Hello gentle readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for May 1st, 2020. We’re starting off the month with a bunch of new releases, and I’ve got summaries of all of them for your purchasing consideration. There’s also a fair bit of news to cover today, and I actually have the time and space to include it. Naturally, there’s a massive list of sales to check out as well. Let’s check it out!
News
‘Slayin 2’ Set For Release May 7th
The newest release from the good folks at FDG Entertainment is a follow-up to one of its bigger mobile hits: Slayin. The casual action-RPG basically camped at the top of the App Store charts for a long while back in the day, and it’s surprising that it took this long for a sequel to arrive. Fans won’t have to wait too much longer, however: Slayin 2 is set to launch on the Nintendo Switch next week on May 7th. You can look forward to eight unlockable heroes, a drop-in co-op multiplayer feature, and plenty of interesting areas and bosses to battle. The price on the game will be $11.99, with a special launch discount bringing it down to $7.79 for a limited time.
‘Burnout Paradise Remastered’ For Switch Has a Release Date and Price
Electronic Arts hasn’t exactly been the most prolific of publishers on the Nintendo Switch, and the titles it has selected to bring to the system have been an eclectic bunch to say the least. Its big release for this year seems to be Burnout Paradise Remastered, a slick new version of the 2008 open-world racer that has been optimized for Switch. The game is a heck of a lot of fun, and EA says it’s purring along at a silky-smooth 60 FPS on the console. The publisher has announced a release date for the game: June 19th. As for the price, EA is following in the footsteps of some other enhanced ports on the platform and going with $49.99.
‘Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia’ Demo and Pre-Order Now Available
One of the more surprising IP revival announcements in the last little while came when Happinet Corporation brought word it was creating a follow-up to Hearty Robin’s PlayStation strategy game Brigandine. Titled Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia, it looks to bring back the same great grand strategy gameplay of the original title, mixed with plenty of modern touches. But you don’t have to take my word for it, because there’s now a demo available in the eShop that will give you a taste of what the game has to offer. Pre-orders are also live, with the game coming in at a price of $49.99. Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia will launch on the Switch on June 25th, so you have plenty of time to digest that demo.
New Releases
Arcade Archives VS. Wrecking Crew ($7.99)
Some of these Arcade Archives Nintendo games are very similar to their NES counterparts, but VS. Wrecking Crew is actually pretty different. It’s less of a tight puzzler about breaking objects in the right order and more of a straight arcade action game with an emphasis on co-op shenanigans. Is that something you should be interested in? Well, maybe. I think the NES Wrecking Crew is a better single-player game, but if you have someone to co-op with who enjoys some classic gaming now and then, this is a neat alternative to Mario Bros.
911 Operator Deluxe Edition ($21.99)
Hmm, well. This is a version of 911 Operator that bundles all of the DLC in one value-priced package. Nothing new here, really. Note that this is different from the previous bundle that only packed in two pieces of DLC for a similar price. Here you get a total of four add-ons, which should keep you busy handling emergencies and mischievous kids whose parents aren’t watching them carefully enough for hours on end. I’m not a big fan of games like these, but this one clearly has a big enough audience to justify a bunch of DLC and a Deluxe Edition, so who am I to judge?
Gun Crazy ($4.99)
Sometimes I play a game and feel like it just has a lot of wasted potential. Gun Crazy is one of those. The core gameplay and controls are quite good here, and it’s fun to zip around and shoot at stuff. The visuals are nice, and I like the art style. But the level and encounter design aren’t where they ought to be, and the game itself is so short that it’s over in the blink of an eye. I don’t want to complain too much, as it’s rather inexpensive and of a limited scope by design, but the controls feel so enjoyable that I’m disappointed there isn’t more to do with them here.
Swapperoo ($7.99)
Uhh, that title makes me really want some Dunkeroos. Which is a bit of a problem, because I currently live in Japan in the year 2020 and not Canada in the year 1995. Oh well. Swapperoo is a neat little puzzle game where you have to swap pieces to make matches. Simple enough on its face, but there are plenty of twists to make things more interesting. You get 38 freeform stages, 75 challenges, and an endless mode that will keep the game going after you’ve exhausted the rest. This one is already out on mobile and plays quite well there, but this Switch version also works nicely and is only a few bucks more. It’s up to you.
