Hello gentle readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for October 3rd, 2022. In today’s article, we’ve got a few reviews for you to dig into. TUNIC, Midnight Fight Express, and Gunslingers & Zombies all get judged and scored. After that, we look at the new releases for the day. Most of them are dubious. Just how it goes sometimes. After that, we’ve got the lists of new sales and expiring discounts for you to digest. Let’s get this week going!
Reviews & Mini-Views
TUNIC ($29.99)
Wow. This is quite the game. It shows a solid understanding of what makes the better games in the Zelda series as good as they are and implements those ideas without feeling like it’s ripping anything off. It’s genuinely challenging in all of the right ways. Combat is tough but not obnoxiously so, and those who are finding it too much will be happy to see that the game offers myriad solutions for making the fights easier to handle. The puzzles are proper puzzles, requiring you to think in creative ways to find solutions. The world is a treat to explore, with lots of interesting secrets and shortcuts for those who poke around to discover.
In fact, I don’t want to say too much about TUNIC. There is so much joy in the discovery with this game. Sorting out the original language almost everything is written in. Finding the pages of the amazingly put-together in-game instruction manual. It hits all the right notes in emulating the kinds of manuals we saw included in video games before they got too fancy for hand drawings. Stumbling across new enemies, and learning how to deal with the tricks they bring with them. Heading down a mysterious path and popping out somewhere totally unexpected. It’s utterly compelling in the way that only video games can be.
If you enjoy action-adventures and don’t mind a game that isn’t big on going easy on the player, you should give TUNIC a look. It’s gorgeous, clever, challenging, and simply a joy to pick away at. While it is quite difficult by default, there is an impressive number of options for those who want to tailor the game to their preferences. This Switch port, while obviously not quite up to the versions on other platforms from a technical standpoint, is very good and more than capable of delivering the experience to players. Really something special.
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Midnight Fight Express ($19.99)
Definitely one for the beat-em-up fans, but those who like this particular genre should have a blast with Midnight Fight Express. It’s a stylish top-down brawler with a heavy emphasis on using what you find in the environment to your advantage, and you’ll really need to master that because the game won’t be shy about using the environment against you. If you can get into its gameplay, you’ll find something that feels like you’re playing a well-choreographed Hong Kong action film. If you don’t play it on its own terms, you’re going to have a rougher time.
The strengths of this game are its snappy improvisational combat, the brief yet highly replayable missions, and the progression system that keeps you invested in playing just a little bit more so you can unlock some new moves. Once you get a few things unlocked, the combat system grows out in satisfying ways. The game really enjoys sucker-punching you from time to time, something that would make me a lot more upset if the missions weren’t of the length they are. The story is also all dressed up with no place to go, but it’s a beat-em-up. I don’t really expect much from the stories in this genre.
Despite the somewhat rocky difficulty curve, Midnight Fight Express is an enjoyable spin on the beat-em-up genre. It plays a bit differently from the average entry in the genre, but once you get the hang of it you can pull off some wild sequences that just plain feel good. It’s only a few hours long, but it is immensely replayable thanks to having many unlockables, options, and leaderboards to jostle with other players on. This is one express brawlers fans will want to catch.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Gunslingers & Zombies ($8.99)
You know, this is fine. As turn-based strategy games go, it’s hardly a fancy production. It uses a low-poly 3D art style, but the animations show that the simple look isn’t just a stylistic choice. But hey, it’s not priced like a top-shelf production, so that’s fine. It’s also really short, with just ten levels to play. You can replay them on a different difficulty level, but this is definitely a game you’ll chew through in an evening or two without much effort. It doesn’t really do much with its wacky premise either. There are zombies, you have your gunslingers, and that’s about as deep as the story goes.
On a mechanical level, Gunslingers & Zombies does its job. You have several things to consider, such as the range of your weapons, available ammo, the direction from which you are attacking, and whether to use your action points on taking the offensive or to save some for overwatch defense. Nothing you won’t have seen before, but it’s all competently implemented to provide a reasonably satisfying, light tactical experience. If you’re looking for a turn-based tactical Western-themed game on your Switch… well, buy Hard West first. But if you’re looking for a second one? This isn’t bad.
