Castlevania Collection Reinvigorates Classic Nintendo Franchise

Hello fellow gamers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Roundup for September 3rd, 2024! Today's article features in-depth reviews, including a comprehensive look at the Castlevania Dominus Collection, a review of Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn, and quick takes on the latest Pinball FX DLC. We'll also cover the day's new releases, highlighting the charming Bakeru, and wrap things up with 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 exceptional, and the Castlevania Dominus Collection continues this trend. This collection focuses on the Nintendo DS trilogy, expertly handled by M2. It's more than just a simple port, making it arguably the most essential Castlevania compilation yet.

The DS Castlevania games offer a unique and varied experience. Dawn of Sorrow, a direct sequel to Aria of Sorrow, initially suffered from clunky touchscreen controls, thankfully mitigated in this release. Portrait of Ruin cleverly uses a dual-character mechanic, while Order of Ecclesia significantly increases the difficulty and revisits the style of Simon's Quest. All three are excellent games, highly recommended.

This collection marks the end of Koji Igarashi's run of exploratory Castlevania titles. While distinct, the games might reflect either IGA's creative exploration or a search for a winning formula amidst waning audience interest. Regardless, M2's work is impressive. Instead of emulation, these are native ports, allowing for enhancements like replacing awkward touchscreen elements with button controls and adding a map display. This significantly improves Dawn of Sorrow, elevating it to a top-tier Castlevania title.

The collection boasts numerous options and extras. Players can select game regions, customize button mapping, and choose control schemes. A delightful credits sequence and a comprehensive art gallery are included, along with a music player and customizable playlists. In-game features include save states, rewind functionality, screen layout adjustments, and a detailed compendium for each game. The only minor drawback is the lack of additional screen arrangement options to maximize the play area. This is a fantastic way to experience these three fantastic games at an incredible price.

But the surprises don't end there! The collection also includes the notoriously difficult arcade title, Haunted Castle, along with a complete remake, Haunted Castle Revisited. M2 has essentially created a new, enjoyable Castlevania game from the ground up, a remarkable addition to this already impressive package.

If you're a Castlevania fan, the Castlevania Dominus Collection is a must-have. It's a phenomenal value, offering a new game alongside expertly remastered classics. If you're not a Castlevania fan, well, we can't be friends. And if you're unfamiliar with the series, start with this collection and experience the magic. Another stellar achievement 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 remakes have been exceptional, this 8-bit update presents some unique challenges. The original game isn't as strong as their other projects, and the remake, while improved, doesn't quite reach the same heights.

The enhancements are significant, featuring improved visuals, a refined weapon system, and differentiated playable characters. It's undoubtedly superior to the original, retaining its core spirit. Fans of the original will adore this.

However, if you found the original merely decent, Reborn won't drastically alter your opinion. The improvements, such as simultaneous access to both the chain and sword and the enhanced inventory system, are welcome. The presentation is excellent, but some challenging difficulty spikes and shorter length might be drawbacks. 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, showcasing substantial improvements. Whether it's worth purchasing depends on your feelings about the original. Newcomers will find an enjoyable but not essential action game.

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 is a standout, featuring voice clips and video clips from the movie. Mechanically sound and faithful to the source material, it's a satisfying and enjoyable table for both newcomers and veterans.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Pinball FX – Goat Simulator Pinball ($5.49)

Goat Simulator Pinball embraces the absurdity of its license. It's a unique and quirky table, more challenging than The Princess Bride, rewarding veteran players with its wacky antics. Goat Simulator fans might struggle initially, but persistence pays off.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Select New Releases

Bakeru ($39.99)

A charming 3D platformer from Good-Feel. Play as a tanuki saving Japan from an evil overlord. Features engaging gameplay, Japan trivia, and humorous moments. Inconsistent framerate on Switch might deter some.

Holyhunt ($4.99)

A top-down arena twin-stick shooter reminiscent of 8-bit classics. Simple yet engaging gameplay loop.

Shashingo: Learn Japanese with Photography ($20.00)

A language-learning game incorporating photography. Might appeal to visual learners.

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

Several noteworthy sales, including OrangePixel's titles and a rare discount on Alien Hominid. Check out the full lists for more deals.

Select New Sales (Partial List)

(List of games on sale)

Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 4th

(List of games on sale)

That's all for today! Join us tomorrow for more new releases, sales, and potentially more reviews. Enjoy the abundance of great games! Have a fantastic Tuesday!