Hello gentle readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for September 2nd, 2021. We’ve got a lot of new games to look at today, of course. We’ve got summaries of each of them, albeit somewhat brief ones for a few of them. There are also the lists of new and expiring sales to check out, and those lists are a bit more interesting than we usually see on a Thursday. Let’s get into it!
New Releases
A Good Snowman is Hard to Build ($9.99)
SwitchArcade Highlight!
Hey, this is a blast from the past. Regular readers will surely remember A Good Snowman is Hard to Build from its mobile release several years back. You have a limited amount of snow and some tight spaces to navigate, proving the title of this enjoyable puzzle game to be true. Yes, at its core this is another Sokoban variant, but it’s a very good one. The puzzle design is excellent and the presentation is utterly charming.
Sokobond ($9.99)
SwitchArcade Highlight!
This is a chill little puzzle game where instead of pushing around crates, you’re pushing around elements trying to make molecules by sticking them all together properly. When you do, you’ll get a little factoid about the molecule you just made. You get more than one hundred puzzles to play through in all. A nice twist on a familiar format, and well-worth the pick-up for crate-pushing puzzle fans.
Cosmic Express ($9.99)
SwitchArcade Highlight!
Yes, I’m giving a SwitchArcade Highlight to all three of the games from Draknek today. What can I say? They’re all good. These folks know how to put together enjoyable puzzle games with solid presentations, and Cosmic Express is another one. You have to build tracks in little space stations such that every alien gets where they need to go without overloading the train. It can be surprisingly tricky, but it’s always a joy.
The Magister ($14.99)
Oh, it’s a new Nerdook game. Cool. The Magister calls itself a murder-mystery card-battler RPG, and I’m already 75% sold on this from that alone. You build and customize a deck to use in battles with your enemies, engage in diplomacy when you feel like it, gather clues and investigate the suspects, and recruit allies and companions. You have two weeks to solve the mystery. The mystery itself is randomly generated every time you play, so there’s no way to figure out the answer without actually finding it yourself. I haven’t had a chance to play this one yet, but I’m very interested.
BOT.vinnik Chess ($2.99)
It has come to my attention that some people do not know how to play chess, but would like to learn it. If this is you, and you don’t like doing internet searches and only have a few bucks to spend, this game may be of interest to you. It is a collection of chess puzzles, but each one is a lesson of sorts on how to play effectively. There are more than four hundred of them organized into more than fifty chapters, and they’re presented with a fair bit of quirky humor from the virtual instructor, BOT.vinnik. Good for those looking to pick up some basic chess strategies and for those who enjoy chess puzzles alike.
Weapon of Choice DX ($5.99)
When I looked at the screenshots of this, I was about to write it off. But then I saw it was made by Mommys Best Games, and they usually know how to make a fun jam. This one is a wild run-and-gun action game with twin-stick shooting controls and multiple characters and weapons to use. Each character only has one life, and if you die you’ll swap out to the next one until you have none left. Other characters can be found in the stages and rescued to expand your stock and give you access to new weapons. It’s a little on the short side and I’m honestly still not that jazzed about its visuals, but for the price it’s probably worth a shot for fans of the genre.
Arcade Archives USAAF Mustang ($7.99)
Sometimes a game has a lot of cool features that make it a stand-out must-have in its genre. Other times, it just has some nice parallax scrolling. Sadly, UPL’s 1990 horizontal shoot-em-up USAAF Mustang is the latter. It’s not a bad shooter, but it’s incredibly plain. No exciting power-ups or overly interesting mechanics. Just regular, no-salt shooting action. But it does have that aforementioned nice parallax scrolling. I leave it up to you as to whether that is sufficient for your needs.
White Girl ($8.85)
Don’t worry, this isn’t the video game version of that weird Wayans Brothers movie. It’s a strategic real-time card game of sorts for up to four players via online multiplayer. Each player has AI Girls whose color apparently changes as you play? And that will make her either R, G, or B, each of which has different properties and affinities with other types. I’m not really clear on the rules of this one and I can’t seem to find any information that helps.
Farmers Co-op: Out of this World ($12.99)
As far as I can gather, this is pretty similar to Overcooked!. It has support for four players via local multiplayer, which gives it an edge over today’s other Overcooked!-inspired game. It’s probably best to buy the Overcooked! games before messing around with stuff like this, but I suppose you could take a chance on Farmers Co-op if you’ve already played the heck out of Overcooked!. Just don’t expect it to be of similar quality. One does not simply walk into Bourdain.
