Howdy light readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Spherical-Up for September twelfth, 2023. In at this time’s article, we’ve obtained just a few evaluations to kick issues off. I check out the Dimension Shellshock DLC for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, whereas our pal Mikhail checks out otome recreation Radiant Story and the, er, quirky brawler AKIBA’S TRIP: Undead & Undressed Director’s Lower. After that, we have now just a few new releases to take a look at, plus the lists of latest and outgoing gross sales. Look, I’ve my ears open. I’m certain there’s a Direct coming very quickly, however as I write this there’s nothing concrete. Forgive me if that has modified by the point you learn this. Let’s get going!
Opinions & Mini-Views
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge – Dimension Shellshock ($7.99)
As a lot as I completely adored Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, there was positively room so as to add issues if the event staff was so inclined. And it appears it was, as a result of right here we’re with Dimension Shellshock, a paid DLC enlargement for the sport. It provides a brand new mode to the sport, plus two new playable characters, extra colour palette choices for current characters, and a few new tunes from Tee Lopes. Is it value eight bucks? I feel so, however I suppose it would depend upon how a lot you favored the bottom recreation and what your priorities are for increasing it.
Let’s begin with the most important addition first: Survival Mode. Like related modes in different video games, the concept right here is to final so long as you may in opposition to waves upon waves of enemies. There’s really a narrative right here that sees the Neutrinos in search of the help of the Turtles to assist cease some dangerous man shenanigans. After each wave, you’ll have the ability to decide one among two perks and head on to the following one. Enemies will drop crystal shards every now and then, and generally the perk decide features a cache of shards as effectively. Your intention is to gather sufficient shards to create a full crystal, after which you’ll warp to a brand new setting with a special coloured crystal to create. To gather all of them, you’ll should defeat the Shredder in his new, most threatening kind.
You’ll in all probability lose the primary time, and possibly extra occasions after that. Offered you may not less than get far sufficient to make one crystal, your character will acquire expertise for the run. Leveling up earns you everlasting perks, and gathering mixtures of crystals will unlock new colour palettes for the character that you should utilize in any mode. So sure, type of a roguelite factor. I actually dig it, really. Particularly since three of the perks allow you to briefly play as Bebop, Rocksteady, or Shredder. That’s actually cool! Enjoying by means of with every of the characters is enjoyable and it actually offers you one thing rather less predictable to return again to while you revisit the sport. On-line leaderboards provide you with one thing to shoot for even after you’ve collected all of the crystals with everybody.
After all, you additionally get two absolutely new characters on this DLC. They’re a pair of actual fan favorites, too. Stan Sakai’s Usagi Yojimbo was created the identical yr because the Turtles and has teamed up with the heroes a number of occasions over time, however that is his first time showing in a recreation with them. He’s a rabbit samurai, and his transfer set feels prefer it was ripped proper out of a Samurai Shodown recreation at occasions. His combo potential is wild, and I actually had a blast utilizing him in each mode. The opposite new character is Karai, who appears to tackle a brand new kind in each TMNT factor she seems in. She’s normally related to the Foot Clan and is the one member of that bunch that finds event to work with the Turtles. On this recreation, she’s a speedy ninja who can actually shut distances in a rush. I’m nonetheless making an attempt to maximise her potential, however she’s one other fulfilling character who feels fairly distinct from the present ones.
The brand new Tee Lopes tunes are after all glorious. The man can actually do no musical improper. And whereas they’re a bit of factor, I additionally actually favored the unlockable new colour palettes. It’s enjoyable to determine what every of them is looking again to, from the unique toys to a number of the different animated collection and comics. You don’t get any full-on new costumes or something, however it’s shocking how far they will go together with just a few colour adjustments. Small stuff, however welcome.
