Hey light readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Spherical-Up for February fifth, 2024. We’re beginning off our week with a handful of critiques so that you can get pleasure from. I check out AdventureQuest 8-Bit: Dungeons & Doomknights, The Adventures of Panzer: Legacy Assortment, and Starward Rogue, whereas our pal Mikhail has his ideas on Lil’ Guardsman. After that, we have now a gander on the largely doubtful bunch of recent releases for the day, and end issues up with the lists of recent gross sales and outgoing reductions. Let’s get to it!
Evaluations & Mini-Views
AdventureQuest 8-Bit: Dungeons & Doomknights ($19.99)
I can’t say I’m aware of AdventureQuest, however the IP apparently bought its begin in a Flash recreation launched in 2002. It’s had a handful of spin-offs through the years, and Dungeons & Doomknights seems to be the most recent one. It launched on the NES final yr, and has since launched throughout numerous fashionable platforms courtesy of Nami Tentou. It’s an action-adventure recreation within the vein of The Legend of Zelda, with top-down sections and side-scrolling sections to present you each flavors of 8-bit entries in that franchise. You additionally get numerous extras, together with an extra recreation referred to as NecroNancy.
The video games are made with NES Maker, and exhibit lots of the qualities frequent to works constructed with that engine. The largest situation I see in lots of NES Maker video games is poor collision detection, and that’s sadly current right here. Issues can get dicey once you get near enemies or hazards, and since your main technique of assault is a reasonably stubby melee assault, you’ll must be very cautious. You’ll get entry to talents via spirits as the sport goes on, and that may assist issues a bit. Regardless of that, the sport remains to be reasonably enjoyable. The exploration is gratifying, and it’s satisfying once you get new talents. It takes about 5 hours to complete, and there are a number of endings to find. I really actually loved taking part in via NecroNancy as nicely, although it’s a reasonably temporary affair.
Dungeons & Doomknights is a good 8-bit journey with its tongue planted to date into its cheek that it threatens to burst proper via. Nami Tentou has executed a pleasant job packaging it for the Swap, bettering on its typically too-threadbare earlier efforts. Some collision points and its tendency to go a bit too excessive are the one actual flies on this ointment, however those that can get into fashionable NES video games will possible come away happy with this one.
SwitchArcade Rating: 4/5
The Adventures of Panzer: Legacy Assortment ($8.99)
And right here’s one other pair of recent NES video games in-built NES Maker and delivered to the Swap, on this occasion courtesy of Ratalaika Video games. The Adventures of Panzer: Legacy Assortment offers you each entries within the Panzer collection of side-scrolling motion video games. They star an fool knight named Panzer and observe his adventures in search of fame and glory. He’s joined by a solid of characters who all are fairly aware of him in a technique or one other, and even his associates can barely tolerate him. Within the first recreation, Panzer goes it alone together with his fundamental assault and a small assortment of magic abilities. Within the second, Panzer can group up with a companion of your option to make use of their talents. The primary recreation is absolutely linear, whereas the second makes use of a stage choose system just like that of Mega Man.
These video games additionally lean very onerous into comedy, this time seemingly centered round World of Warcraft. It looks like each character relies on somebody’s character from that recreation, and there are a variety of inside jokes occurring that I don’t know how folks exterior the circle are supposed to perceive. Nonetheless, I discovered the solid largely endearing, and the plots of each video games are so silly that there isn’t a lot level taking them severely. Simply associate with the experience; it’s straightforward sufficient. As for the gameplay, it’s not too shabby. Whereas the standard collision issues are right here, the beneficiant vary of Panzer’s main assault and, within the sequel, the ranged assaults of his associates assist mitigate issues. The extent designs are extra perfunctory than good, however they’re alright.
Whereas I don’t suppose both of the video games included in The Adventures of Panzer: Legacy Assortment are notably noteworthy, they’re stable sufficient platformers to get you thru a lazy weekend afternoon. Ratalaika has put them within the developer’s traditional wrapper, and which means the standard set of options which can be welcome if overly acquainted. If you happen to’re in search of some foolish platforming leisure for an inexpensive worth, this isn’t a nasty alternative.
SwitchArcade Rating: 3.5/5
Starward Rogue ($14.99)
I had an excellent feeling about this one from the minute I noticed it in motion, and I’m glad to say that it largely lived as much as my expectations. This can be a top-down twin-stick roguelite motion recreation that sees you exploring rooms, battling enemies, and making an attempt to make your means out of a labyrinth caught within the aspect of a star. Whereas this initially solely requires you to outlive 5 flooring, every time you reach your purpose the subsequent run will ask extra of you. It’s a considerable affair, notably if you wish to see every thing. The title display helpfully reminds you of what you’ve gotten or haven’t seen, which can possible drive you ahead.
Video games of this kind run the gamut by way of how intense the motion is, and Starward Rogue goes straight into bullet hell with glee. The mini-bosses and executives have beautiful patterns, and battling with them is at all times a delight. However don’t take that to imply that the sport relaxes on the roguelite bits, as a result of it gives a lot to get pleasure from in that capability as nicely. A number of characters, tons of weapons and gadgets with various results, and sufficient rooms that you just received’t see repeats for some time. It’s continuously mixing issues up, and also you by no means know what to anticipate. If you happen to want extra, you’ll be able to stump for the AuGMENTED DLC so as to add a bunch of extra stuff into the combination.
