Welcome to your SwitchArcade Roundup for September 7th, 2018. As you may or may not know, the Nintendo Direct planned for yesterday was justly delayed due to the severe earthquake in Japan, causing landslides and other forms of devastation to a country that had already received a typhoon beforehand. I think we can all agree that a country’s recovery and the well being of its people are much more important than what amounts to an extended advertisement for video games. That said, the Nintendo Direct will occur at a later date.
As for the SwitchArcade Roundup, it’s back–as am I–to deliver to you news, impressions, new releases from yesterday and today, and brand-new discounts. Let’s get to it with the Game of the Day.
Game of the Day
Poi: Explorer Edition ($29.99)
I couldn’t help but feel a tiny bit bad that Poi: Explorer Edition got unlucky with its Switch version launch occurring just mere days before a game that some of you might know called Super Mario Odyssey, one that easily overshadowed Poi. Regardless, Poi: Explorer Edition is a game that even after playing Nintendo’s latest masterpiece starring Mario, I couldn’t help but enjoy.
Whereas Super Mario Odyssey went with a much more open-ended structure that didn’t kick players out of levels after they acquired the main collectible of the game, Power Moons, Poi is much more rooted in Super Mario 64‘s structure. You still have open-ended worlds, of course, but they are much smaller. You are also limited to a single, specific objective each time you enter a level instead of having a playground of Explorer’s Medallions–the main collectible of Poi–to collect at your leisure in any order you want. Once you have collected one, you are kicked out of the level to choose a different Medallion to go after next.
It’s really unfair to compare Poi to Super Mario Odyssey or even Super Mario 64 any further, as one was by a small team while the other was made by only the most talented development team in the industry–arguably. It should be pretty easy to assume which one is which here. That goes into the budget of the games as well. Poi isn’t some flashy, highly polished game. It’s an indie project at heart, and it does show on many occasions.
However, not only is Poi‘s platforming fun and engaging, but the controls are delightful as well. Whether you’re running around a hilly countryside searching for coins or moving through one of the many bonus levels that serve as platforming obstacle courses, you can be rest assured that you’re not going to mess up because of Poi‘s controls.
It’s a shame, then, that Poi: Explorer Edition has yet to go down in price via sale on the eShop–at least to the best of my knowledge. The game is available in both physical and digital form, with me picking up the former for a much cheaper price. I feel a cheaper eShop price would open it up to more attention. If you really want a new 3D platformer and have exhausted most of your other options, perhaps Poi: Explorer Edition would be a treat to… well, explore!
Mega Man 11 Demo Impressions
Perhaps you just read the above heading and said to yourself, “What the heck? There’s a Mega Man 11 demo available?!" Consider that your prelude to today’s news on the SwitchArcade Roundup! Yes, there is a demo of Mega Man 11 on the Nintendo Switch eShop as of last night, and it features the ability to play Block Man’s level, experiment with a couple Robot Master weapons, and get acquainted with the all-new Double Gear system.
Right away, Mega Man felt differently to me compared to past games in the series, but not in a negative way. Sure, his running animation is rather dopey, but I couldn’t help but giggle and enjoy myself just like I was playing Mega Man 2 for the first time as a second grader. Of course, that was just two years ago, as I am not the smartest person in the world and have been held back many times. Regardless, taking damage from enemies in Mega Man 11 causes the Blue Bomber to have a slightly longer period where he’s stunned than I would have liked. It occasionally caused me to die from being frozen and falling into a pit when in any other Mega Man game I would have had time to recover. That’s just a growing pain I’ll have to get used to with this new installment.
Block Man’s stage itself featured conveyor belts, falling blocks that could push you off platforms and also could also be used as platforms themselves, a beautiful outdoor setting at the very beginning of the level, and plenty of means and methods to die. My favorite part of the level was scrambling away from a series of spinning spikes while on a conveyor belt. I had to move through a giant stone block while destroying little pieces of stone to get through in time before I was instantly killed by the spinning spikes. At one point I had to double back quickly and give myself enough time to do so, or else face a grisly fate. I must say, though, that if Block Man’s stage is any indication, these levels are going to be lengthy endeavors. It took me about 15 minutes to reach the boss gate, and this level was linear as could be.
