Castlevania Dominus Collection Reviewed: Today's Releases and Sales

Hello, dear readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for September 3rd, 2024. Today, I bring you a delightful array of reviews, including an in-depth analysis of Castlevania Dominus Collection, a look at Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn, and brief critiques of two new Pinball FX DLC tables. We'll also explore today's new releases, featuring the intriguing Bakeru, and dive into the latest sales and expiring discounts. Let's jump right in!

Reviews & Mini-Views

Castlevania Dominus Collection ($24.99)

Konami's recent classic collections have been nothing short of spectacular, and the Castlevania series is no exception. The Castlevania Dominus Collection marks the third entry in the series on modern platforms, focusing on the beloved Nintendo DS trilogy. M2, renowned for their meticulous work, has once again delivered an exceptional experience. But this collection offers more than just the classics; it might be the most essential Castlevania collection to date.

Let's start with the main attraction: the Nintendo DS trilogy. These games, while not without their quirks, are a testament to the creativity and variety within the franchise. Dawn of Sorrow, a direct sequel to Aria of Sorrow, launched early in the DS's lifecycle, featuring some now-dated touchscreen mechanics that have been smartly adapted for this release. Portrait of Ruin relegates these mechanics to a bonus mode, instead focusing on a dual-character system that adds depth to the gameplay. Order of Ecclesia stands out with its increased difficulty and design elements reminiscent of Simon's Quest. These are not just good games; they are great, and I highly recommend them.

However, this era marked the end of Koji Igarashi's exploratory Castlevania games, which began with the groundbreaking Symphony of the Night. The diminishing returns and Konami's pivot to Lords of Shadow felt like a loss at the time. These games' distinctiveness might reflect Igarashi's desire for creative exploration or an attempt to rekindle interest in the series. Despite feeling the franchise was stagnating, the nostalgia and quality of these games are undeniable.

One of the collection's unique features is its use of native ports rather than emulation, allowing M2 to enhance the gameplay experience significantly. For instance, the touchscreen seals in Dawn of Sorrow have been replaced with more manageable button inputs, and the game now displays three screens simultaneously: the main game, status, and map. This change elevates Dawn of Sorrow into my top five Castlevania games.

The collection is packed with options and extras. You can choose your preferred region for each game, swap confirm/cancel button mappings, and decide whether to use the left stick for character movement or the touch cursor. There's also a charming credits sequence, a gallery of art and manuals, and a music player with the option to create custom playlists.

In-game, you have access to save states, a rewind feature, customizable controls, adjustable screen layouts, and a comprehensive compendium for each game. The only minor flaw is the lack of additional screen arrangement options to enlarge the play area, but this is a minor quibble in an otherwise outstanding package.

But wait, there's more! The collection includes the notorious arcade game Haunted Castle, complete with options like unlimited continues. While the original is unforgiving, M2 has also included a complete remake, Haunted Castle Revisited. This new game, tucked away in the Extras, is a remarkable reimagining that feels fresh and engaging.

If you're a Castlevania fan, Castlevania Dominus Collection is a must-buy. It offers a new Castlevania game, beautifully presented DS classics, and even the original Haunted Castle. If you're not a fan, well, we might not be friends. And if you're new to the series, this and the other collections are your ticket to a fantastic gaming experience. Another stellar effort from Konami and M2.

SwitchArcade Score: 5/5

Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn ($19.99)

My journey with Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn has been a bit of a roller coaster. Tengo Project's previous releases, like Wild Guns and The Ninja Warriors, set high standards, and while Pocky & Rocky had its issues, it was still enjoyable. However, Shadow of the Ninja felt different. Unlike their other projects, the Tengo Project team had less direct involvement with the original game, and this was an 8-bit title being updated, not a 16-bit one. I also found the original game less compelling than their other works.

