Farewell, dear readers, and welcome to the final regular SwitchArcade Round-Up for TouchArcade. While a special edition with embargoed reviews will follow next week, this marks the end of my years-long contribution. This last roundup is packed with content, including dual reviews from Mikhail and Shaun, new release summaries, and the usual sales lists. Let's enjoy one last ride!
Reviews & Mini-Views
Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU ($49.99)
Following Imagineer's successful Fitness Boxing series, culminating in the surprisingly enjoyable Fitness Boxing Fist of the North Star, their collaboration with Hatsune Miku was a welcome surprise. Tested alongside Ring Fit Adventure, Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU impressed in many aspects.
The game utilizes boxing and rhythm game mechanics for fitness, offering daily workouts, engaging mini-games, and Miku-themed song modes. Note that it's Joy-Con exclusive; Pro Controllers and third-party accessories are incompatible.
Standard features include difficulty options, free training, warm-ups, workout tracking, reminders, and a system-wide alarm. Unlockable cosmetics add incentive. While I can't comment on DLC, the base game surpasses Fist of the North Star, except for one drawback: the main instructor's voice is jarring and I found myself muting it.
Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU successfully integrates Miku into the Fitness Boxing formula, appealing to her fanbase. It's a solid fitness game, but best used as a supplement to other routines rather than a standalone program. -Mikhail Madnani
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Magical Delicacy ($24.99)
Magical Delicacy, from sKaule and Whitethorn Games, blends Metroidvania exploration with cooking and crafting. While it excels in some areas, its flaws prevent it from reaching its full potential.
As witch Flora, you cook and craft for various characters. The exploration is surprisingly well-executed, despite some frustrating backtracking. However, ingredient management and inventory UI could use improvement.
The game boasts stunning pixel art, charming music, and highly customizable settings, including UI scaling and text options. While enjoyable, it feels like it could benefit from further refinement via updates or early access.
The Switch version runs smoothly, aside from minor frame pacing inconsistencies. The haptic feedback is well-implemented. Personally, I prefer playing this type of game on handheld devices, making the Switch version ideal.
Magical Delicacy is a promising blend of genres, but some inventory and backtracking issues hold it back. Despite its current quality, a few quality-of-life improvements would elevate it to an essential title. -Mikhail Madnani
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Aero The Acro-Bat 2 ($5.99)
A sequel to the 16-bit platformer, Aero The Acro-Bat 2 is a polished iteration, though its success didn't warrant further sequels. While not groundbreaking, it's a solid platforming experience.
This release boasts an improved presentation compared to Ratalaika's typical emulation wrappers. It includes bonus features like box and manual scans, achievements, a sprite sheet gallery, a jukebox, and cheats. The only drawback is the omission of the SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive version.
Fans of the original Aero The Acro-Bat will appreciate this enhanced sequel. Even those who found the first game lacking might find this one more enjoyable. Ratalaika's improved emulation wrapper is commendable.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Metro Quester | Osaka ($19.99)
This prequel to Metro Quester serves as more of an expansion pack than a full sequel, offering a new dungeon in Osaka, new character classes, and canoe-based water traversal. The core turn-based combat and top-down exploration remain.
Fans of the original will find plenty to enjoy here. New players might prefer starting with this installment, as it builds upon the original's mechanics. While requiring patience, the rewards are well worth the investment.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Select New Releases
NBA 2K25 ($59.99)
The latest iteration of NBA 2K features gameplay improvements, a new "Neighborhood" feature, and MyTEAM enhancements. Requires 53.3 GB of storage space.
Shogun Showdown ($14.99)
A Darkest Dungeon-style game with a Japanese setting and some unique twists.
Aero The Acro-Bat 2 ($5.99)
(See review above)
Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection ($9.99)
A collection of three previously unlocalized Famicom games: a side-scrolling action platformer, an adventure game, and an action-RPG.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
Notable sales include Cosmic Fantasy Collection (40% off) and Tinykin (at its lowest price yet). Check the full lists for more deals.
Select New Sales (Images omitted for brevity, but maintain original image structure)
(List of sales - reformatted for better readability)
Sales Ending This Weekend (Images omitted for brevity, but maintain original image structure)
(List of sales - reformatted for better readability)
This concludes my contributions to SwitchArcade Round-Up and my time at TouchArcade. While I'll continue writing elsewhere, I extend my deepest gratitude to all TouchArcade readers. Thank you for joining me on this journey.
