Castlevania Dominus Collection Reviewed: Today's Releases and Sales Highlighted

Hello, dear readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for September 3rd, 2024. Today's article brings you several in-depth reviews, including detailed thoughts on Castlevania Dominus Collection, a fresh look at Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn, and quick critiques of two new Pinball FX DLC tables. We'll also explore the day's new releases, such as the intriguing Bakeru, and dive into the latest sales and expiring discounts. Let's jump right in!

Reviews & Mini-Views

Castlevania Dominus Collection ($24.99)

Konami has been excelling with its classic collections, and the Castlevania series is no exception. The Castlevania Dominus Collection marks the third such release on modern platforms, spotlighting the beloved Nintendo DS trilogy. Developed by M2, known for their meticulous work, this collection is a standout.

The DS era of Castlevania was a pivotal time for the franchise. Dawn of Sorrow, a sequel to Aria of Sorrow, introduced touchscreen gimmicks that have been thoughtfully mitigated in this collection. Portrait of Ruin features a dual-character system, while Order of Ecclesia offers a challenging experience reminiscent of Simon’s Quest. Each game brings its unique flavor, making this a diverse and engaging set.

Rather than emulating the DS games, M2 has provided native ports, allowing for significant improvements. For instance, Dawn of Sorrow's touchscreen seals are replaced with button inputs, enhancing gameplay. The collection also includes a third screen for the map, enriching the experience. Additional features include regional options, customizable controls, save states, and a rewind feature. A comprehensive compendium and a music playlist further enhance the package.

An unexpected bonus is the inclusion of the arcade game Haunted Castle, along with a complete remake titled Haunted Castle Revisited. This new Castlevania game, crafted by M2, is a delightful surprise that elevates the collection's value.

For Castlevania fans, the Dominus Collection is a must-have. It offers a blend of nostalgia and innovation that is hard to beat.

SwitchArcade Score: 5/5

Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn ($19.99)

My experience with Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn has been a mixed bag. Tengo Project's previous remakes, like Wild Guns and The Ninja Warriors, set a high bar. However, Shadow of the Ninja felt different, being an 8-bit game rather than a 16-bit one, and not directly connected to the original team.

The remake offers significant improvements, including enhanced presentation and a refined weapon and item system. The two playable characters are more distinct, and the game retains the spirit of the original. Yet, for those who found the original merely decent, Reborn might not change your perspective significantly. It's a more challenging game with some difficulty spikes, but it remains true to its roots.

Overall, Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn is a commendable effort, particularly for fans of the original. For newcomers, it's a solid action game with an 8-bit charm.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Pinball FX – The Princess Bride Pinball ($5.49)

With Pinball FX receiving a significant update, two new DLC tables have been released: The Princess Bride Pinball and Goat Simulator Pinball. The Princess Bride table stands out with its inclusion of real voice and video clips from the film, enhancing its authenticity. The table is straightforward yet engaging, making it enjoyable for both newcomers and seasoned players.

Zen Studios has successfully captured the essence of the movie, creating a table that feels like it could exist in the real world. While it may not be the most innovative, it's a satisfying addition for fans of the film.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Pinball FX – Goat Simulator Pinball ($5.49)

Goat Simulator Pinball takes a more unconventional approach, reflecting the quirky nature of the Goat Simulator series. The table is filled with amusing goat-related antics, which can be initially confusing but rewarding once mastered. It's more suited to veteran players, though Goat Simulator fans willing to invest time will find it entertaining.

This table showcases Zen Studios' ability to create unique and fun experiences, even if it requires a bit more effort to fully appreciate.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Select New Releases

Bakeru ($39.99)

As mentioned in my review yesterday, Bakeru is a charming 3D platformer from Good-Feel. Play as a tanuki on a mission to save Japan from an evil overlord, battling enemies and collecting souvenirs along the way. While the Switch version has inconsistent framerates, the game's charm and engaging gameplay make it a worthwhile pick for those who can overlook technical hiccups.

Holyhunt ($4.99)

Holyhunt is a top-down twin-stick shooter that pays homage to 8-bit games. While it may not be a direct throwback, it offers a fun, if somewhat repetitive, experience. Shoot, dash, and upgrade your weapons as you take on challenging bosses.

Shashingo: Learn Japanese with Photography ($20.00)

Though not typically focused on educational apps, Shashingo: Learn Japanese with Photography deserves a mention for its unique approach to language learning. By taking photos and learning Japanese names for objects, it offers an interactive way to learn. It may not be for everyone, but it's an interesting tool for those interested in language learning.

