Castlevania Dominus Collection Reviewed: Today's Releases and Sales

Hello, gentle readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for September 3rd, 2024. Today, we dive into several in-depth reviews, explore new releases, and highlight 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 game collections, and the Castlevania Dominus Collection is a testament to that. This collection focuses on the Nintendo DS trilogy, developed by the renowned M2, and offers a robust package that fans will adore. The trilogy includes Dawn of Sorrow, Portrait of Ruin, and Order of Ecclesia, each with its unique identity and gameplay.

Dawn of Sorrow is a direct sequel to Aria of Sorrow and has been improved by replacing touchscreen seals with button controls, making it a top-tier Castlevania experience. Portrait of Ruin features a dual-character mechanic, while Order of Ecclesia brings a higher difficulty level and a nostalgic nod to Simon's Quest. These games are not emulated but are native ports, allowing for enhanced gameplay and additional features like a third screen showing the map.

The collection also includes the challenging arcade game Haunted Castle and a remarkable remake, Haunted Castle Revisited, crafted by M2. This new Castlevania game is a hidden gem within the collection. With a wealth of options, extras, and a new game, Castlevania Dominus Collection is a must-have for fans and newcomers alike.

SwitchArcade Score: 5/5

Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn ($19.99)

Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn by Tengo Project offers a refreshed take on the classic 8-bit game. While the original game was decent, this remake enhances it significantly with better presentation and a refined weapon and item system. The two playable characters are more distinct, and the overall experience is improved.

However, the game's core remains tied to its 8-bit roots, which might not elevate it to the heights of Tengo Project's other remakes like Wild Guns or The Ninja Warriors. It's a solid effort, especially for fans of the original, but those new to the series might find it just an enjoyable, if not essential, action game.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Pinball FX – The Princess Bride Pinball ($5.49)

The Princess Bride Pinball is a delightful addition to Pinball FX, especially after the recent update that improved performance on the Switch. This table captures the essence of the cult classic movie with real voice and video clips. The gameplay is straightforward yet satisfying, making it a great choice for both newcomers and seasoned players.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Pinball FX – Goat Simulator Pinball ($5.49)

Goat Simulator Pinball brings the quirky humor of the Goat Simulator series to the pinball world. It's a unique and challenging table that might be more suited for veteran players. While it takes some time to master, the wacky antics and effects make it a fun addition for fans of the series.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Select New Releases

Bakeru ($39.99)

Bakeru is a charming 3D platformer where you play as a tanuki on a mission to save Japan. With its breezy gameplay and interesting Japan trivia, it's a delightful experience. However, be aware of the inconsistent framerate on the Switch version if you're a tech enthusiast.

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 simple yet engaging gameplay with shooting, dashing, and boss battles.

Shashingo: Learn Japanese with Photography ($20.00)

Shashingo is a unique language-learning game that combines photography with learning Japanese. While it may not appeal to everyone, those interested in a different approach to learning a language might find it useful.

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

Today's sales feature a variety of great titles, including OrangePixel's pick-up-and-play games and rare discounts on Alien Hominid. Keep an eye on the expiring discounts from THQ and Team 17.

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's all for today, friends. We'll be back tomorrow with more new releases, sales, and perhaps some news. Maybe even a review? No promises, but stay tuned. We're in the season of TOO MANY GOOD GAMES, so hold onto your wallets and enjoy the ride. It's likely the Switch's last holiday season, so let's make it memorable. Have a terrific Tuesday, and as always, thanks for reading!