Hello fellow gamers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for September 3rd, 2024! Today's article brings you fresh reviews, starting with in-depth analyses of Castlevania Dominus Collection and Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn, followed by quick takes on the latest Pinball FX DLC tables. We'll then dive into the day's new releases, including the charming Bakeru, and wrap things up with a look at the latest sales and expiring deals. Let's jump in!
Reviews & Mini-Reviews
Castlevania Dominus Collection ($24.99)
Konami's recent track record with classic game collections has been undeniably impressive, 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. Once again, M2 handles development, delivering their usual high quality. However, this collection surpasses expectations, potentially becoming the most essential Castlevania compilation yet.
First, let's discuss the core games. The Nintendo DS era of Castlevania holds a unique place in franchise history, with both highs and lows. Positively, all three games possess distinct identities, forming a surprisingly diverse set. Dawn of Sorrow, a direct sequel to Aria of Sorrow, was an early DS title, initially burdened by awkward touchscreen controls— thankfully mitigated in this release. Portrait of Ruin relegates touchscreen elements to a bonus mode, instead utilizing a novel dual-character mechanic. Order of Ecclesia significantly shakes things up, offering increased difficulty and a design reminiscent of Simon's Quest. All three are solid titles, worthy of recommendation.
The downside? This marked the end of the exploratory Castlevania games helmed by Koji Igarashi, whose Symphony of the Night revitalized the series. With diminishing returns, Konami shifted focus to 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? We may never know. Many felt fatigued by the formula at the time, and while I enjoyed them all, I also sensed a creative stagnation. Sometimes, you don't appreciate something until it's gone.
Interestingly, these aren't emulations but native ports, enabling M2 to implement enhancements. The annoying touchscreen controls in Dawn of Sorrow are replaced with more intuitive button presses, and the display cleverly shows the main screen, status screen, and map simultaneously. While retaining some DS elements, the games seamlessly adapt to controller use, significantly improving Dawn of Sorrow, elevating it to my top five Castlevania games.
The collection is packed with options and extras. Region selection, button remapping, and customizable control schemes are included. A delightful credits sequence showcases the unsung heroes, and a gallery features artwork, manuals, and box art. A music player allows for custom playlists, a treat given the excellent soundtracks.
In-game, save states, rewind functionality, control remapping, screen layout adjustments, background color options, and audio customization are available. A comprehensive compendium details equipment, enemies, and items. My only minor complaint is the lack of additional screen layout options to maximize the play area. This is a fantastic way to experience three excellent 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. Thankfully, unlimited continues are available – a necessity given the game's brutal difficulty. While boasting good music and a stylish opening sequence, the game itself is unforgiving. Or is it?
The final extra, and it feels odd to call it that, is a complete remake of Haunted Castle: Haunted Castle Revisited. M2 has essentially created a superior version of the original, retaining its core elements while significantly improving gameplay. This is a new, excellent Castlevania game hidden within a Nintendo DS collection!
Castlevania fans, this is a must-buy. A fantastic new game accompanies the three DS titles, presented flawlessly. The original Haunted Castle is also included. If you dislike Castlevania, we can't be friends. And if you're unfamiliar, acquire all three collections for a truly rewarding experience. 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. I've enjoyed Tengo Project's previous releases, considering their versions of Wild Guns and The Ninja Warriors definitive. While I appreciated Pocky & Rocky, Shadow of the Ninja felt different. The team's involvement with the original was limited, and it's an 8-bit game update, unlike their 16-bit remakes. I also found the original less compelling than their other titles. Therefore, I was initially hesitant about this remake.
After a preview at Tokyo Game Show, my excitement returned. Now, having played the game extensively, my opinion is moderate. Compared to their other work, Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn feels less polished. Improvements are numerous, including enhanced visuals and a refined weapon system. While lacking new characters, the existing ones are better differentiated. It's superior to the original while retaining its essence. Original fans will adore this.
However, if you, like me, found the original merely decent, this remake won't dramatically alter your perception. Simultaneous access to the chain and sword is a welcome improvement, with the sword being more useful. The inventory system is a cool addition. The presentation is excellent, masking its 8-bit origins. A few challenging difficulty spikes are present, making it harder than the original. It's the best Shadow of the Ninja experience, but it's still Shadow of the Ninja.
Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn is another solid Tengo Project effort, representing a substantial upgrade. Its appeal depends on your feelings towards the original, as the core remains similar. Newcomers will find an enjoyable but not essential action game, retaining an 8-bit aesthetic.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Pinball FX – The Princess Bride Pinball ($5.49)
Here are brief reviews of the latest Pinball FX DLC, celebrating the game's improved Switch performance. Two new tables were released: The Princess Bride Pinball and Goat Simulator Pinball. The former, based on the movie, features voice clips and video clips. This is the type of licensed content I want to see, Zen! Mechanically, it feels like a real pinball table. Relatively easy to learn, authentic to the license, and satisfying for score attacks.
Zen Studios' licensed tables sometimes miss the mark, lacking music, voice acting, and accurate likenesses. The Princess Bride Pinball excels in this regard, appealing to movie fans and pinball enthusiasts. While not the most innovative, its familiar design choices feel appropriate. A great time for both newcomers and veterans.
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Pinball FX – Goat Simulator Pinball ($5.49)
Goat Simulator Pinball perfectly captures its source material's quirky nature. It's a bizarre table, only possible in a video game. Expect silly goat-related events, affecting your ball and triggering various table elements. Initially confusing, it rewards persistence. More suitable for veteran players, Goat Simulator fans without pinball experience might struggle.
Goat Simulator Pinball is another solid DLC offering from Zen Studios, showcasing their willingness to experiment. It's challenging but ultimately rewarding, offering wacky antics. Goat Simulator fans who persevere 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, I thoroughly enjoyed this charming 3D platformer from Good-Feel. Play as Bakeru, a tanuki saving Japan from an evil overlord. Battle enemies, uncover Japan trivia, collect souvenirs, and enjoy some laughs. The Switch version's inconsistent framerate might deter some, but it's otherwise a delightful game.
Holyhunt ($4.99)
A top-down arena twin-stick shooter, described as an 8-bit homage, though it doesn't quite resemble anything from that era. It looks fun: shoot, dash, acquire new weapons, repeat. Boss battles included.
Shashingo: Learn Japanese with Photography ($20.00)
While not typically covered, this language-learning title seems more thoughtfully designed. Take photos, learn Japanese names for objects. Personally, I wouldn't pay $20, but it might suit some learners.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
Today's sales include OrangePixel's excellent pick-up-and-play titles. Alien Hominid is rarely discounted, and Ufouria 2 is also attractively priced. THQ and Team 17 titles are ending their sales. Check their publisher pages for a complete list. Browse both lists carefully.
Select New Sales
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Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 4th
(List of sales)
That's it for today! Join us tomorrow for more new releases, sales, and potentially news or another review. We're in the midst of a fantastic game release season, so hold onto your wallets and enjoy the fun. This might be the Switch's last major holiday season, so let's make it count. Have a great Tuesday, and thanks for reading!
