Hello discerning readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for September 5th, 2024. Already Thursday, huh? Time flies, doesn't it? We're diving deep into reviews again today. I've got two for you, covering Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate. Our friend Mikhail is also contributing today, with his perspectives on Nour: Play With Your Food, Fate/stay night REMASTERED, and TOKYO CHRONOS & ALTDEUS: Beyond Chronos TWIN PACK. After that, we'll explore the day's noteworthy new releases and wrap up with our usual sales lists. Ah, Thursday. I'll miss you when Friday rolls around. Let's get started!
Reviews & Mini-Views
Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club ($49.99)
It seems reviving dormant franchises is the latest trend. Video games, always emulating Hollywood. Nintendo, in a surprising move, has resurrected Famicom Detective Club, a series primarily known in the West through a fleeting remake of the first two games released on Switch a couple of years ago. I suspect a connection exists. Regardless, we have a brand-new Famicom Detective Club adventure for the first time this millennium! That's exciting.
The challenge in reviving an old brand is determining the level of faithfulness to the original. Sticking too closely to the original risks appearing dated, but deviating too much might alienate fans. Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club leans towards the style of the recent remakes, which themselves closely resemble the originals. It's a curious blend. The visuals are comparable to modern games of a similar genre, and the story pushes boundaries beyond what 90s Nintendo would have dared, even in Japan. However, the gameplay feels very retro, significantly impacting enjoyment.
A student is found dead, a smiling face on a paper bag over his head. This unearths unsolved murders from eighteen years prior, all bearing a similar calling card, prompting numerous questions. Then there's the urban legend of Emio, a killer promising eternal smiles to victims. Has a past killer returned? Is it an imitator? Does Emio even exist? The police are baffled, so it's time for the Utsugi Detective Agency! Utilizing the power of investigation and questioning, you'll uncover what law enforcement couldn't: the truth!
Essentially, you search each scene for clues, interrogate everyone (often repeatedly), and connect the dots to solve the case. Think of the investigation segments in Ace Attorney, and you're close. Depending on your preference for this gameplay style, you might find parts frustrating or tedious. Certain logical leaps could have been smoother, and clearer guidance would have been beneficial. It's a classic detective game, and by those standards, Emio isn't particularly flawed.
And that's where I'll leave it. I have some story-related criticisms, but overall, I enjoyed it. It was engaging, suspenseful, and well-written. Some plot points didn't resonate with me as strongly as they seemed to for others, but I can't elaborate without spoilers. And I won't, because this narrative is best experienced fresh. I enjoyed it more than I didn't, and when it picks up, it really picks up.
Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club is atypical of Nintendo, but any potential team rust is certainly not evident. The mechanics are perhaps too faithful to the originals, and while the plot is largely excellent, the pacing occasionally lags, and some resolutions aren't as satisfying as I'd hoped. Still, these are minor flaws in an otherwise highly enjoyable mystery adventure. Welcome back, Detective Club. Don't stay away so long next time.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate ($29.99)
The Switch is accumulating a nice collection of TMNT games, isn't it? You can enjoy the Konami classics in the Cowabunga Collection, experience a fantastic modern arcade beat 'em up with Shredder's Revenge, relive the modern arcade experience in Wrath of the Mutants, and now indulge in a more console-focused title with Splintered Fate. Several more are on the horizon. We're awash in Turtles! So, how does this one fare?
Quite well, actually. If you've played it on Apple Arcade, you know the drill. But for those unfamiliar, here's the gist: imagine a TMNT-style beat 'em up blended with Hades. That's essentially it. Play solo in the typical roguelite style, or team up with up to four players locally or online. Mikhail and I played online multiplayer, and it worked flawlessly. The solo experience is decent, but adding players enhances it considerably. That's TMNT for you.
Shredder and a mysterious power cause some mischief. Splinter is in danger, and the Turtles must rescue him. When all you have is a katana, every problem resembles a Foot Soldier. Slice, dice, and bludgeon enemies, dash strategically, acquire power-ups for the current run, and collect currency for permanent upgrades. Death means returning to the lair and starting again. Roguelite beat 'em up. But with the Turtles, making it inherently superior. It's not groundbreaking, but it does its job effectively.
Splintered Fate isn't a must-have, but TMNT fans will likely appreciate this twist. The multiplayer is well-executed, successfully incorporating a crucial TMNT element into a typically solo genre. Those without a fondness for the Turtles can find better roguelites on Switch, but given the platform's competitive roguelite market, Splintered Fate holds its own admirably. Not bad at all.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Nour: Play With Your Food ($9.99)
When Nour: Play With Your Food initially launched on PC and PS5, I was surprised by the absence of Switch and mobile versions. It seemed perfect for touchscreens as an experimental food art experience. I played the PC version and enjoyed it, but it's not a traditional game for everyone. If you appreciate playful sandbox experiences and love food, you'll likely adore Nour: Play With Your Food, but the Switch version has shortcomings.
