Farewell, dear readers, and welcome to the final regular SwitchArcade Round-Up for TouchArcade, penned by yours truly. This concludes a multi-year run, and while I'd hoped to continue covering the Switch's lifespan, circumstances have led to a different path. Next week, look for one last special edition featuring a few delayed reviews, but this marks the end of our regular updates.
Reviews & Mini-Views
Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU ($49.99)
Following Imagineer's successful Fitness Boxing franchise, including the surprisingly enjoyable Fitness Boxing Fist of the North Star, their latest collaboration with Hatsune Miku intrigued me. Having played it alongside Ring Fit Adventure, I'm impressed.
The Fitness Boxing series uses boxing and rhythm-game mechanics for daily workouts, mini-games, and more. This iteration features Miku, even including a dedicated mode for her songs. Note: this is a Joy-Con-only game, incompatible with Pro Controllers or third-party accessories.
Standard features include difficulty options, free training, warm-ups, progress tracking, reminders, and system-wide alarms. Unlockable cosmetics add extra incentive. While I can't yet comment on DLC, the base game surpasses Fist of the North Star, except for one minor flaw: the main instructor's voice is jarring and I found myself muting it.
Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU successfully blends Miku's charm with solid fitness mechanics. It's best used as a supplement to other exercise routines, rather than a standalone program. -Mikhail Madnani
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Magical Delicacy ($24.99)
Magical Delicacy from sKaule and Whitethorn Games blends Metroidvania exploration with cooking and crafting. While I appreciate the elements, the execution feels slightly uneven.
As witch Flora, you cook and craft for various characters. The exploration is surprisingly well-implemented, despite some frustrating backtracking. Inventory management and UI interaction could be improved.
The game boasts beautiful pixel art, charming music, and customizable settings, including UI scaling and text options. Early access or post-launch updates would have benefited the game.
The Switch version plays smoothly, aside from occasional frame pacing issues. Good rumble support enhances the experience. It’s ideally suited for handheld play.
Magical Delicacy is a promising blend of genres, but feels slightly unfinished due to inventory and backtracking issues. Despite its current strengths, quality-of-life improvements would elevate it further. -Mikhail Madnani
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Aero The Acro-Bat 2 ($5.99)
A sequel to the 16-bit platformer, Aero The Acro-Bat 2 is a surprisingly polished experience, exceeding expectations given its era.
This release boasts a significantly improved presentation compared to Ratalaika's typical emulation wrappers. Features include box and manual scans, achievements, a sprite sheet gallery, a jukebox, and cheats. The only drawback is the omission of the SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive version.
Fans of the original will appreciate this enhanced version. Even those less enthusiastic about the first game might find this sequel more enjoyable. Ratalaika's improved emulation is commendable.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Metro Quester | Osaka ($19.99)
This prequel to Metro Quester acts more as an expansion, introducing a new Osaka setting, dungeon, character types, weapons, skills, and enemies. Canoe travel adds a new element to exploration.
The core turn-based combat, top-down exploration, and strategic gameplay remain. Careful planning is crucial for success.
Fans of the original will find plenty to love. New players should consider this as a starting point. It’s a strong expansion that expands upon the original’s systems.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Select New Releases
NBA 2K25 ($59.99)
The latest NBA 2K installment features gameplay improvements, a new Neighborhood feature, and MyTEAM enhancements. Requires 53.3 GB of storage.
Shogun Showdown ($14.99)
A Darkest Dungeon-style game with a Japanese setting.
Aero The Acro-Bat 2 ($5.99)
(See review above)
Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection ($9.99)
A collection of three previously unlocalized Famicom games, offering a diverse range of genres.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
Noteworthy sales include Cosmic Fantasy Collection (40% off) and Tinykin (at its lowest price yet).
Select New Sales and Sales Ending This Weekend: (Images and lists omitted for brevity, but maintain original formatting and image placement if included in final output)
My time at TouchArcade concludes with this article, marking the end of an eleven-and-a-half-year journey. While I'll continue writing on my blog (Post Game Content) and Patreon, this signifies a shift in my career path after 26 years in the industry. Thank you to all TouchArcade readers for your support.
