Evaluations That includes ‘Health Boxing feat. Hatsune Miku’, Plus New Releases, Gross sales, and Good-Byes – TouchArcade

Good day light readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Spherical-Up for September sixth, 2024. Effectively, that is the final one. You’ll see yet one more particular from me subsequent week with just a few opinions which have particular embargo dates, however that is the ultimate common SwitchArcade Spherical-Up for TouchArcade by yours actually. We’ve been at this for a number of years and I want I might have seen the Change via to its finish with these articles, however circumstances dictate one other course. We’re going out with one other chunky one, with a pair of opinions from our pal Mikhail, a pair of Shaun opinions, a handful of recent launch summaries, and the standard lists of recent and expiring gross sales. Let’s trip one final time!

Evaluations & Mini-Views

Health Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU ($49.99)

After Imagineer’s success with the Health Boxing video games that led to the hilarious however good Health Boxing Fist of the North Star, I didn’t know what IP the staff would work with for a brand new health sport. When Health Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU was introduced, I believed it was a sensible collaboration, however was curious to see how the sport felt after Fist of the North Star. I’ve been taking part in it over the previous few weeks alongside Ring Match Journey and I’m impressed with Health Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU in some ways.

In case you’re new to the Health Boxing sequence, these video games, because the identify suggests, use boxing and rhythm sport actions to get you into form via day by day workout routines, mini-games that additionally get you sweating, and extra. With Health Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU, everybody’s favourite vocaloid will get in on the motion and there’s even a separate devoted mode for her songs along with the traditional songs included on this launch. Remember the fact that it is a Pleasure-Con solely sport so you may’t play it with a Professional Controller or any third occasion equipment so far as I’m conscious.

As with different video games within the sequence, there are problem choices, a free coaching mode to do as you please, warmups, and monitoring with reminders and the systemwide alarm that may remind you even when your Change is in sleep mode. There are cosmetics you may unlock via the factors you earn by taking part in as effectively. I can’t touch upon the DLC but, however as for the bottom launch, I favored Health Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU greater than Fist of the North Star apart from one situation.

The audio in Health Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU is nice, however the primary teacher’s voice isn’t nice. I ended up turning this voice down as a result of it felt misplaced with the remainder of the sport, and simply sounded a bit weirdly directed.

Identical to the Health Boxing Fist of the North Star launch from Imagineer, Health Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU is a strong fitness-focused sport that does an incredible job of bringing Miku to the world of Health Boxing to try to enchantment to her followers. Whereas it’s a competent health sport with its day by day exercise, customization, and monitoring, I really feel like it will be higher as a complement to one thing like Ring Match Journey or your individual different train routine relatively than being the only train you do in the course of the week. -Mikhail Madnani

SwitchArcade Rating: 4/5

Magical Delicacy ($24.99)

Magical Delicacy from sKaule and Whitethorn Video games is one I hadn’t paid a lot consideration to till a pal of mine linked me to an Xbox Recreation Cross announcement for it. Since then, I’ve performed it on Change as effectively, however really feel prefer it wants a bit extra time within the oven. I am keen on Metroidvania-style platformers and cooking video games, but it surely looks like Magical Delicacy takes the nice bits of each genres whereas not placing them collectively in one of the best ways potential. This leads to a sport I am keen on in elements, however one the place the failings harm a bit extra.

You play as Flora who’s a younger witch in a narrative that’s equal elements mysterious, magical, and healthful. Your goal is to prepare dinner meals and craft for numerous of us, and I used to be stunned at how effectively the exploration was carried out apart from the backtracking that aggravated me typically. I anticipated it to be missing in comparison with the cooking and crafting, however the staff nailed the Metroidvania components. There are some points with elements within the crafting and in how stock is managed. That is made a bit worse by the UI that I took some time to get used to with interplay.

Magical Delicacy makes an incredible first impression with its beautiful pixel artwork visuals, beautiful music, and tons of settings. The latter contains UI scale and textual content choices which are each very helpful when taking part in on Change in handheld mode. I really feel like Magical Delicacy would have benefited rather a lot from an early entry launch or will from potential updates.

In the case of the Change model, it performs very effectively apart from some seemingly body pacing-related hiccups. It has good rumble as effectively. Having performed it on Xbox Collection X, that is positively a sport I’d play extra on a transportable so a Change or Steam Deck model can be finest. I simply play the style extra on handhelds.

