Hiya mild readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Spherical-Up for September twelfth, 2023. In at this time’s article, we’ve acquired a number of opinions 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’ve a number of new releases to take a look at, plus the lists of latest and outgoing gross sales. Look, I’ve my ears open. I’m positive there’s a Direct coming very quickly, however as I write this there may be nothing concrete. Forgive me if that has modified by the point you learn this. Let’s get going!
Critiques & 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 workforce was so inclined. And it appears it was, as a result of right here we’re with Dimension Shellshock, a paid DLC growth for the sport. It provides a brand new mode to the sport, plus two new playable characters, extra shade palette choices for present characters, and a few new tunes from Tee Lopes. Is it price eight bucks? I believe so, however I suppose it should depend upon how a lot you appreciated the bottom recreation and what your priorities are for increasing it.
Let’s begin with the largest addition first: Survival Mode. Like comparable modes in different video games, the concept right here is to final so long as you’ll be able to towards waves upon waves of enemies. There’s really a narrative right here that sees the Neutrinos searching for the help of the Turtles to assist cease some dangerous man shenanigans. After each wave, you’ll be capable of decide considered one of two perks and head on to the subsequent one. Enemies will drop crystal shards every now and then, and typically the perk decide features a cache of shards as nicely. Your goal 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 must defeat the Shredder in his new, most dangerous kind.
You’ll in all probability lose the primary time, and perhaps extra occasions after that. Offered you’ll be able to at the least get far sufficient to make one crystal, your character will acquire expertise for the run. Leveling up earns you everlasting perks, and amassing combos of crystals will unlock new shade palettes for the character that you should utilize in any mode. So sure, form 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! Taking part in via with every of the characters is enjoyable and it actually offers you one thing rather less predictable to come back again to once you revisit the sport. On-line leaderboards offer you one thing to shoot for even after you’ve collected all of the crystals with everybody.
After all, you additionally get two totally new characters on this DLC. They’re a pair of actual fan favorites, too. Stan Sakai’s Usagi Yojimbo was created the identical 12 months 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 often 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 pleasurable character who feels fairly distinct from the present ones.
The brand new Tee Lopes tunes are after all wonderful. The man can actually do no musical mistaken. And whereas they’re slightly factor, I additionally actually appreciated the unlockable new shade palettes. It’s enjoyable to determine what every of them is looking again to, from the unique toys to among the different animated collection and comics. You don’t get any full-on new costumes or something, nevertheless it’s shocking how far they’ll go together with a number of shade modifications. Small stuff, however welcome.
Finally, Dimension Shellshock extends Shredder’s Revenge in some good 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 levels, however that is greater than ok to carry me over till what I hope is an inevitable sequel. Personally, I believe it’s price 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)
At any time when I ponder how of us make time for so many otome video games, I begin occupied with the work going into localizing and publishing mentioned 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 attention-grabbing otome recreation to play. In contrast to most video games within the style, this one is much more constructive and heartwarming nearly throughout the board regardless of the themes it offers with. Whereas I remorse not writing about it earlier, I can safely say it’s considered one of Aksys Video games’ finest otome releases up to now in a few years and a should play for followers of the style.
Radiant Story has you enjoying Tifalia who runs right into a touring efficiency troupe referred to 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 fundamental 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 be taught extra concerning the world and the totally different cities the place CIRCUS can be performing.
Most Otome video games I evaluate nearly at all times have nice interfaces, however I’m stunned at how trendy Radiant Story is throughout the board. I initially thought it’d really feel overdesigned, however I like all the things concerning the aesthetic from the character designs to the menus and font decisions. That is all complemented by an ideal soundtrack and wonderful voice appearing in Japanese.
In the event you’re right here for a standard romance-focused expertise, Radiant Story isn’t that. I like otome video games that attempt to do issues in a different way, and Radiant Story succeeds with that in its themes and narrative move, however don’t come into this anticipating something past a standard visible novel type expertise.