MiniGolf Tour ($10.99)
This is a miniature golf game with four different tours to play. You can customize your ball, ball trail, and the effect when you hit the ball into the hole. Most of these goodies are in chests that you unlock with the coins and gems you earn by playing. It seems fine, if a little uninspired.
Apsulov: End of Gods ($29.99)
Blending Norse mythology in with sci-fi horror, Apsulov: End of Gods is a decent enough effort that you might get something out of it. While it may seem like an action game from a quick glance, this is more of a spooky walking simulator than anything else. Some stealth bits in there just to make things a little tense, but for the most part you’re wandering about the atmospheric environs trying to figure out what the heck is going on and what your role in everything is. The interesting plot and odd blend of themes help this game stand out, even if only a little bit.
Kitaria Fables ($19.99)
This is a cute animal-themed action-adventure blended with farming mechanics. The farming stuff is quite simple here, so don’t come into it expecting much complexity on that front. The action-adventure stuff is fine if not spectacular, and being able to play alongside a friend or family member via local multiplayer is definitely a point in its favor. It’s no Rune Factory by any means, but it somewhat scratches the itch.
Armed Emeth ($14.99)
Hit-Point and Kemco have ported over another one of their mobile RPGs, this time the mecha-themed Armed Emeth. You play as a golem-riding bounty hunter who finds himself the target of a bounty. It’s okay, but I’m not sure I’d drop fifteen bucks on it myself.
Animal Puzzle – Preschool Learning Game for Kids and Toddlers ($9.99)
You know those puzzles for young kids where you need to fit the shapes into a picture? This is that, but virtual. It has to be controlled via touch, so this one is meant for undocked play only. Younger tots may enjoy this, but I can’t help but feel that part of the point of those puzzles is the tactile element. Do what you will with it.
Funny Farm Animal Jigsaw Puzzle Game for Kids and Toddlers ($12.99)
Maybe you want something a little more challenging for the little ones, though. This is a more traditional jigsaw puzzle game with a similar animal theme. It also requires touch controls and can only be played undocked.
Guts ‘N Goals ($14.99)
This is a wacky, over-the-top soccer game for up to six players via online and local multiplayer. It has that chaotic Kunio-kun energy to it, and I think it does roughly what it sets out to do. There are thirty heroes to choose from for your team, each with their own wild special ability to use against the opponents. A bit of sports, a bit of beat-em-up, and just good, silly fun all-around.
12 Labours of Hercules IV: Mother Nature ($7.99)
This is the fourth one of these, and right from the start they were already following the familiar template of things like Gnomes Garden quite closely. There’s nothing revolutionary about this installment. You get fifty new levels of light strategy to play, complete with a new story.
Ooops! 2 ($19.99)
This is apparently based on a movie series about animals that missed getting on Noah’s Ark? While my finger is far from the pulse of today’s youth, these films don’t exactly seem like they were huge hits or anything. Not that it matters for this game, as it’s just an Overcooked! wannabe. An Overcooked! wannabe without a multiplayer feature. Why? I don’t know.
Stranded Deep ($24.99)
Another one of those tough survival games that some folks just can’t get enough of. The set-up of this one sees you as a plane crash survivor stranded in the Pacific. It’s the usual loop of finding materials to build tools and things you need to survive, enabling you to explore further. You’ll have to explore both underwater and on land, which I suppose is novel enough. This game had performance issues on the PlayStation 4, so don’t be surprised if it’s less than smooth here on Switch.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
With only a certain percentage of new sales in the can as I write this, there are still some stand-outs. Rush Rally 3 is an awesome racer that will serve you well for under a fiver. R-Type Dimensions is a nice way to relive a pair of classic shooters for a reasonable price. Mutant Mudds Collection and Xeodrifter are tough but enjoyable titles that will give you some thrills for the low prices they are going for. As for the outbox, Superliminal is a cool experience worth considering. Check those lists!