Finally, Dimension Shellshock extends Shredder’s Revenge in some sensible methods, with some new characters to grasp and a highly-replayable new mode to get pleasure from. Certain, I’d like to see extra characters and full-sized phases, however that is greater than adequate to carry me over till what I hope is an inevitable sequel. Personally, I feel it’s value it only for both the brand new characters or the good survival mode, however each? Sure, that’s a win.
SwitchArcade Rating: 4.5/5
Radiant Story ($49.99)
Every time I’m wondering how of us make time for so many otome video games, I begin fascinated about the work going into localizing and publishing stated video games within the West. Aksys Video games is again with a brand new otome launch within the type of Radiant Story, and this one is a winner. Radiant Story has been a really fascinating otome recreation to play. In contrast to most video games within the style, this one is much more optimistic and heartwarming virtually throughout the board regardless of the themes it offers with. Whereas I remorse not writing about it earlier, I can safely say it’s one among Aksys Video games’ greatest otome releases thus far in a few years and a should play for followers of the style.
Radiant Story has you taking part in Tifalia who runs right into a touring efficiency troupe known as CIRCUS. You find yourself becoming a member of CIRCUS to attempt to assist them discover success, and that is the place the story begins with many eclectic most important and aspect characters. It was nice seeing how Tifalia develops throughout the 5 love curiosity routes, and likewise seeing the pursuits themselves reveal extra as you additionally study extra concerning the world and the totally different cities the place CIRCUS shall be performing.
Most Otome video games I evaluate virtually at all times have nice interfaces, however I’m stunned at how fashionable Radiant Story is throughout the board. I initially thought it’d really feel overdesigned, however I really like every thing concerning the aesthetic from the character designs to the menus and font decisions. That is all complemented by an important soundtrack and glorious voice performing in Japanese.
For those who’re right here for a standard romance-focused expertise, Radiant Story isn’t that. I really like otome video games that attempt to do issues otherwise, and Radiant Story succeeds with that in its themes and narrative circulate, however don’t come into this anticipating something past a standard visible novel fashion expertise.
Radiant Story is one other glorious otome launch from Aksys Video games, and whereas it isn’t pretty much as good as Jack Jeanne (few within the style come shut), it’s value your time with how uplifting it feels with its memorable characters and story. Not solely is it attractive, however this aesthetic completely shines on the OLED display screen in handheld mode. -Mikhail Madnani
SwitchArcade Rating: 4.5/5
AKIBA’S TRIP: Undead & Undressed Director’s Lower ($29.99)
As quickly as AKIBA’S TRIP: Undead & Undressed Director’s Lower was introduced for Swap within the West, I knew I needed to evaluate it. The PS4 recreation was one of many first Japanese video games I purchased for my PS4 a few years in the past, and I’ll always remember how impressed I used to be by the inclusion of a full colour instruction guide. The sport itself on PS4 was enjoyable for just a few hours, however nothing particular. I used to be curious to see how I’d really feel revisiting the sport by means of its Nintendo Swap launch with further content material.
AKIBA’S TRIP: Undead & Undressed Director’s Lower launched in a really busy interval recreation launch smart, which is why my evaluate is kind of a bit later than I wished. AKIBA’S TRIP: Undead & Undressed Director’s Lower on Swap is a port of the PS4 and PC recreation with further content material that was offered as paid DLC for these variations.
For those who’ve by no means performed this earlier than and are curious why it was ported to Swap all these years later, effectively I can’t reply the second half, however AKIBA’S TRIP: Undead & Undressed is a fundamental however enjoyable brawler involving stripping vampires whereas exploring an Akihabara recreation from a decade in the past. I’m all for bringing older video games to Swap, however that is positively a shocking launch with new content material coming to different platforms.
I nonetheless bear in mind laughing on the premise of a recreation the place you run round Akiba and strip individuals. It seems, replaying it obtained the identical chuckle out of me, however the Swap model isn’t as good because the PS4 model technically. There are visible cutbacks and the sport takes a bit too lengthy to load in some components. For those who do need to play this once more on Swap or are curious if the Swap model is value getting, the price range worth positively makes it simpler to suggest assuming you already know what you’re getting with the sport.
