Castlevania Dominus Collection Review and Today's Switch Game Releases

Hello fellow gamers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Roundup for September 3rd, 2024! Today's update brings a batch of reviews, starting with in-depth thoughts on the Castlevania Dominus Collection, a look at Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn, and quick impressions of some recent Pinball FX DLC tables. We'll then dive into the day's new releases, including the charming Bakeru, and finally, round up the latest sales and expiring deals. Let's jump in!

Reviews & Mini-Views

Castlevania Dominus Collection ($24.99)

Konami's recent track record with classic game collections has been impressive, and the Castlevania Dominus Collection continues this trend. This third installment focuses on the Nintendo DS trilogy, expertly handled by M2. But this collection offers more than just the core games; it might be the most comprehensive Castlevania compilation yet.

The DS era of Castlevania was pivotal, boasting a unique identity across its three titles. Dawn of Sorrow, a direct sequel to Aria of Sorrow, initially suffered from awkward touchscreen controls, thankfully mitigated here. Portrait of Ruin cleverly integrates touchscreen elements into a bonus mode, using a dual-character system. Order of Ecclesia stands out with its increased difficulty and design reminiscent of Simon's Quest. All three are excellent games.

This collection marks the end of Koji Igarashi's era of exploration-focused Castlevania games. While each game has its own distinct charm, there's a question of whether this variety stemmed from creative exploration or an attempt to recapture audience interest. Regardless, these games, presented as native ports rather than emulations, benefit from M2's enhancements. Dawn of Sorrow, in particular, is significantly improved with its revised controls.

The collection is packed with features: regional selection, customizable button mapping, flexible control schemes, a delightful credits sequence, and a comprehensive art gallery. A music player allows for custom playlists, and in-game options include save states, rewind, screen layouts, background colors, and detailed compendiums for each game. The only minor drawback is a limited selection of screen layout options. This is an exceptional way to experience these classic titles, offering incredible value.

The surprise inclusion of the notoriously difficult arcade title, Haunted Castle, is a welcome addition. The inclusion of unlimited continues is a must-have for this brutally challenging game. But the real treat is the complete remake, Haunted Castle Revisited. M2 has essentially created a new, enjoyable Castlevania game from the ground up, a hidden gem within this DS collection.

Castlevania fans, this collection is a must-buy. The inclusion of a fantastic new Castlevania game alongside the three polished DS titles, plus the original Haunted Castle, makes it an absolute steal. If you're unfamiliar with Castlevania, this is a great starting point. Konami and M2 have delivered another masterpiece.

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 remakes have been excellent, this 8-bit update presents some unique challenges. The original game isn't as strong as their other titles, and the remake, while a significant improvement, doesn't quite reach the same heights.

Improvements are evident in the presentation, refined weapon system, and differentiated characters. The always-accessible chain and sword are a welcome change, and the new inventory system adds depth. The presentation is superb, masking its 8-bit origins. However, some difficulty spikes and the overall length might leave some wanting more. 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, but its overall quality depends on your feelings toward the original. It's a fun action game, but not essential for everyone.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Pinball FX – The Princess Bride Pinball ($5.49)

Following the major Pinball FX update, two new DLC tables arrived: The Princess Bride Pinball and Goat Simulator Pinball. The Princess Bride Pinball stands out with its use of actual voice clips and video footage from the movie. The gameplay is well-designed, feeling authentic to both the movie and the pinball experience.

Pinball FX – Goat Simulator Pinball ($5.49)

Goat Simulator Pinball embraces its source material's absurdity, resulting in a unique and challenging table. It's more suited for experienced pinball players, but offers a rewarding and wacky experience for those who persevere.

Select New Releases

Bakeru ($39.99)

A charming 3D platformer from Good-Feel, featuring a tanuki on a quest to save Japan. Despite inconsistent framerate on Switch, it's a fun and enjoyable experience.

Holyhunt ($4.99)

A top-down arena twin-stick shooter reminiscent of classic 8-bit games.

Shashingo: Learn Japanese with Photography ($20.00)

A language-learning game that incorporates photography to teach Japanese vocabulary.

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

A nice selection of games on sale, including OrangePixel's titles and rare discounts on Alien Hominid and Ufouria 2. Check out the full lists below for more details.

Select New Sales

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Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 4th

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That's all for today! Join us tomorrow for more new releases, sales, and possibly a review or two. Enjoy the abundance of great games available!