Arcade Spirits ($19.99)
This visual novel tells a romantic story set in a world where the 1983 American video game crash didn’t happen. The year is now 20XX and the arcades remain the dominant scene for gaming. Which is a bit odd, if you think about it. The home console market not crashing would presumably only have hastened the death of arcades, you would think? Probably best not to dwell on this, I guess. Anyway, your character works at the popular local arcade, where you’ll meet a variety of interesting and unusual characters. You can customize your protagonist as you like, and there are many choices to make along the way that will spell either prosperity or ruin for both the arcade and your own personal life.
Flatland Vol.1 ($4.99)
This is a minimalistic platformer along the lines of things like Geometry Dash. You control a little square and have to run, jump, and wall-kick your way through various levels filled with traps, enemies, and secrets. It controls well and the level designs are solid enough, so if you’re just looking for some platforming kicks you’ll be satisfied with what you get for your fiver. The presentation is kind of been-there-done-that with a retro-future neon aesthetic, and I can’t say that the game brings anything new or exciting to the table mechanically. Well, it does what it needs to, and it’s pretty cheap.
Farmer’s Dynasty ($39.99)
A lot of developers have, in recent years, picked up on the good idea that the folks behind the Harvest Moon series had been tilling for quite some time. As a result, we are now living in something of a golden age of farming sims. Farmer’s Dynasty puts you in the boots of someone who has just inherited their grandfather’s farm. You’ll have to take care of the farm both in terms of business and the actual act of farming, but you’ll also need to form relationships with the locals. You may even end up marrying one of them and having some kids. Really, the most remarkable thing about this game is that it opts for a fairly realistic art style, which if I’m to be honest is a bit of a turn-off for me. But other than that, it’s a fairly ordinary take on things we’ve seen done better in games like Stardew Valley or Rune Factory. That said, it’s not bad. If you can’t get enough of farming games, you’ll probably enjoy this one.
Princess Closet ($24.99)
It appears to be time once again to smooch handsome dudes. This otome visual novel lacks the interesting hook of yesterday’s release, but in its favor it also is not promoting French-kissing your pet bird. The heroine is leading a rather unfulfilling life working at a big company when a chance encounter with a fashion designer sees her entering the world of fashion as a model. There, you’ll meet four hunky suitors and proceed to follow a romantic narrative with one of them. This one seemed to be well-received when it released on mobile, though not outstandingly so. Well, don’t let me stop you from indulging in your romantic side if that’s what you’re after.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
Well, there’s something unusual. Hamster doesn’t put its Arcade Archives titles on sale often, and we’re actually seeing a few new faces when compared to its last few sales. Like Double Dragon! The NEOGEO selection is mostly the same as usual, sadly, but if you haven’t grabbed Metal Slug yet, there you go. The Star Wars Jedi Knight games are on sale for May the 4th, so the time is ripe to add those to your collection if you want to swing a lightsaber around a bit. There are lots of other games in the list and very little in the outbox for the weekend, so feel free to splurge a little on the new stuff. Have a careful look.
