News

SwitchArcade Roundup: ‘Dark Souls: Remastered’ Network Test, ‘World of Final Fantasy Maxima’ and New Releases & Sales

Posted on by Phillip Stortzum

Welcome to your SwitchArcade Roundup for September 20th, 2018. It’s the start of the Tokyo Game Show, and you can bet your sweet doughnut that suspiciously looks like a rice ball that your SwitchArcade Roundup host Phil will have the Switch-related news heading outwards from the show. There’s but a taste of that today, but more news from TGS will appear tomorrow.

In the meantime, we have several news items to get through, a load of new releases, and several new sales to enjoy together. First, however, we turn to the Game of the Day!

Game of the Day

Oceanhorn: Monster of Uncharted Seas ($9.99 from $14.99 until October 4)

Say that you’re looking for a budget Zelda game with an isometric camera angle and mobile roots…

No, really. Say it.

“Okay, Phil. I will. ‘I’m looking for a budget Zelda game with an isometric camera angle and mobile roots.’ Now, why am I asking this?"

Good question, as you might not give Oceanhorn: Monster of Uncharted Seas a second glance with those parameters, but the game is a fun and engrossing action-adventure game. It’s a nice one that might just give fans of the genre and Zelda in general some appeasement as they await the next Legend of Zelda game.

You may have noticed that I’ve been saying the name “Zelda" a lot in this Game of the Day recommendation. It’s hard not to, because Oceanhorn: Monster of Uncharted Seas is very much a take on the series in more ways than one. Whether it’s the familiar repertoire of items and weapons, the acquiring of four collectibles to get a new piece of heart, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker-esque ocean to travel, or the myriad themed dungeons in the game with bosses at their ends, Oceanhorn does not hide its clear inspiration.

But, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and I found Oceanhorn to sincerely be a thrilling adventure. I mean, I wouldn’t have wasted my time 100%-ing the game on not one but two systems if not for that. Some really clever design, rewarding exploration, and smart puzzles make Oceanhorn: Monster of Uncharted Seas a recommended game from yours truly. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that it’s only $9.99 at the moment! …Though, I’d be lying if I said that didn’t factor at all into this Game of the Day choice!

News

Dark Souls: Remastered Network Test begins tomorrow

With the release of the Switch version of Dark Souls: Remastered finally coming next month, Bandai Namco and From Software have an online server stress test for the game for Switch users. You can now download the Dark Souls: Remastered Network Test from the Switch eShop. The network test itself will happen over three days: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The times the test will be available for players to try out the game online are the same for each day: 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. EST / 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. PST. The area included in the test is the Undead Parish, and both solo and multiplayer will be available. Will you be trying out Dark Souls: Remastered‘s network test, or have you moved on from having an interest in the game in general ever since the its delay back in May?

World of Final Fantasy Maxima receives Tokyo Game Show 2018 trailer

World of Final Fantasy was quite the unexpected surprise for me. Despite really loving the game, its story, its humor, its battle system, and its love letter to Final Fantasy fans (even modest ones like myself), I never actually fully reached the ending. However, I will make up for those with a version that I can play on the TV as well as in handheld form when World of Final Fantasy Maxima launches on the Switch on November 6th. Adding the ability to play as various Final Fantasy franchise avatars, included new Champions and Mirages (the latter are the monsters of the game), and more, I’m quite looking to return to the World of Final Fantasy.

Super Bomberman R adds new characters and more with its latest update

The game that keeps on giving, Super Bomberman R, has received yet another free update, further bringing even more content to owners of the game. This time around, a new mode has been included in Grand Prix, one where you guide animals to your base to score points. In this mode, a Castlevania-themed stage has arrived. Additionally, new characters now participate in the bombing battles, led by Alucard of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night fame. If neither this new update or my previous Game of the Day recommendation hasn’t gotten you to take a look at the new and improved Super Bomberman R by now, what will?

Capcom reveals Tundra Man for Mega Man 11

A new foe has arrived for the Blue Bomber to take on in the upcoming October 2nd release, Mega Man 11. It’s none other than the figure-skating Robot Master Tundra Man. Such moves… Such grace… This Robot Master not only gives the cold shoulder, but also puts a fire in your heart as you watch his performance in battle. Tundra Man is totally unlike me–as if you strapped skates to my feet, my special ability would be falling on my butt.

As a separate note, the final of the eight Robot Masters has been revealed in a Tokyo Game Show trailer for Mega Man 11. It’s the green Robot Master (as seen in the box art), Acid Man.

NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 slam dunks onto the Switch next month

While the marketing slogan for NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 may be “Ball Without Limits", I raise a bit of skepticism to that notion. For instance, can I NOT dribble the ball and just carry it with me across the court? Can I take the basketball and run away with it–aka taking my ball and going home? I didn’t think so! Regardless, even if there are SOME limits to be found in the game, I think NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 will have no limits as to how much fun arcade b-ball fans will have playing the game. Well, this all depends on whether or not there are some truly egregious microtransactions in the game. NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 takes to the court on October 16th in both digital and physical forms.

New Releases

Hover ($24.99)

Those seeking to revisit their Jet Set Radio gaming memories may want to check out Hover. Instead of timed missions in a variety of locales, Hover plays out within its own futuristic city playground, where players are free to explore, skate, grind, and take on missions. While all that comes off as exciting, I have been reading reports of poor performance and other problems with the Switch version of the game. Just be advised if you do decide to take Hover on the Switch for a ride. You wouldn’t want a gnarly experience!

