Arcade News: New Releases and Deals, Including '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 sales. Let's dive into the games!

Featured New Releases

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

The Famicom Detective Club franchise returns after a long hiatus. This latest installment stays true to the originals, both in its strengths and weaknesses. A fresh mystery awaits, presented in a style reminiscent of the recent Switch remakes. Can you solve the latest string of murders? My review is forthcoming.

Gundam Breaker 4 ($59.99)

Mikhail's comprehensive review provides an in-depth look at gameplay and Switch performance. In short, you build and battle Gunpla. While the Switch port naturally lags behind other versions graphically, it's perfectly playable. Check out Mikhail's excellent review for the full scoop.

Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn ($19.99)

Tengo Project continues its successful streak of remakes. Following Wild Guns Reloaded, The Ninja Saviors, and Pocky & Rocky, they now tackle an 8-bit classic. This reimagining differs significantly from the original. If you crave classic-style action-platforming, this is a solid choice. My review will be available early next week.

Valfaris: Mecha Therion ($19.99)

A Valfaris sequel, but with a twist. This is a 2.5D side-scrolling shooter, a departure from its predecessor's gameplay. While the genre shift might surprise some, it's a worthwhile experience. My review is on the way.

Nour: Play With Your Food ($9.99)

I'll admit, I'm unsure of this game's mechanics. The food imagery is stunning, but the gameplay remains a mystery. Perhaps photography, secret-finding, or a combination thereof? Mikhail might shed some light on this one.

Monster Jam Showdown ($49.99)

A game about Monster Jam trucks. Features local and online multiplayer, along with various modes. Reception on other platforms has been mixed, but monster truck enthusiasts have limited options.

WitchSpring R ($39.99)

Possibly a remake of the original WitchSpring. Previously a budget mobile title, its higher price point might be a deterrent for some. However, it appears to be the most polished WitchSpring entry yet.

Depths of Sanity ($19.99)

An underwater exploration game with a fantastical horror theme. You investigate your missing crew in a vast, dangerous underwater world. Combat is involved. Well-received on other platforms.

Voltaire: The Vegan Vampire ($19.99)

A farming-focused action game where a vegan vampire son rebels against his neck-biting father. While I'm personally fatigued by the genre, it might appeal to those seeking a different kind of farming sim.

Marble Abduction! Patti Hattu ($11.79)

A marble roller game with seventy stages and eighty marbles to collect. Features secret collectibles and challenges. Classic marble-rolling fun.

Leo: The Firefighter Cat ($24.99)

A kid-friendly firefighting game with twenty missions. A different take on the firefighting genre.

Gori: Cuddly Carnage ($21.99)

A grotesque action game starring a hoverboarding cat. While the core gameplay is decent, the Switch version suffers from technical issues.

Arcade Archives Finalizer Super Transformation ($7.99)

A 1985 Konami vertical shooter featuring a transforming robot protagonist. A charming, classic shooter experience.

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

An early expansion pack featuring new areas to explore. Gameplay is similar to the first game, but more challenging. Notably, it features the debut work of Yuzo Koshiro.

The Backrooms: Survival ($10.99)

A blend of horror, survival, and roguelite elements. Supports up to ten players online. The solo experience is more niche.

Can of Wormholes ($19.99)

A clever puzzle game where you, a sentient tin can, must deal with worms. Features one hundred unique puzzles.

Ninja I & II ($9.99)

A pair of NES-style microgames with a ninja theme. Competitive, local multiplayer focused.

Dice Make 10! ($3.99)

A surprisingly fun dice puzzle game with two modes. The goal is to create rows or columns adding 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 Sales Highlights:

Sales Ending Tomorrow, August 30th:

That concludes today's round-up. We'll return tomorrow with the remaining new releases, sales, and news. Reviews may also be included. Due to a significant typhoon, there's a chance tomorrow's update might be delayed. Thanks for reading!