Hello discerning readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Roundup for September 5th, 2024. Already Thursday? Time flies! We're diving deep into reviews today, with two comprehensive analyses: Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate. Our contributor, Mikhail, also weighs in on Nour: Play With Your Food, Fate/stay night REMASTERED, and the TOKYO CHRONOS & ALTDEUS: Beyond Chronos TWIN PACK. We'll then cover the day's noteworthy new releases and round up the latest sales, both new and expiring. Let's get to it!

Reviews & Mini-Views

Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club ($49.99)

Resurrecting dormant franchises is the latest trend, mirroring Hollywood's practices. Nintendo's unexpected revival of Famicom Detective Club, largely known in the West through a fleeting remake, is intriguing. This marks the first new Famicom Detective Club adventure in years.

The challenge lies in balancing faithfulness to the original with modern updates. Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club retains the style of recent remakes, resulting in a unique blend. The visuals are top-notch, and the story surpasses what 90s Nintendo would have delivered. However, the gameplay remains old-school, significantly impacting enjoyment.

The narrative centers on a student's death, linked to unsolved murders featuring a similar calling card—a smiling face. This introduces Emio, a killer promising eternal smiles. The Utsugi Detective Agency steps in to uncover the truth, using classic investigative methods.

Gameplay involves searching for clues, interrogating individuals (often requiring multiple attempts), and connecting evidence. While reminiscent of Ace Attorney's investigation segments, some aspects feel cumbersome. Specific logical connections could benefit from clearer guidance. However, within the context of the genre, Emio doesn't deviate excessively.

Despite minor story criticisms, the overall experience is engaging, suspenseful, and well-written. Certain plot points may resonate differently with individuals, but detailed discussion would spoil the narrative. The game's strengths outweigh its weaknesses, especially during its most compelling moments.

Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club is atypical of Nintendo's output, showcasing polished execution. Its adherence to original mechanics might be a drawback for some, and while the plot is largely excellent, pacing occasionally falters. Nevertheless, this is a highly enjoyable mystery adventure. Welcome back, Detective Club!

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate ($29.99)

The Switch is accumulating a solid collection of TMNT games. This title blends beat 'em up elements with the roguelite mechanics of Hades. Solo play is viable, but the experience is enhanced by local or online multiplayer (up to four players). Online multiplayer functionality proved reliable in testing.

The story involves Shredder, a mysterious power, and a jeopardized Splinter. Gameplay involves combat, tactical dodging, perk acquisition, and permanent upgrades. Death necessitates restarting the run.

Splintered Fate isn't revolutionary, but it's well-executed. TMNT fans will appreciate this unique take. The well-implemented multiplayer is a significant plus. While not a must-have for all, it's a solid entry in a competitive genre.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Nour: Play With Your Food ($9.99)

Nour: Play With Your Food's absence from Switch and mobile at launch was surprising, given its suitability for touchscreens. While enjoyable on PC, it's not a traditional game. Those who appreciate playful sandbox experiences and food will likely find it appealing, though the Switch version has shortcomings.

The game involves interacting with various food types across stages, featuring unique music and playful elements. Initially, only basic interactions are available, but the game's depth is revealed as more options unlock. This highlights why touchscreen control might be less intuitive.

The lack of touchscreen support is disappointing. Performance optimizations for Switch resulted in noticeable compromises, particularly lengthy load times.

Despite its flaws, Nour: Play With Your Food is worth experiencing for food and art enthusiasts. While not optimal on Switch, its portability is a plus. Further DLC or a physical release would be welcome additions. Games like Nour offer a refreshing contrast to more complex titles. -Mikhail Madnani

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Fate/stay night REMASTERED ($29.99)

Fate/stay night REMASTERED, released recently on Switch and Steam, is a remaster of the 2004 visual novel. This serves as an excellent entry point to the Fate universe, offering a chance to experience the series' origins. The extensive content justifies the low price.

The remaster includes English language support, 16:9 widescreen support, and improvements to the visuals for modern displays. The enhancements are substantial, though it doesn't reach the visual fidelity of Tsukihime's remake.

Touchscreen support on Switch is a welcome addition, making it well-suited for the platform. It also performs well on Steam Deck.

The game's only significant drawback is the lack of a physical Switch release. Its success could lead to a future physical release.

Fate/stay night REMASTERED is a must-have for visual novel fans. Its availability in English on Switch and Steam is remarkable. Despite not matching the visual quality of Tsukihime's remake, it's a worthwhile experience. -Mikhail Madnani

SwitchArcade Score: 5/5

TOKYO CHRONOS & ALTDEUS: Beyond Chronos TWIN PACK ($49.99)

This twin pack offers two VR titles now available on Switch. TOKYO CHRONOS features high school friends in an alternate Shibuya, dealing with memory loss and murder. The narrative is somewhat predictable but visually appealing. ALTDEUS: Beyond Chronos, however, is superior in terms of production, music, writing, voice acting, and characters. It transcends the visual novel format.

The Switch version has some camera movement issues, but touchscreen support and rumble functionality compensate.

TOKYO CHRONOS & ALTDEUS: Beyond Chronos TWIN PACK provides a strong experience on Switch, enhanced by touch controls and rumble. The demo is recommended to assess compatibility.

-Mikhail Madnani

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Select New Releases

Fitness Boxing feat. Hatsune Miku ($49.99)

A Fitness Boxing game featuring Hatsune Miku, with 24 songs from Miku and 30 from the Fitness Boxing series. Mechanically similar to other entries in the series.

Gimmick! 2 ($24.99)

A faithful sequel to the original, featuring enhanced visuals and challenging platforming.

Touhou Danmaku Kagura Phantasia Lost ($29.99)

Combines rhythm game and bullet hell shooter elements.

EGGCONSOLE Hydlide MSX ($6.49)

Another Hydlide version for completionists.

Arcade Archives Lead Angle ($7.99)

A gallery shooter from 1988.

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

Noteworthy sales include No Man's Sky. Many other titles are frequently discounted.

Select New Sales

(List of new sales)

Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 6th

(List of expiring sales)

That concludes today's roundup. Join us tomorrow for more reviews, new releases, and sales. Thank you for reading!