I don’t have the PC model to match and I haven’t purchased the DLC on PS4, however as a handheld expertise, AKIBA’S TRIP: Undead & Undressed Director’s Lower on Swap will get the job finished, however these hoping for far more than a port with new content material.
For those who loved the prior AKIBA’S TRIP recreation on Swap, this one is loads higher not solely in its gameplay, but in addition in port high quality. For those who already performed or personal AKIBA’S TRIP: Undead & Undressed on one other platform, I’d seize the DLC for the low asking worth relatively than shopping for the entire recreation once more on Swap except after all you need to replay it. This can be a nice approach to personal the entire recreation with DLC on cartridge although from a preservation standpoint. -Mikhail Madnani
SwitchArcade Rating: 3/5
New Releases
Full Void ($14.99)
The cinematic platformer certain appears to be making a comeback currently. Full Void tells the story of a younger teenager in a dystopian future who’s making an attempt to take down a rogue AI earlier than it drives humanity to extinction. It’s completely attractive, and from what I’ve heard from those that have performed different variations, in the event you’re into this specific subgenre of video games you then’ll in all probability be suitably happy with this one. It’s type of wild that pretty small builders can end up video games like this nowadays.
Escape Academy: The Full Version ($29.99)
For those who like escape rooms, you’ll need to give some consideration to Escape Academy: The Full Version. This contains the unique Escape Academy plus two full DLCs for the sport, supplying you with a complete of twenty deviously designed areas to flee from. The promoting level right here is that the puzzles have been designed with the help of individuals who make real-life escape rooms, which could lend this a special taste in what’s a really crowded style. I’ll have a full evaluate of this quickly to let you already know what I feel.
The Isle Tide Lodge ($19.99)
These FMV journey video games don’t do loads for me, however I’m glad to see they’ve discovered an viewers large enough to maintain them coming. On this one you’re taking part in as a father making an attempt to rescue his teenaged daughter from a cult that’s holed up in a resort. There are a number of totally different endings to achieve, and which one you get will rely in your decisions and actions all through the sport. As regular, there are a whole lot of little secrets and techniques and bits of lore you will discover in the event you go searching sufficient. Anyway, I feel Wales Interactive has an lively fanbase at this level that probably doesn’t want far more than discover {that a} new recreation is out, so… right here you go.
All That Stays: Half 1 ($5.99)
One other enjoyable escape puzzle journey from the parents at Glitch Video games. You in all probability understand how these go by now. Some high quality puzzles to unravel, a mysterious story, a unusual humorousness, and so forth. Not dangerous for the very cheap worth it asks.
HopSquash! ($5.00)
This recreation touts itself as a “religious successor” to a DOS recreation known as Leap ‘n Bump that I’m admittedly fairly unfamiliar with. The thought right here is that it’s a must to attempt to bounce on one another in a little bit of fixed-screen motion. As much as eight gamers can take part through native multiplayer, and you may fill out the seats with CPU gamers as wanted. It appears to be like fairly enjoyable, really. Solely a fiver? Certain, I’ll chunk.
The Bin Bunch
Spectator ($15.99)
Gross sales
(North American eShop, US Costs)
Hey, some under-the-radar video games that I like loads are on sale at this time. Horace, Mail Mole, and Tremendous Mega Zero are all a whole lot of enjoyable. Extremely really helpful. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night time is at its lowest worth but, and so is Terraria. Not an excessive amount of within the outbox other than some board recreation conversions, however in the event you like boomer shooters and don’t have Boltgun but, go forward and save a couple of dollars whereas treating your self.