Select New Games on Sale
Streets of Rage 4 ($22.49 from $24.99 until 5/4)
Guns, Gore and Cannoli ($5.99 from $9.99 until 5/8)
Guns, Gore and Cannoli 2 ($8.70 from $12.99 until 5/8)
ACA NEOGEO King of Fighters ’94 ($3.99 from $7.99 until 5/13)
ACA NEOGEO Metal Slug ($3.99 from $7.99 until 5/13)
ACA NEOGEO Samurai Shodown ($3.99 from $7.99 until 5/13)
ACA NEOGEO Aero Fighters 2 ($3.99 from $7.99 until 5/13)
ACA NEOGEO Zed Blade ($3.99 from $7.99 until 5/13)
ACA NEOGEO Power Spikes II ($3.99 from $7.99 until 5/13)
Arcade Archives Moon Cresta ($3.99 from $7.99 until 5/13)
Arcade Archives Terra Cresta ($3.99 from $7.99 until 5/13)
Arcade Archives Double Dragon ($3.99 from $7.99 until 5/13)
Arcade Archives Crazy Climber ($3.99 from $7.99 until 5/13)
Arcade Archives Ninja-Kid ($3.99 from $7.99 until 5/13)
Arcade Archives Ninja-Kid II ($3.99 from $7.99 until 5/13)
The Caligula Effect: Overdose ($24.99 from $49.99 until 5/11)
Lapis x Labyrinth ($14.99 from $29.99 until 5/11)
The Final Station ($9.99 from $19.99 until 5/11)
Garage ($7.49 from $14.99 until 5/11)
Phantom Trigger ($7.49 from $14.99 until 5/11)
Mr. Shifty ($7.49 from $14.99 until 5/11)
Punch Club ($7.49 from $14.99 until 5/11)
Clustertruck ($7.49 from $14.99 until 5/11)
Guts & Glory ($7.49 from $14.99 until 5/11)
Hello Neighbor ($9.99 from $39.99 until 5/11)
Hello Neighbor Hide & Seek ($7.99 from $29.99 until 5/11)
Party Hard ($7.49 from $14.99 until 5/11)
Totally Reliable Delivery Service ($11.99 from $14.99 until 5/11)
Road to Ballhalla ($7.49 from $14.99 until 5/11)
Word Mesh ($3.49 from $6.99 until 5/11)
Graveyard Keeper ($9.99 from $19.99 until 5/11)
Streets of Rogue ($9.99 from $19.99 until 5/11)
M.A.C.E. Tower Defense ($1.99 from $3.99 until 5/11)
Community Inc ($7.49 from $14.99 until 5/11)
SpeedRunners ($7.49 from $14.99 until 5/11)
Spirit of the North ($19.99 from $24.99 until 5/20)
Heroes of the Monkey Tavern ($4.99 from $9.99 until 5/20)
Pixel Action Heroes ($3.74 from $14.99 until 5/20)
Brawlout ($9.99 from $19.99 until 5/20)
Solitaire Klondike Black ($3.75 from $15.00 until 5/20)
Sudoku Relax Summer Waves ($3.75 from $15.00 until 5/20)
Color Zen Kids ($2.99 from $11.99 until 5/20)
Pixel Art Bundle Vol.1 ($5.69 from $37.99 until 5/20)
Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee ($19.99 from $29.99 until 5/20)
Worms W.M.D ($10.19 from $29.99 until 5/10)
Yooka-Laylee ($13.59 from $39.99 until 5/10)
My Time at Portia ($14.99 from $29.99 until 5/10)
Yoku’s Island Express ($6.79 from $19.99 until 5/10)
Vasara Collection ($0.99 from $9.99 until 5/14)
Unepic ($3.99 from $9.99 until 5/14)
Aldred Knight ($0.19 from $1.99 until 5/14)
Zen Chess Collection ($1.99 from $3.99 until 5/14)
Unlock The King ($0.49 from $0.99 until 5/14)
Knight Swap ($0.49 from $0.99 until 5/14)
Colorgrid ($0.49 from $0.99 until 5/14)
Neon City Riders ($15.99 from $19.99 until 5/14)
Secrets of Magic ($4.99 from $9.99 until 5/14)
Panty Party ($7.49 from $14.99 until 5/14)
Sinner: Sacrifice for Redemption ($9.49 from $18.99 until 5/14)
Season Match ($4.99 from $9.99 until 5/14)
