Hello fellow gamers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Roundup for September 3rd, 2024! Today's article brings you a fresh batch of game reviews, starting with in-depth analyses of Castlevania Dominus Collection and Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn, followed by quick takes on some recent Pinball FX DLC. We'll then dive into the day's new releases, including the charming Bakeru, and finish with a look at the latest sales and expiring deals. Let's jump in!
Reviews & Mini-Views
Castlevania Dominus Collection ($24.99)
Konami's recent track record with classic game collections has been nothing short of 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. Developed by M2, it delivers the usual high-quality presentation, but this collection offers much more, potentially making it the most essential Castlevania compilation to date.
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, the trilogy boasts distinct identities, forming a surprisingly varied set. Dawn of Sorrow, a direct sequel to Aria of Sorrow, initially suffered from clunky touchscreen controls, thankfully mitigated in this release. Portrait of Ruin cleverly integrates touchscreen elements into a bonus mode, while Order of Ecclesia stands out with increased difficulty and a design reminiscent of Simon's Quest. All three are solid titles, and I'd even say they're great.
However, this trilogy also marked the end of the exploratory Castlevania games helmed by Koji Igarashi, whose work revitalized the franchise with Symphony of the Night. With diminishing returns, Konami shifted focus to MercurySteam's Lords of Shadow. Whether the varied nature of these DS titles reflects IGA's creative exploration or a desperate attempt to recapture audience interest remains a mystery. Regardless, many players felt fatigued by the formula at the time, and I confess that despite buying and playing them all, I shared that sentiment.
Surprisingly, these aren't emulated but rather native ports, allowing M2 to implement significant improvements. The frustrating touchscreen controls in Dawn of Sorrow are replaced with more intuitive button presses, and a clever three-screen layout displays the main screen, status, and map simultaneously. While some DS-like elements remain, the controller support in docked mode significantly enhances the experience, making Dawn of Sorrow a contender for my top five Castlevania games.
The collection is packed with options and extras. Players can select game regions, customize button mapping, and choose between stick controls for movement or cursor control. A charming credits sequence and a well-curated gallery featuring artwork, manuals, and box art are also included. A music player allows for custom playlists, a welcome addition given the fantastic soundtracks.
In-game options include save states, rewind, customizable controls, screen layouts, background colors, and audio adjustments. A comprehensive compendium provides detailed information on equipment, enemies, and items. My only minor complaint is the lack of additional screen layout options to maximize the play area. Overall, this is a fantastic way to experience three excellent games at an incredible price.
But the surprises don't end there! The notoriously difficult arcade game, Haunted Castle, is also included. Its inclusion here, rather than in the first collection or the Konami arcade collection, is a bit perplexing. Thankfully, unlimited continues are an option, a near necessity given the game's brutal difficulty. While the music and opening sequence are fantastic, the gameplay itself is unforgiving. Or is it?
The final extra – and it feels odd to call it an extra – is a complete remake of Haunted Castle. Similar to M2's Castlevania: The Adventure Rebirth, this "Haunted Castle Revisited" retains elements of the original but is essentially a new game. This means we get a brand-new, and very good, Castlevania game tucked away in a Nintendo DS collection!
If you're a Castlevania fan, Castlevania Dominus Collection is a must-buy. The inclusion of a fantastic remake alongside the well-presented DS trilogy makes it a steal. The original Haunted Castle is also present, though its brutal difficulty might test even seasoned players. If you're not a Castlevania fan... well, we can't be friends. And if you're unfamiliar with the series, grab all three collections and prepare for an amazing journey. Another stellar effort from 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 (their versions of Wild Guns and The Ninja Warriors are exceptional), this remake presented some challenges. The team had limited involvement with the original 8-bit game, and the original wasn't as strong as their other titles. My initial reaction was cautious.
After playing a preview at Tokyo Game Show last year and now the full game, my opinion sits somewhere in the middle. Compared to their other work, Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn feels less polished. However, the improvements are numerous: the presentation is excellent, and the weapon and item system is refined. While no new characters are added, existing characters are more distinct. It's undeniably superior to the original while retaining its core spirit. Fans of the original will adore this.
If, like me, you found the original merely decent, Reborn won't drastically alter your perception. The ability to use both the chain and sword simultaneously is a welcome improvement, and the sword is more useful than before. The new inventory system adds depth. The presentation is superb, masking its 8-bit origins. However, some frustrating difficulty spikes exist, making it arguably more challenging 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 their most significant improvement over an original game yet. Whether it's worth purchasing depends entirely on your feelings toward the original. Newcomers will find an enjoyable, though not essential, action game with a distinct 8-bit aesthetic.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Pinball FX – The Princess Bride Pinball ($5.49)
Let's quickly review the latest Pinball FX DLC, celebrating the game's significant update that finally makes it playable on Switch. Two new tables launched: The Princess Bride Pinball and Goat Simulator Pinball. The Princess Bride Pinball uses actual voice clips and video clips from the movie—a welcome addition, Zen! The table's mechanics feel authentic and satisfying.
Zen Studios doesn't always nail licensed tables, often lacking music, voices, or likenesses. The Princess Bride Pinball is an exception, offering a fun experience for both newcomers and veterans. While not the most innovative, its familiar design choices work well.
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Pinball FX – Goat Simulator Pinball ($5.49)
Goat Simulator Pinball perfectly captures its source material's absurdity. It's a unique table that only exists in video game form. The silly goat-related events and effects add to the experience. While initially bewildering, it rewards persistence. This table is better suited for veteran players; Goat Simulator fans new to pinball might struggle initially.
Goat Simulator Pinball is another solid DLC offering from Zen Studios. It's challenging but ultimately rewarding, offering truly wacky moments. Fans who persevere will be amused, 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 3D platformer from Good-Feel is a breezy and charming experience. Play as Bakeru, a tanuki on a mission to save Japan from an evil overlord. Battle enemies, discover hidden trivia, collect souvenirs, and enjoy the humor. The Switch version's inconsistent framerate might deter some, but otherwise, it's a delightful game.
Holyhunt ($4.99)
A top-down arena twin-stick shooter described as an 8-bit throwback, though it doesn't strongly resemble games from that era. It appears fun, offering simple shoot, dash, and upgrade gameplay.
Shashingo: Learn Japanese with Photography ($20.00)
While not typically covered, this language-learning game stands out due to its unique approach. Take photos and learn their Japanese names. While I wouldn't personally spend $20, 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 on a rare discount, along with Ufouria 2. THQ and Team 17 titles are also ending their sales soon. Check both the new sales and expiring sales lists below.
Select New Sales
(List of sales omitted for brevity, but the original list is present in the input.)
Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 4th
(List of sales omitted for brevity, but the original list is present in the input.)
That's all for today! Join us tomorrow for more new releases, sales, news, and potentially another review. We're in the midst of a fantastic gaming season, so hold onto your wallets and enjoy! Thanks for reading!
