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 recent Pinball FX DLC. Following the reviews, we'll cover the day's new releases, highlighting the charming Bakeru, and then dive into 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 undeniably impressive, and the Castlevania franchise is a prime example. Castlevania Dominus Collection, the third in the series for modern platforms, focuses on the Nintendo DS trilogy. Developed by M2, this collection delivers exceptional quality, exceeding expectations and possibly becoming the most essential Castlevania compilation yet.
The Nintendo DS Castlevania games hold a unique place in franchise history, with both strengths and weaknesses. Positively, the trilogy offers distinct identities, creating a surprisingly diverse experience. Dawn of Sorrow, a direct sequel to Aria of Sorrow, initially suffered from awkward touchscreen controls, thankfully mitigated in this version. Portrait of Ruin cleverly relegates touchscreen elements to a bonus mode, highlighting its innovative dual-character mechanic. Order of Ecclesia significantly departs from its predecessors, featuring increased difficulty and a design reminiscent of Simon's Quest. All three are strong entries, arguably even great games.
However, this trilogy also marked the end of Koji Igarashi's era of exploratory Castlevania titles, a run that began with the revitalizing Symphony of the Night. While these games stand on their own merit, their distinct styles might reflect either Igarashi's creative exploration or a search for a winning formula amidst waning audience interest. Looking back, many felt fatigued with the series' direction at the time.
Interestingly, these aren't simple emulations, but rather native ports. This allowed M2 to implement significant improvements, such as replacing Dawn of Sorrow's cumbersome touchscreen controls with more user-friendly button inputs. The presentation cleverly displays the main screen, status screen, and map simultaneously, enhancing the gameplay experience. While some DS-like elements remain, the adaptation to controllers for docked mode significantly improves the overall experience, making Dawn of Sorrow a contender for a top-five Castlevania title for many.
The collection is packed with features and extras. Options include region selection, button remapping, and controller customization for cursor control. A charming credits sequence celebrates the unsung heroes of the series. A robust gallery showcases art, manuals, and box art. A dedicated music player allows for custom playlists. In-game features include save states, rewind functionality, customizable screen layouts, background color options, audio adjustments, and comprehensive compendiums for each game. The only minor drawback is the lack of more screen arrangement options to maximize the play area. This is a phenomenal way to experience three excellent games at an incredible value.
But the surprises don't end there! The notoriously difficult arcade title, Haunted Castle, is included. While its omission from the first collection was puzzling, its inclusion here is a welcome addition. The collection provides various options, including the much-needed unlimited continues feature. Despite its brutal difficulty, the game boasts excellent music and a stylish opening sequence. However, the core gameplay remains undeniably challenging.
The final, and surprisingly substantial, extra is a complete remake of Haunted Castle. Similar to M2's Castlevania: The Adventure Rebirth, Haunted Castle Revisited reimagines the original, creating a vastly improved experience. This is essentially a new Castlevania game, and a very good one at that, hidden within a Nintendo DS collection.
Castlevania Dominus Collection is a must-have for Castlevania fans. It offers a fantastic new game alongside the well-presented Nintendo DS trilogy. The inclusion of the original Haunted Castle adds further value. If you're not a Castlevania fan, well, we might need to reconsider our friendship! For newcomers, this collection is the perfect starting point to experience the series' rich history. 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. Tengo Project's previous releases, such as their versions of Wild Guns and The Ninja Warriors, have been exceptional. While I enjoyed Pocky & Rocky, Shadow of the Ninja felt different. The team's limited involvement with the original 8-bit game and my personal preference for the other titles made me somewhat hesitant.
After a positive preview at Tokyo Game Show, my expectations were renewed. Having now completed the game multiple times, my opinion sits somewhere in the middle. Compared to Tengo Project's other work, Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn feels less polished. However, the improvements over the original are substantial, particularly in the presentation and refined weapon/item system. While no new characters are introduced, the existing characters are more distinct. It's undoubtedly superior to the original while retaining its core spirit. Fans of the original will adore this remake.
For those who found the original merely decent, Reborn likely won't significantly alter that perception. The simultaneous access to both the chain and sword is a welcome improvement, with the sword feeling more useful. The new inventory system adds a layer of strategic depth. The presentation is excellent, masking its 8-bit origins. However, the game features some frustrating difficulty spikes, resulting in a more challenging experience than the original. It's the best iteration of Shadow of the Ninja, but it's still Shadow of the Ninja.
Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn is another solid effort from Tengo Project, representing one of their most substantial improvements over the source material. Its appeal depends heavily on one's opinion of the original game. 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 enhances its Switch performance. Two new tables were released: The Princess Bride Pinball and Goat Simulator Pinball. The Princess Bride Pinball uses actual voice clips and video clips from the movie, a welcome inclusion. Mechanically, it feels like a realistic pinball table. Relatively easy to learn, authentic to the source material, and satisfying for score-attack gameplay.
Zen Studios hasn't always nailed licensed tables, often lacking music, voice acting, or character likenesses. The Princess Bride Pinball stands out positively, appealing to fans of the film and pinball enthusiasts. While not the most innovative, its familiar design choices feel appropriate. A fun experience for both newcomers and veterans.
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Pinball FX – Goat Simulator Pinball ($5.49)
Goat Simulator Pinball embraces its source material's absurdity. The result is a uniquely bizarre table that only exists in the digital realm. The gameplay involves various goat-related antics, adding effects to your ball to trigger different table elements. Initially confusing, persistence is rewarded. This table feels better suited to veteran players. Goat Simulator fans unfamiliar with pinball might struggle initially, but the payoff is worth the effort.
Goat Simulator Pinball is another solid DLC offering from Zen Studios, showcasing their willingness to experiment. It's a challenging table to master, but the rewards are uniquely wacky. 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, this 3D platformer from Good-Feel is a charming and breezy experience. Play as Bakeru, a tanuki on a mission to save Japan from an evil overlord. Combat enemies, uncover hidden Japan trivia, collect souvenirs, and enjoy some lighthearted humor. Note that the Switch version suffers from inconsistent framerates.
Holyhunt ($4.99)
A top-down arena twin-stick shooter described as an 8-bit homage. The core gameplay loop involves shooting, dashing, acquiring new weapons, and facing bosses.
Shashingo: Learn Japanese with Photography ($20.00)
While not typically covered, this language-learning game stands out due to its unique approach. Take pictures of objects and learn their Japanese names.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
Today's sales include OrangePixel's selection of excellent pick-up-and-play titles. Alien Hominid is on a rare discount, alongside Ufouria 2. THQ and Team 17 titles are also ending their sales. Explore both lists for further details.
Select New Sales
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Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 4th
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That's it 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 the ride! Have a great Tuesday!
