Hello, gaming enthusiasts! Welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for September 3rd, 2024. Today's article features in-depth reviews, including a comprehensive look at the Castlevania Dominus Collection, an analysis of Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn, and concise critiques of two recently released Pinball FX DLC tables. We'll also explore the day's new releases, highlighting the unique and appealing Bakeru, and finally, delve into 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 exceptional, and the Castlevania franchise has been a prime beneficiary. Castlevania Dominus Collection, the third in the series on modern platforms, focuses on the Nintendo DS trilogy. Developed by M2, this collection boasts not only excellent emulation but also significant enhancements, making it potentially the most essential Castlevania compilation to date.

The Nintendo DS Castlevania titles offer a unique and varied experience. Dawn of Sorrow, a direct sequel to Aria of Sorrow, initially suffered from cumbersome touchscreen controls, now expertly mitigated in this release. Portrait of Ruin cleverly integrates touchscreen elements into a bonus mode, utilizing a dual-character mechanic. Order of Ecclesia stands out with its increased difficulty and design reminiscent of Simon's Quest. All three are excellent titles.

This collection marks the culmination of Koji Igarashi's era of exploration-focused Castlevania games. While each title possesses a distinct identity, there's a question of whether this variety reflects creative exploration or a search for a winning formula amidst waning audience interest. Regardless, the games are undeniably strong entries in the franchise.

Remarkably, these aren't emulated but rather native ports, allowing M2 to implement improvements like replacing Dawn of Sorrow's touchscreen controls with button presses and displaying the main screen, status screen, and map simultaneously. This significantly enhances the gameplay experience, particularly for Dawn of Sorrow.

The collection is packed with options and extras. Players can select game regions, customize button mapping, and choose between stick-based movement or touch cursor control. A charming credits sequence and a comprehensive gallery featuring art, manuals, and box art are included. A music player allows for custom playlist creation, and each game boasts a detailed compendium covering equipment, enemies, items, and more. The only minor drawback is the limited screen arrangement options. This is a fantastic way to experience these three games at their best.

But the surprises don't end there! The notoriously difficult arcade game, Haunted Castle, is also included, along with a complete remake, Haunted Castle Revisited. M2 has essentially created a new, improved version of this classic, addressing its flaws while retaining its core elements. This is a significant addition to an already impressive collection.

Castlevania Dominus Collection is a must-have for Castlevania fans. The inclusion of a new, high-quality Haunted Castle remake alone makes it worthwhile. The three Nintendo DS titles are presented flawlessly, and the overall value is exceptional. If you're unfamiliar with Castlevania, this collection is an excellent starting point. Another triumph from 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 generally excellent, this one presents a different challenge, being an update of an 8-bit game with less of a direct connection to the original development team. My initial hesitation stemmed from my less-than-enthusiastic view of the original game.

However, after playing the game extensively, my opinion has softened. While not as polished as Tengo Project's other work, Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn offers significant improvements. The presentation is superb, the weapon and item system is refined, and the playable characters are better differentiated. It's undoubtedly superior to the original while preserving its essence. Fans of the original will adore this remake.

For those who found the original merely decent, Reborn offers a similar experience with enhancements. The improved inventory system and simultaneous access to both the chain and sword are welcome additions. The increased difficulty might be a drawback for some, but it adds challenge to a relatively short game. It's the best version of Shadow of the Ninja, but it remains essentially the same game at its core.

Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn is another solid effort from Tengo Project, representing a substantial improvement over its predecessor. Its appeal depends largely 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)

Two new Pinball FX DLC tables have been released, coinciding with a major update improving Switch playability. The Princess Bride Pinball stands out with its inclusion of voice clips and video clips from the movie. Mechanically, it's a well-designed table, relatively straightforward yet satisfying to play. Zen Studios has delivered a licensed table that successfully captures the essence of the source material.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Pinball FX – Goat Simulator Pinball ($5.49)

Goat Simulator Pinball embraces the absurdity of its license, resulting in a unique and quirky table. While initially bewildering, it offers a rewarding experience for veteran pinball players. Its chaotic nature and goat-related antics make it a memorable addition to the Pinball FX library.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Select New Releases

Bakeru ($39.99)

A charming 3D platformer from Good-Feel. Play as a tanuki on a mission to save Japan. Features engaging gameplay, Japan trivia, and a lighthearted tone. However, inconsistent framerate on Switch might deter some players.

Holyhunt ($4.99)

A top-down arena twin-stick shooter reminiscent of classic 8-bit games. Simple yet potentially fun gameplay loop.

Shashingo: Learn Japanese with Photography ($20.00)

A language-learning game that combines photography and Japanese vocabulary. Its effectiveness depends on individual learning styles.

Sales

Several noteworthy sales are happening, including discounts on OrangePixel titles, Alien Hominid, and Ufouria 2. Check the full lists for more details.

Select New Sales (Partial List)

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Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 4th

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That's all for today! Join us tomorrow for more new releases, sales, and potentially more reviews. Enjoy the abundance of great games available!