Hello gentle readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for May 28th, 2021. In spite of the fact that more than twenty-five new games hit the eShop yesterday, today has a huge number of releases all on its own. The obvious highlights include Wonder Boy Asha in Monster World and World’s End Club, but there are plenty of other interesting games to check out. And some really bad ones, too. That’s the business! We’ve also got a rather large list of new sales to look at, and a rather small list of outgoing sales to consider. Let’s have a look at everything and see what’s what!
New Releases
Wonder Boy Asha in Monster World ($34.99)
SwitchArcade Highlight!
What a roller coaster ride this one has been. The initial announcement of some of the old Westone people doing a new project related to Monster World IV was very exciting! Finding out it was going to be a polygonal remake of the original was a bit worrying! In the end, this is neither heaven nor hell. It makes a few changes to the gameplay to make it feel a bit more modern, like allowing you to save your progress whenever you like. For the most part, however, this is a very faithful remake of the wonderful original. So faithful, in fact, that it almost feels like it has no real need to exist. Well, it’s a nice thing to have if you love the original game, and the physical copies come with that version on the cartridge as a bonus. Neato. I’ll have a review of this one early next week in case you need further details, but I think you can probably get the gist of my opinion already.
World’s End Club ($39.99)
SwitchArcade Highlight!
Apple Arcade fans will probably recognize this one from its debut on the service some months back. A collaboration between Kotaro Uchikoshi (the Zero Escape series) and Kazutaka Kodaka (Danganronpa‘s creator and writer), it tells the tale of the Go-Getters Club, a group of misfit students who end up trapped in a bizarre theme park during a class trip. The only way to escape is to play along with a Game of Fate, and if you’ve played the works of these creators before, you probably know how things are going to go. Honestly, if you already have an Apple Arcade subscription, you’re better off keeping the forty bucks in your pocket and playing it on your mobile device. It’s been freshly updated with the rest of the story and is now at parity with this full version. But if you’d rather play it on your Switch, here you go.
Color Dots Connect ($5.99)
Can’t have a day without a Benjamin Kistler release, I suppose. This is another Pathpix/Slitherlink-style game. Playable in handheld mode only, because it’s Benjamin. Connect the colored dots with lines without having any of them cross over each other. Probably a bunch of puzzles to solve here, but Mr. Kistler didn’t elaborate and I’m not going to give him money to check. If you’re thinking this is curiously similar to yesterday’s Connect Color Dots from Alcyone Studio, well… so am I. Eh, whatever.
Craps at Aces Casino ($7.99)
This isn’t the first Aces Casino release, so if you’ve played any of those other ones, you likely already know the gist of this. The game this one focuses on is craps, and there are multiple tables to choose from. If you’re tired of craps and need something to break up the action, there are also some scratchers you can play. This one is handheld and tabletop mode only, but I can’t begin to guess the reason why. I can’t see any possible reality where I would spend eight bucks on this, but maybe you love simple craps games more than I do.
Regina & Mac World ($3.99)
Here’s an affordable, colorful 2D platformer featuring the characters from the humble 3D platformers Regina & Mac and Macbat 64. Hop, bop, slide, and dash through 100 levels of action, sniffing out all of the golden floppies and medals along the way. The goal is to help Macbat find his purpose in life, which can somehow be accomplished by doing some slick platforming. Well, anything to help that cute little fellow. As with Macbat 64, the price makes this one a bit more enticing. Granted, this is a somewhat more crowded genre on the Switch than most. If you have room in your heart for one more cheapie, this may fit the bill.
A Little Lily Princess ($14.99)
This is a visual novel with life sim elements. You guide the little princess Sara Crewe and plan her schedule, choosing who she spends time with and what she does. Build her stats and form relationships with other girls in this yuri-themed romantic tale. There are six different endings based on who Sara becomes closest with over the course of the story, which is determined by the choices you make. The art seems decent in this one, and it’s always interesting when simulation elements are added to games like these.