For newcomers, Nour: Play With Your Food involves interacting with various food types across different stages, accompanied by interesting music and playful absurdity. It feels like a blend of an interactive app for food and art enthusiasts. Initially, you have basic tools, but the developers' additions allow for extensive food manipulation. This highlights why touchscreen control might not be ideal.
The lack of touchscreen support on Switch is disappointing. Furthermore, Nour: Play With Your Food was demanding on Steam Deck, and performance compromises are evident on Switch to maintain acceptable framerates. The most significant issue is the lengthy load times, both docked and handheld.
Nour: Play With Your Food is worth experiencing if you enjoy food, art, and interactive apps. While the Switch version isn't optimal, Nour feels best on a portable device, and I hope its success leads to more DLC or even a physical release. Games like Nour and Townscaper offer a refreshing contrast to more complex RPGs and story-driven games. -Mikhail Madnani
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Fate/stay night REMASTERED ($29.99)
Fate/stay night REMASTERED launched a month ago on Nintendo Switch and Steam worldwide. I intended to cover it sooner, but a busy month and the game's considerable length delayed this. Before discussing the game, let me share a personal anecdote. Years ago, a friend introduced me to Fate/Zero, one of my first completed anime. I wanted more from the universe, but few English-language games were available. I imported the PS Vita version of Fate/stay night Realta Nua, and since then, I've played various Fate and Type-Moon titles. This includes Fate/EXTELLA, Fate/Samurai Remnant, watching Fate/stay night, and even dabbling in Fate/Grand Order.
This led to my excitement over Aniplex's releases of Witch on the Holy Night and Tsukihime's remake, but one game remained: Fate/stay night. Now, it's finally here in English on Switch. Is it worth it? Absolutely, with a few caveats.
Fate/stay night REMASTERED is a remaster of the 2004 visual novel, following Emiya Shirou, the Holy Grail War, and more. It's the best entry point into the Fate universe, ideal for those only familiar with the anime and other games. Even with quality-of-life improvements, Fate/stay night REMASTERED is a 55+ hour experience, making the price incredibly reasonable. It's a remaster of an older game, but the sheer volume of content makes it one of the year's best eShop bargains.
For those who played the original Japanese versions, Fate/stay night REMASTERED significantly enhances the experience. The addition of English is obvious, but 16:9 support is also welcome. More effort went into this than initially anticipated. Comparing it to the PS Vita version, the remaster successfully modernizes Fate/stay night's visuals, though it doesn't match Tsukihime's remake's stunning visuals.
I appreciate the touchscreen support on Switch. I played most of Fate/stay night REMASTERED on my Switch Lite (now broken) and then synced it to my Switch OLED. It's perfect on Nintendo's hybrid console. Hopefully, it will be released on more platforms, such as iOS and PS5.
I also played a significant portion on Steam Deck, and it works flawlessly. Play it wherever you prefer; it's that good.
The only drawback is the lack of a physical Switch release. I hope its success warrants one, joining Witch on the Holy Night and Tsukihime on my shelf.
Fate/stay night REMASTERED is essential for visual novel fans. Its English release on Switch and Steam is incredible. The low price makes it even more appealing. While not as visually impressive as Tsukihime's remake, Fate/stay night REMASTERED is worthwhile, and I'm thrilled to finally play it in English after owning the Japanese PS Vita version for years. -Mikhail Madnani
SwitchArcade Score: 5/5
TOKYO CHRONOS & ALTDEUS: Beyond Chronos TWIN PACK ($49.99)
Having limited VR experience, I missed out on some great games. Friends with VR headsets often mentioned TOKYO CHRONOS and ALTDEUS: Beyond Chronos, praised for their stories and immersive VR experiences. I didn't experience them until TOKYO CHRONOS & ALTDEUS: Beyond Chronos TWIN PACK arrived on Switch via Izanagi Games over a month ago.
Upon launching TOKYO CHRONOS & ALTDEUS: Beyond Chronos TWIN PACK on Switch, you choose which game to play. TOKYO CHRONOS follows high school friends in an alternate Shibuya, dealing with lost memories, killers, and more. The narrative is predictable at times, but it's not bad. The visuals are good, and I'm curious to try the VR version after playing the Switch version.
ALTDEUS: Beyond Chronos, however, is superior, with better production, music, writing, voice acting, and characters. It transcends the visual novel format, which I appreciate. Elevating a visual novel usually results in a more memorable experience, especially with impactful story moments. ALTDEUS: Beyond Chronos stands out, and the pack is worth purchasing if you're comfortable with the demo's controls and movement.
