Castlevania Dominus Collection Reviewed: Today's Releases and Sales

Hello, dear readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for September 3rd, 2024. In today's article, we dive into several in-depth reviews. We'll share our detailed thoughts on the Castlevania Dominus Collection, explore Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn, and provide quick critiques of two new Pinball FX tables that have recently hit the shelves as DLC. Following that, we'll take a look at the latest releases, including the quirky and engaging Bakeru, and wrap up with a rundown of the newest sales and expiring discounts. Let's jump right in!

Reviews & Mini-Views

Castlevania Dominus Collection ($24.99)

While Konami may have faced its share of criticism in recent years, their efforts in re-releasing classic collections have been nothing short of stellar. The Castlevania franchise, in particular, has been given the royal treatment with the Castlevania Dominus Collection, marking the third collection to grace modern platforms. This collection focuses on the beloved Nintendo DS trilogy, expertly handled by M2, whose reputation for quality is well-established. However, this collection offers more than just nostalgia; it could very well be the most essential Castlevania package yet.

Let's start with the core content. The Nintendo DS era of Castlevania was a pivotal time, showcasing both highs and lows. The trilogy includes Dawn of Sorrow, a direct sequel to Aria of Sorrow, which, despite its early touchscreen gimmicks, has been refined in this release. Portrait of Ruin shifts the touchscreen elements to a bonus mode, introducing a dual-character mechanic that adds a fresh twist. Finally, Order of Ecclesia ups the ante with its challenging gameplay and a nod to the classic Simon’s Quest. Each game stands out, offering a varied and engaging experience.

This era also marked the end of Koji Igarashi's exploratory Castlevania era, which began with the groundbreaking Symphony of the Night. As the series evolved, so did its audience's preferences, leading Konami to pivot towards Lords of Shadow. Yet, these three games, while showing signs of fatigue, still hold up remarkably well, especially with the enhancements in this collection.

One of the most exciting aspects of Castlevania Dominus Collection is that the games are native ports rather than emulations. This allowed M2 to enhance gameplay significantly, such as replacing touchscreen interactions in Dawn of Sorrow with button inputs, and displaying multiple screens simultaneously, including the map. These changes not only improve playability but also elevate the overall experience.

The collection is packed with extras, including region selection, customizable controls, and a charming credits sequence. A comprehensive gallery and music player further enrich the package, allowing fans to delve deeper into the Castlevania universe. In-game features like save states, rewind, and customizable screen layouts ensure a seamless experience. The only minor drawback is the limited screen arrangement options, but this is a small quibble in an otherwise stellar package.

But the real surprise is the inclusion of Haunted Castle, the infamous arcade Castlevania game, along with its complete remake, Haunted Castle Revisited. M2's transformation of this once-unplayable title into a compelling new Castlevania game is nothing short of remarkable.

For Castlevania fans, the Castlevania Dominus Collection is an unmissable addition to your library, offering not just the beloved DS titles but also a fresh and exciting new game. If you're new to the series, now's the perfect time to explore the rich world of Castlevania. Konami and M2 continue to deliver top-notch collections that honor the legacy of this iconic franchise.

SwitchArcade Score: 5/5

Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn ($19.99)

My journey with Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn has been a mixed bag. Having enjoyed Tengo Project's previous releases, such as Wild Guns and The Ninja Warriors, I had high hopes. However, Shadow of the Ninja presented unique challenges. Unlike their other remakes, the team had less direct involvement with the original 8-bit game, and my personal appreciation for the source material was more lukewarm compared to their other titles.

After playing the game at Tokyo Game Show and then completing multiple playthroughs, I find myself with a nuanced perspective. Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn offers numerous enhancements over the original, from its polished presentation to a refined weapon and item system. The two playable characters have been fleshed out, making for a more engaging experience. Yet, while it is undoubtedly an improvement, it retains the core essence of the original, which may not be everyone's cup of tea.

For fans of the original, Reborn is a must-play, offering the best version of Shadow of the Ninja available. However, if you, like me, found the original to be just decent, you may find Reborn similarly positioned. The game's increased difficulty and some abrupt spikes may be off-putting, especially given its relatively short length. Still, the improvements are significant, and the game remains a solid entry in Tengo Project's catalog.

Whether to buy Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn depends largely on your affection for the original game. For newcomers, it's a competent action-platformer that retains an 8-bit charm, though it may not stand out as essential.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Pinball FX – The Princess Bride Pinball ($5.49)

With the recent update making Pinball FX fully playable on Switch, Zen Studios has released two new tables: The Princess Bride Pinball and Goat Simulator Pinball. The Princess Bride table is a delight for fans of the cult classic film, featuring real voice clips and video footage that truly bring the movie to life. Mechanically, the table is well-designed, offering a satisfying and authentic experience that feels like a physical pinball table.

Zen Studios often struggles with licensed tables, sometimes omitting key elements like music and voices. However, The Princess Bride Pinball stands out as one of their better efforts, successfully capturing the essence of the film. While it may not push the boundaries of pinball design, it's a solid, enjoyable table that both newcomers and seasoned players can appreciate.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Pinball FX – Goat Simulator Pinball ($5.49)

Goat Simulator Pinball takes a more unconventional approach, perfectly aligning with its quirky source material. This table is filled with bizarre goat-related antics, making for a unique and entertaining experience. However, its complexity might be overwhelming for beginners, catering more to seasoned pinball enthusiasts.

