Hello, dear readers, and welcome to the final regular SwitchArcade Round-Up for September 6th, 2024. It's bittersweet to say this is my last regular column here at TouchArcade. Next week, you'll see one more special from me with a few embargoed reviews, but this marks the end of our daily journey through the world of Nintendo Switch. We've shared many years together, and though I hoped to see the Switch's lifecycle through to the end with these articles, life has other plans. Let's make this final ride a memorable one with a packed lineup, including reviews from Mikhail and Shaun, new release summaries, and the usual sales updates. Let's dive in!
Reviews & Mini-Views
Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU ($49.99)
Imagineer's Fitness Boxing series has been a hit, leading to intriguing collaborations like Fitness Boxing Fist of the North Star. The latest, Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU, piqued my interest with its unique blend of fitness and rhythm gaming, featuring everyone's favorite vocaloid. Over the past few weeks, I've been putting it through its paces alongside Ring Fit Adventure, and I'm genuinely impressed.
For those new to the series, Fitness Boxing games use boxing and rhythm game mechanics to help you get fit through daily exercises and engaging mini-games. Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU introduces a dedicated mode for Miku's songs, adding a fun twist to your workout routine. Keep in mind, though, this game is Joy-Con exclusive, so no Pro Controller or third-party accessories.
The game offers various difficulty levels, a free training mode, warm-ups, and comprehensive tracking features, including reminders that work even when your Switch is in sleep mode. You can unlock cosmetics by earning points, adding a personal touch to your avatar. The base game is solid, though the main instructor's voice left something to be desired and felt a bit off.
Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU stands out as a fun fitness game that successfully integrates Miku into the mix, appealing to her fans. While it's a great addition to your exercise regimen, it might shine brightest when paired with something like Ring Fit Adventure.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Magical Delicacy ($24.99)
Magical Delicacy from sKaule and Whitethorn Games caught my eye after it was announced for Xbox Game Pass. Playing it on Switch, I found it to be a delightful mix of Metroidvania and cooking game elements, though it feels a bit unpolished. As Flora, a young witch, you explore a world that's both mysterious and heartwarming, crafting meals and exploring. The Metroidvania aspects are surprisingly well-executed, though backtracking can be a nuisance.
The game's pixel art and music are stunning, and it offers extensive settings for UI scale and text size, which is great for handheld play. However, issues with inventory management and some frame pacing hiccups detract from the experience. While it's enjoyable now, Magical Delicacy could benefit from further updates to refine its potential.
Magical Delicacy is a promising blend of genres that feels slightly undercooked but is still worth checking out, especially on a portable device like the Switch or Steam Deck.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Aero The Acro-Bat 2 ($5.99)
The 16-bit era saw a flood of mascot platformers trying to capture the magic of Sonic the Hedgehog. Aero The Acro-Bat managed to secure a sequel, though it never became a household name. Aero The Acro-Bat 2 is a solid follow-up, offering a more polished experience while retaining the charm of the original.
Surprisingly, this release comes with an enhanced emulation wrapper, featuring box and manual scans, achievements, a gallery, jukebox, and cheats. It's a comprehensive package, though it only includes the Super NES version. Fans of the first game will enjoy this sequel, and even those who found the original rough around the edges might appreciate the improvements.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Metro Quester | Osaka ($19.99)
Having thoroughly enjoyed the original Metro Quester, I was excited for Metro Quester | Osaka. This game feels more like an expansion than a sequel, set as a prequel in Osaka with a new dungeon and character types. The gameplay remains familiar, with turn-based combat and top-down exploration, requiring strategic planning and cautious play.
For fans of the original, Metro Quester | Osaka offers more of what you loved, and new players can jump right in. It's a rewarding experience for those willing to invest the time.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Select New Releases
NBA 2K25 ($59.99)
NBA 2K25 is here with improved gameplay, the new Neighborhood feature, and updates to MyTEAM. If you're considering it, note that it requires 53.3 GB of storage space.
Shogun Showdown ($14.99)
If you're a fan of games like Darkest Dungeon, Shogun Showdown offers a Japanese-inspired twist on the genre. It's a solid choice for those looking for another game in this style.
Aero The Acro-Bat 2 ($5.99)
As mentioned earlier, Aero The Acro-Bat 2 is a polished sequel with an enhanced emulation wrapper, featuring the Super NES version. It's a great pick for fans of the original.
Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection ($9.99)
Sunsoft brings back three unique Famicom titles in this collection. It's a must-have for fans of retro gaming, offering a side-scrolling action platformer, an adventure game, and an action-RPG.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
Today's sales include a great deal on the Cosmic Fantasy Collection at 40% off, making it a compelling choice for retro RPG fans. Tinykin is also at its lowest price yet. Check out the full list below for more enticing discounts.
