Farewell, dear readers, and welcome to the final regular SwitchArcade Round-Up for TouchArcade. This marks the end of a multi-year run, and while I'd hoped to continue, circumstances necessitate a change of course. Next week, I'll share a special edition with a few embargoed reviews, but this is it for the regular column.
Reviews & Mini-Views
Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU ($49.99)
Following the Fitness Boxing series' success, including the surprisingly good Fitness Boxing Fist of the North Star, Imagineer's collaboration with Hatsune Miku was a smart move. I've been playing it alongside Ring Fit Adventure, and it's impressive.
The Fitness Boxing formula uses boxing and rhythm game mechanics for daily workouts and minigames. Miku's inclusion adds a dedicated mode featuring her songs, alongside the standard tracks. Note: this is Joy-Con only; no Pro Controller or third-party accessory support.
As with previous entries, difficulty options, free training, warm-ups, tracking, reminders, and a system-wide alarm are included. Unlockable cosmetics are earned through gameplay. While I can't comment on DLC, the base game surpasses Fist of the North Star, except for one drawback: the main instructor's voice is jarring and I had to lower its volume.
Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU successfully integrates Miku into the series, appealing to her fanbase. It's a solid fitness game, but best used to supplement, rather than replace, other exercise routines. -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 it excels in some areas, its flaws hold it back.
As witch Flora, you cook and craft for various characters. The exploration is surprisingly well-implemented, despite some frustrating backtracking. Inventory management and the UI require some adjustment.
The game boasts beautiful pixel art, lovely music, and customizable UI settings, beneficial for handheld mode. It would likely benefit from further refinement via updates or early access.
The Switch version plays well, aside from minor frame pacing issues. Good rumble is also present. The handheld experience is superior to the console version.
Magical Delicacy is a promising title, but inventory and backtracking issues prevent it from reaching its full potential. Quality-of-life improvements would significantly enhance the experience. -Mikhail Madnani
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Aero The Acro-Bat 2 ($5.99)
A sequel to the 16-bit platformer, Aero The Acro-Bat 2, surprisingly avoids Ratalaika's usual emulation wrapper, opting for a more tailored presentation.
This release is a polished experience, lacking some of the original's charm but offering a solid platforming experience. The improved presentation includes box and manual scans, achievements, a sprite sheet gallery, a jukebox, cheats, and more. The only drawback is the omission of the SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive version.
Fans of the original Aero The Acro-Bat will appreciate this enhanced sequel. Ratalaika's improved emulation wrapper is commendable. A fantastic release for fans and those seeking 16-bit platformers.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Metro Quester | Osaka ($19.99)
This prequel to Metro Quester acts as an expansion, offering a new dungeon, character types, and mechanics in an Osaka setting. The turn-based combat and top-down exploration remain core elements.
The new dungeon introduces new weapons, skills, and enemies. Careful planning and cautious play are crucial. This is a more refined experience compared to the original.
Fans of the original will find plenty to enjoy. New players should start here. It's a strong expansion that enhances the existing systems. Patience is key to mastering its challenges.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Select New Releases
NBA 2K25 ($59.99)
NBA 2K25 features improved gameplay, a new Neighborhood feature, and MyTEAM updates. Requires 53.3 GB of storage.
Shogun Showdown ($14.99)
A Darkest Dungeon-style game with a Japanese setting.
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.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
Notable sales include Cosmic Fantasy Collection (40% off) and Tinykin (at its lowest price yet).
Select New Sales (Images omitted for brevity, but maintain original image structure)
[Image 1] [Image 2] [Image 3]
Sales Ending This Weekend (Images omitted for brevity, but maintain original image structure)
[Image 4]
This concludes my time at TouchArcade. I'll continue writing at Post Game Content and Patreon. Thank you for your readership over the past eleven and a half years.
