Hello gentle readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for November 20th, 2020. The big release of the day is Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, the latest release in both Nintendo’s Legend of Zelda series and Koei Tecmo’s Warriors line. It’s not the only game hitting the eShop today, however. There are a bunch of games to check out, and that’s just what we’re going to do. There are also a lot of new sales to check out today, including a very rare set of discounts on Jupiter’s Picross titles. Let’s go for it!
New Releases
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity ($59.99)
SwitchArcade Highlight!
When people first heard that another Hyrule Warriors game was coming, the reaction by and large was something like “Oh, another Warriors game". Then maybe they saw a story trailer and thought “Wow, maybe this is the Warriors game that is something truly special!". Well, the game is here now and the reality is probably closer to the first reaction than the latter. The story here really isn’t as great as it could have been, but it’s still another excellent Warriors game. Play as a variety of characters from the Breath of the Wild corner of the Zelda universe, mowing down hordes of enemies in a war that we all know isn’t going to end well for most of the cast. It’s good fun, just maybe not the game a lot of people were hoping for.
Micetopia ($4.99)
Ratalaika’s latest is a five-dollar Metroidvania, and for a lot of you that’s probably enough. It’s got a nice classic look and sound to it, and the physics seem fine enough. Just keep in mind that the game calls itself a “small Metroidvania", so this likely isn’t on the longer side of things. Aside from that, it seems like a competent take on the concept even if its ambitions appear to start and end with its unusual protagonist. Not much more I can say about this, but I do know that the idea of a smaller-scale Metroidvania is something that appeals to many. Hopefully this turns out to be a good one.
Ramp Car Jumping ($14.99)
Well, it delivers what the title promises. That’s got to be worth something, right? Careen down ramps in one of more than twenty vehicles, pick up as much speed as you can, and fly through the air like you’re spitting in the faces of the gods. Smash lots of stuff, unlock new vehicles, upgrade them, and give it another go. There are more than twelve worlds to check out, each with its own theme. There’s also a puzzle-like mode called Draw Mode where you have to design your own ramps. The game also features a splitscreen multiplayer mode where you can challenge a friend. Local only, obviously. You can try this one out for free on mobile if you want to see how it works.
Fall Gummies ($7.99)
This is a fairly simple puzzle game that packs in the content to try to up the value. You get 1000 puzzles to complete, which is actually quite a lot. Maybe more than it needs. You have to navigate mazes and collect all the magical essence using your customized gummy creature. I assume it gets cooking in the later stages. Otherwise, I can’t imagine seeing the full set of stages through. Anyway, if you want something somewhat cute and chill that won’t break the bank, this may be worth looking into.
S.N.I.P.E.R. – Hunter Scope ($14.99)
Goodness gracious, I wonder what that stands for? Strategic National Infiltration Professionally Experienced Rifleman? Sweet Nougat Irresistible Peanuts Excellent Rations? Shaun Never Invents Paragraphs Entertaining Revolution? Your guess is as good as mine, friends. But this sure is a third-person cover/rail shooter similar to the kind that was super-popular on mobile several years back. More than fifteen stages, lots of weapons, and plenty of action are waiting. Wait, it’s fifteen bucks? Sorry, No Investment Per Excessive Rates, friendo. Plus, this is Baltoro. They’ll be literally giving this away within a couple months.
Fantasy Friends ($29.99)
No, this isn’t about that Canadian paramour you invented back in junior high school. Instead, it’s about fantastical creatures who you befriend and play with. They are little. Some of them are ponies. Are they yours? There are 12 creatures in all, and the game description calls them your pet friends, which is a real weird way to refer to a sapient being if you ask me. Anyway, this is halfway between a Tamagochi and Animal Crossing, and it’s clearly aimed at the younger set. There’s a bit of pet-raising in here, along with some mini-games and light sim elements. Even a dash of Pokemon in that some creatures are rarer than others. As this clearly isn’t aimed at my demographic, I can’t really say much of value here. Hope you enjoyed the jokes!
Tengam ($2.99)
Of all the games released today, this is certainly the cheapest. It’s a top-down puzzle game where you control a robot equipped with magnets. Yes, it’s another Sokoban variant. Move crates around to designated locations to clear the stage and move on. There are a few gimmicks that help it stand out a little bit, but by and large this isn’t going to do much for you if you don’t already like this kind of puzzle. It also describes itself as bite-sized, so I wouldn’t expect the good times to roll for very long. But if you like crate puzzles and only have three bucks? This could be your date for the night.
Captain Sabertooth and the Magic Diamond ($34.99)
This game is based on the animated movie that seems to have come out last year. It’s developed by Ravn Studio, a Norwegian developer that has worked with the Captain Sabertooth brand before. By and large this is a side-scrolling platformer, though it does have some mini-games to break things up. I’m sure by this point this developer knows what they’re doing with this particular IP, though I don’t think there’s anything here to convince those who aren’t already fans of the good Captain to part with thirty-five smackeroos.