Followers of twin-stick roguelites would do nicely to present Starward Rogue a few of their time. The gameplay mechanics are sound, the problem is correct the place it must be, and the sheer selection that springs from the numerous gadgets, rooms, and enemies is spectacular. Whereas the visuals are a bit missing on the subject of the small touches, the motion itself is so good you received’t typically discover that. A wonderful recreation total, and I’m glad writer Klabater introduced it to the Nintendo Swap.
SwitchArcade Rating: 4.5/5
Lil’ Guardsman ($19.99)
Lil’ Guardsman from Hilltop Studios has been a refreshing recreation to play during the last two weeks. If you happen to’ve not stored up with the critiques on TouchArcade currently, I’ve been very busy with many video games on iOS and Steam Deck, and extra nonetheless taking place, however a beautiful and humorous recreation Shaun despatched my means has been good to take a break with. Lil’ Guardsman feels prefer it blends Papers, Please with comedy and fantasy to ship one thing fairly particular.
You play as Lil who’s a 12 yr outdated taking on a shift on the guard shed. Your intention is to determine who’s allowed to move, however every character is its personal puzzle with totally different necessities whilst you try to get data out of them and make the suitable determination. You can too rewind time if wanted, however the interactions between the colourful and various characters ended up being much more memorable than I anticipated primarily based on the sport’s trailer. There’s a ton of appeal right here.
On Nintendo Swap, I first performed Lil’ Guardsman for an hour docked, and was disenchanted. It doesn’t look nearly as good because it ought to, and even has low decision fonts for dialogue. This wasn’t an excellent first impression. When shifting to handheld although, I used to be impressed. It appears to be like and feels quite a bit higher, particularly on my Swap OLED display. It looks like there’s no bump to picture high quality when taking part in docked in comparison with handheld which ends it in wanting worse than it ought to on a better decision and bigger show.
Lil’ Guardsman‘s aesthetic could be very good and feels acquainted regardless of having various designs for the numerous characters you’ll run into. It additionally has a considerable amount of voice performing which I didn’t count on. I additionally need to notice that it has touchscreen assist which is nice to have in a recreation like this to work together with or choose devices as you try to take care of the puzzles.
Barring the problems with the visuals when performed docked, Lil’ Guardsman is price your time on Nintendo Swap for its writing, puzzles, voice performing, appeal, and colourful visuals. It manages to usher in just a few kinds collectively nicely in a compelling package deal that’s solely held again by minor points proper now. If you happen to do get it on Swap, play handheld and make use of the touchscreen for one of the best expertise. -Mikhail Madnani
SwitchArcade Evaluate Rating: 4/5
New Releases
Torn Away ($15.00)
This recreation payments itself as an interactive story, and its gameplay takes on the type of all kinds of minigames and play kinds. It’s set in World Warfare II and the principle character is a ten yr outdated lady named Asya who escapes from a labor camp and is making an attempt to make her means residence. She’ll face many trials as she crosses via the countrysides of Germany and Poland, as you’d count on. The reception to the pc model of this recreation was fairly good, so should you suppose the subject matter is for you you then would possibly need to give it a better look.
Maze of Realities: Flower of Dischord Collector’s Version ($14.99)
Discover the hidden objects… in a maze of realities!
The Bin Bunch
Raft Survival Simulator ($12.99)
Snow Moto – Racing Journey ($12.99)
Morto – Chapter 2 ($0.98)
Jelly Shot ($0.99)
Gross sales
(North American eShop, US Costs)
THQ Nordic gross sales was a dime a dozen, however they’re much less frequent than they was. There are some actually deep gross sales this time, so if you wish to get video games like Pink Faction Guerrilla, King’s Bounty II, and the Saint’s Row assortment, there’s no higher time. Examine each lists as traditional, associates.