My initial skepticism was tempered by a promising demo at last year's Tokyo Game Show. Now, having played through the game multiple times, I find myself in a middle ground. Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn is less well-rounded than Tengo Project's other releases. It offers significant improvements over the original, including excellent presentation and a refined weapon and item system. The playable characters have been differentiated, maintaining the spirit of the original while enhancing the experience. If you loved the original, you'll adore this.

For those like me, who found the original merely decent, Reborn might not move the needle much. The ability to use both the chain and sword simultaneously is a welcome change, and the new inventory system adds variety. The presentation is top-notch, but there are some challenging difficulty spikes, making it more demanding than the original. It's a shorter game, which might explain the increased difficulty. Ultimately, it's the best version of Shadow of the Ninja available, but it remains true to its 8-bit roots.

Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn is another solid effort from Tengo Project, offering the most substantial improvement over its predecessor to date. Whether you should buy it depends on your feelings about the original. Newcomers will find an enjoyable but not essential action game that embraces an 8-bit design sensibility.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Pinball FX – The Princess Bride Pinball ($5.49)

Let's take a quick look at two new Pinball FX DLC tables released alongside a significant update that finally makes the game playable on Switch. The Princess Bride Pinball is based on the beloved film and features real voice and video clips, adding an authentic touch. Mechanically, it feels like a table that could exist in the real world. It's easy to learn, true to the license, and satisfying for score attacks.

Zen Studios often struggles with licensed tables, sometimes omitting key elements like music or voice work. The Princess Bride Pinball is a refreshing exception, making it a must-try for fans of the movie. While it doesn't innovate much, sticking to familiar design choices, it's a fun and accessible table for all players.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Pinball FX – Goat Simulator Pinball ($5.49)

Goat Simulator Pinball captures the essence of its quirky license, resulting in a delightfully odd table. You'll engage in absurd goat-related antics, adding effects to your ball to trigger various elements. It's initially confusing but rewarding once mastered, making it more suited for experienced players. Goat Simulator fans without pinball experience might struggle to appreciate its humor fully.

This table is another strong addition from Zen Studios, offering a unique and entertaining experience. While it requires more effort to learn, the payoff is well worth it for fans willing to invest the time.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Select New Releases

Bakeru ($39.99)

As mentioned in my review yesterday, Bakeru is a charming 3D platformer from Good-Feel. You play as a tanuki named Bakeru on a mission to save Japan from an evil overlord who's trapped people in an eternal festival. The game offers a mix of battling enemies, learning Japanese trivia from hidden poo, collecting souvenirs, and enjoying light-hearted moments. While the Switch version has inconsistent framerates, it remains a delightful experience for those who can overlook this technical issue.

Holyhunt ($4.99)

Holyhunt is a top-down arena-based twin-stick shooter that pays homage to 8-bit games. While it doesn't perfectly replicate the feel of those classics, it offers a fun and straightforward gameplay loop of shooting, dashing, and upgrading your arsenal. It's a solid choice for fans of the genre looking for a quick and engaging experience.

Shashingo: Learn Japanese with Photography ($20.00)

Although we typically focus on games, Shashingo: Learn Japanese with Photography deserves a mention for its unique approach to language learning. By taking pictures and learning Japanese names for objects, it offers an interactive way to study. While it might not be worth the full price for everyone, it could be a valuable tool for those who learn best through visual and interactive methods.

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

Today's sales include some great pick-up-and-play titles from OrangePixel. Alien Hominid is enjoying a rare discount, and Ufouria 2 is also available at a reduced price. Meanwhile, discounts from THQ and Team 17 are ending soon, so be sure to check their publisher pages for more deals. Here are some highlights from today's sales and those expiring tomorrow.

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 be back tomorrow with more new releases, sales, and possibly some news. Maybe even a review, though I make no promises. We're entering the season of TOO MANY GOOD GAMES, so hold onto your wallets and enjoy the ride. This might be the Switch's last holiday season, so let's make it memorable. I hope you all have a terrific Tuesday, and as always, thanks for reading!