Castlevania Collection Gets Review Love on SwitchArcade

Hello fellow gamers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Roundup for September 3rd, 2024! Today's article features in-depth reviews, starting with a comprehensive look at the Castlevania Dominus Collection, followed by an assessment of Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn, and concluding with quick takes on the newly released Pinball FX DLC tables. We'll then explore the day's fresh releases, including the unique Bakeru, and finally, dive into the latest sales and expiring deals. Let's jump in!

Reviews & Mini-Views

Castlevania Dominus Collection ($24.99)

Konami's recent track record with classic game collections has been exceptional, and the Castlevania Dominus Collection is no exception. This third installment focuses on the Nintendo DS trilogy, expertly handled by M2. This collection might be the most essential Castlevania compilation yet, offering more than initially apparent.

The Nintendo DS Castlevania games possess unique identities, forming a surprisingly diverse set. Dawn of Sorrow, a direct sequel to Aria of Sorrow, initially suffered from clunky touchscreen controls, thankfully mitigated in this release. Portrait of Ruin cleverly integrates the touchscreen into a bonus mode, utilizing a dual-character mechanic. Order of Ecclesia stands out with its increased difficulty and design reminiscent of Simon's Quest. All three are excellent titles.

This collection marks the end of Koji Igarashi's era of exploratory Castlevania games. While distinct, the games might reflect either IGA's creative exploration or a response to a waning audience interest. Regardless, these titles, while enjoyable, might have felt repetitive at the time.

Interestingly, these aren't emulated but are native ports, allowing M2 to enhance the experience. The annoying touchscreen elements in Dawn of Sorrow are replaced with button controls, and a third screen displays the map alongside the main and status screens. This significantly improves Dawn of Sorrow, elevating it to a top-tier Castlevania title for many.

The collection boasts extensive options and extras. Players can select game regions, customize button mapping, and choose control schemes. A charming credits sequence and a gallery featuring art, manuals, and box art are included. A music player allows for custom playlists, and a comprehensive compendium details equipment, enemies, and items. The only minor drawback is the limited screen arrangement options. This is an exceptional way to experience these three fantastic games at an incredible price.

Beyond the DS trilogy, the collection includes the notoriously difficult arcade game, Haunted Castle, along with a complete remake, Haunted Castle Revisited. M2 has essentially created a new, enjoyable Castlevania game, a remarkable addition to this already impressive package.

Castlevania Dominus Collection is a must-have for Castlevania fans. The inclusion of a fantastic new game, the well-presented DS trilogy, and even the original Haunted Castle makes this a phenomenal value. If you're unfamiliar with Castlevania, this is the perfect starting point. Another stellar release from Konami and M2.

SwitchArcade Score: 5/5

Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn ($19.99)

My experience with Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn has been mixed. While Tengo Project's previous remakes have been exceptional, this one presents a different challenge, updating an 8-bit title rather than a 16-bit one. My initial hesitation stemmed from the original game's less impressive quality compared to their other works.

However, after playing the game, my opinion shifted somewhat. While less well-rounded than their other remakes, the improvements are significant. The presentation is excellent, the weapon and item system is refined, and the playable characters are better differentiated. It's undeniably superior to the original, while retaining its core essence. Fans of the original will adore this.

For those who found the original merely decent, Reborn offers a similar experience, albeit enhanced. The improved inventory system and simultaneous access to both sword and chain are welcome additions. However, the increased difficulty and occasional abrupt spikes in challenge might prove off-putting. It's the best version of Shadow of the Ninja, but it remains fundamentally Shadow of the Ninja.

Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn is another solid effort from Tengo Project, representing a substantial improvement over the original. Its appeal depends heavily on one's appreciation for the original game. Newcomers will find it an enjoyable but not essential action game.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Pinball FX – The Princess Bride Pinball ($5.49)

Two new Pinball FX DLC tables have been released, The Princess Bride Pinball and Goat Simulator Pinball. The Princess Bride Pinball features voice clips and video clips from the movie, a welcome addition. The table's mechanics are well-designed and feel authentic to the source material. It's a relatively straightforward, enjoyable table for both beginners and seasoned players.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Pinball FX – Goat Simulator Pinball ($5.49)

Goat Simulator Pinball embraces the absurdity of its license. It's a unique and quirky table, best suited for experienced pinball players. The initial learning curve is steep, but persevering players will be rewarded with humorous antics.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Select New Releases

Bakeru ($39.99)

A charming 3D platformer where you play as a tanuki saving Japan from an evil overlord. While the framerate is inconsistent on Switch, the game's charm and unique elements make it a worthwhile experience.

Holyhunt ($4.99)

A top-down arena twin-stick shooter reminiscent of 8-bit games. Simple yet potentially enjoyable.

Shashingo: Learn Japanese with Photography ($20.00)

A language-learning game where you photograph objects and learn their Japanese names.

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

Several noteworthy sales are currently running, including OrangePixel's titles and rare discounts on Alien Hominid and Ufouria 2. THQ and Team 17 titles are also ending their sales soon.

Select New Sales (Partial List)

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Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 4th

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That's all for today! Join us tomorrow for more new releases, sales, and potentially more reviews. Enjoy the abundance of great games available!