SwitchArcade Round-Up: Reviews Featuring ‘Castlevania Dominus Collection’, Plus Today’s Releases and Sales

Hello fellow gamers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Roundup for September 3rd, 2024! Today's article features in-depth reviews, starting with a comprehensive look at the Castlevania Dominus Collection, followed by an analysis of Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn, and concluding with concise critiques of the newly released Pinball FX DLC tables. We'll then explore the day's new releases, including the intriguing 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 undeniably impressive, and the Castlevania franchise has been a prime beneficiary. Castlevania Dominus Collection, the third in the series for modern platforms, focuses on the Nintendo DS trilogy. Developed by M2, this collection boasts exceptional quality, offering more than initially apparent and potentially establishing itself as the most essential Castlevania compilation to date.

The Nintendo DS era of Castlevania holds a unique place in franchise history, marked by both triumphs and shortcomings. Positively, the trilogy showcases distinct identities, creating a surprisingly diverse set of games. Dawn of Sorrow, a direct sequel to Aria of Sorrow, while initially hampered by cumbersome touchscreen controls (now thankfully mitigated), stands out. Portrait of Ruin, cleverly relegates touchscreen elements to a bonus mode, focusing on a compelling dual-character mechanic. Order of Ecclesia deviates significantly, offering a notably higher difficulty and design reminiscent of Simon's Quest. All three are excellent titles, highly recommended.

However, this trilogy also marked the end of Koji Igarashi's era of exploration-focused Castlevania games, a run that began with the revitalizing Symphony of the Night. The diminishing returns and Konami's shift towards MercurySteam's Lords of Shadow series are now subject to retrospective analysis. Were the distinct game designs a testament to IGA's creative exploration, or a desperate attempt to recapture audience interest? Regardless, many felt the series was stagnating at the time.

Surprisingly, these aren't emulated games but native ports, allowing M2 to implement significant improvements. 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) enhances gameplay. While retaining some DS elements, the games are fully playable with a controller, dramatically improving Dawn of Sorrow and solidifying its place among the top Castlevania titles for many.

The collection is packed with options and extras. Players can select game regions, customize button mapping, choose stick controls, and enjoy a delightful credits sequence. A comprehensive gallery features art, manuals, and box art, while a music player allows for custom playlists. In-game options include save states, rewind, control remapping, screen layout customization, background color choices, audio adjustments, and exhaustive compendiums for each game. The only minor drawback is the limited screen arrangement options. This is a superb way to experience three fantastic games at an incredible price.

But the surprises don't end there! The notoriously difficult arcade game, Haunted Castle, is included. While its omission from the first collection was puzzling, it's now present with numerous options, including the essential unlimited continues feature. The game's brutal unfairness is undeniable, but the music and opening sequence are highlights. However, the real treat is the inclusion of Haunted Castle Revisited, a complete remake by M2. Similar to the Castlevania: The Adventure Rebirth remake, M2 has essentially created a superior game, effectively adding a new, excellent Castlevania title to the collection.

Castlevania Dominus Collection is a must-have for Castlevania fans. It offers a fantastic new game alongside the three classic DS titles, presented impeccably. The inclusion of the original Haunted Castle adds to the package. If you're not a Castlevania fan, well, we can't be friends. And if you're unfamiliar with the series, start with this and the other collections – you won't regret it. 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 a mixed bag. While I've enjoyed Tengo Project's previous releases (Wild Guns, The Ninja Warriors, and Pocky & Rocky), this remake presented some challenges. The team's limited involvement with the original 8-bit game, coupled with my personal reservations about the original's quality, made me initially hesitant.

After a preview at Tokyo Game Show, my enthusiasm was reignited. However, after completing the game multiple times, my assessment is more nuanced. Compared to Tengo Project's other work, Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn feels less polished. Despite significant improvements (presentation, weapon/item system), it lacks the charm of its predecessors. While not introducing new characters, it does differentiate the existing ones. It's superior to the original but retains its core essence. Fans of the original will adore this.

For those who, like me, found the original merely decent, this remake won't drastically alter that perception. The simultaneous access to both chain and sword is a welcome enhancement, as is the improved inventory system. The presentation is outstanding, masking its 8-bit origins. However, the game features some frustrating difficulty spikes, proving more challenging than its predecessor. It's the best version of Shadow of the Ninja, but it's still Shadow of the Ninja.

Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn is another solid effort from Tengo Project, representing a substantial improvement over the original. Its appeal hinges on one's appreciation for the original game, as the core gameplay remains largely unchanged. Newcomers will find it enjoyable but not essential, retaining a distinct 8-bit feel.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Pinball FX – The Princess Bride Pinball ($5.49)

A quick review of the Pinball FX DLC, celebrating the game's significant update. Two new tables were released: The Princess Bride Pinball and Goat Simulator Pinball. The Princess Bride Pinball, based on the beloved film, features voice clips and video clips, a welcome addition. The table's mechanics feel authentic, relatively straightforward, and satisfying for score-attack gameplay.

Zen Studios often misses the mark with licensed tables, but The Princess Bride Pinball is an exception. It's not the most innovative, but its design is solid and enjoyable for both newcomers and veterans.

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 table, only possible in a video game. The goat-related antics and ball effects add to the experience. While initially confusing, it becomes rewarding with persistence. This table is better suited for veteran players; Goat Simulator fans unfamiliar with pinball may struggle.

Goat Simulator Pinball is another strong DLC offering from Zen Studios. It's challenging but ultimately rewarding, offering wacky gameplay for dedicated players.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Select New Releases

Bakeru ($39.99)

As mentioned in yesterday's review, this 3D platformer from Good-Feel is a charming and breezy experience. Play as Bakeru, a tanuki on a quest to save Japan from an evil overlord. Battle enemies, discover hidden trivia, collect souvenirs, and enjoy the humor. Note that the Switch version suffers from inconsistent framerate.

Holyhunt ($4.99)

A top-down arena twin-stick shooter, described as an 8-bit homage, though its style isn't strictly reminiscent of that era. It's a straightforward shoot-'em-up with boss battles.

Shashingo: Learn Japanese with Photography ($20.00)

A language-learning game where players take photos and learn Japanese vocabulary. While not typically reviewed here, its unique approach warrants mention.

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

Today's sales include OrangePixel's titles, with Alien Hominid at a rare discount, and Ufouria 2 also on sale. THQ and Team 17 titles are ending their sales. Check both lists for details.

Select New Sales

(List of sales omitted for brevity, but present in the original text)

(List of sales omitted for brevity, but present in the original text)

Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 4th

(List of sales omitted for brevity, but present in the original text)

That's all for today! Join us tomorrow for more new releases, sales, and potentially a review. We're in the midst of a fantastic gaming season, so hold onto your wallets and enjoy the ride! Have a great Tuesday!