Hello discerning readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Roundup for September 3rd, 2024. Today's feature includes several game reviews: in-depth analyses of Castlevania Dominus Collection and Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn, along with concise critiques of two recently released Pinball FX DLC tables. Following the reviews, we'll explore the day's new releases, highlighting the unique and captivating Bakeru, and conclude with a look at the latest sales and expiring discounts. Let's dive in!

Reviews & Mini-Views

Castlevania Dominus Collection ($24.99)

Konami's recent track record with classic game collections has been undeniably impressive, and the Castlevania franchise has been a particular beneficiary. Castlevania Dominus Collection, the third in the series for modern platforms, focuses on the Nintendo DS trilogy. Developed by M2, it delivers the usual high-quality presentation, but offers even more, potentially making it the most comprehensive Castlevania collection to date.

The Nintendo DS era of Castlevania holds a unique place in franchise history, marked by both successes and shortcomings. Each of the three games boasts a distinct identity, resulting in a surprisingly diverse collection. Dawn of Sorrow, a direct sequel to Aria of Sorrow, initially suffered from cumbersome touchscreen controls, thankfully mitigated in this release. Portrait of Ruin relegates touchscreen elements to a bonus mode, focusing instead on an engaging dual-character mechanic. Order of Ecclesia significantly departs from its predecessors, featuring increased difficulty and a design reminiscent of Simon's Quest. All three are commendable games, with some even reaching "great" status.

This trilogy represents the final entries in the exploratory Castlevania series helmed by Koji Igarashi, whose work revitalized the franchise with Symphony of the Night. The diminishing returns and Konami's subsequent shift towards MercurySteam's Lords of Shadow series are now matters of historical context. Were these distinct games a testament to Igarashi's creative exploration, or a desperate attempt to recapture audience interest? The answer remains elusive. Many felt fatigued by the formula at the time, and even with personal enjoyment, a sense of repetitive design was palpable.

Interestingly, these aren't emulated games but native ports, allowing M2 to implement enhancements such as replacing Dawn of Sorrow's frustrating touchscreen controls with more intuitive button presses. The presentation includes simultaneous displays of the main screen, status screen, and map, creating a three-screen experience. While some DS-like elements remain, the games are fully playable with a controller, significantly improving Dawn of Sorrow and solidifying its place among the top Castlevania titles.

The collection is rich with options and extras. Players can select game regions, customize button mapping, and choose between using the left stick for movement or cursor control. A charming credits sequence highlights unsung contributors, and a comprehensive gallery showcases art, manuals, and box art. A music player allows for custom playlists, and an in-game compendium provides detailed information on equipment, enemies, and items. While additional screen layout options would be a welcome addition, this is a minor quibble.

Beyond the DS trilogy, the collection includes the notoriously difficult arcade game, Haunted Castle. Its inclusion, after its absence from the first collection, is noteworthy. A variety of options, including the essential unlimited continues, are provided to mitigate the game's brutal difficulty. However, the true surprise is the inclusion of Haunted Castle Revisited, a complete remake by M2. This isn't simply a port; it's a substantial reimagining of the original, resulting in a surprisingly enjoyable new Castlevania experience.

Castlevania Dominus Collection is a must-have for Castlevania fans. The inclusion of a new, excellent Castlevania game, along with the meticulously presented DS titles and the original Haunted Castle, makes it an exceptional value. If you're unfamiliar with Castlevania, acquiring all three collections is highly recommended. This is another triumph for Konami and M2.

SwitchArcade Score: 5/5

Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn ($19.99)

My experience with Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn has been somewhat mixed. While I've generally enjoyed Tengo Project's previous releases, this remake presented unique challenges. The team's limited involvement with the original 8-bit game, coupled with my less enthusiastic view of the original compared to their other titles, initially tempered my expectations.

However, a preview at Tokyo Game Show reignited my interest. After completing the game multiple times, my assessment sits somewhere in the middle. Compared to Tengo Project's other work, Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn feels less polished. Despite this, improvements are evident, including enhanced presentation and a refined weapon/item system. While no new characters are introduced, existing characters are more distinct. It's undeniably superior to the original while retaining its core essence. Fans of the original will undoubtedly appreciate this enhanced version.

For those who found the original merely decent, Reborn likely won't significantly alter that perception. Simultaneous access to both the chain and sword is a welcome improvement, with the sword being more practical than in the original. The new inventory system adds depth. The presentation is excellent, masking its 8-bit origins. However, several challenging difficulty spikes are present, making it arguably more difficult than the original. Its brevity might necessitate this increased challenge. It's the best iteration of Shadow of the Ninja, but it remains fundamentally Shadow of the Ninja.

Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn is another solid effort from Tengo Project, representing a substantial upgrade over its predecessor. Its appeal hinges on one's appreciation for the original game, as the core mechanics remain largely unchanged. Newcomers will find an enjoyable, albeit not essential, action game with a distinct 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 significant update, finally resolving its Switch playability issues. Two new tables were released: The Princess Bride Pinball and Goat Simulator Pinball. The former, based on the beloved film, incorporates voice clips and video footage, a welcome inclusion. Mechanically, it feels like a realistic pinball table, easy to learn, faithful to the source material, and satisfying for score-chasing.

Zen Studios hasn't always succeeded with licensed tables, often lacking music, voice acting, and accurate likenesses. The Princess Bride Pinball is a notable exception, offering a fun experience for both newcomers and veterans. While not groundbreaking in its design, its familiarity adds to its charm.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Pinball FX – Goat Simulator Pinball ($5.49)

Goat Simulator Pinball fully embraces its source material's absurdity. This results in a uniquely strange table, only feasible in a video game format. Players encounter various goat-related antics, adding effects to the ball to trigger different table elements. Initially bewildering, it becomes rewarding with persistence. It's more suited to veteran players, as Goat Simulator fans without pinball experience may find it challenging to fully appreciate its humor.

