Hello discerning readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for August 29th, 2024. Today's roundup features a substantial lineup of new game releases, forming the core of this Thursday's column. We'll also explore a noteworthy selection of new sales. While daily Nintendo Directs would be delightful, let's dive into the games!

Featured New Releases

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

The Famicom Detective Club returns after a lengthy hiatus. This new installment stays true to the originals, both in its strengths and weaknesses. A fresh mystery unfolds, presented in a style reminiscent of the recent Switch remakes. Can you crack the latest serial murder case? My review is forthcoming.

Gundam Breaker 4 ($59.99)

Mikhail's comprehensive review provides an in-depth look at Gundam Breaker 4's gameplay and Switch performance. In short: build and battle Gunplas. While the Switch version naturally lags behind others in performance, it's perfectly playable. Read Mikhail's excellent review for the full scoop.

Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn ($19.99)

Tengo Project continues its successful streak of remakes/reimaginings. Following Wild Guns Reloaded, The Ninja Saviors, and Pocky & Rocky, they tackle an 8-bit classic. Expect a more significant departure from the source material than in their previous titles. A classic-style action-platformer nonetheless. My review will be available early next week.

Valfaris: Mecha Therion ($19.99)

A Valfaris sequel, but with a twist. This is a 2.5D side-scrolling shooter, a departure from the original's gameplay. While the genre shift may surprise some, it's a solid entry in its own right. Review coming soon!

Nour: Play With Your Food ($9.99)

I'll admit, I'm a bit puzzled by this one. Stunning food imagery is abundant, but the gameplay remains a mystery. Photography? Secret-finding? Perhaps Mikhail will investigate further.

Monster Jam Showdown ($49.99)

For monster truck enthusiasts, this game delivers. Featuring local and online multiplayer, numerous modes, and a mixed reception on other platforms, it caters to a niche audience.

WitchSpring R ($39.99)

A possible remake of the original WitchSpring, this entry boasts the series' best visuals yet. However, its price point approaches that of full-fledged Atelier games, which might give some pause.

Depths of Sanity ($19.99)

An underwater exploration game with a fantastical horror twist. Investigate your missing crew's fate within a vast, dangerous underwater world. Combat is involved. Well-received on other platforms.

Voltaire: The Vegan Vampire ($19.99)

A vegan vampire rebels against his bloodthirsty father. Farming and action combine in this title. While I'm personally a bit fatigued by the genre, it might appeal to others.

Marble Abduction! Patti Hattu ($11.79)

Seventy stages and eighty marbles await in this marble-rolling game. Collect marbles, find secrets, and race against the clock.

Leo: The Firefighter Cat ($24.99)

A kid-friendly firefighting game with twenty missions. A lighter take on the firefighting genre.

Gori: Cuddly Carnage ($21.99)

A grotesque action game starring a hoverboarding, blade-wielding cat. While the core gameplay is decent, the Switch version suffers from technical issues.

Arcade Archives Finalizer Super Transformation ($7.99)

A lesser-known 1985 Konami vertical shooter where you control a transforming robot. A charming, retro shooter.

EGGCONSOLE Xanadu Scenario II PC-8801mkIISR ($6.49)

An early expansion pack featuring the debut work of legendary composer Yuzo Koshiro. A piece of gaming history.

The Backrooms: Survival ($10.99)

A blend of horror, survival, and roguelite elements. Best experienced with up to ten online players.

Can of Wormholes ($19.99)

A clever puzzle game starring a sentient tin can. One hundred handcrafted puzzles offer a consistently fresh experience.

Ninja I & II ($9.99)

Two NES-style microgames featuring ninja action. Competitive local multiplayer or CPU battles.

Dice Make 10! ($3.99)

A surprisingly fun dice-based puzzle game with two modes of play.

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

The King of Fighters 30th anniversary is celebrated with a sale on the entire Arcade Archives series. Numerous Pixel Game Maker Series titles are also at their lowest prices yet. Check out the full list for other deals.

Select New Sales (Images below showcase a selection of sales; the full list is too extensive to reproduce here.)

That concludes today's roundup. Join us tomorrow for the remaining new releases, sales, and news. Reviews may also be included. Due to a significant typhoon, there's a possibility tomorrow's article might be delayed. Have a fantastic Thursday!