Arcade Archives Zero Team ($7.99)
Seibu Kaihatsu is generally best and perhaps only known for its excellent series of vertical shoot-em-ups, Raiden. But the developer also made some other games, and they’re not half-bad themselves. Zero Team is one such title. Originally released back in 1993, Zero Team is a four-player beat-em-up with a heavy emphasis on picking up and throwing objects. Tale as old as time, really: rescue someone who has been kidnapped by ninjas. I like this one well enough, and if you enjoy a good early 90s beat-em-up, you’ll probably like Zero Team too. Another nice, unexpected pick by Hamster.
Unreal Life ($22.99)
Unreal Life reminds me a lot of Yume Nikki, and I suspect it will appeal to fans of that game. It’s an adventure game about a girl who has lost her memories trying to resolve a mystery. The only thing she remembers is a name: Miss Sakura. She has the strange power to see the memories of things she touches, which she’ll have to use in order to figure out what happened in the past and how it affected the present. She meets a talking traffic light, as you do when you go on a mysterious journey. Well, you know how these things go. If it looks like something you’d dig, you probably will.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
To be honest, I was expecting this list to be bigger when I went to bed last night. Well, that’s how it is. I guess the Black Friday sales aren’t coming early this time. Still plenty to consider, however. Gemini Arms, 80 Days, Hyper Light Drifter, and Panzer Dragoon Remake are all good options. Of particular note is the sale on all of Jupiter’s Picross games in celebration of the upcoming Picross S5. It’s rare for these games to go on sale at all, and this sale even includes the two licensed titles. The outbox doesn’t have too much of note in it, but give it a look anyway. You never know when you’ll find your next favorite.
Select New Games on Sale
Human: Fall Flat ($7.49 from $14.99 until 11/24)
Gemini Arms ($7.11 from $9.49 until 11/25)
Assault ChaingunS KM ($7.49 from $9.99 until 11/25)
Wartile ($19.99 from $24.99 until 11/26)
Cycle 28 ($2.09 from $6.99 until 11/26)
Dynamite Fishing ($1.99 from $9.99 until 11/26)
80 Days ($2.59 from $12.99 until 11/26)
Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams ($5.99 from $29.99 until 11/26)
Mimic Hunter ($1.99 from $4.99 until 11/30)
Riverbond ($7.49 from $24.99 until 11/30)
Glass Masquerade ($3.59 from $12.99 until 12/2)
Glass Masquerade 2 ($5.99 from $11.99 until 12/2)
Underhero ($8.49 from $16.99 until 12/2)
Bleed ($2.99 from $11.99 until 12/2)
Bleed 2 ($3.74 from $14.99 until 12/2)
Escape Trick: 35 Enigmas ($9.79 from $19.99 until 12/2)
Pipe Push Paradise ($2.74 from $10.99 until 12/2)
Omega Strike ($3.74 from $14.99 until 12/2)
Oniken & Odallus Bundle ($3.99 from $19.99 until 12/2)
Tamashii ($4.79 from $11.99 until 12/2)
Uncanny Valley ($2.49 from $9.99 until 12/2)
Aquatic Adv. of Last Human ($3.24 from $12.99 until 12/2)
Qbics Paint ($2.49 from $4.99 until 12/2)
1979 Revolution: Black Friday ($2.99 from $11.99 until 12/2)
Three Fourths Home ($2.24 from $8.99 until 12/2)
THE Number Puzzle ($2.49 from $4.99 until 12/2)
Pub Encounter ($8.49 from $16.99 until 12/2)
Ink ($2.24 from $8.99 until 12/2)
Hacky Zack ($2.49 from $9.99 until 12/2)
Vertical Drop Heroes HD ($1.99 from $9.99 until 12/2)
Hyper Light Drifter: Special ($9.99 from $19.99 from 12/2)
Super Hydorah ($9.99 from $19.99 until 12/2)
Cursed Castilla ($6.99 from $13.99 until 12/2)
Spectrum ($2.39 from $11.99 until 12/2)
Arrog ($2.79 from $3.99 until 12/2)
Paranautical Activity ($1.99 from $7.99 until 12/2)
Sunless Sea: Zubmariner ($11.99 from $19.99 until 12/2)
Funghi Explosion ($9.99 from $19.99 until 12/2)
The Amazing Shinsengumi ($5.99 from $11.99 until 12/2)
Enchanting Mahjong Match ($2.49 from $4.99 until 12/2)
Gakuen Club ($16.24 from $24.99 until 12/2)
