Welcome to the latest SwitchArcade Roundup, where we’re covering the Sega Ages announcement and what it means for the Virtual Console on Switch, along with some interesting new sales on the Switch. This might be a slow week based on the few games listed in the coming soon section on the eShop, but for whatever reason, some games actually don’t show up! Is it because some release dates don’t get finalized until the last minute? Or is there just some weird system going on where only some developers can announce release dates and others can’t? And why are some developers not taking preorders? I guess there’s an issue if the game gets delayed, like Galaxy on Fire had, but still, seems like you’d want to take as much money as possible from potential customers before the game releases. Who knows! Video game marketing is weird.
News
Rocket League cross-platform multiplayer re-enabled
After a buggy Tournaments Update, Psyonix had to issue some fixes to different platforms, making the Switch version incompatible with other versions for its acclaimed cross-platform online multiplayer. Well, good news: with the game’s latest update, cross-platform is back now, and the memory leak causing crashes has been fixed, too. You can also enable the Fan Rewards and get items for watching Rocket League Championship Series broadcasts.
Sega Fes 2018 announcements
For Switch owners, Sega had some good news: 15 Sega Ages ports of retro games are coming to the Switch this year. Reportedly, M2 is handling these, and they did the well-regarded 3D Classics for 3DS. Expect the games to be faithful to the originals, but with some enhanced features. The first games confirmed are:
- Sonic the Hedgehog
- Alex Kidd in Miracle World
- Gain Ground
- Phantasy Star
- Thunder Force IV
Sega also announced a new mini Genesis system. That’s the good news! The bad news is that it’s being made by AtGames, who are known for making Genesis all-in-one systems with abysmal sound emulation! The good news is that it’s going to have new internal technology, and it’s coming to the US as well! Still, AtGames had years to fix this issue that was apparent to me even in pre-audiophile days, and fans could easily fix it! Sega fans are used to fixing their own problems.
https://twitter.com/ATGFlashback/status/985158110837911552
Interestingly, Sega is also re-releasing the first two Shenmue games for PS4, Xbox One, and PC, but no Switch port. Welp!
Opinion: is the Virtual Console dead?
Some people are speculating that with the Sega Ages announcement, it’s a further sign that the Virtual Console is dead. Other evidence abounds, with publishers allowed to release emulation wrappers under their own labels, and not under the Virtual Console label. For example, HAMSTER’s Neo-Geo games would likely require a standardization of interface for them to fit into what the Virtual Console would be.
We know Nintendo is going to introduce classic games as part of the Nintendo Online service later this year. If Nintendo’s doing that, and not as part of a Virtual Console arrangement, then what’s the purpose of a Virtual Console on the Switch? I totally buy the skepticism over a Virtual Console existing. Also, consider that Nintendo can now put a package together of the most popular games, and sell a cheap mini NES or SNES for what I am sure are massive profit margins. That might get customers more excited than a weekly drop of Virtual Console content.
Of course, the thing is that Sega 3D Classics coexisted with Virtual Console games on the 3DS. While they had the “3D" hook, it’s not like enhanced retro ports and Virtual Console games haven’t coexisted before! Also, I’m pretty sure if people have multiple-dipped for Super Mario Bros in the past, they will be happy to do so again on the Switch, even if they own an NES Classic and SNES Classic, especially with the portability factor. Also, HAMSTER does quite well on the sales charts with arcade ports of Nintendo games: VS. Super Mario Bros. and Punch-Out!! despite the greater popularity of the NES versions of those games.
Perhaps Nintendo isn’t going to release a Virtual Console on the Switch for the same weird line of thinking that seems to define all their other choices, like continuing to have scarce supplies of the SNES Classic and NES Classic. Nintendo’s decisions lead them down strange paths, like occasionally making the Wii, or the Switch, which work. But occasionally you get a Virtual Boy, or a Wii U. Or the lack of a Virtual Console on the Switch despite it being a money-printer on a system that already prints money.
Sales
Darkest Dungeon ($21.24 from $24.99 until April 23rd) – All versions and DLC 15% off
It’s another sale for the roguelike where you not only have to survive attacking enemies, but also your characters’ mental health. The base game is 15% off, which saves you an extra dollar or so after last month’s 10% off sale. Of course, if you want it for really cheap you would buy the iPad version, but the iPad isn’t the Switch. And hey, nothing wrong with actually paying decent prices for games.
Tennis in the Face ($1.99 from $4.99 until April 18th)
If you missed 10tons’ sports-based physics puzzler on one of the many other platforms that it’s available on, then you can pick it up on Switch for 60% off right now. You hit a tennis ball through levels, bouncing off of walls and hitting enemies in the face with your shots. It’s fun to hit balls with crazy angles around all the different levels, and I think tennis is a more appropriate theme than the followup Baseball Riot, which features similar gameplay. Still, either game is fun if you like physics puzzlers and hitting people in the face.
Woodle Tree Adventures ($3.99 from $4.99 until April 22nd)
This late-1990s-inspired 3D platformer has you trying to save the trees…by going around as a giant walking tree stump? You know, at first this made no sense, but now that I think about it, if I was a sentient tree stump, I’d be pretty mad that somebody cut me down. Like, now I’m just some short dude, where I used to be tall. Vengeance shall be mine! I also dig the perspective on this game, it feels like it’s directly looking from straight down on the y-axis as the characters, in a style reminiscent of Crash Bandicoot, with a hint of Super Mario 3D World in there.
Draw a Stickman: EPIC 2 ($4.99 from $6.99 until April 19th)
I miss the Drawn to Life games from 5th Cell, and this game provides some of that fun. You go through an adventure where you can draw things in the environment to solve puzzles, draw your character, draw your weapons (literally), and create an adventure that looks like how you want it to look like. Or just make everything look like giant cartoon dongs, maybe? I’m not here to judge.
Keep an eye out every weekday for more SwitchArcade Roundups! We want to hear your feedback on Nintendo Switch coverage on TouchArcade. Comment below or tweet us with your thoughts!