I got to try out the newly implemented Double Gear system on both the midboss of the level, a tower of spinning blades with one of the pillars being its weakpoint, and Block Man itself. The boss surprised me by having so many moves to its arsenal. It was basically a three phase fight–the first having Block Man drop blocks from overhead, requiring me to stand beneath one of their gaps. The second had Block Man turn into a gigantic stone golem that would lunge its arms in an attempt to smash me to smithereens. Finally, after the golem was destroyed, Block Man went into an all-out assault, standing in place on one side of the screen and slinging a flurry of blocks at my direction for one last Hail Mary.
With the Double Gear system, holding the L button gave my attacks a powerful boost while holding the R button slowed down time for everyone except Mega Man and his shots. This meant I could either fire more shots at enemies than normal and move faster to avoid attacks. Using a gear for too long would result in Mega Man overheating, making him and his shots much weaker until he recovered, a process that took about ten seconds or so. That might not seem like a terribly long time, but in a fast and furious battle where you’re near death’s door, it seems like a lifetime. Speaking of which, when Mega Man’s health was at a critical level, I could press both the L and R buttons to power up as one last resort in hopes of defeating whatever was in my path of progression before I was defeated.
Mega Man 11 has all of the elements of a great game. I ended up really enjoying my time with the demo, and I see myself playing through the same demo with its lone stage for dozens of times on different difficulties until the final game comes out on October 2nd. This feels like Mega Man, it plays like Mega Man, it sounds like Mega Man, and it’s everything I hoped it would be for a new, modern installment and take on the classic franchise.
For those of you who have already tried out the Mega Man 11 demo like me, what did you think about it? Do you agree with my brief thoughts? Has it made you want to purchase the full game, or has it done the complete opposite?
News
Sid Meier’s Civilization VI is building an empire on the Nintendo Switch this November
No doubt what was reserved for an announcement for yesterday’s planned Nintendo Direct, word has gotten out that on November 16th, Civilization VI, part of the long-running turn-based strategy game series is coming to the Nintendo Switch. The game features every current update and improvement from the base game on the PC, and brings with it four additional content packs containing new civilizations, leaders, and scenarios. Just be cautioned that playing Civilization VI may result in a loss of your social life, forgetting to shower, and dreaming of building empires in your sleep–especially now that you’ll be able to play it anywhere you want at any time with the Switch.
Final Fantasy XV finally comes to the Switch… with its Pocket Edition
Although Final Fantasy XV isn’t actually coming to the Switch in its normal form (sorry for the fake out there, all), a more bite-sized and pocket-friendly edition is coming to the hybrid console in its stead: Final Fantasy XV Pocket Edition HD. This version takes the scenarios and highlights of Final Fantasy XV and puts them into a more streamlined package while having voiced dialog for key scenes. Sure, it’s not the same thing as having the game’s big brother on the Switch, but I’m really interested in checking this out. While the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions have already launched as of the time of this roundup, I imagine we’ll see the Nintendo Switch version available soon after the rescheduled Nintendo Direct, whenever that may be.
LEGO Harry Potter Collection casts a spell on the Nintendo Switch in an official capacity
There were rumors of a collection featuring both LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 and LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 due to a catalog listing, but now it’s officially official. LEGO Harry Potter Collection originally appeared on the PlayStation 4 last year, and now it’s arriving on the Nintendo Switch at the end of next month–October 30th, to be exact. Check out the trailer for the game below.
