installment focuses on the Nintendo DS trilogy, expertly handled by M2. But this collection offers more than just a simple port; it might be the most essential Castlevania compilation yet.
The Nintendo DS Castlevania games possess unique identities, forming a surprisingly diverse set. Dawn of Sorrow, a direct sequel to Aria of Sorrow, initially suffered from clunky touchscreen controls, now thankfully refined in this release. Portrait of Ruin cleverly integrates touchscreen elements into a bonus mode, utilizing a dual-character system. Order of Ecclesia stands out with its increased difficulty and design reminiscent of Simon's Quest. All three are excellent games, highly recommended.
This collection marks the end of the exploratory Castlevania era spearheaded by Koji Igarashi. While each game has its own merits, the series' direction at the time was uncertain. Were the distinct game designs a sign of Igarashi's evolving creativity, or an attempt to recapture a waning audience's interest? The answer remains elusive. Many players felt the series was stagnating, a sentiment I unfortunately shared despite enjoying each game upon release.
Interestingly, these aren't emulated versions but native ports, allowing M2 to enhance gameplay. The annoying touchscreen controls in Dawn of Sorrow are replaced with more intuitive button presses. The display cleverly showcases the main screen, status screen, and map simultaneously. While some DS-like elements persist, the games are fully playable with a controller, significantly improving Dawn of Sorrow and solidifying its place among my top five Castlevania titles.
The collection is brimming with options and extras. You can select game regions, customize button mapping, choose stick controls, and enjoy a charming credits sequence. A delightful gallery features artwork, manuals, and box art. A comprehensive music player allows for custom playlists. In-game options include save states, rewind, control remapping, screen layouts, background colors, audio adjustments, and exhaustive compendiums for each game. My only minor quibble is the lack of additional screen arrangement options. This is a fantastic way to experience these three games, offering incredible value for the price.
But the surprises don't end there! The notoriously challenging arcade game, Haunted Castle, is included. Its inclusion here, rather than in the first collection, is puzzling. It offers numerous options, including the much-needed unlimited continues. While the gameplay is brutally difficult, the music and opening sequence are memorable. However, the game's difficulty is mitigated by…
…a complete Haunted Castle remake! M2 has essentially created a superior version of the original. Haunted Castle Revisited retains elements of the arcade original while forging its own identity. This is, effectively, a brand-new Castlevania game, and a very good one, nestled within a Nintendo DS collection!
If you're a Castlevania fan, Castlevania Dominus Collection is a must-buy. It includes a fantastic new game and superbly presented Nintendo DS titles. The original Haunted Castle is also included. If you don't like Castlevania, well, we can't be friends. And if you're unfamiliar with the series, grab all three collections and experience the magic! 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 mixed bag. While I've enjoyed Tengo Project's previous releases, this 8-bit update presented some challenges. My initial hesitations stemmed from the team's limited involvement with the original and my less enthusiastic feelings about the original game itself.
After playing the game extensively, my opinion sits somewhere in the middle. Compared to the developer's other work, Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn feels slightly less polished. However, improvements are plentiful, including enhanced presentation and a refined weapon/item system. While no new characters are introduced, existing characters are better differentiated. It's undeniably superior to the original while retaining its core spirit. Original fans will adore this.
If you're like me and found the original merely decent, Reborn won't dramatically alter your opinion. Simultaneous access to both the chain and sword is a significant improvement, and the sword is more useful. The new inventory system adds a welcome layer of strategy. The presentation is excellent, masking its 8-bit origins. However, there are some frustrating difficulty spikes, making it arguably more challenging than the original. Its brevity might be a drawback for some. It's the best version of Shadow of the Ninja, but it's still Shadow of the Ninja.
Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn is another solid Tengo Project title, representing one of their most substantial remakes. Whether it's worth purchasing depends on your feelings towards the original, as the core gameplay remains largely unchanged. Newcomers will find it enjoyable but not essential, adhering to a classic 8-bit design philosophy.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Pinball FX – The Princess Bride Pinball ($5.49)
Let's quickly review the Pinball FX DLC, celebrating the game's significant update. Two new tables were released: The Princess Bride Pinball and Goat Simulator Pinball. The Princess Bride Pinball features voice clips and video clips from the movie, a welcome inclusion. Mechanically, it's a well-designed table, authentic to the license and satisfying to play. Zen Studios often misses the mark with licensed tables, but this one succeeds. It's a great choice for both newcomers and experienced pinball players.
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Pinball FX – Goat Simulator Pinball ($5.49)
Goat Simulator Pinball fully embraces its license, resulting in a unique and quirky table. The goat-related antics add fun and unexpected elements. It's initially bewildering but rewarding. This table is more suited for veteran players; Goat Simulator fans new to pinball might find it challenging. Zen Studios' creativity shines through in this offbeat table. It's tricky but offers truly wacky gameplay.
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 mission to save Japan. Enjoy combat, hidden trivia, souvenir collecting, and humor. While the framerate is inconsistent on Switch, it's still a worthwhile game.
Holyhunt ($4.99)
A top-down arena twin-stick shooter described as an 8-bit homage. It's simple shoot-and-dash gameplay with boss battles.
Shashingo: Learn Japanese with Photography ($20.00)
A language-learning game where you take photos and learn Japanese vocabulary. While not typically covered, its unique approach makes it noteworthy.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
Today's sales include OrangePixel's titles, a rare discount on Alien Hominid, and a good deal on Ufouria 2. THQ and Team 17 titles are also ending their sales. Check both lists for more details.
Select New Sales
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Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 4th
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That's all for today! Join us tomorrow for more new releases, sales, and possibly a review! We're in the midst of a fantastic gaming season, so hold onto your wallets and enjoy! Have a great Tuesday!
