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 fresh release. We'll wrap things up with our usual sales reports – both new and expiring. Intriguingly, a Nintendo Direct is scheduled for tonight, promising an exciting Tuesday! Let's dive in!
News
Don't Miss Today's Nintendo Direct/Indie World Showcase!
As predicted by some industry insiders, Nintendo surprised us with a last-minute Nintendo Direct for August. This 40-minute presentation features both a Partner Showcase and an Indie World Showcase. While first-party titles and news about the next-generation Switch are unlikely, the event promises plenty of reveals. You can watch the archived presentation above, and we'll provide a detailed summary tomorrow.
Reviews & Mini-Views
EGGCONSOLE Star Trader PC-8801mkIIsr ($6.49)
This unlocalized EGGCONSOLE release presents a familiar dilemma: is the game enjoyable, and is it playable without Japanese language skills? Star Trader is an intriguing, if not exceptional, title. Falcom blends a Japanese-style adventure game with side-scrolling shooter segments, but neither element shines particularly brightly. The adventure sections boast appealing artwork, and the shooter's narrative approach is unique. Gameplay involves conversing with characters, undertaking quests, and earning money to upgrade your ship – crucial for navigating the action sequences.
The shooter segments, however, suffer from the PC-8801's limitations, resulting in jerky scrolling. Even with smooth scrolling, the gameplay might not be top-tier. The game's structure is unclear, but Star Trader holds more interest than genuine quality. This leads to the second question: The adventure sections are text-heavy, demanding player understanding for optimal progress. Without Japanese comprehension, players miss half the game and struggle in the other half due to insufficient credits. While brute-forcing is possible, it's hardly an ideal experience.
Star Trader offers a glimpse into gaming history, showcasing a developer venturing beyond their usual style. However, the significant amount of Japanese text severely hinders enjoyment for Western players. While some might find limited amusement, a strong recommendation is difficult.
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 misbehaving. Pluto's eternal punishment? Cleaning! Players explore, battle enemies with a broom, meet eccentric characters, defeat bosses, and upgrade abilities. It's a familiar formula, but executed well. Fans of the genre should definitely check it out.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
For fans of colorful shooters with unique mechanics, I suggest exploring the Dreamer series and Harpoon Shooter Nozomi. Also, don't miss out on 1000xRESIST – it's a must-buy! Other noteworthy titles on sale include various Star Wars games, Citizen Sleeper, Paradise Killer, Haiku, the Robot, and the Tomb Raider remasters. Check out the lists below!
Select New Sales
(List of new sales)
Sales Ending Tomorrow, August 28th
(List of expiring sales)
That's all for today! Join us tomorrow for a recap of the Nintendo Direct, new game releases, sales updates, and possibly more reviews. Have a fantastic Tuesday, and thanks for reading!