For fans of Goat Simulator, this table offers a rewarding experience once you master its intricacies. Zen Studios has once again shown their ability to craft engaging tables, even when venturing into the absurd. While it requires patience to fully appreciate, Goat Simulator Pinball is a fun addition to the Pinball FX collection.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Select New Releases

Bakeru ($39.99)

As I mentioned in yesterday's review, Bakeru is a delightful 3D platformer from Good-Feel. You play as a tanuki on a quest to save Japan from an evil overlord who has trapped people in an endless festival. The game is filled with charming elements, including battling enemies, discovering Japanese trivia, and collecting souvenirs. While the Switch version suffers from some framerate issues, it's still a joyful experience if you can overlook the technical hiccups.

Holyhunt ($4.99)

Holyhunt is a top-down, arena-based twin-stick shooter that pays homage to 8-bit games. While it may not closely resemble its inspirations, it offers a straightforward, fun experience. Shoot, dash, and upgrade your weapons as you take on various bosses in this action-packed title.

Shashingo: Learn Japanese with Photography ($20.00)

Although not typically in our gaming focus, Shashingo stands out with its innovative approach to language learning. By taking photos and learning the Japanese names for objects, it offers a unique way to study. While it may not be worth the price for everyone, it's a creative tool that could appeal to certain learners.

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

Today's inbox includes some excellent deals, with OrangePixel's lineup of engaging titles and rare discounts on Alien Hominid. Ufouria 2 is also available at a great price. Meanwhile, in the outbox, THQ and Team 17 games are wrapping up their discounts. Be sure to check out their publisher pages for more offers.

Select New Sales

Space Grunts ($8.39 from $13.99 until 9/7)
Meganoid ($5.39 from $8.99 until 9/7)
Stardash ($5.99 from $9.99 until 9/7)
Gunslugs ($4.79 from $7.99 until 9/7)
Gunslugs 2 ($4.79 from $7.99 until 9/7)
Heroes of Loot ($4.79 from $7.99 until 9/7)
Heroes of Loot 2 ($5.99 from $9.99 until 9/7)
Warhammer 40k Dakka Squadron ($1.99 from $19.99 until 9/9)
Castle Crashers Remastered ($7.49 from $14.99 until 9/10)
Alien Hominid HD ($9.59 from $11.99 until 9/10)
Alien Hominid Invasion ($15.99 from $19.99 until 9/10)
Conscript ($17.59 from $21.99 until 9/15)
Overdelivery ($1.99 from $7.99 until 9/15)
Hero-U: Rogue to Redemption ($2.99 from $19.99 until 9/16)
Agent Intercept ($7.99 from $19.99 until 9/16)

Secret Files Tunguska ($2.09 from $14.99 until 9/16)
Secret Files Puritas Cordis ($2.09 from $14.99 until 9/16)
Secret Files Sam Peters ($2.02 from $6.99 until 9/16)
Lost Horizon ($2.09 from $14.99 until 9/16)
Lost Horizon 2 ($2.09 from $14.99 until 9/16)
Zombo Buster Advance ($1.99 from $3.99 until 9/16)
Skautfold Usurper ($7.49 from $14.99 until 9/17)
Nuclear Blaze ($4.99 from $9.99 until 9/17)
Helvetii ($5.09 from $16.99 until 9/17)
Heidelberg 1693 ($4.49 from $14.99 until 9/17)
Sophstar ($6.49 from $12.99 until 9/17)
Harmony’s Odyssey ($2.99 from $14.99 until 9/17)
Ufouria 2: The Saga ($17.49 from $24.99 until 9/17)
Promenade ($12.49 from $24.99 until 9/17)
Shinorubi ($9.99 from $19.99 until 9/17)
Last Night of Winter ($6.99 from $9.99 until 9/17)
Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge ($15.99 from $19.99 until 9/18)
Nobody Saves The World ($9.99 from $24.99 until 9/23)
Summer in Mara ($7.99 from $19.99 until 9/23)
Guacamelee 2 ($4.99 from $19.99 until 9/23)
Railbound ($2.59 from $12.99 until 9/23)

Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 4th

Capes ($29.99 from $39.99 until 9/4)
Fates of Ort ($4.49 from $14.99 until 9/4)
Floogen ($1.99 from $3.99 until 9/4)
Fluffy Horde ($1.99 from $9.99 until 9/4)
Gum+ ($1.99 from $7.99 until 9/4)
Hopping Girl Kohane EX ($16.74 from $24.99 until 9/4)
Kingdom Come Deliverance ($29.99 from $49.99 until 9/4)
Kona II: Brume ($11.99 from $29.99 until 9/4)
Metro 2033 Redux ($3.99 from $19.99 until 9/4)
Metro Last Light Redux ($3.99 from $19.99 until 9/4)
Outward Definitive ($23.99 from $39.99 until 9/4)
Overcooked Special Edition ($3.99 from $19.99 until 9/4)
Rolling Car ($1.99 from $7.99 until 9/4)
Stunt Paradise ($5.19 from $7.99 until 9/4)
Tiny Pixels Vol 1 Ninpo Blast ($3.99 from $4.99 until 9/4)
Worms WMD ($5.99 from $29.99 until 9/4)
Yoku’s Island Express ($3.99 from $19.99 until 9/4)

That's all for today, friends. We'll return tomorrow with more new releases, sales, and possibly some news. Maybe even a review, though I won't make any promises. We're in the season of TOO MANY GOOD GAMES, so keep an eye on your wallets and enjoy the excitement. With the Switch likely entering its final holiday season, let's make it count. I hope you all have a terrific Tuesday, and as always, thank you for reading!