Hello discerning readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for August 28th, 2024. Yesterday's presentation was packed with exciting reveals, wasn't it? A flurry of surprise game releases means our typically quiet Wednesday is anything but – and that's a welcome change! We've got news, a review of today's eShop additions, and the usual rundown of new and expiring sales. Let's dive in!
News
Partner/Indie World Showcase: A Bounty of Games
The decision to present two smaller showcases was a smart move, resulting in a wealth of announcements. While a complete rundown is impossible here, highlights include several surprise releases (detailed below), Capcom Fighting Collection 2, the Suikoden I & II remasters, Yakuza Kiwami, Tetris Forever, MySims, Worms Armageddon: Anniversary Edition, new entries in the Atelier and Rune Factory franchises, and much more. I highly recommend watching the video for a comprehensive overview. A treasure trove of games for diverse tastes awaits!
Select New Releases
Castlevania Dominus Collection ($24.99)
A third Castlevania compilation emerged as a pleasant surprise from the Direct. This collection features the three Nintendo DS titles: Dawn of Sorrow, Portrait of Ruin, and Order of Ecclesia. It also includes the notoriously poor arcade game, Haunted Castle, alongside an M2-developed remake that significantly improves upon the original. As expected from M2, this is a high-quality release boasting excellent emulation and a comprehensive feature set. Exceptional value for the price.
Pizza Tower ($19.99)
This Wario Land-inspired, fast-paced platformer makes its Switch debut as another Direct surprise. Players navigate five expansive floors of the Pizza Tower to destroy it and save their restaurant. Fans of Wario's handheld adventures will find this a must-have. Even those without a strong Wario preference but who enjoy platformers should consider it. A review is planned, time permitting.
Goat Simulator 3 ($29.99)
The surprise releases continue. Let's be honest, without these, Wednesday would be rather barren. Goat Simulator 3 needs little introduction. Its performance on the Switch remains unverified, but given challenges on more powerful systems, proceed with caution. However, even poor performance might add to the game's inherent absurdity. Ultimately, the decision is yours. Silly goats, silly antics, an open world – your Switch may or may not experience technical difficulties.
Peglin ($19.99)
While it's tempting to criticize EA's missed opportunity to bring PopCap games to the Switch, perhaps even as a compilation, the reality is they haven't, and won't. For Peggle enthusiasts, Peglin is a highly recommended alternative. Already available on mobile, it's equally enjoyable on the Switch, blending Peggle mechanics with turn-based RPG roguelite elements. A review will follow shortly.
Doraemon Dorayaki Shop Story ($20.00)
Kairosoft's approach to revitalizing its simulation formula involves licensing. Doraemon Dorayaki Shop Story is a typical Kairosoft shop sim featuring characters from the popular Doraemon manga and anime. The license is well-integrated, even including cameos from characters from the manga artist's other works. Charming.
Pico Park 2 ($8.99)
More Pico Park for existing fans. Up to eight players can participate locally or online, emphasizing cooperative gameplay. The puzzle stages demand strategic thinking and teamwork. A solid addition for those who enjoyed the first game, but unlikely to attract newcomers due to its limited novelty.
Kamitsubaki City Ensemble ($3.99)
An affordable rhythm game featuring Kamitsubaki Studio's music. Simple gameplay, engaging story, and enjoyable tunes. Not the most sophisticated, but its price reflects that.
SokoPenguin ($4.99)
A Sokoban-style crate-pushing puzzle game featuring a penguin. One hundred levels. A straightforward concept.
Q2 Humanity ($6.80)
Another quirky physics-based puzzle game, this time with over three hundred levels. Players utilize character abilities and drawing mechanics to solve puzzles. Supports up to four players locally or online.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
The sales spotlight shines primarily on NIS America titles, but deals on Balatro, Frogun, and The King of Fighters XIII Global Match are also available. The expiring sales list is extensive, so careful review is recommended.
Select New Sales
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Sales Ending Tomorrow, August 29th
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That concludes today's round-up. Thursday promises another substantial release day, including the new Famicom Detective Club and other notable titles. We'll provide summaries and cover any significant news and sales. Have a fantastic Wednesday, and thank you for reading!