Love – A Puzzle Box Filled with Stories ($19.99)
This is the story of an apartment building and the people who live in it. It’s an adventure game packed with puzzles, one where you need to learn about the past and present of the tenants. Rotate apartments to move them through time in order to learn about the people who live in them, and make changes to help resolve their past issues and give them a better present. I’ll have a review of this one soon, but if you enjoy good story-based games you very well might get into this one.
Long Ago: A Puzzle Tale ($9.99)
GrimTalin, the developer of The Adventures of Elena Temple, is taking a new direction with its latest game. Long Ago: A Puzzle Tale is a rather nice-looking puzzle game made up of 80 levels spread across five chapters. The idea, if I’m understanding it properly, is that you need to roll a ball around each stage, hitting the statues to activate them while collecting items. The ball generally travels until it hits a wall, though various stage gimmicks will affect the ball’s direction. You know how these puzzle things go. Collecting feathers will reveal more of the story, and there are unlockable skins for the ball. This seems rather well-made, so if you enjoy these sorts of sliding puzzles you may want to give it a look.
Family Mysteries 3: Criminal Mindset ($9.99)
A lot of other publishers have been getting in on Artifex Mundi’s corner of the market recently, but something tells me its fans will always show up for another adventure. In this one, you follow the story of Nancy Bradford, the daughter of famous scientists who mysteriously died 20 years ago. Following in her parents’ footsteps, she has become a scientist in a top-secret laboratory. Somehow, things go a bit ca-ca. Nancy ends up being pulled into a series of events that may just see her uncover the family secret after all of these years. Well, you know what you’re getting with games from this publisher. You don’t need my input.
Port Royale 4 ($49.99)
The latest in the series of high seas management simulation games makes its way to the Switch, allowing you to choose between four colonial powers and try to rule the Caribbean in the 17th century. There’s a lot to this game, and you’ll need to handle everything from battles to trade to exploration. You’ll need to construct town buildings and production sites that will give various effects or create goods that you can trade. Build your reputation and you’ll gain access to new licenses, building permits, ships, and more to expand your colony with. There are four large campaigns to play, one for each of the powers. It’s not going to be for those looking for a light bite, but if you’re willing to really dig into this one you’ll get plenty out of it.
Beautiful Desolation ($19.99)
Hm, well yes, it is rather beautiful. This is a point-and-click style adventure game about a pair of brothers who have been sent far into the future, to an African apocalyptic world. The two will have to explore this world and either make friends or enemies of a wide cast of characters. There are puzzles to solve, a variety of locations to visit, and all that usual sort of stuff. Reviews on this game on other platforms were quite good. It’s important to come into it with the right expectations, though. As much as it may look like an RPG, it’s not. Dive in with the notion that this is an adventure game and you should be all set.
Crossbow Crusade ($4.99)
Here’s a gothic action-platformer where you’re hunting monsters as you make your way through the Dead Kingdom. Your weapon of choice is, of course, the crossbow. You’ll mainly use it to attack enemies, but you can also use it to solve minor puzzles and create footholds for yourself. Like a lot of games around this price point, this is a bit clunky and has its fair share of flaws. But it has enough good points to it that you may not mind all of that. Big five-dollar platformer energy, for sure.
Trenga Unlimited ($6.99)
Is it Tetris? Is it Jenga? A little bit of both, it seems. You have choose the correct pieces, position them just so, and fit them into the tower to solve the puzzle. There’s a story mode to play through, and a party game mode for up to four players in local multiplayer. There’s also a survival mode where you’re racing against the clock to clear lines as fast as you can. You can also unlock extra characters, each with their own abilities. It seems amusing enough if you’re looking for a spin on the usual block puzzle games.
Route Me Mail and Delivery Co ($7.99)
You’ve got a big debt to pay off, and the only job available is that of a delivery person. Pick up packages and deliver them to earn money. Memorize the routes to make your deliveries faster and improve your standing. You can upgrade your abilities and even buy decorations for your house, as one often does when they owe a large sum of money. Keep an eye out for hidden mail and deliver special packages to make even more cash. I wonder what’s in those? Hm, best not to think about it too much. You’re just the delivery person, after all. Seems interesting, at least in concept. Not sure about the execution.