Shikhondo: Soul Eater ($3.49 from $13.99 until 12/2)
The Charming Empire ($16.24 from $24.99 until 12/2)
Don’t Die, Mr Robot! ($2.24 from $8.99 until 12/2)
Indie Puzzle Bundle Vol 1 ($5.99 from $39.99 until 12/2)
Make It Quick Bundle Vol 1 ($6.39 from $31.99 until 12/2)
Nerdook Bundle Vol 1 ($4.49 from $29.99 until 12/2)
Indie Darling Bundle Vol 2 ($5.24 from $34.99 until 12/2)
Card Game Bundle Vol 1 ($3.59 from $23.99 until 12/2)
Valfaris & Slain Pack ($13.90 from $39.99 until 12/2)
Skelly Selest & Str. Immortaly ($5.99 from $19.99 until 12/2)
Blood & Guts Bundle ($6.74 from $44.99 until 12/2)
Coffin Dodgers ($5.19 from $12.99 until 12/3)
Lyrica ($15.99 from $19.99 until 12/3)
Picross S ($6.39 from $7.99 until 12/3)
Picross S2 ($7.19 from $8.99 until 12/3)
Picross S3 ($7.99 from $9.99 until 12/3)
Picross S4 ($7.99 from $9.99 until 12/3)
Kemono Friends Picross ($7.99 from $9.99 until 12/3)
Picross Lord of the Nazarick ($7.99 from $9.99 until 12/3)
MXGP3 ($2.99 from $29.99 until 12/3)
Lost Castle ($3.99 from $9.99 until 12/3)
The Alto Collection ($7.49 from $9.99 until 12/4)
Panzer Dragoon: Remake ($12.49 from $24.99 until 12/9)
Numbala ($2.39 from $7.99 until 12/9)
Outbreak: New Nightmare ($11.04 from $12.99 until 12/9)
Animal Hunter Z ($4.99 from $9.99 until 12/9)
Bubble ($1.99 from $9.99 until 12/9)
Black Jack ($1.99 from $9.99 until 12/9)
Roulette ($1.99 from $9.99 until 12/9)
Caterpillar Royale ($2.49 from $4.99 until 12/9)
Air Conflicts: Secret Wars ($3.99 from $19.99 until 12/9)
Basketball ($1.99 from $9.99 until 12/9)
Dungeon Shooting ($2.49 from $4.99 until 12/9)
Battleground ($1.99 from $9.99 until 12/9)
Project Highrise ($17.99 from $39.99 until 12/9)
Bingo ($2.49 from $4.99 until 12/9)
Darts ($1.99 from $9.99 until 12/9)
Day and Night ($1.99 from $19.99 until 12/9)
World Soccer ($1.99 from $9.99 until 12/9)
Monkey Business ($1.99 from $9.99 until 12/9)
Battle & Crash ($2.49 from $4.99 until 12/9)
Bot Vice ($2.99 from $9.99 until 12/9)
Super Star Path ($1.99 from $4.99 until 12/9)
Sudoku Relax ($1.99 from $4.99 until 12/9)
Super Ping Pong Trick Shot ($2.49 from $4.99 until 12/9)
Ping Pong Trick Evolution ($2.49 from $4.99 until 12/9)
Collide-a-Ball 2 ($2.49 from $4.99 until 12/9)
Skyhill ($1.99 from $4.99 until 12/9)
Azurebreak Heroes ($4.89 from $6.99 until 12/10)
Rise: Race the Future ($10.71 from $16.49 until 12/10)
ZikSquare ($1.99 from $6.99 until 12/11)
Overdriven Reloaded: Special ($1.99 from $7.99 until 12/11)
Sales Ending This Weekend
Blackmoor 2 ($1.99 from $4.99 until 11/21)
Bus Driver Simulator ($23.99 from $29.99 until 11/21)
Yonder: Cloud Catcher Chronicles ($17.39 from $29.99 until 11/21)
Black Future ’88 ($7.99 from $19.99 until 11/22)
Candle: Power of the Flame ($4.99 from $19.99 until 11/22)
Crimson Keep ($3.99 from $19.99 until 11/22)
CrunchTime ($1.99 from $9.99 until 11/22)
Die for Valhalla! ($4.79 from $11.99 until 11/22)
Gaokao.Love.100Days ($6.99 from $11.99 until 11/22)
Hexologic ($0.29 from $2.99 until 11/22)
HoPiKo ($1.99 from $9.99 until 11/22)
Immortal Planet ($5.09 from $14.99 until 11/22)
Mainlining ($2.99 from $14.99 until 11/22)
Rally Road: Crashy Car Racing ($1.99 from $4.99 until 11/22)
Soulslayer ($5.49 from $9.99 until 11/22)
STAB STAB STAB! ($3.39 from $9.99 until 11/22)
Steamburg ($1.99 from $4.99 until 11/22)
Street Basketball ($1.99 from $5.99 until 11/22)
Tetsumo Party ($1.99 from $4.99 until 11/22)
Thea: The Awakening ($6.11 from $17.99 until 11/22)
Ultimate Racing 2D ($2.99 from $9.99 until 11/22)
That’s all for today and this week, friends. There are a lot of games on the schedule next week, but nothing super-huge. I’m sure there will be some surprises, however. What I can say for certain is that we will be seeing Black Friday sales, and there will be a ton of them. It may well be the end of my poor hands, but that’s the business. I hope you all have a great weekend, and as always, thanks for reading!