Select New Games on Sale
eCrossminton ($2.99 from $14.99 until 9/6)
Meganoid ($1.99 from $8.99 until 9/8)
Space Otter Charlie ($11.18 from $14.99 until 9/9)
Cozy Grove ($13.40 from $14.99 until 9/9)
Deleveled ($3.99 from $9.99 until 9/9)
Breakpoint ($2.42 from $4.99 until 9/9)
Fracter ($3.39 from $6.99 until 9/9)
The Ambassador: FT ($5.93 from $14.99 until 9/9)
#Funtime ($5.24 from $14.99 until 9/9)
Roundguard ($8.73 from $19.99 until 9/9)
Gurgamoth ($1.99 from $9.99 until 9/9)
Almost There: The Platformer ($1.99 from $9.99 until 9/9)
The Bridge ($1.99 from $7.99 until 9/9)
Tumblestone ($1.99 from $14.99 until 9/9)
Western 1949 Reloaded ($3.99 from $7.99 until 9/12)
1001 Ultimate Mahjong 2 ($4.99 from $9.99 until 9/12)
Fancy Solitaire ($1.99 from $8.99 until 9/13)
Rush Rally 3 ($4.49 from $14.99 until 9/14)
Zombiotik ($7.44 from $12.41 until 9/15)
Depixtion ($1.99 from $7.99 until 9/15)
R-Type Dimensions EX ($7.49 from $14.99 until 9/16)
Lode Runner Legacy ($5.99 from $11.99 until 9/16)
Return of the Heir ($1.99 from $4.99 until 9/16)
Magic Nations: Strategy Card Game ($2.99 from $9.99 until 9/16)
Go! Birdie ($1.99 from $4.99 until 9/16)
Inside Grass: A Little Adventure ($1.99 from $4.99 until 9/16)
Kaptain Brawe: A Brawe New World ($1.99 from $9.99 until 9/16)
Dark Tower: RPG Dungeon Puzzle ($1.99 from $4.99 until 9/16)
Caveman Chuck: Prehistoric Adv. ($1.99 from $3.99 until 9/16)
The Jackbox Party Pack 3 ($16.24 from $24.99 until 9/16)
The Jackbox Party Pack 5 ($17.99 from $29.99 until 9/16)
Bass Pro Shops: The Strike CE ($9.99 from $19.99 until 9/21)
Cabela’s: The Hunt CE ($9.99 from $19.99 until 9/21)
Where Angels Cry ($1.99 from $9.99 until 9/21)
Where Angels Cry: TotF CE ($1.99 from $9.99 until 9/21)
Myths of Orion: LftN ($1.99 from $9.99 until 9/21)
Tales from the Dragon Mountain ($1.99 from $9.99 until 9/21)
Tales from the Dragon Mountain 2 ($1.99 from $9.99 until 9/21)
The Man With The Ivory Cane ($1.99 from $9.99 until 9/21)
Faircroft’s Antiques: ToT CE ($2.99 from $9.99 until 9/21)
Faircroft’s Antiques: HfC CE ($2.99 from $9.99 until 9/21)
Ghost: Elisa Cameron ($2.99 from $9.99 until 9/21)
Fate of the Pharaoh ($4.99 from $9.99 until 9/21)
Caveman Tales ($1.99 from $9.99 until 9/21)
Kingdom Tales ($1.99 from $9.99 until 9/21)
Kingdom Tales 2 ($1.99 from $9.99 until 9/21)
Family Vacation: California ($4.99 from $9.99 until 9/21)
Zotrix Starglider ($1.99 from $9.99 until 9/21)
1912: Titanic Mystery ($2.99 from $9.99 until 9/21)
The Last Days ($1.99 from $9.99 until 9/21)
If My Heart Had Wings ($9.99 from $19.99 until 9/22)
Mutant Mudds Collection ($2.99 from $14.99 until 9/22)
Xeodrifter ($1.99 from $9.99 until 9/22)
Suicide Guy ($1.99 from $7.99 until 9/22)
Suicide Guy: Sleepin’ Deeply ($1.99 from $5.99 until 9/22)
The Bluecoats North & South ($14.99 from $29.99 until 9/22)
She Sees Red: Interactive Movie ($2.99 from $9.99 until 9/22)
Ultimate Racing 2D ($1.99 from $9.99 until 9/22)
Dragon Question ($1.99 from $3.99 until 9/22)
Lovekami -Divinity Stage- ($10.49 from $14.99 until 9/23)
Lovekami -Useless Goddess- ($11.24 from $14.99 until 9/23)
Bishoujou Battle Cyber Panic! ($3.89 from $5.99 until 9/23)
Waifu Uncovered ($4.89 from $6.99 until 9/23)
112th Seed ($1.99 from $4.99 until 9/23)
Miles & Kilo ($1.99 from $7.99 until 9/23)
Grizzland ($1.99 from $4.99 until 9/23)
inbento ($2.99 from $4.99 until 9/23)
The Little Acre ($1.99 from $14.99 until 9/23)
Hellbreachers ($2.99 from $4.99 until 9/23)
