Farewell, dear readers, and welcome to the final regular SwitchArcade Round-Up for TouchArcade. This marks the conclusion of my several-year run, though a special edition with a few embargoed reviews will follow next week. While I'd hoped to continue covering the Switch's lifespan, circumstances necessitate a change of course. This farewell edition is packed with content, including dual reviews from Mikhail and Shaun, new release summaries, and the usual sales lists. Let’s enjoy this 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 latest collaboration with Hatsune Miku piqued my interest. Having played it alongside Ring Fit Adventure, I'm impressed.
The Fitness Boxing formula, as the name implies, combines boxing and rhythm game mechanics for daily workouts, mini-games, and more. Hatsune Miku's inclusion adds a dedicated mode for her songs, alongside the game's standard tracklist. Note: this is Joy-Con-only; Pro Controllers and third-party accessories aren't supported.
The game offers adjustable difficulty, a free training mode, warm-ups, workout tracking, reminders, and a system-wide alarm. Unlockable cosmetics add extra incentive. While I can't comment on DLC yet, the base game surpasses Fist of the North Star, except for one minor flaw: the main instructor's voice feels out of place and oddly directed, leading me to lower its volume.
Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU successfully integrates Miku into the Fitness Boxing universe. Its daily workouts, customization, and tracking are strong points, but it’s best used as a supplement to Ring Fit Adventure or a personal fitness routine rather than as the sole exercise program. -Mikhail Madnani
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Magical Delicacy ($24.99)
Magical Delicacy, from sKaule and Whitethorn Games, initially flew under my radar until an Xbox Game Pass announcement. Playing it on Switch, I found it a promising blend of Metroidvania and cooking game elements, though not perfectly executed. The exploration is surprisingly well-implemented, despite some frustrating backtracking. However, inventory management and the UI require some adjustment.
The game shines with its charming pixel art, delightful music, and extensive settings (including UI scaling and text options). I believe Magical Delicacy would benefit from further refinement, potentially through early access or updates.
The Switch version plays smoothly, aside from occasional frame pacing issues. The rumble functionality is a nice touch. Compared to the Xbox Series X version, the portability of the Switch version makes it particularly appealing.
Despite its potential, Magical Delicacy feels slightly incomplete due to inventory and backtracking issues. Nevertheless, it’s a strong entry in the genre, well-suited to the Switch. Further improvements would solidify its position as a must-have. -Mikhail Madnani
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Aero The Acro-Bat 2 ($5.99)
Aero The Acro-Bat 2 is a sequel to a successful 16-bit mascot platformer. While not a massive hit, its quality shouldn't be underestimated. It refines the original, resulting in a more polished, though perhaps less characterful, experience.
Surprisingly, this release boasts an improved presentation compared to Ratalaika's typical emulation wrappers. It includes box and manual scans, achievements, a sprite sheet gallery, a jukebox, cheats, and more. The only drawback is the exclusion of the SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive version.
Fans of the first game will appreciate this sequel, and those previously hesitant might find it more enjoyable. Ratalaika's improved emulation wrapper is commendable, and I hope to see similar treatment for the first game. A strong release for Aero enthusiasts and retro platformer fans.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Metro Quester | Osaka ($19.99)
Following the enjoyable original, Metro Quester | Osaka acts more as an expansion than a full sequel. Set in Osaka, it features a new dungeon, character types, and gameplay mechanics. The wetter environment introduces canoe travel. New weapons, skills, and enemies provide fresh challenges.
The core mechanics remain largely unchanged from the original. Turn-based combat, top-down exploration, and careful planning are crucial. Fans of the original will find plenty to love, and newcomers might prefer starting here.
This expansion effectively expands upon the existing systems, rewarding patient players.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Select New Releases
NBA 2K25 ($59.99)
NBA 2K25 arrives with gameplay improvements, a new Neighborhood feature, and MyTEAM enhancements. Requires 53.3 GB of storage.
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 platformer, an adventure game, and an action-RPG. (See previous review for details)
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
Notable sales include Cosmic Fantasy Collection (40% off) and Tinykin (at its lowest price). See the lists below for details.
Select New Sales
(List of new sales)
(List of new sales continued)
(List of new sales continued)
Sales Ending This Weekend
(List of sales ending this weekend)
This concludes my time at TouchArcade, marking the end of an eleven-and-a-half-year journey. While I'll continue writing elsewhere (Post Game Content blog and Patreon), this is my farewell to this specific role. Thank you to all TouchArcade readers for your support. I wish you all happiness, and thank you for reading.