Magical Delicacy is a sport I ought to’ve liked given it’s mainly a mix of a Metroidvania and a crooking/crafting sport, but it surely feels a bit undercooked (I couldn’t resist) in elements because of some stock and backtracking points. Whereas it’s a excellent sport proper now that feels at house on Change, just a few high quality of life updates and sprucing will make it an important. -Mikhail Madnani

SwitchArcade Rating: 4/5

Aero The Acro-Bat 2 ($5.99)

Numerous firms tried their hand on the entire mascot platformer factor within the 16-bit period within the wake of Sonic the Hedgehog‘s explosive success. Like, the sheer variety of them is simply baffling. Much more than I remembered. Not a lot of them managed to see sequels, however Aero The Acro-Bat is a part of that elite few. How every member of that membership received there may be its personal story, however in Aero’s case it appears to have been a mix of the primary sport going over effectively sufficient, and sheer drive of will to try to make fetch occur. Sadly, fetch didn’t occur. Aero spin-off Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel launched a number of months after Aero 2, however outdoors of that Aero was by no means seen in one other authentic title once more.

Does that make Aero The Acro-Bat 2 a foul sport? I don’t assume so. It doesn’t appear to be it was a large enough success to advantage one other follow-up, on the very least. However then once more, Sunsoft’s dad or mum firm had not too long ago misplaced a ton of cash on a foul funding involving golf programs, and that definitely put it in a fiscally conservative temper for some time. Both approach, I don’t assume the fault will be positioned on the standard of the sport. It’s nearly as good as the primary sport was, with all that means. A extra polished expertise that in shedding a few of these tough edges loses a few of its character, however an honest sufficient platforming romp.

I used to be absolutely anticipating this launch to be in Ratalaika’s regular emulation wrapper, however a lot to my shock there’s been an improve within the presentation. This feels much more tailored for the sport, and by way of each choices and extras I feel it is a much better expertise total. Field and handbook scans, achievements, a gallery of sprite sheets, a jukebox, a bunch of cheats, and extra. I frankly haven’t any complaints in any respect about how the sport performs and the suite of options right here. The one nit I’ll choose is that you just solely get the Tremendous NES model of the sport right here. I really feel just like the SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive model ought to have been included too, simply to maintain everybody joyful.

Those that loved Aero The Acro-Bat ought to naturally give Aero The Acro-Bat 2 a shot. I even assume those that have been barely delay by the primary sport’s quirks may need a greater time right here. I actually need to commend Ratalaika for stepping up its sport with the emulation wrapper for this launch. Maybe I’m being grasping, however I’d like to see the primary sport up to date with an analogous interface only for consistency. A effective launch for Aero followers and people on the look out for 16-bit platformers to play, and one which makes me optimistic for the remaining reissues of this sequence.

SwitchArcade Rating: 3.5/5

Metro Quester | Osaka ($19.99)

I received fairly a little bit of enjoyment out of the unique Metro Quester when it launched some time again. It’s a little bit of a bear to get into, however when you perceive its guidelines and what you must do, it’s an immensely satisfying dungeon-crawling turn-based RPG. Experimenting with occasion builds to attempt to discover the optimum staff was a job I really loved taking over. With that in thoughts, I used to be very joyful to see that there was one other sport within the sequence coming. Metro Quester | Osaka feels a bit extra like an enlargement pack than a correct sequel, however I’m very happy with that given how a lot I received out of the unique.

The story here’s a prequel to the unique sport, and we’ve moved to Osaka as a setting. You get an entire new dungeon to discover, and a few new character sorts to do this exploring with. Osaka is a a lot wetter location, so that you’ll want to make use of your canoe to journey over the water in locations. With the brand new dungeon comes new weapons, abilities, and enemies to cope with. Undoubtedly extra to chew on right here for many who have wrung out the unique sport, and for those who had fun there then you’ll take pleasure in this one, too.

That mentioned, this sport shares a lot of its broader mechanics with the unique Metro Quester. In case you want an evidence, please take a look at my evaluation of that sport for extra particulars. Quick model: turn-based fight, top-down dungeon exploration, and an entire lot of inching your approach outward a bit additional every time earlier than having to go again to camp. You recognize, the great things. Those that are careless will discover themselves in scorching water in a short time, as planning and cautious play is virtually a necessity on this sport.

