Hello gentle readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for March 1st, 2021. It’s a new week and a new month, but we’re up to the same old tricks as usual. In today’s article, we go over the Pokemon news from Friday’s presentation. Old news by now, but still worth mentioning. We then go into a handful of Mini-Views of recent releases before diving into the usual new release summaries and sales lists. Let’s get right to it!
News
‘Pokemon Brilliant Diamond’ and ‘Pokemon Shining Pearl’ Announced for Winter 2021 Release
One of the two big pieces of news from the Pokemon presentation last Friday was the announcement of the long-rumored remakes of Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, which originally released on the Nintendo DS all the way back in 2006 in Japan and 2007 in the rest of the world. Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Pokemon Shining Pearl are set for a worldwide Switch release later this year, bringing these classics in the present for modern players to enjoy. The visual style is interesting, evoking the squat sprite-based characters of the original games but in proper 3D, while battles seem very similar to what we saw in Sword and Shield. Some eagle-eyed fans have even spotted elements from Platinum in the trailer, which hopefully means these remakes won’t be skipping over the third game’s content the way Alpha Sapphire and Omega Ruby did. Interestingly, these remakes aren’t being handled by the usual developers at Game Freak. That’s because they’re busy with…
Open World Adventure ‘Pokemon Legends Arceus’ Announced for Early 2022 Release
People have been asking for an open world Pokemon game for ages, and it looks like we’re finally getting one. Set in the past of the Sinnoh region featured in Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, Pokemon Legends Arceus will likely deal with the origins of the god of the Pokemon world. The footage shown looks a little bit rough at the moment, but you can easily see the potential of the idea. Trainers stalk through the tall grass, then lob a Pokeball at wild Pokemon to catch them. Battles seem to be more action-based affairs, as well. A very ambitious idea by Game Freak’s standards, and I’ll be interested in watching how this one shapes up on the road to its worldwide release on the Switch in early 2022.
Mini-Views
Demon’s Rise: Lords of Chaos ($7.99)
This second Demon’s Rise game is about five years old now, and developer Wavelight Games has made a lot of improvements to its brand of strategy gaming in its follow-up releases. That makes this a little hard to go back to in some ways, particularly given that playing the game with a controller is a bit clumsier than it was with the mobile touch controls. Still, the core appeal remains: this is an affordable yet surprisingly deep turn-based tactical RPG with some very unique characters to choose from. Its presentation is a bit rough in places and certainly you’re not going to get a whole lot from the story, such as it is. But if you want some challenging and enjoyable turn-based battles for under ten bucks, this will scratch the itch just as well as its predecessor did.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
UnderMine ($19.99)
UnderMine feels like a game that has done its homework properly. It has studied all the modern hits of the roguelite/roguelike genre, and has sat down to write its paper with all the necessary bits to make a winner. The only thing holding it back from greatness is that it lacks that special spark that would make it feel like something special in and of itself. All of the systems and elements included here create an immensely satisfying and compelling gameplay loop, the kind you would expect to see in a high quality roguelite. If you enjoy the genre, you’ll have hours upon hours of good times with this one. It’s very well-constructed and polished to an impressive degree. But it doesn’t do anything particularly unexpected, and for some people that may be enough to make them want to take a pass.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Hellpoint ($34.99)
A mix of sci-fi horror and Souls-like, Hellpoint is a fairly solid stab at replicating the thrills of its sources of inspiration. At least, it’s a solid stab on paper. Everything is set up here quite similarly to Dark Souls and its ilk, and it could have been a decent back-up plan for Switch fans who have likely given up on seeing any further releases from the series. Unfortunately, this port has a lot of problems. The loading times are dreadful and frequent. The framerate dips are severe, particularly when things get busy. You know, like in boss battles. And the whole thing just feels a bit sluggish and unresponsive, and not in a deliberate way. It all adds up to a game that is frustrating for all the wrong reasons. It’s not unplayable, and it’s fair to say the Souls series has suffered its own share of technical issues over the years, but it’s awfully hard to recommend Hellpoint in this particular state.
SwitchArcade Score: 2.5/5
Gemini ($3.99)
I was going to go with a little lower score for Gemini, but after careful consideration of what the game offers for its price, I think it’s a touch better than mediocre. It’s a very straightforward affair where you have to defend a gem from waves of attackers, occasionally picking up a new piece of gear or an accessory that will help you in that job. The controls are a bit clunky, particularly with regards to aiming your attacks. As such it feels like a smart idea to ignore almost every ranged attack item that requires some precision. I like the pixel art, don’t think much of the audio, and found the difficulty curve smooth enough. Not something you’re going to remember even a week after you play through it, but it will entertain you for a night or two.
SwitchArcade Score: 3/5
New Releases
A Glider’s Journey ($9.90)
This is another one of those games where you just fly around in relatively low-pressure situations, enjoying the sensation of flying and checking out the scenery. The scenery in question here is minimalistic and low-poly, with a pleasing enough look to if you’re into that style. There’s actually a bit of nuance to flying well in this game, and there are some challenges in the form of rings to fly through and what-not. There are fifteen levels in total, which will probably take you an hour or two to make your way through. If last week’s new Aery release wasn’t enough to scratch your itch for flying games, it might be a good idea to look into this.