Mundaun ($19.99)
A man returns to his hometown after getting word of his grandfather dying in mysterious fashion. After arriving there, he quickly realizes some sinister is going on in Mundaun. In order to find the answers behind the enigma, he needs to climb Mundaun Mountain. It’s no simple hike, unfortunately. This is a horror adventure with a unique sense of style and a very odd feel. You’ll have to explore, solve puzzles, and talk to characters if you want to figure out what is going on. While the reception for this was truly mixed on other platforms, one thing most reviewers seem to agree on is that this is worth experiencing if you’re a fan of classic horror stories.
Missing Feature: 2D ($3.99)
You know you’re in for a fun time when the title and description in the shop listing can’t agree with each other. This is either Missing Feature or Missing Features, but whichever it is, it’s an odd game. It’s a 2D platformer, but the gimmick is that almost all of the game’s features are missing at the start. As you play, you’ll find computer icons that will restore elements, one at a time, eventually ending up with a fairly normal platformer. It’s a neat idea, and one that masks some of the game’s rougher edges. I mean, the game isn’t supposed to be finished, so of course the jumps are a bit weird. The concept is better than the game itself, but the novelty of it all will probably make you feel like you got your money’s worth out of it anyway.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
A big list of sales, though beyond the sales on the new releases from yesterday and today I can’t say there’s a whole lot jumping out at me. Dicey Dungeons, of course. Great game if you don’t already own it. If you like dungeon crawls, Vaporum: Lockdown is a good pick-up. Team 17 is having one of its usual sales, and there’s a lot to love in that line-up. As to the weekend outbox, the one I’ll call attention to is Ori & the Will of the Wisps, which is a real steal at half-off. Check the lists as usual, naturally.
Select New Games on Sale
Trover Saves the Universe ($10.49 from $29.99 until 6/1)
Chroma Quaternion ($13.49 from $14.99 until 6/3)
Axiom Verge ($9.99 from $19.99 until 6/3)
Mystic Pillars ($6.29 from $6.99 until 6/3)
Earth Defense Force: World Brothers ($47.99 from $59.99 until 6/4)
Dude, Stop ($8.99 from $14.99 until 6/4)
Weaving Tides ($21.24 from $24.99 until 6/4)
Townsmen: A Kingdom Rebuilt ($7.99 from $19.99 until 6/4)
Clouds & Sheep 2 ($1.99 from $9.99 until 6/4)
The House of Da Vinci ($4.99 from $9.99 until 6/4)
Mr. Shifty ($8.99 from $14.99 until 6/8)
Phantom Trigger ($8.99 from $14.99 until 6/8)
The Final Station ($11.99 from $19.99 until 6/8)
Clustertruck ($7.49 from $14.99 until 6/8)
Garage ($8.99 from $14.99 until 6/8)
Punch Club ($8.99 from $14.99 until 6/8)
Guts & Glory ($8.99 from $14.99 until 6/8)
Hello Neighbor ($23.99 from $39.99 until 6/8)
Hello Neighbor Hide & Seek ($17.99 from $29.99 until 6/8)
Party Hard ($8.99 from $14.99 until 6/8)
Party Hard 2 ($9.99 from $19.99 until 6/8)
Road to Ballhalla ($8.99 from $14.99 until 6/8)
