Hello, dear readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for August 27th, 2024. Today's article begins with some exciting news, followed by a single review for you to delve into. It's my take on the latest EGGCONSOLE release from last week, and if you're a regular reader, you might already have a sense of my thoughts. We'll then shift our focus to one new game release, which is definitely worth your attention. We'll wrap up with the usual lists of new and expiring sales, which are quite solid this time around. As for tonight's Nintendo Direct, I'm as clueless as you are about what's in store, but by the time you're reading this, you'll already know. Let's dive in!
News
Check Out Today’s Nintendo Direct/Indie World Showcase
As predicted by the sometimes-accurate insiders, Nintendo has announced a last-minute Nintendo Direct for August. You can expect a 40-minute presentation, split into a Partner Showcase and an Indie World Showcase. Don't anticipate any first-party announcements or news about the Switch's successor. By the time you read this, the event will have concluded. You can catch the replay above, and I'll provide a detailed summary of the key highlights in tomorrow's article.
Reviews & Mini-Views
EGGCONSOLE Star Trader PC-8801mkIIsr ($6.49)
When it comes to these non-translated EGGCONSOLE releases, two questions always come to mind: How engaging is the game itself, and can it be enjoyed without understanding Japanese? Star Trader is an intriguing title, but it falls short of being exceptional. Falcom has blended a Japanese-style adventure game with side-scrolling shoot 'em up elements, yet neither component truly excels. The adventure segments feature appealing art and offer a unique narrative-driven approach to a shoot 'em up. You'll spend most of your time interacting with characters and undertaking quests to earn money, which is crucial for upgrading your ship and succeeding in the action-packed segments.
However, the shoot 'em up portions suffer from the PC-8801's limitations, resulting in a choppy experience that feels underwhelming even if the scrolling were smoother. It's unclear whether the adventure or action part is meant to be the main focus, but Star Trader ends up being more interesting than enjoyable. As for the second question, the game's text-heavy nature and the necessity of understanding Japanese to navigate the adventure segments make it challenging for non-Japanese speakers. Without comprehension, you miss out on half the game and may struggle to progress due to insufficient credits. While it's possible to brute force your way through more than some EGGCONSOLE titles, it's not particularly enjoyable.
Star Trader offers a fascinating glimpse into gaming history, showcasing Falcom's experimentation beyond their usual genre. However, the enjoyment is significantly hampered by the extensive Japanese text, which most Western players can't read. You might find some fun in exploring this curiosity, but I can't recommend it wholeheartedly.
SwitchArcade Score: 3/5
Select New Releases
Crypt Custodian ($19.99)
This top-down action-adventure game follows the journey of Pluto, a recently deceased cat. After a disastrous encounter with the Afterlife Guardian, Pluto is banished from the afterlife's palace and doomed to clean for eternity. Explore the world, battle enemies with your broom, encounter bizarre characters, confront bosses, and enhance your abilities. It's a genre you're likely familiar with, but Crypt Custodian executes it well. If you're a fan of this style, I encourage you to check it out.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
For fans of colorful shoot 'em ups with unique mechanics, the Dreamer series and Harpoon Shooter Nozomi are worth your attention. I've personally enjoyed all three. In the expiring sales, don't miss out on 1000xRESIST. It's a must-buy. Other recommendations include the Star Wars games, Citizen Sleeper, Paradise Killer, Haiku, the Robot, and perhaps some Tomb Raider as a treat. Be sure to browse through the lists!
Select New Sales
Return ($10.49 from $13.99 until 9/2)
Summer Daze: Tilly’s Tale ($2.99 from $14.99 until 9/9)
Please Fix the Road ($5.99 from $9.99 until 9/9)
Ticket to Ride ($26.99 from $29.99 until 9/9)
King ‘n Knight ($9.59 from $11.99 until 9/9)
Spiritfarer ($7.49 from $29.99 until 9/9)
Harpoon Shooter Nozomi ($6.98 from $9.98 until 9/16)
Like Dreamer ($5.99 from $11.99 until 9/16)
Cosmo Dreamer ($4.10 from $8.20 until 9/16)
Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate ($8.99 from $59.99 until 9/16)
Gluck ($5.59 from $6.99 until 9/16)
Love Love School Days ($4.19 from $10.49 until 9/16)
Ugly ($6.79 from $19.99 until 9/16)
Replik Survivors ($3.44 from $4.99 until 9/16)
Sales Ending Tomorrow, August 28th
1000xRESIST ($15.99 from $19.99 until 8/28)
Citizen Sleeper ($9.99 from $19.99 until 8/28)
Genesis Noir ($4.49 from $14.99 until 8/28)
Haiku, The Robot ($9.99 from $19.99 until 8/28)
Heads Up! Phones Down Edition ($1.99 from $39.99 until 8/28)
Legend Bowl ($18.74 from $24.99 until 8/28)
MythForce ($14.99 from $29.99 until 8/28)
Paradise Killer ($5.99 from $19.99 until 8/28)
Star Wars Battlefront Collection ($28.00 from $35.01 until 8/28)
Star Wars Bounty Hunter ($14.99 from $19.99 until 8/28)
Star Wars Episode I Racer ($7.49 from $14.99 until 8/28)
Star Wars Jedi Academy ($9.99 from $19.99 until 8/28)
Star Wars Jedi Outcast ($4.99 from $9.99 until 8/28)
Star Wars KotOR ($7.49 from $14.99 until 8/28)
Star Wars KotOR II: Sith Lords ($7.49 from $14.99 until 8/28)
Star Wars Republic Commando ($7.49 from $14.99 until 8/28)
Star Wars The Force Unleashed ($9.99 from $19.99 until 8/28)
Super Mutant Alien Assault ($1.99 from $9.99 until 8/28)
Suzerain ($4.49 from $17.99 until 8/28)
The Pale Beyond ($9.99 from $19.99 until 8/28)
Times & Galaxy ($17.99 from $19.99 until 8/28)
Tomb Raider I-III Remastered ($22.49 from $29.99 until 8/28)
That's all for today, friends. We'll be back tomorrow to discuss the highlights from the Nintendo Direct, along with new game releases, sales updates, and possibly more reviews. I hope you all enjoy a fantastic Tuesday, and as always, thank you for reading!