Goat Simulator Pinball is another strong DLC offering from Zen Studios. Its unconventional nature is a refreshing change of pace. It's a challenging table to master, but the rewards are worth the effort. Goat Simulator enthusiasts who persevere will be amply rewarded, but it requires greater dedication than other tables.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Select New Releases

Bakeru ($39.99)

As detailed in yesterday's review, this charming 3D platformer from Good-Feel is a delightful experience. Playing as Bakeru, a tanuki on a quest to save Japan, players will battle enemies, uncover Japan trivia, collect souvenirs, and enjoy humorous moments. While the Switch version's inconsistent framerate may deter some, it remains an enjoyable title.

Holyhunt ($4.99)

This top-down arena twin-stick shooter, described as an homage to 8-bit games, offers a simple yet engaging gameplay loop: shoot, dash, acquire new weapons, and repeat. Boss encounters add an extra layer of challenge.

Shashingo: Learn Japanese with Photography ($20.00)

While typically outside our focus, this language-learning game stands out due to its unique approach. Players photograph objects and learn their Japanese names. While its price point may be prohibitive for some, it offers a distinct learning method.

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

Today's sales include OrangePixel's collection of enjoyable titles, with Alien Hominid receiving a rare discount, and Ufouria 2 also available at a reduced price. THQ and Team17 titles are concluding their sales; refer to their publisher pages for a complete list.

Select New Sales

Space Grunts ($8.39 from $13.99 until 9/7) Meganoid ($5.39 from $8.99 until 9/7) Stardash ($5.99 from $9.99 until 9/7) Gunslugs ($4.79 from $7.99 until 9/7) Gunslugs 2 ($4.79 from $7.99 until 9/7) Heroes of Loot ($4.79 from $7.99 until 9/7) Heroes of Loot 2 ($5.99 from $9.99 until 9/7) Warhammer 40k Dakka Squadron ($1.99 from $19.99 until 9/9) Castle Crashers Remastered ($7.49 from $14.99 until 9/10) Alien Hominid HD ($9.59 from $11.99 until 9/10) Alien Hominid Invasion ($15.99 from $19.99 until 9/10) Conscript ($17.59 from $21.99 until 9/15) Overdelivery ($1.99 from $7.99 until 9/15) Hero-U: Rogue to Redemption ($2.99 from $19.99 until 9/16) Agent Intercept ($7.99 from $19.99 until 9/16)

Secret Files Tunguska ($2.09 from $14.99 until 9/16) Secret Files Puritas Cordis ($2.09 from $14.99 until 9/16) Secret Files Sam Peters ($2.02 from $6.99 until 9/16) Lost Horizon ($2.09 from $14.99 until 9/16) Lost Horizon 2 ($2.09 from $14.99 until 9/16) Zombo Buster Advance ($1.99 from $3.99 until 9/16) Skautfold Usurper ($7.49 from $14.99 until 9/17) Nuclear Blaze ($4.99 from $9.99 until 9/17) Helvetii ($5.09 from $16.99 until 9/17) Heidelberg 1693 ($4.49 from $14.99 until 9/17) Sophstar ($6.49 from $12.99 until 9/17) Harmony’s Odyssey ($2.99 from $14.99 until 9/17) Ufouria 2: The Saga ($17.49 from $24.99 until 9/17) Promenade ($12.49 from $24.99 until 9/17) Shinorubi ($9.99 from $19.99 until 9/17) Last Night of Winter ($6.99 from $9.99 until 9/17) Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge ($15.99 from $19.99 until 9/18) Nobody Saves The World ($9.99 from $24.99 until 9/23) Summer in Mara ($7.99 from $19.99 until 9/23) Guacamelee 2 ($4.99 from $19.99 until 9/23) Railbound ($2.59 from $12.99 until 9/23)

Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 4th

Capes ($29.99 from $39.99 until 9/4) Fates of Ort ($4.49 from $14.99 until 9/4) Floogen ($1.99 from $3.99 until 9/4) Fluffy Horde ($1.99 from $9.99 until 9/4) Gum+ ($1.99 from $7.99 until 9/4) Hopping Girl Kohane EX ($16.74 from $24.99 until 9/4) Kingdom Come Deliverance ($29.99 from $49.99 until 9/4) Kona II: Brume ($11.99 from $29.99 until 9/4) Metro 2033 Redux ($3.99 from $19.99 until 9/4) Metro Last Light Redux ($3.99 from $19.99 until 9/4) Outward Definitive ($23.99 from $39.99 until 9/4) Overcooked Special Edition ($3.99 from $19.99 until 9/4) Rolling Car ($1.99 from $7.99 until 9/4) Stunt Paradise ($5.19 from $7.99 until 9/4) Tiny Pixels Vol 1 Ninpo Blast ($3.99 from $4.99 until 9/4) Worms WMD ($5.99 from $29.99 until 9/4) Yoku’s Island Express ($3.99 from $19.99 until 9/4)

That concludes today's roundup. Join us tomorrow for more new releases, sales, and possibly news, maybe even another review. We're in the midst of a fantastic gaming season, so prepare your wallets and enjoy the abundance of excellent titles. This might be the Switch's final holiday season, so let's make it memorable. Have a wonderful Tuesday, and thank you for reading!