Gunslugs 2 ($7.99)
If you’re reading this site you’re probably not wholly unfamiliar with Gunslugs 2. Mobile gamers have been enjoying blasting away at this one for years now, and it’s following in the footsteps of its predecessor in making the jump over to Switch. There are fifty-six levels spread across seven worlds, with lots of fun weapons to use and waves of varied enemies and bosses to battle. It’s not the deepest thing around, but if you want some pure side-scrolling action mayhem, you really can’t go wrong with this one.
Lawnmower Game: Next Generation ($4.99)
Following up on last week’s release of that lawnmower racing game, Ultimate has a slightly more expected take on the branding in this one. You drive a variety of lawnmowers in an open world, cutting grass and burning gas. You need to pick up jerry cans to refuel, and if you run out you’ll spawn back at the starting location. If you manage to cut all of the grass, it will reappear, allowing you to cut grass until either you or your Switch die. Kind of a gag game, and priced like one. I’m glad Ultimate is starting to understand their niche a little better and is pricing their dubious games at a more reasonable price.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
Wow, that is a very unexciting list considering its size. The handful of worthwhile games in there are on sale quite often, with the bulk of the more unusual titles being of rather dubious value. I guess you could grab Dadish 2? Wrestling Empire? Pickings are slim otherwise. The outbox isn’t much more inspiring, but you could consider The Witcher 3 and the Choices That Matter games if you’re looking for a good story. Well, check those lists like usual. I’m not the arbiter of all that is good or bad.
Select New Games on Sale
Stealth ($4.27 from $7.13 until 3/2)
Almost There: The Platformer ($1.99 from $9.99 until 3/5)
#Funtime ($6.70 from $14.99 until 3/5)
The Ambassador: FT ($6.70 from $14.99 until 3/5)
Deleveled ($4.96 from $9.99 until 3/5)
Breakpoint ($2.48 from $4.99 until 3/5)
Fracter ($3.47 from $6.99 until 3/5)
Doug Hates His Job ($4.89 from $6.99 until 3/5)
Gurgamoth ($1.99 from $9.99 until 3/5)
Deadly Fighter 2 ($1.99 from $3.99 until 3/5)
Roundguard ($8.93 from $19.99 until 3/5)
Clue: Classic Mystery Game ($14.99 from $29.99 until 3/5)
Battleship ($9.99 from $19.99 until 3/5)
City Driving Simulator ($5.99 from $11.99 until 3/5)
4×4 Dirt Track ($5.99 from $11.99 until 3/5)
Car Driving School Simulator ($6.99 from $13.99 until 3/5)
Tumblestone ($1.99 from $14.99 until 3/5)
Wrestling Empire ($14.99 from $19.99 until 3/5)
The Bridge ($1.99 from $9.99 until 3/5)
Carnage: Battle Arena ($2.99 from $14.99 until 3/5)
NUTS ($16.99 from $19.99 until 3/5)
Lawnmower Game: Racing ($3.99 from $4.99 until 3/6)
Dat Gaem ($6.39 from $7.99 until 3/6)
Puzzles for Toddlers & Kids ($7.19 from $7.99 until 3/7)
Animal Fun for Toddlers & Kids ($6.29 from $6.99 until 3/7)
Animal Pairs: Matching Game ($7.19 from $7.99 until 3/7)
Balloon Pop for Toddlers & Kids ($6.29 from $6.99 until 3/7)
Animals for Toddlers ($6.29 from $6.99 until 3/7)
Baby Puzzle: Shapes ($11.69 from $12.99 until 3/7)
Sir Tincan: Adv. in the Castle ($6.29 from $6.99 until 3/7)
Salad Bar Tycoon ($1.99 from $4.99 until 3/8)
Real Drift Racing ($1.99 from $4.99 until 3/8)
Demon Hunter: Revelation ($8.99 from $14.99 until 3/8)
Adventure Llama ($1.99 from $4.99 until 3/8)
Classic Games Collection Vol.1 ($1.99 from $4.99 until 3/8)
Swordbreaker the Game ($1.99 from $4.99 until 3/8)
Debtor ($1.99 from $2.99 until 3/8)
S.N.I.P.E.R.: Hunter Scope ($1.99 from $14.99 until 3/8)
Tactical Mind ($1.99 from $2.99 until 3/9)
Skull Rogue ($1.99 from $2.99 until 3/9)
Morbid: Seven Acolytes ($17.49 from $24.99 until 3/11)
Vaporum ($9.99 from $24.99 until 3/11)
RIOT: Civil Unrest ($5.99 from $19.99 until 3/11)