Choose New Gross sales
Youropa ($3.74 from $14.99 till 2/11)
The Battle of Polytopia ($5.99 from $14.99 till 2/12)
Evil Diary ($3.49 from $4.99 till 2/15)
Runnyk ($3.49 from $4.99 till 2/15)
Bob the Elementalist ($3.49 from $4.99 till 2/15)
Zomborg ($3.49 from $4.99 till 2/15)
Fearmonium ($9.09 from $12.99 till 2/15)
Hirilun ($6.99 from $9.99 till 2/15)
Amabilly ($3.49 from $4.99 till 2/15)
NeonPowerUp! ($3.49 from $4.99 till 2/15)
Chemically Bonded ($6.99 from $9.99 till 2/15)
SnowRunner ($19.99 from $39.99 till 2/15)
Love Kuesuto ($3.49 from $4.99 till 2/15)
Garlic ($7.49 from $14.99 till 2/15)
Metal Defier ($2.49 from $4.99 till 2/15)
Cyber Citizen Shockman 2 ($4.19 from $5.99 till 2/15)
Pirates on Goal ($3.49 from $4.99 till 2/15)
Homicide is Sport Over ($3.49 from $4.99 till 2/15)
Doom & Future ($3.59 from $11.99 till 2/17)
Doom & Future Advance ($3.59 from $11.99 till 2/17)
Doom & Future Worlds ($5.99 from $19.99 till 2/17)
Pink Faction Guerrilla Remarstered ($2.99 from $29.99 till 2/19)
King’s Bounty II ($3.99 from $39.99 till 2/19)
Gods Will Fall ($1.99 from $14.99 till 2/19)
Metro Redux ($4.49 from $29.99 till 2/19)
Let’s Sing ABBA ($15.99 from $39.99 till 2/19)
Let’s Sing Queen ($15.99 from $39.99 till 2/19)
Atelier Marie Remake ($37.49 from $49.99 till 2/19)
Atelier Sophie 2 ($35.99 from $59.99 till 2/19)
Atelier Ryza ($23.99 from $59.99 till 2/19)
Atelier Ryza 2 ($29.99 from $59.99 till 2/19)
Atelier Ryza 3 ($41.99 from $59.99 till 2/19)
Destiny/Samurai Remnant ($41.99 from $59.99 till 2/19)
Samurai Warriors 5 ($29.99 from $59.99 till 2/19)
Warriors Orochi 4 Final ($35.99 from $59.99 till 2/19)
Kona II: Brume ($14.99 from $29.99 till 2/19)
Dynasty Warriors 9 Empires ($35.99 from $59.99 till 2/19)
Mato Anomalies ($5.99 from $39.99 till 2/19)
Mato Anomalies Digital Deluxe ($6.74 from $44.99 till 2/19)
Saints Row: The Huge Purple Bundle ($4.49 from $29.99 till 2/19)
Bit.Journey Assortment ($2.99 from $9.99 till 2/22)
Battle Princess Madelyn ($3.99 from $19.99 till 2/22)
Battle Princess Madelyn Royal ($2.99 from $14.99 till 2/22)
Unusual Phone ($3.99 from $9.99 till 2/23)
Drainus ($13.99 from $19.99 till 2/23)
Idol Supervisor ($17.49 from $24.99 till 2/23)
Kero Blaster ($2.99 from $9.99 till 2/23)
The Good Life ($19.99 from $39.99 till 2/23)
Orangeblood ($5.99 from $19.99 till 2/23)
Document of Lodoss Warfare: Surprise Labyrinth ($17.49 from $24.99 till 2/23)
Shiny Reminiscence: Infinite Gold ($13.99 from $19.99 till 2/23)
Authorized Dungeon ($4.99 from $9.99 till 2/23)
Gnosia ($17.49 from $24.99 till 2/23)
Mighty Goose ($7.99 from $19.99 till 2/23)
Time of Warfare, Arkano ’90 ($2.09 from $14.99 till 2/23)
Saboteur SiO ($7.69 from $10.99 till 2/23)
7 Days to Finish with You ($8.39 from $11.99 till 2/23)
Backpack Hero ($15.99 from $19.99 till 2/23)
Howl ($9.89 from $14.99 till 2/24)
Dorfromantik ($13.49 from $14.99 till 2/24)
Elli ($1.99 from $7.99 till 2/24)
Trash Punk ($1.99 from $9.99 till 2/26)
Gross sales Ending Tomorrow, February sixth
Colourful Colore ($1.99 from $2.99 till 2/6)
Dice Life: Island Survival ($11.99 from $14.99 till 2/6)
Lifeless Cells: Medley of Ache Bundle ($27.99 from $39.99 till 2/6)
Girabox ($1.99 from $2.49 till 2/6)
Grood ($1.99 from $4.99 till 2/6)
Groundskeeper2 ($1.99 from $4.99 till 2/6)
Gunman Clive HD Assortment ($1.99 from $4.99 till 2/6)
Gunslugs 2 ($2.39 from $7.99 till 2/6)
Heroes of Loot ($2.39 from $7.99 till 2/6)
Heroes of Loot 2 ($2.99 from $9.99 till 2/6)
Lila’s Story & the Hidden Forest ($1.99 from $4.99 till 2/6)
Mechstermination Power ($1.99 from $11.99 till 2/6)
Meganoid ($2.69 from $8.99 till 2/6)
Onion Assault ($1.99 from $7.99 till 2/6)
Pew Paw ($1.99 from $6.99 till 2/6)
Pixel Motion Heroes ($3.99 from $4.99 till 2/6)
Residual ($5.99 from $19.99 till 2/6)
Snake Core ($2.69 from $8.99 till 2/6)
Stardash ($2.99 from $9.99 till 2/6)
Tremendous Punch Patrol ($1.99 from $4.99 till 2/6)
The Pinball Wizard ($1.99 from $7.99 till 2/6)
That’s all for immediately. We’ll be again tomorrow with extra new releases, extra critiques, extra gross sales, and maybe some information. I bought a Steam Deck yesterday, which I’m going to make use of to play Spider-Man video games. I feel that’s a great way to make use of a type of issues, proper? I hope you all have an impressive Monday, and as at all times, thanks for studying!