Farewell, dear readers, and welcome to the final regular SwitchArcade Round-Up for TouchArcade. This marks the end of a multi-year journey, and while I'll be back next week with a few embargoed reviews, this is my last regular column. This week's roundup is packed with content: two reviews each from Mikhail and Shaun, new release summaries, and the usual sales lists. Let's make this a memorable one!
Reviews & Mini-Views
Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU ($49.99)
Following Imagineer's successful Fitness Boxing series (including the surprisingly good Fitness Boxing Fist of the North Star), their collaboration with Hatsune Miku was a clever move. I've been testing it alongside Ring Fit Adventure, and I'm impressed.
For newcomers, Fitness Boxing uses boxing and rhythm game mechanics for daily workouts, mini-games, and more. Hatsune Miku features prominently, even boasting a dedicated mode for her songs. Note: this is a Joy-Con-only game.
The game offers adjustable difficulty, free training, warm-ups, progress tracking, and customizable reminders. Unlockable cosmetics add extra incentive. While I can't comment on DLC, the core game surpasses Fist of the North Star, except for one minor flaw: the main instructor's voice is jarring and I ended up muting it.
Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU is a solid fitness title, successfully integrating Miku's appeal. It's best used as a supplement to other fitness routines rather than a standalone program. - Mikhail Madnani
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Magical Delicacy ($24.99)
Magical Delicacy from sKaule and Whitethorn Games blends Metroidvania exploration with cooking and crafting. While I appreciate the individual elements, their integration feels somewhat disjointed. The exploration is surprisingly well-done, but inventory management and UI could use improvement.
You play as Flora, a young witch on a wholesome, magical adventure. The Metroidvania aspects are surprisingly strong, but backtracking and inventory issues occasionally hinder the experience.
Visually stunning with charming pixel art and music, Magical Delicacy also boasts excellent accessibility options. However, some frame rate inconsistencies are present. The Switch version plays well, especially in handheld mode, making it a great portable option.
Despite its strong foundation, Magical Delicacy feels slightly unfinished. Some quality-of-life improvements and polish would elevate it to an essential title. - Mikhail Madnani
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Aero The Acro-Bat 2 ($5.99)
A sequel to the 16-bit classic, Aero The Acro-Bat 2 surprisingly avoids Ratalaika's usual emulation wrapper, opting for a more polished, game-specific presentation. This version includes box and manual scans, achievements, a sprite sheet gallery, a jukebox, and cheats. It's a significant improvement.
While not a groundbreaking success, Aero 2 is a solid platformer, refining the original's formula. The enhanced presentation makes this a far superior experience. My only gripe is the omission of the SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive version.
Fans of the original will find much to enjoy. Even those who were lukewarm on the first game might appreciate the improvements. Ratalaika's upgraded emulation is a welcome change. A great release for fans and 16-bit platformer enthusiasts.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Metro Quester | Osaka ($19.99)
This prequel to Metro Quester acts more like an expansion, adding a new dungeon in Osaka, new character types, and new challenges. The core mechanics remain the same: turn-based combat, top-down exploration, and strategic planning. The new setting introduces water-based traversal using a canoe.
The story serves as a prequel, offering a fresh dungeon and character classes. New weapons, skills, and enemies add depth and replayability for fans of the original. Careful planning is crucial.
Fans of the original will be thrilled. New players might find this a better starting point. While an expansion, it significantly expands upon the original's systems. Patience is key, but the rewards are well worth the investment.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Select New Releases
NBA 2K25 ($59.99)
NBA 2K25 is here! This year features improved gameplay, a new "Neighborhood" feature, and MyTEAM enhancements. Requires 53.3 GB of storage.
Shogun Showdown ($14.99)
A Darkest Dungeon-style game with a Japanese setting. Offers a familiar but enjoyable experience for fans of the genre.
Aero The Acro-Bat 2 ($5.99)
(See review above)
Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection ($9.99)
A collection of three previously unlocalized Famicom games: a side-scrolling platformer, an adventure game, and an action-RPG. A great choice for retro gaming fans.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
This week's sales include noteworthy discounts on Cosmic Fantasy Collection and Tinykin. Check out the full lists below for more deals.
Select New Sales
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Sales Ending This Weekend
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This concludes my time writing the SwitchArcade Round-Up. After eleven and a half years at TouchArcade, and twenty-six years in the industry, I'm moving on to new challenges. I'll still be writing at Post Game Content and Patreon. Thank you to all the readers for your support. I wish you all the best.