Crime Opera: The Butterfly Effect ($6.49 from $9.99 until 9/23)
Paradox Error ($3.49 from $4.99 until 9/23)
Mina & Michi ($3.49 from $4.99 until 9/23)
Gems of Magic: Father’s Day ($7.49 from $9.99 until 9/23)
Apple Knight ($7.99 from $9.99 until 9/23)
Sales Ending Tomorrow, Friday, September 3rd
.cat Milk ($1.99 from $9.99 until 9/3)
4×4 Dirt Track ($5.99 from $11.99 until 9/3)
Alphaset by POWGI ($3.99 from $7.99 until 9/3)
Animal Rivals ($1.99 from $3.99 until 9/3)
Animated Jigsaws: Japanese Women ($1.99 from $9.99 until 9/3)
Art Sqool ($2.98 from $12.99 until 9/3)
Barry the Bunny ($3.99 from $4.99 until 9/3)
Block-A-Pix Deluxe ($3.99 from $7.99 until 9/3)
Bring Honey Home ($1.99 from $4.99 until 9/3)
Bunny Adventure ($2.10 from $6.00 until 9/3)
Car Driving School Sim ($6.99 from $13.99 until 9/3)
Carnage: Battle Arena ($4.49 from $14.99 until 9/3)
City Driving Simulator ($5.99 from $11.99 until 9/3)
Construction Machines Simulator ($20.64 from $29.49 until 9/3)
Crypto by POWGI ($3.99 from $7.99 until 9/3)
Defoliation ($4.99 from $9.99 until 9/3)
Down in Bermuda ($3.99 from $19.99 until 9/3)
Driving World: Aspen ($5.99 from $11.99 until 9/3)
Epic Word Search Collection ($3.99 from $7.99 until 9/3)
Epic Word Search Collection 2 ($3.99 from $7.99 until 9/3)
Farm Mechanic Simulator ($20.64 from $29.49 until 9/3)
Fifty Words by POWGI ($3.99 from $7.99 until 9/3)
Fight of Animals ($6.99 from $9.99 until 9/3)
Fight of Gods ($6.49 from $12.99 until 9/3)
Fill-A-Pix: Phil’s Adventure ($3.99 from $7.99 until 9/3)
Forward to the Sky ($24.49 from $48.99 until 9/3)
Gaps by POWGI ($3.99 from $7.99 until 9/3)
Gerritory ($5.59 from $7.99 until 9/3)
Gnomes Garden: Lost King ($3.99 from $9.99 until 9/3)
Hatsune Miku Logic Paint S ($8.54 from $14.00 until 9/3)
Headspun ($7.14 from $12.99 until 9/3)
Just a Phrase by POWGI ($3.99 from $7.99 until 9/3)
Ladders by POWGI ($3.99 form $7.99 until 9/3)
Link-A-Pix Deluxe ($3.99 from $7.99 until 9/3)
Lust for Darkness: Dawn Edition ($10.49 from $14.99 until 9/3)
Monster Truck XT Airport Derby ($5.99 from $11.99 until 9/3)
Nuts ($14.99 from $19.99 until 9/3)
Paratropic ($1.99 from $5.49 until 9/3)
Parking Madness ($2.10 from $6.00 until 9/3)
Planetary Defense Force ($1.99 from $5.99 until 9/3)
Pop Blocks ($2.99 from $3.99 until 9/3)
realMyst: Masterpiece Edition ($7.99 from $19.99 until 9/3)
Roundout by POWGI ($3.99 from $7.99 until 9/3)
Saboteur SiO ($7.69 from $10.99 until 9/3)
Saboteur! ($5.60 from $8.00 until 9/3)
Speed Truck Racing ($4.99 from $9.99 until 9/3)
Summer Catchers ($5.99 from $11.99 until 9/3)
Superliminal ($14.99 from $19.99 until 9/3)
The Complex ($10.39 from $12.99 until 9/3)
The Office Quest ($4.19 from $11.99 until 9/3)
Tic-Tac-Letters by POWGI ($3.99 from $7.99 until 9/3)
Tower Climb ($2.10 from $6.00 until 9/3)
Truck Mechanic Simulator ($20.64 from $29.49 until 9/3)
Up Cliff Drive ($2.10 from $6.00 until 9/3)
Word Puzzles by POWGI ($4.99 from $9.99 until 9/3)
Word Sudoku by POWGI ($3.99 from $7.99 until 9/3)
Wordsweeper by POWGI ($3.99 from $7.99 until 9/3)
That’s all for today, friends. We’ll be back tomorrow with the rest of this week’s releases. It’s not looking like an overly large list, but Fridays have a way of surprising. What won’t be a surprise is the pile of new sales that will be waiting for us, and we’ll have those all sorted out for you. I hope you all have a fantastic Thursday, and as always, thanks for reading!
