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

Reviews & Mini-Views

Castlevania Dominus Collection ($24.99)

Konami's recent track record with classic game collections has been exceptional, and the Castlevania franchise has benefited greatly. Castlevania Dominus Collection, the third in the series for modern platforms, focuses on the Nintendo DS trilogy. Developed by M2, this collection boasts superior quality, offering more than initially apparent, making it arguably the most essential Castlevania compilation to date.

The Nintendo DS Castlevania titles represent a pivotal, albeit uneven, period for the franchise. Each game possesses a distinct identity, resulting in a surprisingly diverse trio. 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 its unique dual-character mechanic. Order of Ecclesia deviates significantly, featuring a notably increased difficulty and a design reminiscent of Simon's Quest. All three games are excellent, even great; highly recommended.

This collection marks the culmination of Koji Igarashi's exploratory Castlevania titles, a run that began with the revitalizing Symphony of the Night. While these games are excellent, diminishing returns and Konami's shift towards MercurySteam's Lords of Shadow series left many feeling fatigued with the established formula. The question of whether the distinct nature of these games reflects Igarashi's creative exploration or a desperate attempt to recapture audience interest remains unanswered. Regardless, many felt the series was stagnating.

Interestingly, these aren't emulated but are native ports, enabling M2 to implement improvements such as replacing Dawn of Sorrow's frustrating touchscreen controls with button inputs, and displaying the main screen, status screen, and map simultaneously. This enhancement significantly improves Dawn of Sorrow, elevating it to a top-five Castlevania title for me.

The collection is packed with options and extras. Players can select game regions, remap buttons, choose left stick functionality (movement or cursor), and enjoy a charming credits sequence. A gallery showcases art, manuals, and box art, while a music player allows custom playlist creation. In-game options include save states, rewind, control remapping, screen layout customization, background color selection, audio adjustments, and comprehensive compendiums for each game. My only minor criticism is the limited screen arrangement options. This is a superb presentation of three fantastic games, offering exceptional value.

And there's more! The notoriously difficult arcade title, Haunted Castle, is included. This brutally unfair game, while possessing excellent music and an impressive opening sequence, is otherwise unredeemable... or is it?

The final extra, a complete remake of Haunted Castle titled Haunted Castle Revisited, is a substantial addition. M2 has essentially created a superior game, retaining elements of the original while significantly improving upon it. This is essentially a new Castlevania game, and a very good one at that!

Castlevania Dominus Collection is a must-have for Castlevania fans, offering a fantastic new game alongside expertly presented DS titles and the original (and remade) Haunted Castle. If you're unfamiliar with Castlevania, this collection, along with the others, is a great starting point. Another stellar collaboration between Konami and M2.

SwitchArcade Score: 5/5

Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn ($19.99)

My experience with Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn has been mixed. While I've generally enjoyed Tengo Project's previous releases, this remake presented some challenges. The team's limited involvement with the original 8-bit game, and my personal reservations about the original's quality, tempered my initial excitement.

However, after playing the game extensively, my opinion has shifted. While less well-rounded than Tengo Project's other titles, Reborn offers numerous improvements, including enhanced visuals, a refined weapon/item system, and differentiated playable characters. It surpasses the original while retaining its essence. Fans of the original will undoubtedly appreciate this enhanced version.

For those who, like me, found the original merely decent, Reborn offers a similar experience, albeit improved. The simultaneous access to both the chain and sword is a welcome addition, as is the improved inventory system. The presentation is excellent, masking its 8-bit origins. However, some challenging difficulty spikes are present, making it potentially more difficult than the original. It's the definitive Shadow of the Ninja experience, but it remains fundamentally Shadow of the Ninja.

Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn is another solid effort from Tengo Project, representing a significant improvement over its predecessor. Its appeal depends heavily on one's appreciation for the original game. Newcomers will find it an enjoyable, though not essential, action game.

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. The Princess Bride Pinball incorporates voice clips and video from the film, a welcome inclusion. Mechanically sound, authentic to the source material, and satisfying to play.

Zen Studios' licensed tables sometimes lack key elements, but The Princess Bride Pinball excels in this regard. While not the most innovative, its familiar design choices contribute to its appeal.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Pinball FX – Goat Simulator Pinball ($5.49)

Goat Simulator Pinball embraces its license's absurdity. This unconventional table is uniquely suited to the video game medium. While initially bewildering, its goat-related antics reward persistence. More suited to experienced pinball players, it may prove challenging for Goat Simulator fans unfamiliar with pinball mechanics.

Another solid DLC offering from Zen Studios, showcasing their willingness to experiment. Its challenging gameplay is offset by its wacky elements.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Select New Releases

Bakeru ($39.99)

A charming 3D platformer from Good-Feel, featuring a tanuki on a mission to save Japan from an evil overlord. Combat, trivia, souvenir collection, and humor are all present. Inconsistent framerate on Switch may deter some.

Holyhunt ($4.99)

A top-down arena twin-stick shooter reminiscent of 8-bit classics. Simple shooting and dashing mechanics with boss encounters.

Shashingo: Learn Japanese with Photography ($20.00)

A language-learning game where players photograph objects and learn their Japanese names.

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

Several notable sales are underway, including OrangePixel titles and rare discounts on Alien Hominid and Ufouria 2. THQ and Team 17 titles are also ending their sales. Check both lists for further details.

Select New Sales

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Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 4th

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That concludes today's roundup. Join us tomorrow for more new releases, sales, and potentially news and reviews. Enjoy the plethora of excellent games available! Have a wonderful Tuesday!