The Walking Vegetables: Radical ($3.89 from $12.99 until 3/11)
Crimson Keep ($5.99 from $19.99 until 3/11)
The Long Reach ($4.49 from $14.99 until 3/11)
Brunch Club ($2.89 from $14.49 until 3/12)
OTTTD ($1.99 from $7.99 until 3/13)
Rocket Rabbit: Coin Race ($2.99 from $7.99 until 3/14)
Bud Spencer & Terence Hill: S&B ($3.99 from $19.99 until 3/14)
Son of a Witch ($5.99 from $14.99 until 3/15)
Quest for the Golden Duck ($3.99 from $9.99 until 3/15)
The Game is ON ($1.99 from $4.99 until 3/15)
Rogue Bit ($1.99 from $4.99 until 3/15)
Watermelon Party ($1.99 from $4.99 until 3/15)
Seeders Puzzle Reboot ($3.99 from $9.99 until 3/15)
Windmill Kings ($3.99 from $9.99 until 3/15)
Monster Truck XT Airport Derby ($8.99 from $11.99 until 3/18)
Speed Truck Racing ($5.99 from $9.99 until 3/18)
Dadish 2 ($2.40 from $6.00 until 3/18)
Thunderflash ($3.99 from $4.99 until 3/19)
I, Zombie ($1.99 from $4.99 until 3/19)
The Way Remastered ($1.99 from $14.99 until 3/19)
VSR: Void Space Racing ($1.99 from $4.99 until 3/19)
Earthworms ($1.99 from $7.99 until 3/19)
911 Operator ($1.99 from $14.99 until 3/19)
911 Operator Deluxe ($4.39 from $21.99 until 3/19)
Fury Unleashed ($9.99 from $19.99 until 3/19)
Yet Another Zombie Defense HD ($1.99 from $4.99 until 3/19)
Astro Bears ($1.99 from $6.99 until 3/19)
Mars Power Industries ($1.99 from $3.99 until 3/19)
BE-A Walker ($1.99 from $9.99 until 3/19)
Hamster Bob ($1.99 from $4.99 until 3/19)
Unhatched ($1.99 from $4.99 until 3/19)
My Coloring Book ($3.49 from $4.99 until 3/19)
Darts Up ($2.00 from $2.99 until 3/20)
Abyss ($2.00 from $2.99 until 3/20)
99Seconds ($2.00 from $2.99 until 3/20)
99Moves ($2.00 from $2.99 until 3/20)
Rally Rock ‘N Racing ($2.99 from $9.99 until 3/20)
Horror Pinball Bundle ($2.96 from $5.99 until 3/20)
Touchdown Pinball ($2.01 from $2.99 until 3/20)
Purrs In Heaven ($2.09 from $6.99 until 3/20)
Power Racing Bundle ($5.94 from $16.99 until 3/20)
Rock ‘N Racing Bundle GP&R ($5.99 from $19.99 until 3/20)
Top Gun Air Combat ($4.49 from $8.99 until 3/20)
Sales Ending Tomorrow, Tuesday, March 2nd
AngerForce: Reloaded ($6.99 from $9.99 until 3/2)
Breathing Fear ($1.99 from $4.99 until 3/2)
Candleman ($9.99 from $14.99 until 3/2)
Choices That Matter: ATSWE ($4.79 from $5.99 until 3/2)
Choices That Matter: ATSWO ($4.79 from $5.99 until 3/2)
Croc’s World 2 ($1.99 from $5.99 until 3/2)
Croc’s World Run ($1.99 from $5.99 until 3/2)
Cruel Bands Career ($2.79 from $3.99 until 3/2)
Dark Quest 2 ($5.49 from $10.99 until 3/2)
Fall Gummies ($1.99 from $7.99 until 3/2)
Fantasy Tower Defense ($1.99 from $4.99 until 3/2)
Flood of Light ($2.49 from $4.99 until 3/2)
Heaven Dust ($3.99 from $7.99 until 3/2)
Immortal Realms: Vampire Wars ($23.99 from $39.99 until 3/2)
Mech Rage ($1.99 from $9.99 until 3/2)
Mortal Kombat 11 ($14.99 from $49.99 until 3/2)
Never Breakup ($6.99 from $9.99 until 3/2)
Perfect Traffic Simulator ($1.99 from $9.99 until 3/2)
Royal Tower Defense ($4.79 from $7.99 until 3/2)
SELF ($3.49 from $6.99 until 3/2)
Sir Lovelot ($7.99 from $9.99 until 3/2)
Stealth ($4.27 from $7.13 until 3/2)
Story of a Gladiator ($5.49 from $10.99 until 3/2)
Sudoku Universe ($3.49 from $6.99 until 3/2)
The Legend of Ninja ($1.99 from $7.99 until 3/2)
The Witcher 3: WH Complete ($35.99 from $59.99 until 3/2)
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt ($23.99 from $39.99 until 3/2)
Thronebreaker: Witcher Tales ($9.99 from $19.99 until 3/2)
Wenjia ($5.59 from $7.99 until 3/2)
Yoga Master ($19.99 from $24.99 until 3/2)
That’s all for today, friends. Tomorrow will have a couple of new releases to look at, and I should have a full-sized review of a recent release for you to enjoy. Perhaps a Mini-View to go with it, perhaps not. We’ll also look at whatever news and sales come along in the next twenty-four hours, as per normal. I hope you all have a magnificent Monday, and as always, thanks for reading!