The Gardens Between ($19.99)

Between the gorgeous visuals, deep story, and time-based puzzles, The Gardens Between has received a lot of attention and anticipation from both critics and gamers alike. Over 20 levels in the form of islands are ready to be explored and solved in this puzzle-adventure game, which–according to the eShop page of the game–amounts to about four hours of the gameplay. Those looking for a zen-like experience should take a look at The Gardens Between.

Velocity 2X ($15.99 from $19.99 until September 27)

I love when developers combine two genres into one. That’s exactly what the folks behind Velocity 2X have done with their game, offering a mix between platforming and insane shoot’em up gameplay. Velocity 2X is the perfect game to get your palms sweaty as you fly at high speeds through levels, narrowly escaping the gunfire and attacks of enemies. The game currently has a week-long launch discount, which may help in getting Velocity 2X the much needed sales it needs for a sequel and to help out the devs behind the game.

Risk of Rain ($9.99)

Roguelike: It’s a word that is used more often on the New Releases section of the SwitchArcade Roundup than the word “the"! Or at least it seems like that… but I wouldn’t have it any other way! In Risk of Rain–stealth-launched on the Switch today–you run, gun, and jump through harsh, unforgiving environments to see just how far you can get until death finds its way to your character. The fun is to get further and further each run, and if you don’t wish to go it alone, you don’t have to–play with up to three other buddies online in co-op play. The Switch forecast calls for clouds with a good risk of a rain. A very good Risk of Rain. See what I did there?

SEGA AGES Sonic the Hedgehog ($7.99)
SEGA AGES Lightening Force: Quest for the Darkstar ($7.99)

The first two SEGA AGES titles from the magnificent porting team of M2 are finally here: the original Sonic the Hedgehog and Lightening Force: Quest for the Darkstar (otherwise known as Thunder Force). With all of the features you’d come to expect from M2 and a well done emulation of retro games, as well as several new inclusions like the Spin Dash from Sonic Mania in Sonic the Hedgehog and “STYX" mode for Lightening Force: Quest for the Darkstar, these versions of these games are the definition of definitive.

Other New Releases

 

Sales

 

New Games on Sale

Several publishers have their games on sale, including D3 (with its interesting repertoire of games), Forever Entertainment, and more. The big deal of this round of sales is that of Hollow (not to be confused with Hollow Knight–sorry if I made anyone get too excited there). Hollow is 90% off currently. As to the quality of the game… well, you get what you pay for.

 

  • Spellspire ($5.69 from $9.99 until September 26)
  • Destiny’s Princess: A War Story, A Love Story ($11.99 from $14.99 until September 27)
  • Enchanting Mahjong Match ($3.49 from $4.99 until September 27)
  • ESCAPE TRICK: 35 Fateful Enigmas ($15.99 from $19.99 until September 27)
  • Pool BILLIARD ($3.99 from $7.99 until September 27)
  • Pub Encounter ($13.59 from $16.99 until September 27)
  • Semispheres ($4.99 from $9.99 until September 27)
  • Tennis ($5.59 from $7.99 until September 27)
  • The Charming Empire ($22.49 from $24.99 until September 27)
  • The Men of Yoshiwara: Kikuya ($13.99 from $19.99 until September 27)
  • The Men of Yoshiwara: Ohgiya ($9.44 from $14.99 until September 27)
  • THE Number Puzzle ($4.49 from $4.99 until September 27)
  • Velocity 2X ($15.99 from $19.99 until September 27)
  • Butcher ($5.49 from $9.99 until September 29)
  • Lichtspeer: Double Speer Edition ($5.49 from $9.99 until September 29)
  • Baobabs Mausoleum Ep.1: Ovnifagos Don’t Eat Flamingos ($4.19 from $5.99 until September 30)
  • Infernium ($14.97 from $24.95 until September 30)
  • Sky Force Reloaded ($7.99 from $9.99 until September 30)
  • Dead Synchronicity: Tomorrow Comes Today ($9.74 from $14.99 until October 3)
  • DragonFangZ – The Rose & Dungeon of Time ($19.99 from $24.99 until October 3)
  • Ginger: Beyond the Crystal ($12.99 from $19.99 until October 3)
  • Heart&Slash ($10.49 from $14.99 until October 3)
  • Nightmare Boy ($6.99 from $9.99 until October 3)
  • Chameleon Run Deluxe Edition ($3.59 from $5.99 until October 4)
  • Dimension Drive ($9.74 from $12.99 until October 4)
  • Hacky Zack ($4.99 from $9.99 until October 4)
  • Hollow ($1.99 from $19.99 until October 4)
  • Millie ($0.49 from $4.99 until October 4)
  • Oceanhorn: Monster of Uncharted Seas ($9.99 from $14.99 until October 4)
  • Spectrum ($5.99 from $11.99 until October 4)
  • Violett ($0.99 from $9.99 until October 4)
  • Wizard of Legend ($13.59 from $15.99 until October 4)
  • Zombillie ($0.49 from $4.99 until October 4)
  • Superola and the Lost Burgers ($3.59 from $5.99 until October 8)
  • The Adventures of Elena Temple ($2.99 from $4.99 until October 9)
  • Kid Tripp ($2.99 from $3.99 until October 10)
  • Miles & Kilo ($5.99 from $7.99 until October 10)

 

Sales Ending Tomorrow, Friday, September 21st

 

  • Figment ($14.99 from $19.99 until September 21)
  • Perception ($8.99 from $19.99 until September 21)

We’ve got one more roundup this week together, so stay tuned right here for Friday’s SwitchArcade Roundup where I’ll post the latest Switch-related news, releases, and sales! As a reminder, keep your Joy-Cons charged and your Switches loaded with great games!