Beyond some narrative shortcomings, the Switch version has camera movement issues. These aren't game-breaking but are distracting during first-person sequences. However, touchscreen support (my favorite feature in adventure games) and good rumble compensate.
TOKYO CHRONOS & ALTDEUS: Beyond Chronos TWIN PACK is a great Switch experience, with touch controls and rumble enhancing immersion. I'm glad I finally experienced these stories without needing a VR headset, and I hope to see more from this team. If you enjoy sci-fi stories, try the demo to see how it feels on Switch. -Mikhail Madnani
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Select New Releases
Fitness Boxing feat. Hatsune Miku ($49.99)
This title perfectly explains its content. It's Fitness Boxing featuring Hatsune Miku. It includes 24 songs from Miku and friends, plus 30 more from the Fitness Boxing series. Plenty of music for your workout. Mechanically, it's similar to other games in the series. Get it if you want Fitness Boxing with Hatsune Miku.
Gimmick! 2 ($24.99)
I reviewed this yesterday, but for those who missed it: a faithful sequel to the original cult classic, building upon its foundation with improved presentation, and as challenging as a forgotten 90s pizza slice. If you enjoy challenging, clever platformers, check this out.
Touhou Danmaku Kagura Phantasia Lost ($29.99)
Tired of switching between rhythm and bullet hell games? Touhou Danmaku Kagura Phantasia Lost solves this problem! It features two modes, a somewhat unusual combination, but the Touhou theme unites them. Touhou fans will likely approve. At least the music is good, right?
EGGCONSOLE Hydlide MSX ($6.49)
We've seen one Hydlide version in EGGCONSOLE, but here's another. Released after the first but before the NES version, it falls between them. Hydlide superfans will want all versions. For others, the MSX version might not offer much more than the PC-8801 release.
Arcade Archives Lead Angle ($7.99)
Hamster is diversifying. This 1988 Seibu Kaihatsu release follows Empire City 1931. It's a gallery shooter popular at the time, though not hugely successful. It's a decent example of the genre, so fans should consider it. Shooting gangsters! Not a common theme these days.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
Not much exciting today, but No Man's Sky is always a good option. Other notable games are frequently on sale. The same applies to the expiring sales. I'll leave the decisions to you.
Select New Sales
No Man’s Sky ($23.99 from $59.99 until 9/17)
The Last Campfire ($1.99 from $14.99 until 9/17)
XALADIA: Rise of the Space Pirates X2 ($8.09 from $17.99 until 9/18)
Scars of Mars ($15.99 from $19.99 until 9/18)
Die for Valhalla ($3.59 from $11.99 until 9/25)
Moonlighter ($3.74 from $24.99 until 9/25)
Thea: The Awakening ($5.39 from $17.99 until 9/25)
Children of Morta ($5.49 from $21.99 until 9/25)
Dungeon of the Endless ($3.99 from $19.99 until 9/25)
Yes, Your Grace ($2.99 from $19.99 until 9/25)
Hypnospace Outlaw ($4.99 from $19.99 until 9/25)
Nowhere Prophet ($2.49 from $24.99 until 9/25)
Soccer Story ($7.99 from $19.99 until 9/25)
Family Man ($1.99 from $19.99 until 9/25)
South of the Circle ($6.49 from $12.99 until 9/25)
Wingspan ($9.99 from $19.99 until 9/25)
Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 6th
Ambition: A Minuet in Power ($4.99 from $9.99 until 9/6)
Dance of Death: Du Lac & Fey ($2.39 from $15.99 until 9/6)
Fear Effect Sedna ($1.99 from $19.99 until 9/6)
Galak-Z The Void Deluxe ($2.99 from $14.99 until 9/6)
Kingdom Rush ($5.49 from $9.99 until 9/6)
Kingdom Rush Frontiers ($5.49 from $9.99 until 9/6)
Kingdom Rush Origins ($8.24 from $14.99 until 9/6)
My Time at Portia ($4.49 from $29.99 until 9/6)
PowerWash Simulator ($17.49 from $24.99 until 9/6)
Skulls of the Shogun ($3.99 from $19.99 until 9/6)
Suhoshin ($4.49 from $14.99 until 9/6)
The House of Da Vinci 2 ($4.99 from $9.99 until 9/6)
Ty the Tasmanian Tiger 4 ($9.99 from $19.99 until 9/6)
Ty the Tasmanian Tiger HD ($10.49 from $29.99 until 9/6)
Violet Wisteria ($7.49 from $14.99 until 9/6)
What the Fork ($4.49 from $17.99 until 9/6)
That's all for today, folks. We'll be back tomorrow with more reviews, new releases, and sales. By the way, I have a blog, Post Game Content, that will be reactivated soon. If you enjoy my gaming thoughts, you'll find them there. Have a fantastic Thursday, and thanks for reading!