Choose New Video games on Sale
Combat Crab ($9.99 from $19.99 till 9/25)
Gravity Heroes ($4.49 from $14.99 till 9/25)
The Airplane Impact ($5.24 from $14.99 till 9/25)
Ciel Fledge: Daughter Elevating Sim ($1.99 from $9.99 till 9/25)
7 Years From Now ($2.99 from $9.99 till 9/25)
TOEM ($5.99 from $19.99 till 9/25)
Quantum Duplicate ($2.99 from $9.99 till 9/25)
Tears of Avia ($6.74 from $14.99 till 9/25)
Lair Land Story ($10.04 from $14.99 till 9/25)
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night time ($11.99 from $39.99 till 9/26)
Mud & Neon ($9.99 from $19.99 till 9/26)
Brothers: A Story of Two Sons ($2.99 from $14.99 till 9/26)
Ghostrunner ($8.99 from $29.99 till 9/26)
Horace ($5.99 from $14.99 till 9/26)
Indivisible ($7.49 from $29.99 till 9/26)
Terraria ($11.99 from $29.99 till 9/26)
Develop: Tune of the Evertree ($12.49 from $24.99 till 9/26)
Tremendous Unattainable Highway ($9.99 from $19.99 till 9/26)
ABZU ($4.99 from $19.99 till 9/26)
Tremendous Mega Zero ($4.99 from $9.99 till 9/26)
Titanium Hound ($11.25 from $15.00 till 10/1)
Mail Mole ($5.99 from $14.99 till 10/2)
LEGO Marvel Tremendous Heroes ($9.99 from $39.99 till 10/2)
LEGO Jurassic World ($7.99 from $39.99 till 10/2)
LEGO Metropolis Undercover ($5.99 from $29.99 till 10/2)
Little League World Sequence Baseball 2022 ($9.99 from $49.99 till 10/2)
Nickelodeon Kart Racers 2 ($5.99 from $39.99 till 10/2)
Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3 ($12.49 from $49.99 till 10/2)
Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl ($4.99 from $49.99 till 10/2)
Miraculous: Rise of the Sphinx ($12.49 from $49.99 till 10/2)
Miraculous: Rise of the Sphinx UE ($14.99 from $59.99 till 10/2)
Cobra Kai: Karate Child Saga ($5.99 from $39.99 till 10/2)
Cobra Kai 2: Dojos Rising ($9.99 from $49.99 till 10/2)
Cobra Kai 2: Dojos Rising NE ($11.99 from $59.99 till 10/2)
NHRA Championship Drag Racing: SFA ($12.49 from $49.99 till 10/2)
NHRA Championship Drag Racing: SFA DE ($14.99 from $59.99 till 10/2)
NHRA Championship Drag Racing: SFA UE ($15.99 from $79.99 till 10/2)
Gross sales Ending Tomorrow, Wednesday, September thirteenth
Arkham Horror: Mom’s Embrace ($7.99 from $19.99 till 9/13)
Blood Waves ($4.99 from $9.99 till 9/13)
Breeder Homegrown Director’s Lower ($2.49 from $4.99 till 9/13)
Carcassonne ($9.99 from $19.99 till 9/13)
Catan ($7.49 from $14.99 till 9/13)
Drowning ($1.99 from $2.99 till 9/13)
Munchkin: Quacked Quest ($9.99 from $24.99 till 9/13)
North ($1.99 from $2.99 till 9/13)
Rift Keeper ($4.99 from $9.99 till 9/13)
Stellatum ($4.99 from $9.99 till 9/13)
The Lord of the Rings Adv. Card Sport ($9.99 from $19.99 till 9/13)
The Mooseman ($3.49 from $6.99 till 9/13)
Warhammer 40k: Boltgun ($16.49 from $21.99 till 9/13)
That’s all for at this time, mates. We’ll be again tomorrow with extra new releases, extra gross sales, and I’m feeling very assured about some type of information as effectively. Relying on how issues go, I may need a evaluate prepared too. However don’t make any fancy wagers on that or something, okay? I hope you all have a terrific Tuesday, and as at all times, thanks for studying!