Those that discovered themselves absolutely absorbed in Metro Quester will discover loads to take pleasure in in Metro Quester | Osaka, and new gamers ought to in all probability simply skip proper to this sport. It’s extra of an enlargement pack than a sequel, however that by no means must be taken as a foul factor. Quite, it simply looks like the designer wished to ship gamers on one other journey that pushes out the present programs in some fascinating methods. It’s definitely a sport you’ll need to be affected person with to get essentially the most out of, however these prepared to speculate the time will benefit from the dividends.

SwitchArcade Rating: 4/5

Choose New Releases

NBA 2K25 ($59.99)

NBA 2K is again… in 25 kind! You recognize, I discover myself questioning one thing. What occurs to the identify of this sequence after we hit the yr 2100? NBA 2K100? Simply feels bizarre. We’ll have to speak about that when the state of affairs arises, I suppose. Apparently this yr’s model has improved gameplay, a brand new function referred to as Neighborhood, and a few nonsense about MyTEAM. I’m not going to fake to know what’s happening right here, so as a substitute I’ll simply toss out the quantity of area you’ll want in your reminiscence card for this sport after which transfer on. Right here we go. 53.3 GB!

Shogun Showdown ($14.99)

Bought room in your coronary heart for one more riff on Darkest Dungeon? This one has a Japanese-inspired setting, and there are just a few bits in right here that change issues up a bit. Setting all of that apart, that is very a lot a well-recognized model of sport and I feel it’s an honest sufficient instance of such to be of curiosity to these on the hunt for one more one.

Aero The Acro-Bat 2 ($5.99)

Effectively, there’s a evaluation up above this part, however in case you’re within the behavior of skipping down the web page, let me fill you in. That is the considerably extra polished sequel to the profitable Aero The Acro-Bat, all executed up in Ratalaika’s emulator wrapper. Stated wrapper was given further effort for this launch, and it seems to be good! The model of the sport included is the Tremendous NES one, and you’ll play the North American launch or the Japanese one. I want the Genesis/Mega Drive model was in right here, however I can’t think about Aero followers being sad with this total outdoors of that.

Sunsoft is Again! Retro Recreation Choice ($9.99)

Sunsoft is again! Okay, Sunsoft has been again for some time now, and also you in all probability don’t want a trio of heretofore non-localized Famicom video games to promote you on that. So as a substitute let the video games promote you on themselves, as you get a trio of distinctive and diverse titles on this bunch. A side-scrolling motion platformer, an journey sport, and an action-RPG of types. I reviewed this set a few days in the past, so I counsel checking that out for those who want extra particulars. Quick model: for those who like bizarre outdated video games, it is a good pick-up.

Gross sales

(North American eShop, US Costs)

Some enjoyable stuff within the inbox right this moment, together with a very good worth on the Cosmic Fantasy Assortment. Slightly expensive at its regular worth, however at 40% off I feel it’s price contemplating for retro RPG followers. I’ll additionally name out the satisfying platformer Tinykin, which is at its lowest worth but. Have a very good look via these lists and see what catches your eye.

Choose New Gross sales

Zombie Military Trilogy ($8.74 from $34.99 till 9/12)
Zombie Military 4: Lifeless Conflict ($14.99 from $49.99 till 9/12)
Wild Seas ($2.49 from $4.99 till 9/12)
Chants of Sennaar ($14.99 from $19.99 till 9/13)
The Home of Da Vinci 3 ($4.99 from $9.99 till 9/13)
Warhammer 40k: Boltgun ($15.39 from $21.99 till 9/13)
Toziuha Evening: Dracula’s Revenge ($1.99 from $4.99 till 9/16)
Monkey Barrels ($7.49 from $14.99 till 9/19)
Banchou Techniques ($15.99 from $19.99 till 9/19)
Transiruby ($10.49 from $14.99 till 9/19)
Picontier ($19.99 from $24.99 till 9/19)
Kamiko ($1.99 from $4.99 till 9/19)
Fairune Assortment ($3.99 from $9.99 till 9/19)
Alchemic Dungeons DX ($3.19 from $7.99 till 9/19)
Ninja Smasher! ($6.39 from $7.99 till 9/19)
Ninja Striker! ($1.99 from $3.99 till 9/19)

