Hello fellow gamers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for August 27th, 2024! Today's update begins with some exciting news, followed by a review and a look at a new release. We'll wrap things up with our usual sales lists. Let's dive in!
News
Nintendo Direct/Indie World Showcase Recap
As predicted by some industry insiders, Nintendo surprised us with a last-minute Nintendo Direct! The 40-minute presentation, a blend of Partner Showcase and Indie World highlights, focused primarily on third-party titles. No first-party announcements or Switch successor news were revealed. You can watch the full presentation above; a detailed summary of key announcements will be provided tomorrow.
Reviews & Mini-Views
EGGCONSOLE Star Trader PC-8801mkIIsr ($6.49)
This untranslated EGGCONSOLE release presents a familiar dilemma: is the game enjoyable despite the language barrier? Star Trader blends adventure game elements with side-scrolling shooter stages, but neither aspect shines particularly brightly. The adventure sections feature appealing art, offering a unique take on narrative-driven shooters. Players engage in conversations, undertake quests, and earn money to upgrade their ship – crucial for progressing through the action sequences.
The shooter segments, however, suffer from the PC-8801's limited scrolling capabilities, resulting in a jerky, less-than-ideal experience. The game's structure is unclear, leaving the player unsure which element serves as the primary focus. Ultimately, Star Trader is more intriguing than genuinely enjoyable. The significant amount of Japanese text makes the adventure sections inaccessible to most Western players, hindering both gameplay and enjoyment. While some elements might be deciphered through trial and error, a full appreciation is impossible without understanding Japanese. It's a fascinating historical artifact, but a difficult recommendation.
SwitchArcade Score: 3/5
Select New Releases
Crypt Custodian ($19.99)
This top-down action-adventure game follows Pluto, a recently deceased cat banished from the afterlife for a mishap. Players explore, battle enemies with a broom, meet quirky characters, fight bosses, and upgrade abilities. It's a familiar formula, but executed well, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
For fans of colorful shooters with unique mechanics, consider the Dreamer series and Harpoon Shooter Nozomi. Don't miss the sale on 1000xRESIST – it's a must-buy! Other notable sales include Star Wars titles, Citizen Sleeper, Paradise Killer, Haiku, the Robot, and the Tomb Raider remastered collection. Check out the full lists below!
Select New Sales
Sales Ending Tomorrow, August 28th
That's all for today! Join us tomorrow for a deeper dive into the Nintendo Direct announcements, along with new game releases, sales, and more reviews. Have a great Tuesday!