Select New Sales
Zombie Army Trilogy ($8.74 from $34.99 until 9/12)
Zombie Army 4: Dead War ($14.99 from $49.99 until 9/12)
Wild Seas ($2.49 from $4.99 until 9/12)
Chants of Sennaar ($14.99 from $19.99 until 9/13)
The House of Da Vinci 3 ($4.99 from $9.99 until 9/13)
Warhammer 40k: Boltgun ($15.39 from $21.99 until 9/13)
Toziuha Night: Dracula’s Revenge ($1.99 from $4.99 until 9/16)
Monkey Barrels ($7.49 from $14.99 until 9/19)
Banchou Tactics ($15.99 from $19.99 until 9/19)
Transiruby ($10.49 from $14.99 until 9/19)
Picontier ($19.99 from $24.99 until 9/19)
Kamiko ($1.99 from $4.99 until 9/19)
Fairune Collection ($3.99 from $9.99 until 9/19)
Alchemic Dungeons DX ($3.19 from $7.99 until 9/19)
Ninja Smasher! ($6.39 from $7.99 until 9/19)
Ninja Striker! ($1.99 from $3.99 until 9/19)
Great Ambition of the Slimes ($9.59 from $11.99 until 9/19)
Shinobi Non Grata ($11.99 from $14.99 until 9/19)
Let’s Build a Zoo ($7.99 from $19.99 until 9/20)
Owlboy ($8.74 from $24.99 until 9/20)
Hakuoki: Wind & Blossom ($44.99 from $49.99 until 9/20)
Omen of Sorrow ($7.99 from $19.99 until 9/20)
Dungeonoid 2 Awakening ($4.49 from $8.99 until 9/20)
The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt CE ($23.99 from $59.99 until 9/22)
Knights of Grayfang ($10.49 from $14.99 until 9/26)
Gale of Windoria ($7.49 from $14.99 until 9/26)
Justice Chronicles ($7.49 from $14.99 until 9/26)
Armed Emeth ($7.49 from $14.99 until 9/26)
Jinshin ($10.49 from $14.99 until 9/26)
Alphadia Genesis ($7.49 from $14.99 until 9/26)
Grace of Letoile ($10.49 from $14.99 until 9/26)
Tinykin ($6.24 from $24.99 until 9/26)
Despot’s Game ($4.99 from $19.99 until 9/26)
Cosmic Fantasy Collection ($29.99 from $49.99 until 9/26)
Cosmic Fantasy ($15.90 from $26.50 until 9/26)
Cosmic Fantasy 2 ($15.90 from $26.50 until 9/26)
Spirittea ($15.99 from $19.99 until 9/26)
Punch Club 2: Fast Forward ($9.99 from $19.99 until 9/26)
Railway Empire 2 ($37.49 from $49.99 until 9/26)
Lil’ Guardsman ($11.99 from $19.99 until 9/26)
Potion Craft Alchemist Simulator ($11.99 from $19.99 until 9/26)
Euphoria ($1.99 from $14.99 until 9/26)
Of The Red, the Light, & Ayakashi ($25.06 from $50.13 until 9/26)
Modern Combat Blackout ($1.99 from $7.99 until 9/26)
The Friends of Ringo Ishikawa ($8.99 from $14.99 until 9/26)
Arrest of a Stone Buddha ($8.99 from $14.99 until 9/26)
Fading Afternoon ($16.99 from $19.99 until 9/26)
Astor: Blade of the Monolith ($14.99 from $24.99 until 9/26)
Tamarak Trail ($8.99 from $14.99 until 9/26)
Rigid Force Redux ($3.99 from $19.99 until 9/26)
Yaga ($6.24 from $24.99 until 9/26)
Rabi-Ribi ($13.99 from $19.99 until 9/26)
Sales Ending This Weekend
Dead in Vinland: True Viking ($2.79 from $27.99 until 9/7)
Gunslugs ($4.79 from $7.99 until 9/7)
Gunslugs 2 ($4.79 from $7.99 until 9/7)
Heroes of Loot ($4.79 from $7.99 until 9/7)
Heroes of Loot 2 ($5.99 from $9.99 until 9/7)
Meganoid ($5.39 from $8.99 until 9/7)
NOISZ re:||COLLECTION G ($19.99 from $24.99 until 9/7)
Phoenotopia: Awakening ($6.99 from $19.99 until 9/7)
Space Grunts ($8.39 from $13.99 until 9/7)
Stardash ($5.99 from $9.99 until 9/7)
Superhot ($9.99 from $24.99 until 9/7)
Dormitory Love ($24.49 from $34.99 until 9/8)
Dying Light: Definitive Edition ($9.99 from $49.99 until 9/8)
Fur Squadron ($2.79 from $6.99 until 9/8)
Tchia: Oleti Edition ($23.44 from $34.99 until 9/8)
And that's it, folks. This marks the end of the regular SwitchArcade Round-Up and my time at TouchArcade after eleven and a half years. I'll continue writing at my blog on Post Game Content and offering exclusive articles on Patreon. If you're interested in following my next steps, you can find me on BlueSky or consider me for any writing opportunities.
To all of TouchArcade's readers, thank you from the bottom of my heart for being part of this journey. Your support has meant the world to me. I wish you all the happiness and joy in your lives. Forever and always – thanks for reading.
