Nintendo Direct Highlights, 'EGGCONSOLE Star Trader' Reviewed, New Releases and Sales

Hello, dear readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for August 27th, 2024. Today's article begins with some exciting news. Following that, we have a single review for you to enjoy, focusing on the latest EGGCONSOLE release from last week. Regular readers will have an idea of what to expect. We'll also take a look at one new release, which is definitely worth your attention. We'll wrap up with our standard lists of new and expiring sales, which are quite decent. As for tonight's Nintendo Direct, I'm in the dark about its contents, but by the time you're reading this, you'll know more than I do. Let’s dive in!

News

Check Out Today’s Nintendo Direct/Indie World Showcase

As predicted by some occasionally accurate insiders, Nintendo has announced a last-minute Nintendo Direct for August. The total duration is 40 minutes, split between a Partner Showcase and an Indie World Showcase. Don't anticipate any first-party reveals or news about the Switch's successor. By now, the presentation will have concluded, but you can catch it above. I'll be breaking down the key highlights tomorrow.

Reviews & Mini-Views

EGGCONSOLE Star Trader PC-8801mkIIsr ($6.49)

When it comes to these non-translated EGGCONSOLE releases, two questions always arise: How is the game itself? And can it be enjoyed without understanding Japanese? Star Trader is an intriguing title, though it falls short of being exceptional. Falcom has blended a Japanese-style adventure game with side-scrolling shoot 'em up segments, but neither aspect is executed brilliantly. The adventure segments boast appealing art and it's fascinating to see a shoot 'em up attempt to weave a narrative. You'll spend much of your time conversing with characters and picking up quests, which, when successfully completed, provide funds to upgrade your ship. This is crucial for surviving the action-packed parts.

Regarding the shoot 'em up sections, the PC-8801's limitations result in choppy gameplay, which detracts from the experience. Even with smoother scrolling, it's questionable whether these parts would be particularly enjoyable. It's unclear whether the adventure elements are meant to enhance the shoot 'em up, or vice versa, but ultimately, Star Trader is more interesting than it is good. This brings us to the second question. The adventure segments are text-heavy and require understanding Japanese to achieve optimal outcomes. Without this, you miss out on half the game and may struggle in the other half due to insufficient funds for ship upgrades. You can attempt to brute-force it, but it won’t be a satisfying experience.

Star Trader offers a glimpse into a developer experimenting outside their typical genre, making it a notable piece of gaming history. However, the enjoyment is significantly reduced by the untranslated Japanese text, which many Western players cannot read. While you might find some fun in exploring this relic, it's challenging to recommend it enthusiastically.

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 and tasked with eternal cleaning. Explore the game world, combat foes with your broom, encounter quirky characters, battle bosses, and enhance your skills. If you're a fan of this genre, Crypt Custodian is definitely worth checking out.

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

For fans of vibrant shoot 'em ups with unique mechanics, the Dreamer series and Harpoon Shooter Nozomi are highly recommended. Also, don't miss out on 1000xRESIST. Other notable titles on sale include Star Wars games, Citizen Sleeper, Paradise Killer, Haiku, the Robot, and perhaps some Tomb Raider as a treat. Take a look at the lists below!

Select New Sales

Return ($10.49 from $13.99 until 9/2)
Summer Daze: Tilly’s Tale ($2.99 from $14.99 until 9/9)
Please Fix the Road ($5.99 from $9.99 until 9/9)
Ticket to Ride ($26.99 from $29.99 until 9/9)
King ‘n Knight ($9.59 from $11.99 until 9/9)
Spiritfarer ($7.49 from $29.99 until 9/9)
Harpoon Shooter Nozomi ($6.98 from $9.98 until 9/16)
Like Dreamer ($5.99 from $11.99 until 9/16)
Cosmo Dreamer ($4.10 from $8.20 until 9/16)
Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate ($8.99 from $59.99 until 9/16)
Gluck ($5.59 from $6.99 until 9/16)
Love Love School Days ($4.19 from $10.49 until 9/16)
Ugly ($6.79 from $19.99 until 9/16)
Replik Survivors ($3.44 from $4.99 until 9/16)

Sales Ending Tomorrow, August 28th

1000xRESIST ($15.99 from $19.99 until 8/28)
Citizen Sleeper ($9.99 from $19.99 until 8/28)
Genesis Noir ($4.49 from $14.99 until 8/28)
Haiku, The Robot ($9.99 from $19.99 until 8/28)
Heads Up! Phones Down Edition ($1.99 from $39.99 until 8/28)
Legend Bowl ($18.74 from $24.99 until 8/28)
MythForce ($14.99 from $29.99 until 8/28)
Paradise Killer ($5.99 from $19.99 until 8/28)
Star Wars Battlefront Collection ($28.00 from $35.01 until 8/28)
Star Wars Bounty Hunter ($14.99 from $19.99 until 8/28)
Star Wars Episode I Racer ($7.49 from $14.99 until 8/28)
Star Wars Jedi Academy ($9.99 from $19.99 until 8/28)
Star Wars Jedi Outcast ($4.99 from $9.99 until 8/28)
Star Wars KotOR ($7.49 from $14.99 until 8/28)
Star Wars KotOR II: Sith Lords ($7.49 from $14.99 until 8/28)
Star Wars Republic Commando ($7.49 from $14.99 until 8/28)
Star Wars The Force Unleashed ($9.99 from $19.99 until 8/28)
Super Mutant Alien Assault ($1.99 from $9.99 until 8/28)
Suzerain ($4.49 from $17.99 until 8/28)
The Pale Beyond ($9.99 from $19.99 until 8/28)
Times & Galaxy ($17.99 from $19.99 until 8/28)
Tomb Raider I-III Remastered ($22.49 from $29.99 until 8/28)

That's all for today, friends. We'll be back tomorrow to discuss the highlights of the Nintendo Direct, along with new game releases, sales, and possibly a few more reviews. Here's hoping you have a fantastic Tuesday, and as always, thank you for reading!