Other Headlines & Announcements
- Space Harrier is the next SEGA Ages game coming to the Switch
- Surgeon Simulator CPR begins its long line of malpractice suits on the Switch on September 13th
New Releases
NBA 2K19: 20th Anniversary Edition ($99.99)
It’s the 20th anniversary of 2K Sports’ NBA 2K series, and with it it’s brought an anniversary edition for basketball enthusiasts on the Switch to play ahead of those waiting for the standard edition of the game. Of course, you also get a bag full of digital goodies like 100,000 Virtual Currency, 50,000 MyTEAM points, exclusive in-game apparel, and more stuff that flies over my head like an air ball because I don’t follow the NBA 2K series whatsoever. I DO know, however, that a bunch of e-currency and small extras for $99.99 doesn’t seem like too much of a way to celebrate 20 years of a basketball video game franchise…
SNK Heroines Tag Team Frenzy ($49.99)
No men allowed! At least when it comes to the roster of characters in SNK Heroines Tag Team Frenzy, releasing today on the Nintendo Switch. Late in August we had Blade Strangers as one accessible 2D fighting game for beginners, and now we have another, though this time it’s an all-women roster. Customize the various cast of characters with collectible accessories, battle it out with button inputs that even fighting game scrubs like myself can understand, use and perhaps master, and go wild either locally or online.
Broforce ($14.99)
In case you want a game with less estrogen and more testosterone, then why not check out Devolver Digital’s latest Switch release, Broforce. You’ll get testosterone in spades as you can team up with up to four bros in this run ‘n’ gun action game. Mow down scores of enemies with a multitude of weaponry, destroy and eliminate everything in sight, and do it all while kicking ass and taking names. Mm…. What is that taste? It tastes just like freedom!
Hyper Light Drifter – Special Edition ($19.99)
If you want the definitive version of Hyper Light Drifter and don’t mind some slight frame-rate drops in gameplay when the action gets a little too intense with too many enemies, then the Switch port of the game, Hyper Light Drifter – Special Edition is a fantastic choice. It has new extras like a duo of new guns, a new costume that allows you to find secrets more easily, and a new mode. Add portability to play this game whenever and wherever you’d like (even on your TV, if you want), and Hyper Light Drifter – Special Edition is a game I can’t recommend enough–especially if you’ve never played a version before! Check out my impressions of the game from Wednesday’s SwitchArcade Roundup if you’d like to read more of my thoughts on the game.
Gone Home ($14.99)
Gone Home has been around the figurative neighborhood already, having released back in 2013 and seeing itself on multiple platforms. Now, this first-person exploration-based gaming experience finally arrives on the Nintendo Switch. Whether one considers it a “real" game or not doesn’t really matter, as there’s no question that Gone Home is a title that’s caused reverberations throughout the industry and what it means for games to be art. It’s not only been a triumph for many in the LGBTQ community for how it brings up various issues brought forth by the community, but Gone Home has also been a great way for everyone else to get a fresh perspective on LGBTQ people. Now, Switch owners can see what all the critical acclaim is all about, too.
Slice, Dice & Rice ($17.99)
All it takes is just one–One hit, that is. One slice of the sword and you’re dead. That notwithstanding, that’s the same for your opponent in this 2D fighting game with a twist. Slice, Dice & Rice takes warriors of the blade and pits them against each other in one-hit kill battles. You best believe you better block, parry, evade, and guard with the best of them, or you’ll get cut down like the rest of them. Slice, Dice & Rice originally released on Steam approximately a year ago, and now it sees its swords unsheathed on the Switch.
Super Inefficient Golf ($7.99)
In real life, the words “super inefficient golf" mean “whenever the hell Phil picks up a golf club", as it’s much easier for me to just take a golf ball and walk it down to the hole than play a round for real. In the game Super Inefficient Golf, you have rockets and launchers attached to your behemoth-sized golf ball with the goal of blasting it upward, forward, and wherever-ward to get it into the hole. My words don’t do the game’s insanity justice, so just check out the trailer and see if you agree with me that this is probably a more efficient way of playing golf than me doing so with a putter.
Other New Releases
Shikhondo – Soul Eater ($12.59 from $13.99 until September 18th)
FullBlast ($4.79 from $5.99 until September 16th)
Lifeless Planet: Premiere Edition ($14.99 from $19.99 until September 12th)
Sigi – A Fart for Melusina ($4.99)
ACA NEOGEO Ninja Commando ($7.99)
Monkey King: Master of the Clouds ($4.99)
Kentucky Robo Chicken ($2.49)
Mummy Pinball ($1.99)
Sales
New Games on Sale
The major discounts today include a host of NEOGEO titles. Games made by developer Atooi, including Mutant Mudds Collection and Xeodrifter, are 50% for a couple weeks, too.
