Innovative Games Debut on Switch: 'Emio' and 'Gundam Breaker 4'

Hello gaming enthusiasts, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for August 29th, 2024! Today's update features a substantial lineup of new game releases, forming the core of this Thursday's column. We'll also explore a noteworthy selection of new sales. While we can't expect daily Nintendo Directs, let's dive into the exciting gaming news!

New Game Releases

Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club ($49.99)

The Famicom Detective Club franchise returns after a long hiatus with a new installment. This latest case stays true to the original games' style, both in its strengths and weaknesses. A fresh mystery unfolds, presented similarly to the recent Switch remakes. Can you crack the latest serial murder case? My review is coming soon!

Gundam Breaker 4 ($59.99)

Mikhail's comprehensive review provides an in-depth look at Gundam Breaker 4's gameplay and Switch performance. In short, you build and battle Gunpla. While the Switch port naturally lags behind other versions in performance, it's still a satisfying experience. Check out Mikhail's excellent review for the full details!

Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn ($19.99)

Tengo Project continues its successful streak of remakes/reimaginings. Following the acclaimed Wild Guns Reloaded, The Ninja Saviors, and Pocky & Rocky Reshrined, they now tackle an 8-bit classic. Expect a more significant departure from the source material compared to their previous titles. However, fans of classic-style action-platformers will likely find this appealing. My review will be available early next week.

Valfaris: Mecha Therion ($19.99)

This Valfaris sequel offers a distinct gameplay shift. Instead of the original's style, it's a 2.5D side-scrolling shooter. While the genre change might surprise some, it's a solid entry in its own right. My review is forthcoming.

Nour: Play With Your Food ($9.99)

I'll admit, I'm not entirely sure what this game entails. However, the food imagery is stunning. Perhaps it involves photography, puzzle-solving, or uncovering hidden elements. Mikhail might be the best person to investigate this further.

Monster Jam Showdown ($49.99)

This game centers around Monster Jam monster trucks. It features both local and online multiplayer, along with various game modes. Reception on other platforms has been mixed, but it might appeal to monster truck enthusiasts seeking more options in the genre.

WitchSpring R ($39.99)

This appears to be a remake of the original WitchSpring. Previously a mobile title often compared to the Atelier series, its higher price point compared to its predecessors might give some pause. However, it appears to be the most polished WitchSpring title yet.

Depths of Sanity ($19.99)

An underwater exploration game with a fantastical horror twist. You investigate the disappearance of your crew within a vast, interconnected underwater world, engaging in combat along the way. Well-received on other platforms, it's likely to attract a dedicated following on the Switch.

Voltaire: The Vegan Vampire ($19.99)

Voltaire, a vegan vampire, rebels against his bloodthirsty father. Gameplay involves farming and action as you defend your lifestyle choices. While I'm currently less enthusiastic about this genre, those with a greater affinity for farming simulations might find it engaging.

Marble Abduction! Patti Hattu ($11.79)

A marble roller game featuring seventy stages and eighty marbles to collect. Secret collectibles and special challenges add to the replayability. Fans of fast-paced marble games will appreciate this offering.

Leo: The Firefighter Cat ($24.99)

A firefighting game aimed at a younger audience. With twenty missions, it offers a more child-friendly take on the firefighting genre.

Gori: Cuddly Carnage ($21.99)

A grotesque action game featuring a hoverboarding cat who slices and dices enemies. While the core gameplay is reportedly solid, the Switch version suffers from technical issues impacting the overall experience.

Arcade Archives Finalizer Super Transformation ($7.99)

A 1985 Konami vertical shooter featuring a transforming robot protagonist. This pre-Tiger Heli shooter offers a unique charm for fans of classic shooters.

EGGCONSOLE Xanadu Scenario II PC-8801mkIISR ($6.49)

An early expansion pack for Xanadu, featuring a new underworld to explore. Gameplay remains consistent with the original, but with increased difficulty. Notable for featuring the debut work of legendary composer Yuzo Koshiro.

The Backrooms: Survival ($10.99)

A blend of horror, survival, and roguelite elements. Supports up to ten online players, offering an ideal multiplayer experience. Solo play might appeal to a niche audience.

Can of Wormholes ($19.99)

A clever puzzle game where you, a sentient tin can, must deal with worms. One hundred handcrafted puzzles keep the gameplay fresh and engaging.

Ninja I & II ($9.99)

Two NES-style microgames with a ninja theme. Competitive gameplay focuses on local multiplayer or against a CPU opponent.

Dice Make 10! ($3.99)

A surprisingly fun puzzle game with two modes: falling blocks and tile placement. The objective is to create rows or columns where dice faces add up to multiples of ten.

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

The 30th anniversary of The King of Fighters is celebrated with a sale on the entire Arcade Archives series. Many Pixel Game Maker Series titles are also at their lowest prices yet. Several other indie titles are also on sale.

Select New Sales (Images below show a selection of sales, but the full list is detailed above)

That concludes today's round-up. We'll return tomorrow with more new releases, sales, and news. See you then!