Radiant Story is one other wonderful otome launch from Aksys Video games, and whereas it isn’t nearly as good as Jack Jeanne (few within the style come shut), it’s price 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 Change 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 shade instruction handbook. The sport itself on PS4 was enjoyable for a number of hours, however nothing particular. I used to be curious to see how I’d really feel revisiting the sport via its Nintendo Change launch with further content material.
AKIBA’S TRIP: Undead & Undressed Director’s Lower launched in a really busy interval recreation launch clever, which is why my evaluate is sort of a bit later than I needed. AKIBA’S TRIP: Undead & Undressed Director’s Lower on Change is a port of the PS4 and PC recreation with further content material that was bought as paid DLC for these variations.
In the event you’ve by no means performed this earlier than and are curious why it was ported to Change all these years later, nicely I can’t reply the second half, however AKIBA’S TRIP: Undead & Undressed is a primary 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 Change, 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 folks. It seems, replaying it acquired the identical chuckle out of me, however the Change 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 elements. In the event you do need to play this once more on Change or are curious if the Change model is price getting, the finances value positively makes it simpler to advocate assuming you realize what you’re getting with the sport.
I don’t have the PC model to check and I haven’t purchased the DLC on PS4, however as a handheld expertise, AKIBA’S TRIP: Undead & Undressed Director’s Lower on Change will get the job executed, however these hoping for far more than a port with new content material.
In the event you loved the prior AKIBA’S TRIP recreation on Change, this one is so much higher not solely in its gameplay, but additionally in port high quality. In the event you already performed or personal AKIBA’S TRIP: Undead & Undressed on one other platform, I’d seize the DLC for the low asking value quite than shopping for the entire recreation once more on Change until after all you need to replay it. This can be a nice technique to personal the entire recreation with DLC on cartridge although from a preservation viewpoint. -Mikhail Madnani
SwitchArcade Rating: 3/5
New Releases
Full Void ($14.99)
The cinematic platformer positive appears to be making a comeback recently. 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, if you happen to’re into this explicit subgenre of video games then you definitely’ll in all probability be suitably happy with this one. It’s form of wild that pretty small builders can end up video games like this as of late.
Escape Academy: The Full Version ($29.99)
In the event you like escape rooms, you’ll need to give some consideration to Escape Academy: The Full Version. This consists of 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 realize what I believe.
The Isle Tide Lodge ($19.99)
These FMV journey video games don’t do so much for me, however I’m glad to see they’ve discovered an viewers large enough to maintain them coming. On this one you’re enjoying as a father making an attempt to rescue his teenaged daughter from a cult that’s holed up in a lodge. There are a number of totally different endings to succeed in, and which one you get will rely in your decisions and actions all through the sport. As ordinary, there are plenty of little secrets and techniques and bits of lore you’ll find if you happen to go searching sufficient. Anyway, I believe Wales Interactive has an energetic fanbase at this level that possible 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 oldsters at Glitch Video games. You in all probability understand how these go by now. Some high quality puzzles to resolve, a mysterious story, a unusual humorousness, and so forth. Not dangerous for the very affordable value it asks.
HopSquash! ($5.00)
This recreation touts itself as a “non secular successor” to a DOS recreation referred to as Soar ‘n Bump that I’m admittedly fairly unfamiliar with. The concept right here is that you must attempt to soar 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 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 so much are on sale at this time. Horace, Mail Mole, and Tremendous Mega Zero are all plenty of enjoyable. Extremely advisable. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Evening is at its lowest value but, and so is Terraria. Not an excessive amount of within the outbox aside from some board recreation conversions, however if you happen to like boomer shooters and don’t have Boltgun but, go forward and save a couple of bucks whereas treating your self.
Choose New Video games on Sale
Struggle 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 Reproduction ($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 Evening ($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: Track of the Evertree ($12.49 from $24.99 till 9/26)
Tremendous Inconceivable Street ($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 Collection 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 Recreation ($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, associates. We’ll be again tomorrow with extra new releases, extra gross sales, and I’m feeling very assured about some form of information as nicely. 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!