SpeedRunners ($8.99 from $14.99 until 6/8)
Graveyard Keeper ($11.99 from $19.99 until 6/8)
Streets of Rogue ($11.99 from $19.99 until 6/8)
Hellpoint ($20.99 from $34.99 until 6/8)
Kill It With Fire ($7.49 from $14.99 until 6/8)
Community Inc ($8.99 from $14.99 until 6/8)
Totally Reliable Delivery Service ($8.99 from $14.99 until 6/8)
Dicey Dungeons ($8.99 from $14.99 until 6/9)
The Men of Yoshiwara ($9.79 from $19.99 until 6/10)
The Casino: Roulette, Video Poker ($6.99 from $9.99 until 6/10)
Maid of Sker ($19.99 from $24.99 until 6/10)
Reversi Let’s Go ($2.99 from $4.99 until 6/10)
Secrets of Me ($10.49 from $14.99 until 6/10)
Missing Feature: 2D ($1.99 from $3.99 until 6/11)
Hotshot Racing ($9.99 from $19.99 until 6/11)
Beholder: Complete Edition ($3.74 from $14.99 until 6/11)
Gnomes Garden ($1.99 from $4.99 until 6/11)
Animated Jigsaws: Japanese Women ($2.00 from $9.99 until 6/11)
Velocity 2X ($4.99 from $19.99 until 6/11)
When Ski Lifts Go Wrong ($2.24 from $14.99 until 6/11)
Pumped BMX Pro ($3.74 from $14.99 until 6/11)
For The King ($8.49 from $24.99 until 6/11)
American Fugitive ($1.99 from $19.99 until 6/11)
Hue ($1.99 from $9.99 until 6/11)
Anodyne ($1.99 from $9.99 until 6/11)
Motorsport Manager ($4.49 from $14.99 until 6/11)
MotoGP 19 ($5.99 from $29.99 until 6/11)
Puzzle Wall ($1.99 from $7.99 until 6/11)
Manual Samuel ($2.49 from $9.99 until 6/11)
Super Sportmatchen ($2.24 from $14.99 until 6/11)
The Flame In The Flood ($3.74 from $14.99 until 6/11)
Serial Cleaner ($2.24 from $14.99 until 6/11)
Human: Fall Flat ($9.99 from $19.99 until 6/11)
Dustoff Heli Rescue 2 ($2.00 from $8.00 until 6/11)
Smoke and Sacrifice ($4.99 from $19.99 until 6/11)
Kwaidan ~Azuma Manor Story~ ($10.00 from $24.99 until 6/11)
Peaky Blinders: Mastermind ($9.99 from $24.99 until 6/11)
A Knight’s Quest ($7.49 from $24.99 until 6/11)
Bomber Crew ($2.99 from $14.99 until 6/11)
Space Crew ($9.99 from $19.99 until 6/11)
Narcos: Rise of the Cartels ($8.99 from $29.99 until 6/11)
The Swindle ($3.74 from $14.99 until 6/11)
Space Avenger: Empire of Nexx ($4.99 from $14.99 until 6/11)
Vaporum: Lockdown ($17.59 from $21.99 until 6/11)
Super Toy Cars 2 ($3.99 from $11.99 until 6/13)
Summer in Mara ($10.99 from $24.99 until 6/14)
Piczle Cells ($4.49 from $4.99 until 6/14)
Feudal Alloy ($3.39 from $16.99 until 6/16)
Blood Will Be Spilled ($2.99 from $14.99 until 6/16)
G-MODE Archives25 Topolon ($3.74 from $4.99 until 6/17)
Rogue Heroes: Ruins of Tasos ($14.99 from $19.99 until 6/17)
Crown Trick ($13.39 from $19.99 until 6/17)
They Bleed Pixels ($7.49 from $14.99 until 6/17)
Neon Abyss ($13.39 from $19.99 until 6/17)
Automachef ($2.99 from $14.99 until 6/17)
Blasphemous ($9.99 from $24.99 until 6/17)
My Time at Portia ($7.49 from $29.99 until 6/17)
Sheltered ($3.74 from $14.99 until 6/17)
The Room ($2.49 from $9.99 until 6/17)
Going Under ($9.99 from $19.99 until 6/17)
Planet Alpha ($3.99 from $19.99 until 6/17)
Mugsters ($2.99 from $14.99 until 6/17)
Our Flick Erasers ($6.48 from $12.96 until 6/17)
Virtual Battle ($5.38 from $7.69 until 6/17)
