Hello discerning readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Roundup for September 3rd, 2024. Today's feature includes several game reviews: in-depth analyses of Castlevania Dominus Collection and Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn, plus concise critiques of two recent Pinball FX DLC tables. Following the reviews, we'll explore the day's new releases, highlighting the unique and appealing Bakeru, and conclude with a look at the latest sales and expiring discounts. Let's dive in!
Reviews & Mini-Views
Castlevania Dominus Collection ($24.99)
Konami's recent track record with classic game collections has been exceptional, and the Castlevania franchise has benefited immensely. Castlevania Dominus Collection, the third such release on modern platforms, focuses on the Nintendo DS trilogy. Developed by M2, it delivers the usual high-quality results, but offers even more, potentially making it the most essential Castlevania compilation to date.
The Nintendo DS Castlevania titles hold a unique place in franchise history, marked by both strengths and weaknesses. Positively, each game boasts a distinct identity, forming a surprisingly diverse trio. Dawn of Sorrow, a direct sequel to Aria of Sorrow, initially suffered from cumbersome touchscreen controls, thankfully mitigated in this release. Portrait of Ruin relegates touchscreen elements to a bonus mode, focusing on a compelling 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 excellent, even great, and highly recommended.
However, this trilogy also marked the end of Koji Igarashi's era of exploratory Castlevania games, a run that began with the revitalizing Symphony of the Night. The diminishing returns led Konami to pursue MercurySteam's Lords of Shadow. Were the stylistic differences intentional creative exploration, or a desperate attempt to recapture audience interest? The answer remains elusive. Many players felt fatigued with the formula, and even though I played each title upon release, I felt a sense of stagnation.
Surprisingly, these games aren't emulated but are native ports, allowing M2 to implement improvements such as replacing Dawn of Sorrow's touchscreen interactions with button controls. The presentation cleverly displays the main screen, status screen, and map simultaneously. While some DS-like elements remain, the docked mode controller support enhances the experience, particularly improving Dawn of Sorrow, which now ranks among my top five Castlevania games.
The collection offers a wealth of options and extras. Players can select game regions, customize button mapping, and choose between left stick control for character movement or the touch cursor. A charming credits sequence highlights unsung series contributors. A comprehensive gallery showcases art, manuals, and box art. A music player allows custom playlist creation. In-game features include save states, rewind, customizable control schemes, screen layouts, background colors, and audio adjustments. Each game includes a detailed compendium covering equipment, enemies, and items. The only minor drawback is the limited screen arrangement options. This is a superb way to experience these three exceptional games, offering incredible value for the price.
But the surprises don't end there! The notoriously difficult arcade title, Haunted Castle, is included. While its absence from the first collection was puzzling, it's now present, complete with the essential unlimited continues option. The game, despite its excellent music and stylish opening, is brutally unfair. However, the collection also features a complete remake, Haunted Castle Revisited. M2 has essentially created a superior game, retaining the spirit of the original while significantly improving upon it. This is, in effect, a new Castlevania game!
Castlevania Dominus Collection is a must-have for Castlevania fans. It includes a fantastic new game and expertly presented Nintendo DS titles. The original Haunted Castle is also included. If you dislike Castlevania, we're not friends. And if you're unfamiliar with the series, acquire all three collections and prepare for a treat. This is another triumph 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. Tengo Project's previous releases have been excellent, but this remake presented some unique challenges. The team's limited involvement with the original 8-bit game, and my personal reservations about the original's quality, made me hesitant.
After a positive preview at Tokyo Game Show, my anticipation returned. Having now played the game extensively, my opinion is nuanced. Compared to Tengo Project's other titles, Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn feels less polished. However, the improvements are numerous, including enhanced presentation and a refined weapon and item system. While no new characters are introduced, the existing ones are better differentiated. It's undeniably superior to the original while preserving its essence. Fans of the original will adore this remake.
For those who, like me, found the original merely decent, this remake won't drastically alter that perception. The simultaneous access to both the chain and sword is a significant improvement, and the sword is more useful. The new inventory system adds welcome depth. The presentation is superb, masking its 8-bit origins. However, there are some frustrating difficulty spikes, and overall, it's more challenging than the original. This might be necessary given its shorter length. 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 effort, arguably the most substantial improvement over its source material. Its appeal depends heavily on one's feelings towards the original. Newcomers will find an enjoyable but not essential action game, retaining a distinct 8-bit aesthetic.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Pinball FX – The Princess Bride Pinball ($5.49)
These brief Pinball FX DLC reviews celebrate the game's significant update. Two new tables were released: The Princess Bride Pinball and Goat Simulator Pinball. The Princess Bride Pinball expertly utilizes voice clips and video clips from the film, setting a high standard for licensed tables. The gameplay is well-designed and authentic to the source material, offering a satisfying score-attack experience.
Zen Studios hasn't always succeeded with licensed tables, often lacking music, voice acting, and accurate likenesses. The Princess Bride Pinball is a notable exception, appealing to both newcomers and veterans. While not groundbreaking, its familiar design choices contribute to its charm.
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Pinball FX – Goat Simulator Pinball ($5.49)
Goat Simulator Pinball perfectly captures the spirit of its source material, resulting in a uniquely bizarre table. The goat-related antics and ball effects add a layer of chaotic fun. While initially confusing, persistence is rewarded. This table is more challenging, better suited for veteran players. Goat Simulator fans unfamiliar with pinball might struggle initially.
Zen Studios' extensive experience shines through in this offbeat DLC. It's a challenging but rewarding table, offering truly wacky moments. Dedicated Goat Simulator fans will find it enjoyable, but mastering it requires more effort than other tables.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Select New Releases
Bakeru ($39.99)
As detailed in yesterday's review, this charming 3D platformer from Good-Feel is a delightful experience. Playing as Bakeru, a tanuki on a mission to save Japan, players battle enemies, discover hidden trivia, collect souvenirs, and enjoy humorous moments. While the Switch version suffers from inconsistent framerate, it remains a worthwhile experience.
Holyhunt ($4.99)
This top-down arena twin-stick shooter, described as an homage to 8-bit games, offers a simple but engaging loop of shooting, dashing, acquiring new weapons, and facing bosses.
Shashingo: Learn Japanese with Photography ($20.00)
This language-learning game uses photography as a learning tool, teaching Japanese vocabulary through image association.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
Today's sales include OrangePixel's excellent pick-up-and-play titles, a rare discount on Alien Hominid, and a well-priced Ufouria 2. THQ and Team 17 titles are ending their sales. Explore both lists for more deals.
Select New Sales
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Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 4th
(List of sales)
That concludes today's roundup. Join us tomorrow for more new releases, sales, and potentially news and reviews. We're in the midst of a season overflowing with great games, so manage your spending wisely and enjoy the fun! It's likely the Switch's last holiday season, so let's make it memorable. Have a wonderful Tuesday!
