Hello fellow gamers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Roundup for September 3rd, 2024! Today's article brings you several game reviews, including in-depth analyses of Castlevania Dominus Collection and Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn, plus quick takes on some new Pinball FX DLC. We'll then explore the day's new releases, highlighting the unique and charming Bakeru, and wrap things up with a look at the latest sales and expiring deals. Let's dive in!
Reviews & Mini-Reviews
Castlevania Dominus Collection ($24.99)
Konami's recent track record with classic game collections has been truly impressive, and the Castlevania franchise has been a major beneficiary. Castlevania Dominus Collection, the third in the series on modern platforms, focuses on the Nintendo DS trilogy. Developed by M2, it delivers the usual high quality, but this collection offers even more, potentially making it the most essential Castlevania compilation yet.
Let's start with the core games. The Nintendo DS era of Castlevania holds a unique place in franchise history, with both highs and lows. Positively, the trilogy boasts distinct identities, forming a surprisingly diverse set. Dawn of Sorrow, a direct sequel to Aria of Sorrow, initially suffered from clunky touchscreen controls (now thankfully improved). Portrait of Ruin cleverly integrates the touchscreen into a bonus mode, utilizing a dual-character mechanic. Order of Ecclesia shakes things up further, presenting a significantly higher difficulty and a design reminiscent of Simon's Quest. All three are solid games, and I'd even call them great. Highly recommended!
However, this trilogy also marked the end of the exploratory Castlevania era spearheaded by Koji Igarashi, whose work on Symphony of the Night revitalized the series. The diminishing returns led Konami to pursue MercurySteam's Lords of Shadow series. Were these games' unique styles a result of Igarashi's creative exploration, or a desperate attempt to recapture a waning audience? We may never know. Many felt fatigued by this Castlevania formula at the time, and even though I played them all on release, I admit to sensing a creative stagnation. Sometimes you don't realize what you have until it's gone.
Interestingly, these aren't simple emulations but native ports, allowing M2 to enhance the experience. The irritating touchscreen controls in Dawn of Sorrow are replaced with more intuitive button presses, and the game displays the main screen, status screen, and map simultaneously. While some DS elements remain, the controller support for docked mode works surprisingly well, significantly improving Dawn of Sorrow, now a contender for my top five Castlevania titles.
The collection is packed with options and extras. You can select the game region, customize button mapping, choose between stick control schemes, and enjoy an adorable credits sequence. A comprehensive gallery showcases art, manuals, and box art, while a music player lets you create custom playlists. In-game, you can utilize save states, rewind, adjust screen layouts, select background colors, tweak audio levels, and explore detailed compendiums for each game. The only minor drawback is the lack of more screen arrangement options for a larger play area. This is a fantastic way to experience these three excellent games, offering exceptional value for the price.
But the surprises don't end there! The notoriously difficult arcade game, Haunted Castle, is included. Its inclusion here, rather than in the first collection, is puzzling, but it's here nonetheless, complete with the essential unlimited continues option (trust me, you'll need it!). Despite its brutal difficulty, it boasts great music and a stylish opening. But... is it truly irredeemable?
The final extra, a full remake of Haunted Castle, is almost too significant to be called an extra. M2 has essentially created a new, improved Haunted Castle called Haunted Castle Revisited. While retaining elements of the original, it's a virtually complete overhaul. We have a new Castlevania game, and a good one at that, tucked away in a DS collection!
If you're a Castlevania fan, Castlevania Dominus Collection is a must-buy. It includes a fantastic new game and the three DS titles in pristine condition. The original Haunted Castle is also included. If you don't like Castlevania, well, we can't be friends. And if you're unfamiliar with Castlevania, buy all three collections and experience the magic! 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 rollercoaster. I've enjoyed Tengo Project's previous releases, considering their versions of Wild Guns and The Ninja Warriors definitive. While I had some minor issues with Pocky & Rocky, it was still enjoyable. Shadow of the Ninja, however, felt different. The team had less involvement with the original 8-bit game, and I personally didn't find the original as strong as their other titles. This remake made me hesitant.
After a preview at Tokyo Game Show last year, my excitement returned. Having now played it extensively, I'm somewhere in the middle. Compared to their other work, Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn feels less polished. The improvements over the original are substantial, from the presentation to the refined weapon and item system. While there are no new characters, the existing ones are better differentiated. It's undoubtedly superior to the original, retaining its core spirit. If you loved the original, you'll adore this.
However, if you're like me and only found the original decent, this remake won't dramatically change your opinion. Having both the chain and sword readily available is a vast improvement, and the sword is more useful. The new inventory system adds a welcome element. The presentation is excellent, hiding its 8-bit origins. The difficulty, however, has some abrupt spikes, making it more challenging than the original. This might be necessary, given its relatively short length. It's the best Shadow of the Ninja experience, but it's still Shadow of the Ninja.
Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn is another solid Tengo Project effort, perhaps their most substantial remake yet. Whether you should buy it depends on your feelings about the original, as the core gameplay remains similar. Newcomers will find a fun but 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 new Pinball FX DLC, celebrating the major update that finally makes the game playable on Switch. Two new tables arrived: The Princess Bride Pinball and Goat Simulator Pinball. The Princess Bride Pinball uses voice clips and video from the movie – exactly the kind of licensed content we need more of, Zen! The gameplay feels authentic to the license and is satisfying to play.
Zen Studios doesn't always nail licensed tables, often lacking music, voice acting, or likenesses. The Princess Bride Pinball is a standout, and any fan of the movie who enjoys pinball should check it out. While not the most innovative, its familiar design choices feel appropriate. A good time for all skill levels.
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Pinball FX – Goat Simulator Pinball ($5.49)
Goat Simulator Pinball perfectly captures its source material's absurdity. This is a truly unique table, only possible in a video game. The goat-related antics add fun effects, making for a bizarre but rewarding experience. It's more challenging for veteran players, while Goat Simulator fans new to pinball may find it difficult initially.
Goat Simulator Pinball is another solid DLC from Zen Studios, showcasing their willingness to experiment. It's a tricky table to master, but the payoff is worth it. 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, I thoroughly enjoyed this charming 3D platformer from Good-Feel. Play as Bakeru, a tanuki saving Japan from an evil overlord. Fight enemies, discover fun facts hidden in poo, collect souvenirs, and enjoy the humor. The Switch version has inconsistent framerates, so those sensitive to technical issues might prefer other platforms. Otherwise, it's a delightful Switch game.
Holyhunt ($4.99)
This top-down arena twin-stick shooter calls itself an 8-bit love letter, though it doesn't resemble many games from that era. It looks fun, offering shoot, dash, upgrade, repeat gameplay with boss battles.
Shashingo: Learn Japanese with Photography ($20.00)
While typically not reviewed here, this language-learning game seems well-made. Take pictures, learn Japanese names for objects. Personally, I wouldn't spend $20, but it might work for some learners.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
Today's sales include OrangePixel's excellent pick-up-and-play titles. Alien Hominid is on a rare discount, along with Ufouria 2. THQ and Team 17 titles are ending their sales, so check their publisher pages for details. Browse both lists carefully!
Select New Sales
(List of sales)
(List of sales)
Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 4th
(List of sales)
That's it for today! We'll return tomorrow with more new releases, sales, news, and maybe a review. We're in the season of abundant great games, so protect your wallets and enjoy the fun! This might be the Switch's last big holiday season, so let's make it count. Have a great Tuesday, and thanks for reading!