Season Match 2 ($4.99 from $9.99 until 5/14)
Tales of the Orient ($7.49 from $14.99 until 5/14)
Ghoulboy ($1.99 from $9.99 until 5/14)
Box Align ($0.19 from $1.99 until 5/14)
Bit Dungeon Plus ($1.79 from $8.99 until 5/14)
Behind The Screen ($4.99 from $9.99 until 5/14)
Time Carnage ($7.79 from $12.99 until 5/14)
Defoliation ($4.99 from $9.99 until 5/14)
99Vidas – Definitive ($0.99 from $9.99 until 5/14)
UBERMOSH: OMEGA ($0.49 from $4.99 until 5/14)
Arcade Fuzz ($0.19 from $1.99 until 5/14)
Gnomes Garden 2 ($0.99 from $4.99 until 5/14)
#KillAllZombies ($7.99 from $19.99 until 5/14)
Hand of Fate 2 ($11.99 from $29.99 until 5/14)
Nicky the Home Alone Golf Ball ($0.09 from $0.99 until 5/14)
Cosmonauta ($0.09 from $0.99 until 5/14)
The Bullet: Time of Revenge ($3.99 from $4.49 until 5/14)
Sea King Hunter ($4.99 from $9.99 until 5/14)
Human: Fall Flat ($7.49 from $14.99 until 5/15)
Agatha Knife ($5.99 from $11.99 until 5/18)
Star Wars: Jedi Outcast ($7.49 from $9.99 until 5/7)
Star Wars: Jedi Academy ($16.99 from $19.99 until 5/7)
Etherborn ($10.19 from $16.99 until 5/7)
Baobabs Mausoleum Ep.1 ($4.79 from $5.99 until 5/7)
Baobabs Mausoleum Ep.2 ($5.59 from $6.99 until 5/7)
Baobabs Mausoleum Ep.3 ($4.79 from $5.99 until 5/7)
Eternum Ex ($10.39 from $12.99 until 5/7)
Friday the 13th: Killer Puzzle ($5.99 from $19.99 until 5/7)
Dokuro ($1.00 from $10.99 until 5/7)
Bleep Bloop ($3.19 from $3.99 until 5/7)
Desert Child ($7.19 from $11.99 until 5/7)
Whispering Willows ($5.99 from $9.99 until 5/7)
Gerritory ($7.19 from $7.99 until 5/7)
Legendary Fishing ($4.99 from $29.99 until 5/5)
Zenge ($1.39 from $1.99 until 5/21)
Sales Ending This Weekend
Battleship ($9.99 from $19.99 until 5/2)
Cake Laboratory ($1.49 from $2.99 until 5/2)
Cattails ($8.99 from $14.99 until 5/2)
Clue ($14.99 from $29.99 until 5/2)
Clumsy Rush ($1.49 from $4.99 until 5/2)
Rollin’ Eggz ($1.49 from $2.99 until 5/2)
Yet Another Zombie Defense HD ($0.99 from $4.99 until 5/2)
Anthill ($3.99 from $9.99 until 5/3)
Automachef ($8.99 from $14.99 until 5/3)
Blasphemous ($14.99 from $24.99 until 5/3)
Flipping Death ($3.99 from $19.99 until 5/3)
Halloween Pinball ($1.49 from $2.99 until 5/3)
Mummy Pinball ($1.49 from $2.99 until 5/3)
Overcooked Special ($6.79 from $19.99 until 5/3)
Overcooked! 2 ($14.99 from $24.99 until 5/3)
Pirates Pinball ($1.49 from $2.99 until 5/3)
SteamWorld Dig ($2.49 from $9.99 until 5/3)
SteamWorld Dig 2 ($7.99 from $19.99 until 5/3)
SteamWorld Heist: Ultimate ($4.99 from $19.99 until 5/3)
SteamWorld Quest ($12.49 from $24.99 until 5/3)
Stick It to The Man ($2.39 from $11.99 until 5/3)
Werewolf Pinball ($1.49 from $2.99 until 5/3)
That’s all for today and this week, friends. Next week’s release list looks to be dominated by indies, but there’s nothing wrong with that. We’ll be there each day to check out each of the games that hits the eShop, and blend in the tasty mix of news, sales, and reviews that you’ve come to know the SwitchArcade for. I hope you all have an awesome weekend, and as always, thanks for reading!