Rev Up! RC Grand Prix ($9.28 from $13.26 until 6/17)
Desktop Table Tennis ($2.96 from $7.41 until 6/17)
Desktop Basketball ($2.88 from $7.20 until 6/17)
Desktop Bowling ($2.95 from $7.39 until 6/17)
Desktop Soccer ($2.84 from $7.11 until 6/17)
Desktop Baseball ($2.91 from $7.29 until 6/17)
Desktop Dodgeball ($2.98 from $7.45 until 6/17)
Desktop Rugby ($1.99 from $7.43 until 6/17)
Desktop Volleyball ($2.97 from $7.43 until 6/17)
Voxel Shot ($1.99 from $8.00 until 6/17)
Voxel Sword ($1.99 from $7.00 until 6/17)
Voxel Galaxy ($1.99 from $7.43 until 6/17)
Voxel Pirates ($1.99 from $7.28 until 6/17)
Chalk Dash Carnival ($1.99 from $7.09 until 6/17)
Perception ($2.99 from $19.99 until 6/17)
Worms W.M.D ($7.49 from $29.99 until 6/17)
Overcooked! All You Can Eat ($31.99 from $39.99 until 6/17)
Overcooked Special Edition ($4.99 from $19.99 until 6/17)
Overcooked! 2 ($12.49 from $24.99 until 6/17)
Yooka-Laylee ($9.99 from $39.99 until 6/17)
Yooka-Laylee & the Impossible Lair ($7.49 from $29.99 until 6/17)
The Escapists: Complete ($3.74 from $14.99 until 6/17)
The Escapists 2 ($4.99 from $19.99 until 6/17)
The Survivalists ($12.49 from $24.99 until 6/17)
Raging Justice ($3.74 from $14.99 until 6/17)
Yoku’s Island Express ($4.99 from $19.99 until 6/17)
Moving Out ($12.49 from $24.99 until 6/17)
Golf With Your Friends ($9.99 from $19.99 until 6/17)
Ageless ($4.99 until $14.99 until 6/17)
Monster Sanctuary ($13.39 from $19.99 until 6/17)
Narita Boy ($18.74 from $24.99 until 6/17)
Eight Dragons ($6.79 from $7.99 until 6/17)
Sales Ending This Weekend
Galaxy Champions TV ($1.99 from $6.99 until 5/29)
Grand Prix Racing ($2.99 from $5.99 until 5/29)
Off And On Again ($11.20 from $14.00 until 5/29)
Abby’s Farm for Kids ($8.99 from $9.99 until 5/30)
Animus ($3.19 from $7.99 until 5/30)
Animus: Harbinger ($3.19 from $7.99 until 5/30)
Bullet Battle: Evolution ($5.99 from $14.99 until 5/30)
Buried Stars ($39.99 from $49.99 until 5/30)
Colorfall ($1.99 from $4.99 until 5/30)
Counter Recon: The First Mission ($11.99 from $14.99 until 5/30)
Dark Water: Slime Invader ($11.99 from $14.99 until 5/30)
Demong Hunter ($6.39 from $7.99 until 5/30)
Dungeon Limbus ($11.99 from $14.99 until 5/30)
Gunslugs ($1.99 from $7.99 until 5/30)
Gunslugs 2 ($1.99 from $7.99 until 5/30)
Landflix Odyssey ($10.49 from $14.99 until 5/30)
Music Racer ($4.89 from $6.99 until 5/30)
Ori & the Will of the Wisps ($14.99 from $29.99 until 5/30)
Pantsu Hunter: Back to the 90s ($9.09 from $12.99 until 5/30)
Pirate Pop Plus ($2.49 from $4.99 until 5/30)
Runbow ($2.99 from $14.99 until 5/30)
Spinny’s Journey ($11.99 from $14.99 until 5/30)
That’s all for today and this week, friends. This has been a rough couple of days, to be sure. So many games, and the ratio hasn’t been the most pleasant. We’re heading into June rather shortly, and there certainly won’t be any shortage of high-quality titles to pick up. I’ve got a busy weekend of playing games for review ahead of me, but there are some really fun ones in there, so don’t worry too much about ol’ Shaun. I hope you all have a great weekend, and as always, thanks for reading!
