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 edition 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 the latest Pinball FX DLC tables. We'll also explore the day's new releases, highlighting the unique and engaging Bakeru, and round things off with a look at the latest sales and expiring deals. Let's dive in!

Reviews & Mini-Views

Castlevania Dominus Collection ($24.99)

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

The Nintendo DS Castlevania games possess unique identities, 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, utilizing an interesting dual-character mechanic. Order of Ecclesia significantly departs from its predecessors, featuring increased difficulty and a design reminiscent of Simon’s Quest. All three are excellent games.

This collection marks the final installment in the exploratory Castlevania series helmed by Koji Igarashi, whose work revitalized the franchise with Symphony of the Night. While these games are distinct, one wonders if their differences reflect Igarashi's creative exploration or a desperate attempt to recapture a dwindling audience. Regardless, the collection presents a compelling package.

Remarkably, these aren't emulated but native ports, allowing M2 to enhance the experience. The frustrating touchscreen controls in Dawn of Sorrow are replaced with more intuitive button presses, and a third screen displays the map alongside the main and status screens. While retaining some DS elements, the games are fully playable with a controller, significantly improving Dawn of Sorrow and placing it among the top Castlevania titles.

The collection is packed with options and extras. Players can select game regions, customize button mapping, choose between left stick movement and touch cursor control, and enjoy a charming credits sequence. A gallery showcases art, manuals, and box art, while a music player allows custom playlist creation. In-game, features include save states, rewind, customizable screen layouts, background color options, audio adjustments, and a comprehensive compendium. The only minor drawback is the limited screen arrangement options. This is a fantastic way to experience three exceptional games at an incredible price.

But the surprises don't end there! The notoriously difficult arcade game, Haunted Castle, is included. This is complemented by a complete remake, Haunted Castle Revisited, created by M2. This remake retains elements of the original while significantly enhancing gameplay. It's essentially a new Castlevania game, cleverly tucked away within this DS collection.

Castlevania Dominus Collection is a must-have for Castlevania fans. It includes a fantastic new game alongside the three excellent Nintendo DS titles, presented flawlessly. Even the original Haunted Castle is included. If you're not a Castlevania fan, well, we can't be friends. And if you're unfamiliar with the series, start with these collections! 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 a mixed bag. While Tengo Project's previous releases have been largely successful, this 8-bit remake presents some unique challenges. The original game isn't as strong as their other titles, and the team's limited involvement with the source material is noticeable. My initial hesitation was somewhat justified.

However, after playing the game extensively, my opinion has evolved. While not as polished as Tengo Project's other work, Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn offers significant improvements. The presentation is excellent, the weapon and item systems are refined, and the playable characters are more distinct. It's undeniably superior to the original while retaining its core essence. Fans of the original will adore this remake.

For those who found the original merely decent, this remake won't drastically alter that perception. The simultaneous access to both the chain and sword is a welcome improvement, and the sword's enhanced utility is a plus. The new inventory system adds depth. The presentation is superb, disguising its 8-bit origins. However, the game features challenging difficulty spikes and is generally more difficult than the original. 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 Tengo Project effort, representing a substantial upgrade over its predecessor. Its appeal depends largely on one's opinion of the original. Newcomers will find an enjoyable but not essential action game, retaining a distinct 8-bit aesthetic.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Pinball FX – The Princess Bride Pinball ($5.49)

A quick look at the latest Pinball FX DLC, celebrating the game's improved Switch performance. The Princess Bride Pinball and Goat Simulator Pinball are the new additions. The Princess Bride Pinball utilizes voice clips and video clips from the movie, a welcome inclusion. The table's mechanics feel authentic and are satisfying to play.

Zen Studios often misses the mark with licensed tables, but The Princess Bride Pinball is a notable exception. It's a well-designed table, faithful to the source material, 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 and unconventional table, best experienced in video game form. The goat-related antics are humorous, but the table's complexity may challenge newcomers. It's a more demanding table, rewarding veteran players with its wacky elements. Goat Simulator fans will find it rewarding, but it requires more effort to master.

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. The game features engaging combat, quirky Japan trivia, collectible souvenirs, and humor. However, the inconsistent framerate on Switch may deter some players.

Holyhunt ($4.99)

A top-down arena twin-stick shooter, described as an homage to 8-bit games. It's a simple 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. Its effectiveness depends on individual learning styles.

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

Several noteworthy sales are happening, including OrangePixel's titles, a rare discount on Alien Hominid, and a discounted Ufouria 2. THQ and Team 17 titles are also on sale. Explore both lists for more deals.

Select New Sales

(List of Sales)

(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. Enjoy the abundance of great games! Thanks for reading!