Hello fellow gamers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Roundup for September 3rd, 2024! Today's article features several game reviews, starting with an in-depth look at the Castlevania Dominus Collection, followed by a review of Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn, and brief critiques of two new Pinball FX DLC tables. We'll then explore the day's new releases, including the charming Bakeru, and finally, dive 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 impressive, and the Castlevania Dominus Collection is no exception. This third installment focuses on the Nintendo DS trilogy, masterfully handled by M2. This might be the most essential Castlevania compilation yet, offering more than initially apparent.

The Nintendo DS Castlevania games represent a significant, albeit mixed, period in the franchise's history. Each game boasts a unique identity, creating a surprisingly diverse set. Dawn of Sorrow, a direct sequel to Aria of Sorrow, initially suffered from awkward touchscreen controls, thankfully mitigated in this release. Portrait of Ruin cleverly integrates touchscreen elements into a bonus mode, while Order of Ecclesia stands out with increased difficulty and a design reminiscent of Simon's Quest. All three are excellent games.

These games marked the end of Koji Igarashi's era of exploratory Castlevania titles. While distinct, the question remains whether this variety reflected IGA's creative exploration or a response to a waning audience interest. Regardless, these games, while initially well-received, may have contributed to a sense of series fatigue among some players.

Interestingly, these aren't emulations but native ports, allowing M2 to enhance the experience. The frustrating touchscreen controls in Dawn of Sorrow are replaced with intuitive button presses, and a three-screen layout (main screen, status screen, and map) is included. This significantly improves Dawn of Sorrow, elevating it to a top-tier Castlevania title for many.

The collection is packed with features: regional selection, customizable button mapping, controller options (movement vs. cursor), a delightful credits sequence, and an art gallery. A music player with playlist creation adds to the enjoyment. In-game options include save states, rewind, customizable screen layouts, background color choices, and a comprehensive compendium. While a few extra screen layout options would be welcome, this is a near-perfect presentation.

And the surprises don't end there! The notoriously difficult arcade game, Haunted Castle, is included. M2 has also included a complete remake, Haunted Castle Revisited. This isn't just a simple port; it's a substantial overhaul that improves upon the original in nearly every aspect. This effectively adds a whole new Castlevania game to the collection!

If you appreciate Castlevania, the Castlevania Dominus Collection is a must-have. It's an exceptional value, offering a new game alongside a fantastic presentation of three classic DS titles, plus the original (and remade) Haunted Castle. If you're unfamiliar with Castlevania, this is a great starting point. 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 mixed. While Tengo Project’s previous remakes have been outstanding, this one presents some unique challenges. The original game wasn't as strong as their other titles, and this being an 8-bit update rather than a 16-bit one changed things.

After playing the game extensively, my opinion sits somewhere in the middle. Compared to Tengo Project's other work, Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn feels less polished. However, the improvements are numerous, including enhanced presentation and a refined weapon/item system. While no new characters are added, existing characters are better differentiated. It’s undoubtedly superior to the original while retaining its core spirit. Fans of the original will adore this.

For those who found the original merely decent, this remake won't dramatically alter that perception. Simultaneous access to both the chain and sword is a welcome improvement, and the sword is more useful. The new inventory system adds a needed layer of depth. The presentation is excellent, masking its 8-bit origins. However, some challenging difficulty spikes are present. It's a solid effort, but still fundamentally Shadow of the Ninja.

Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn is another strong release from Tengo Project, arguably the most substantial improvement over its predecessor. Its appeal depends heavily on your feelings towards the original. Newcomers will find an enjoyable, though not essential, action game.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Pinball FX – The Princess Bride Pinball ($5.49)

Following the significant Pinball FX update, two new DLC tables have arrived: The Princess Bride Pinball and Goat Simulator Pinball. The Princess Bride Pinball cleverly incorporates voice clips and video clips from the movie. Mechanically, it feels like a solid, well-designed table. Relatively easy to learn, faithful to the source material, and rewarding to play.

Zen Studios often misses the mark with licensed tables, but The Princess Bride Pinball is a standout. It's not the most innovative, but its familiarity adds to its charm. A great choice for both newcomers and experienced pinball players.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Pinball FX – Goat Simulator Pinball ($5.49)

Goat Simulator Pinball embraces its source material's absurdity. It's a unique and quirky table, truly only possible in a video game. Expect silly goat-related events and ball-modifying effects. It's initially confusing but rewarding. This table is better suited for veteran players. Goat Simulator fans might find it challenging initially.

Goat Simulator Pinball is another successful DLC from Zen Studios. It's challenging but ultimately rewarding, offering genuinely wacky gameplay. Goat Simulator fans willing to invest the time will appreciate it, but it demands more effort than other tables.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Select New Releases

Bakeru ($39.99)

As mentioned in yesterday's review, this 3D platformer from Good-Feel is a delightful experience. Play as Bakeru, a tanuki on a mission to save Japan. Expect combat, Japan trivia, souvenir collecting, and humor. The Switch version suffers from inconsistent framerate.

Holyhunt ($4.99)

A top-down arena twin-stick shooter described as an 8-bit homage. It's a simple shoot-'em-up with boss battles.

Shashingo: Learn Japanese with Photography ($20.00)

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

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

Several notable sales are ongoing, including OrangePixel's titles and a rare discount on Alien Hominid. THQ and Team 17 titles are also on sale. Check the publisher pages for complete lists.

Select New Sales

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(List of sales)

Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 4th

(List of sales)

That's all for today! Join us tomorrow for more new releases, sales, and potentially a review or two. Enjoy the abundance of great games! Have a fantastic Tuesday!