Hello fellow gamers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for September 3rd, 2024! Today's article features in-depth reviews, starting with Castlevania Dominus Collection, followed by a look at Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn, and concluding with quick takes on some recent Pinball FX DLC tables. We'll then explore the day's new releases, including the charming Bakeru, before diving into the latest sales and expiring deals. Let's get started!
Reviews & Mini-Views
Castlevania Dominus Collection ($24.99)
Konami's recent track record with classic game collections has been exceptional, and the Castlevania franchise is a prime example. Castlevania Dominus Collection, the third in the series for modern platforms, focuses on the Nintendo DS trilogy. Developed by M2, this collection delivers excellent results, offering more than initially apparent, making it potentially the most essential Castlevania compilation to date.
The Nintendo DS Castlevania games represent a pivotal, albeit mixed, period in the franchise's history. Positively, each title boasts a unique identity, creating a surprisingly diverse trio. Dawn of Sorrow, a direct sequel to Aria of Sorrow, initially suffered from clunky touchscreen controls, thankfully addressed in this version. Portrait of Ruin relegates touchscreen elements to a bonus mode, focusing on an intriguing dual-character mechanic. Order of Ecclesia shakes things up further, presenting a significantly higher difficulty and design reminiscent of Simon's Quest. All three are strong games.
However, this collection also marks the end of Koji Igarashi's exploratory Castlevania era, which revitalized the franchise with Symphony of the Night. The diminishing returns led Konami to pursue MercurySteam's Lords of Shadow. Were the distinct game designs a testament to IGA's creative exploration, or a desperate attempt to recapture audience interest? This remains a mystery. Many players felt fatigued by the formula at the time, and even with my personal enjoyment of the original releases, I sensed a creative stagnation.
Surprisingly, these aren't emulated but are native ports, allowing M2 to enhance the experience. The irritating touchscreen controls in Dawn of Sorrow are replaced with more intuitive button presses, and a third screen displays the map alongside the main and status screens. While retaining some DS-like elements, the games now seamlessly adapt to controllers, significantly improving Dawn of Sorrow and securing its place among my top five Castlevania titles.
The collection is packed with options and extras. Players can select regional versions, customize button mapping, and choose between left stick movement and touch cursor control. A delightful credits sequence showcases the unsung heroes of the series. A gallery features artwork, manual scans, and box art. A music player lets you create custom playlists. In-game, save states, rewind, control remapping, screen layout customization, background color choices, audio adjustments, and comprehensive compendiums are included for each game. My only minor complaint is the lack of additional screen arrangement options to maximize the play area. This is a fantastic way to experience three excellent games at an incredible price.
And there's more! The notoriously challenging arcade game, Haunted Castle, is included. Its inclusion here, rather than in the first collection, is puzzling, but its presence is welcome. Unlimited continues are a much-needed addition. Despite its brutal difficulty, the game boasts excellent music and a stylish opening sequence, but the gameplay remains unforgiving. Or is it?
The final extra, and it feels odd calling it an "extra," is a complete remake of Haunted Castle. Similar to M2's Castlevania: The Adventure Rebirth, Haunted Castle Revisited reimagines the original, creating a genuinely enjoyable experience. We essentially have a new Castlevania game! A very good one! Hidden within the Extras tab of a Nintendo DS collection, it's a remarkable addition.
Castlevania fans should absolutely purchase Castlevania Dominus Collection. It includes a fantastic new Castlevania game and the three Nintendo DS titles in optimal form. The original Haunted Castle is also present. If you dislike Castlevania, well, we can't be friends. And if you're unfamiliar with the series, acquire all three collections and experience the fun. Another outstanding achievement 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 rollercoaster. I've enjoyed Tengo Project's previous releases, particularly their definitive versions of Wild Guns and The Ninja Warriors. While I had minor issues with Pocky & Rocky, it was still enjoyable. Shadow of the Ninja, however, felt different. The team's involvement with the original was limited, and this was an 8-bit game update, unlike their 16-bit remakes. I also found the original less compelling than their other titles.
My initial hesitation was eased after playing a preview at Tokyo Game Show. After completing the game multiple times, my opinion is nuanced. Compared to their other work, Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn feels less polished. The improvements are significant, including enhanced visuals and a refined weapon/item system. While lacking new characters, the existing ones are distinct. It's undoubtedly superior to the original, retaining its essence. Original fans will adore this.
However, if you, like me, found the original merely decent, this remake won't dramatically alter your perception. Simultaneous access to the chain and sword is a major improvement, with the sword being more useful. The new inventory system adds depth. The presentation is superb, masking its 8-bit origins. The difficulty spikes are noticeable, making it more challenging than the original. 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 title, representing their most substantial improvement yet. Its appeal depends on your feelings toward the original, as the core remains faithful to the NES version. Newcomers will find an enjoyable but not essential action game with an 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 improved Switch performance. Two new tables were released: The Princess Bride Pinball and Goat Simulator Pinball. The Princess Bride Pinball uses actual voice clips and video from the film. Mechanically, it feels like a real pinball table. Relatively easy to learn, authentic to the license, and satisfying for score attacks.
Zen Studios sometimes misses the mark with licensed tables, lacking music, voices, and likeness. The Princess Bride Pinball is a standout, appealing to fans of the film and pinball enthusiasts. It's not the most innovative, but its familiar design choices are fitting. A fun experience for newcomers and veterans alike.
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Pinball FX – Goat Simulator Pinball ($5.49)
Goat Simulator Pinball perfectly captures its license's absurdity. It's a unique table, only possible in a video game. The goat-related antics add effects, triggering table elements. Initially bewildering, it becomes rewarding. More suitable for veteran players, Goat Simulator fans without pinball experience might struggle.
Goat Simulator Pinball is another strong DLC offering from Zen Studios, showcasing their willingness to experiment. It's challenging to master, but the payoff is worth the effort. Goat Simulator fans who persevere will enjoy the wacky gameplay, but it requires more dedication 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. Battle enemies, uncover Japan trivia, collect souvenirs, and enjoy the humor. The Switch version's inconsistent framerate might deter some, but it's otherwise a delightful game.
Holyhunt ($4.99)
A top-down arena twin-stick shooter, described as an 8-bit homage, though it doesn't resemble many games from that era. It appears fun: shoot, dash, acquire new weapons, repeat. Boss battles add extra challenge.
Shashingo: Learn Japanese with Photography ($20.00)
While typically avoiding language-learning apps, this one seems well-designed. Take photos, learn Japanese names for objects. Personally, I wouldn't pay $20, but it might suit others' learning styles.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
Today's selection includes OrangePixel's excellent pick-up-and-play titles. Alien Hominid is on rare sale, along with 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's all for today! Join us tomorrow for more new releases, sales, news, and possibly a review. We're in the midst of a fantastic game release season, so protect your wallets and enjoy the fun! It's likely the Switch's final holiday season, so let's make it memorable. Have a great Tuesday, and thanks for reading!