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

Today's sales feature a variety of enticing discounts, including great titles from OrangePixel and rare deals on Alien Hominid. Additionally, Ufouria 2 is available at a reduced price. Be sure to check out the outgoing sales from THQ and Team 17, as their latest discounts are wrapping up.

Select New Sales

Space Grunts ($8.39 from $13.99 until 9/7)
Meganoid ($5.39 from $8.99 until 9/7)
Stardash ($5.99 from $9.99 until 9/7)
Gunslugs ($4.79 from $7.99 until 9/7)
Gunslugs 2 ($4.79 from $7.99 until 9/7)
Heroes of Loot ($4.79 from $7.99 until 9/7)
Heroes of Loot 2 ($5.99 from $9.99 until 9/7)
Warhammer 40k Dakka Squadron ($1.99 from $19.99 until 9/9)
Castle Crashers Remastered ($7.49 from $14.99 until 9/10)
Alien Hominid HD ($9.59 from $11.99 until 9/10)
Alien Hominid Invasion ($15.99 from $19.99 until 9/10)
Conscript ($17.59 from $21.99 until 9/15)
Overdelivery ($1.99 from $7.99 until 9/15)
Hero-U: Rogue to Redemption ($2.99 from $19.99 until 9/16)
Agent Intercept ($7.99 from $19.99 until 9/16)

Secret Files Tunguska ($2.09 from $14.99 until 9/16)
Secret Files Puritas Cordis ($2.09 from $14.99 until 9/16)
Secret Files Sam Peters ($2.02 from $6.99 until 9/16)
Lost Horizon ($2.09 from $14.99 until 9/16)
Lost Horizon 2 ($2.09 from $14.99 until 9/16)
Zombo Buster Advance ($1.99 from $3.99 until 9/16)
Skautfold Usurper ($7.49 from $14.99 until 9/17)
Nuclear Blaze ($4.99 from $9.99 until 9/17)
Helvetii ($5.09 from $16.99 until 9/17)
Heidelberg 1693 ($4.49 from $14.99 until 9/17)
Sophstar ($6.49 from $12.99 until 9/17)
Harmony’s Odyssey ($2.99 from $14.99 until 9/17)
Ufouria 2: The Saga ($17.49 from $24.99 until 9/17)
Promenade ($12.49 from $24.99 until 9/17)
Shinorubi ($9.99 from $19.99 until 9/17)
Last Night of Winter ($6.99 from $9.99 until 9/17)
Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge ($15.99 from $19.99 until 9/18)
Nobody Saves The World ($9.99 from $24.99 until 9/23)
Summer in Mara ($7.99 from $19.99 until 9/23)
Guacamelee 2 ($4.99 from $19.99 until 9/23)
Railbound ($2.59 from $12.99 until 9/23)

Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 4th

Capes ($29.99 from $39.99 until 9/4)
Fates of Ort ($4.49 from $14.99 until 9/4)
Floogen ($1.99 from $3.99 until 9/4)
Fluffy Horde ($1.99 from $9.99 until 9/4)
Gum+ ($1.99 from $7.99 until 9/4)
Hopping Girl Kohane EX ($16.74 from $24.99 until 9/4)
Kingdom Come Deliverance ($29.99 from $49.99 until 9/4)
Kona II: Brume ($11.99 from $29.99 until 9/4)
Metro 2033 Redux ($3.99 from $19.99 until 9/4)
Metro Last Light Redux ($3.99 from $19.99 until 9/4)
Outward Definitive ($23.99 from $39.99 until 9/4)
Overcooked Special Edition ($3.99 from $19.99 until 9/4)
Rolling Car ($1.99 from $7.99 until 9/4)
Stunt Paradise ($5.19 from $7.99 until 9/4)
Tiny Pixels Vol 1 Ninpo Blast ($3.99 from $4.99 until 9/4)
Worms WMD ($5.99 from $29.99 until 9/4)
Yoku’s Island Express ($3.99 from $19.99 until 9/4)

That concludes today's SwitchArcade Round-Up. Stay tuned for tomorrow's edition, where we'll bring you more new releases, sales, and possibly some news and reviews. We're entering a season filled with fantastic games, so keep your wallets ready and enjoy the ride. This might be the Switch's final holiday season, so let's make it memorable. Wishing you all a wonderful Tuesday, and thank you for reading!