Castlevania Returns: Dominus Collection Collection Reviewed, Plus More

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, an analysis of Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn, and concise critiques of the newly released Pinball FX DLC tables. Following this, we'll explore the day's new releases, highlighting the unique and captivating Bakeru, and conclude with a summary of the latest sales and expiring discounts. Let's dive in!

Reviews & Mini-Views

Castlevania Dominus Collection ($24.99)

Konami's recent track record with classic game collections has been nothing short of exceptional, and the Castlevania franchise has been a prime beneficiary. Castlevania Dominus Collection, the third in the series on modern platforms, focuses on the Nintendo DS trilogy. Developed by M2, this collection boasts not only excellent emulation but also surprising depth, potentially making it the most essential Castlevania compilation to date.

The Nintendo DS Castlevania games hold a unique place in franchise history. While Dawn of Sorrow, Portrait of Ruin, and Order of Ecclesia each possess distinct identities, forming a surprisingly diverse set, they also represent the final hurrah of Koji Igarashi's era of exploration-focused Castlevania titles. While individually strong, the collection's inclusion of these titles also highlights a potential creative fatigue within the series at the time.

Interestingly, these aren't mere emulations; they're native ports. This allowed M2 to enhance the experience, replacing frustrating touchscreen controls in Dawn of Sorrow with more intuitive button presses. The addition of a simultaneous map display alongside the main game screen and status screen greatly improves the overall gameplay. While some DS-era elements remain, the games have been successfully adapted for modern controllers. This makes Dawn of Sorrow, in particular, a significantly improved experience.

The collection is packed with options and extras. Players can select game regions, customize button mapping, and choose between left stick control for movement or the touch cursor. A charming credits sequence, an art gallery featuring concept art and box art, and a music player with playlist creation capabilities are also included. In-game options include save states, rewind functionality, customizable screen layouts, background color choices, and audio adjustments. A comprehensive compendium for each game provides detailed information on equipment, enemies, and items. The only minor drawback is the limited screen arrangement options, but this is a small quibble.

The surprise inclusion of the notoriously difficult arcade game, Haunted Castle, adds another layer to the collection. While its inclusion in previous collections was absent, this version offers numerous options, including the much-needed unlimited continues feature. However, the real gem is the inclusion of Haunted Castle Revisited, a complete remake by M2 that transforms the original's brutal unfairness into a genuinely enjoyable experience. This is essentially a brand-new Castlevania game!

In short, Castlevania Dominus Collection is a must-have for any Castlevania fan. The inclusion of a fantastic new Castlevania game alongside the well-presented Nintendo DS titles, and even the original Haunted Castle, makes this an incredible value. If you're unfamiliar with Castlevania, this is an excellent entry point. Konami and M2 have once again delivered a stellar product.

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 consistently excellent, this 8-bit update presents a different challenge. The original game wasn't as strong as their other titles, and the remake, while significantly improved, still retains some of its limitations.

The improvements are substantial: the presentation is vastly superior, the weapon and item system is refined, and the playable characters are more distinct. It's undeniably better than the original, capturing its essence while enhancing its gameplay. Fans of the original will undoubtedly appreciate this version.

However, those who found the original merely decent will likely find Reborn similarly unremarkable. While improvements like simultaneous access to both the chain and sword are welcome, and the new inventory system adds depth, the core gameplay remains largely unchanged. The increased difficulty, while perhaps necessary, might prove challenging for some. Ultimately, it's the best Shadow of the Ninja available, but it's still Shadow of the Ninja.

Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn is another solid effort from Tengo Project, representing a substantial upgrade. Its appeal depends heavily on one's appreciation of the original. Newcomers will find an enjoyable but not essential action game, while veterans will appreciate the enhancements.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Pinball FX – The Princess Bride Pinball ($5.49)

Two quick reviews of the new Pinball FX DLC tables. The Princess Bride Pinball is a well-executed licensed table, featuring voice clips and video clips from the movie. Mechanically sound and faithful to the source material, it's a satisfying experience for both newcomers and veterans. While not overly innovative, its solid design and authentic feel make it a worthwhile purchase for fans.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Pinball FX – Goat Simulator Pinball ($5.49)

Goat Simulator Pinball embraces the absurdity of its license, resulting in a uniquely bizarre and challenging table. The goat-related antics add a layer of chaotic fun, but its complexity might deter less experienced pinball players. It's a more rewarding experience for veterans, offering a truly wacky and entertaining gameplay experience.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Select New Releases

Bakeru ($39.99)

A charming 3D platformer from Good-Feel, Bakeru features a tanuki on a quest to save Japan from an evil overlord. While the framerate on Switch is inconsistent, the game's breezy charm and engaging gameplay make it a worthwhile experience.

Holyhunt ($4.99)

A top-down arena twin-stick shooter reminiscent of classic 8-bit games. Simple but potentially entertaining.

Shashingo: Learn Japanese with Photography ($20.00)

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

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

Several notable sales are underway, including discounts on OrangePixel titles like Alien Hominid and Ufouria 2. THQ and Team 17 titles are also ending their sales soon. Be sure to check both the new and expiring sales lists for potential bargains.

(List of new sales)

(List of sales ending tomorrow)

That's all for today! Join us tomorrow for more new releases, sales, and potentially a new review. We're in the midst of a fantastic gaming season, so hang onto your wallets and enjoy the ride! Have a great Tuesday!