Nice Ambition of the Slimes ($9.59 from $11.99 till 9/19)
Shinobi Non Grata ($11.99 from $14.99 till 9/19)
Let’s Construct a Zoo ($7.99 from $19.99 till 9/20)
Owlboy ($8.74 from $24.99 till 9/20)
Hakuoki: Wind & Blossom ($44.99 from $49.99 till 9/20)
Omen of Sorrow ($7.99 from $19.99 till 9/20)
Dungeonoid 2 Awakening ($4.49 from $8.99 till 9/20)
The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt CE ($23.99 from $59.99 till 9/22)
Knights of Grayfang ($10.49 from $14.99 till 9/26)
Gale of Windoria ($7.49 from $14.99 till 9/26)
Justice Chronicles ($7.49 from $14.99 till 9/26)
Armed Emeth ($7.49 from $14.99 till 9/26)
Jinshin ($10.49 from $14.99 till 9/26)
Alphadia Genesis ($7.49 from $14.99 till 9/26)
Grace of Letoile ($10.49 from $14.99 till 9/26)

Tinykin ($6.24 from $24.99 till 9/26)
Despot’s Recreation ($4.99 from $19.99 till 9/26)
Cosmic Fantasy Assortment ($29.99 from $49.99 till 9/26)
Cosmic Fantasy ($15.90 from $26.50 till 9/26)
Cosmic Fantasy 2 ($15.90 from $26.50 till 9/26)
Spirittea ($15.99 from $19.99 till 9/26)
Punch Membership 2: Quick Ahead ($9.99 from $19.99 till 9/26)
Railway Empire 2 ($37.49 from $49.99 till 9/26)
Lil’ Guardsman ($11.99 from $19.99 till 9/26)
Potion Craft Alchemist Simulator ($11.99 from $19.99 till 9/26)
Euphoria ($1.99 from $14.99 till 9/26)
Of The Purple, the Mild, & Ayakashi ($25.06 from $50.13 till 9/26)
Trendy Fight Blackout ($1.99 from $7.99 till 9/26)
The Pals of Ringo Ishikawa ($8.99 from $14.99 till 9/26)
Arrest of a Stone Buddha ($8.99 from $14.99 till 9/26)
Fading Afternoon ($16.99 from $19.99 till 9/26)
Astor: Blade of the Monolith ($14.99 from $24.99 till 9/26)
Tamarak Path ($8.99 from $14.99 till 9/26)
Inflexible Power Redux ($3.99 from $19.99 till 9/26)
Yaga ($6.24 from $24.99 till 9/26)
Rabi-Ribi ($13.99 from $19.99 till 9/26)

Gross sales Ending This Weekend

Lifeless in Vinland: True Viking ($2.79 from $27.99 till 9/7)
Gunslugs ($4.79 from $7.99 till 9/7)
Gunslugs 2 ($4.79 from $7.99 till 9/7)
Heroes of Loot ($4.79 from $7.99 till 9/7)
Heroes of Loot 2 ($5.99 from $9.99 till 9/7)
Meganoid ($5.39 from $8.99 till 9/7)
NOISZ re:||COLLECTION G ($19.99 from $24.99 till 9/7)
Phoenotopia: Awakening ($6.99 from $19.99 till 9/7)
Area Grunts ($8.39 from $13.99 till 9/7)
Stardash ($5.99 from $9.99 till 9/7)
Superhot ($9.99 from $24.99 till 9/7)
Dormitory Love ($24.49 from $34.99 till 9/8)
Dying Mild: Definitive Version ($9.99 from $49.99 till 9/8)
Fur Squadron ($2.79 from $6.99 till 9/8)
Tchia: Oleti Version ($23.44 from $34.99 till 9/8)

That’s all for right this moment, this week, this month, this yr, and eternally, pals. I haven’t been very loud about this, however this isn’t solely the top of the SwitchArcade Spherical-Up, but in addition of my eleven and a half years at TouchArcade. I’ll nonetheless be writing right here and there at my weblog at Submit Recreation Content material in addition to placing up unique articles on my Patreon, however apart from that I feel I’m hanging up the ol’ webs on this particular type of work. Twenty-six years on this finish of the enterprise is an effective run, and I’m prepared for brand spanking new challenges. Do search for me at one of many aforementioned locations, hit me up on BlueSky and say hello, and for those who’re a elaborate government seeking to rent a really seasoned author, I’m your man.

With that mentioned, I’ll lengthen the best potential gratitude to all of TouchArcade’s readers for being with me on this leg of my life’s journey. I treasure all of you greater than you may know. I want you all of the sincerest happiness in your lives, and eternally and all the time – thanks for studying.