Hyper Sentinel ($1.29 from $12.99 until September 10)
Crimsonland ($7.97 from $13.99 until September 12)
Lifeless Planet: Premiere Edition ($14.99 from $19.99 until September 12)
Regalia: Of Men and Monarchs – Royal Edition ($21.24 from $24.99 until September 15)
FullBlast ($4.79 from $5.99 until September 16)
TumbleSeed ($4.94 from $14.99 until September 17)
Johnny Turbo’s Arcade: Super Burger Time ($7.19 from $7.99 until September 18)
Shikhondo – Soul Eater ($12.59 from $13.99 until September 18)
ACA NEOGEO Alpha Mission 2 ($4.79 from $7.99 until September 19)
ACA NEOGEO Art of Fighting ($4.79 from $7.99 until September 19)
ACA NEOGEO Burning Fight ($4.79 from $7.99 until September 19)
ACA NEOGEO Fatal Fury 2 ($4.79 from $7.99 until September 19)
ACA NEOGEO King of the Monsters ($4.79 from $7.99 until September 19)
ACA NEOGEO Metal Slug ($4.79 from $7.99 until September 19)
ACA NEOGEO Puzzled ($4.79 from $7.99 until September 19)
ACA NEOGEO Samurai Shodown ($4.79 from $7.99 until September 19)
ACA NEOGEO Super Sidekicks ($4.79 from $7.99 until September 19)
ACA NEOGEO The King of Fighters ’94 ($4.79 from $7.99 until September 19)
Defoliation ($7.99 from $9.99 until September 20)
Drawful 2 ($7.99 from $9.99 until September 20)
Frederic: Resurrection of Music ($0.59 from $5.99 until September 20)
Frederic 2: Evil Strikes Back ($0.49 from $4.99 until September 20)
Gekido: Kintaro’s Revenge ($9.89 from $14.99 until September 20)
Goetia ($2.49 from $9.99 until September 20)
NO THING ($0.49 from $1.99 until September 20)
Qbik ($0.99 from $4.99 until September 20)
Sparkle 3 Genesis ($0.99 from $4.99 until September 20)
The Sparkle Zero ($1.24 from $4.99 until September 20)
UnExplored ($12 from $15 until September 20)
Vostok Inc. ($11.24 from $14.99 until September 20)
Perception ($8.99 from $19.99 until September 21)
Spy Chameleon ($5.99 from $7.99 until September 24)
Mutant Mudds Collection ($7.49 from $14.99 until September 25)
Soccer Slammers ($4.99 from $9.99 until September 25)
Totes the Goat ($2.49 from $4.99 until September 25)
Xeodrifter ($4.99 from $9.99 until September 25)
Cartoon Network: Battle Crashers ($14.99 from $29.99 until September 26)
Monster Jam Crush It! ($14.99 from $29.99 until September 26)
Darts Up ($2.69 from $2.99 until September 27)
Funbox Party ($0.99 from $1.99 until September 27)
Sales Ending Tomorrow, Saturday, September 8th
Oh…Sir! The Hollywood Roast ($2.39 from $2.99 until September 8)
Oh…Sir! The Insult Simulator ($1.59 from $1.99 until September 8)
Sales Ending Sunday, September 9th
NeuroVoider ($9.79 from $13.99 until September 9)
Perfect Angle ($4.99 from $9.99 until September 9)
Sales Ending Monday, September 10th
Mecha Storm ($14.99 from $19.99 until September 10)
Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn ($9.99 from $19.99 until September 10)
What a way to end the week here at the SwitchArcade Roundup! There was almost more news, releases, and discounts than I could handle. However, this roundup is complete, and now we can all look forward to our individual weekends.
The SwitchArcade Roundup may be written by me, but it’s all for you. Let me know how I’m doing–or discuss anything that popped out at you from today’s roundup–in the comments below. Until next week, keep your Joy-Cons charged and your Switches loaded with great games!