SwitchArcade Score: 3/5
New Releases
Hazelnut Hex ($7.99)
A pastel-colored side-scrolling shooter where you play as a witch who is trying to save breakfast after a curse makes it disappear from the land. Instead of riding a broom, you ride a spoon. There are five stages in total. It doesn’t look half-bad, but I haven’t had a chance to play much of it yet.
Mission 1985 ($9.99)
I thought there was some kind of rule about mentioning the names of other games in eShop descriptions, but this one just lays it out there: it’s a top-down run-and-gun inspired by Ikari Warriors, Commando, Heavy Barrel, Guerilla Wars, and Mercs. Play through eleven levels of action alone or with a friend via local multiplayer. Two of the levels switch to a 3D scaling style that calls some other classic arcade games to mind. It could be fun if you’re in the right mood.
Mermaid Story ($9.99)
A very simple aquatic-themed jigsaw puzzle game for young kids. There are forty different pictures, and they can be played at four different levels of difficulty. Pretty obviously not aimed at old guys like me, so that’s where I’ll leave it.
4×4 Offroad Driver ($12.99)
Another BoomHits driving game, this one off-road themed. There are fifteen vehicles to collect and seventy-five missions to clear. Highly likely to be heavily discounted within weeks.
Little Kong: Jungle Fun ($4.99)
A rather shabby-looking endless runner. For those who felt Banana Kong was too wildly original and want something less original.
Dinogotchi ($9.99)
I get the impression the person who wrote the description for this game isn’t aware that “Tamagotchi" is a trademarked term, but at least it’s clear what this is. Namely, it’s dinosaur-themed virtual pet that works more or less like Bandai Namco’s popular toy. It’s handheld mode only, likely due to requiring touch controls.
Kattish ($4.99)
Oh dear, it’s Weakfish. This is a fairly generic-looking platformer starring a cat that reminds me a lot of .cat Milk, which itself wasn’t a very remarkable effort. There has got to be a better way for you to spend a fiver.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
I don’t have a lot to say about today’s new sales. Look through and see if anything grabs your eye. Personally, I’m not too fussed about any of it except maybe Dungeons of Dreadrock and Regency Solitaire. As for the outbox, shooter fans could grab Ratalaika’s releases of Gleylancer and Gynoug. Check those lists, as ever.
Select New Games on Sale
Lost in Play ($12.99 from $19.99 until 10/8)
Top Run ($1.99 from $4.99 until 10/8)
Draw Rider Remake ($4.49 from $14.99 until 10/9)
Door Kickers: Action Squad ($3.74 from $14.99 until 10/9)
Don’t Be Afraid ($4.49 from $9.99 until 10/10)
Lily of the Hollow Resurrection ($4.49 from $6.99 until 10/10)
Gaokao.Love.100Days ($6.49 from $11.99 until 10/10)
Reverse Memories ($4.49 from $6.99 until 10/10)
Youkai Poetry ($4.49 from $6.99 until 10/10)
Syndrome ($1.99 from $24.99 until 10/11)
Murder House ($8.39 from $11.99 until 10/15)
Nun Massacre ($4.19 from $5.99 until 10/15)
Unstrong Space Calamity ($2.24 from $4.99 until 10/15)
Shooting Star Island ($2.20 from $4.90 until 10/15)
Dungeons of Dreadrock ($3.90 from $10.00 until 10/17)
SuperDuck! ($1.99 from $3.99 until 10/17)
Regency Solitaire ($5.99 from $11.99 until 10/20)
Car Mechanic Pinball ($2.49 from $4.99 until 10/21)
I Love Finding MORE Cats! ($4.99 from $9.99 until 10/21)
I Love Finding Critters! ($4.99 from $9.99 until 10/21)
Jewel Match Twilight Solitaire ($1.99 from $9.99 until 10/21)
SpelunKing: Mine Match ($1.99 from $9.99 until 10/21)
Faircroft’s Antiques: TFC ($1.99 from $9.99 until 10/21)
Threaded ($1.99 from $9.99 until 10/21)
Country Tales ($1.99 from $9.99 until 10/21)
Shipwreck Escape ($1.99 from $9.99 until 10/21)
Clutter IX: Clutter IXtreme ($1.99 from $9.99 until 10/21)
Sakura MMO 2 ($7.99 from $9.99 until 10/21)
Caffeine: Victoria’s Legacy ($14.39 from $17.99 until 10/21)
Outbreak: Endless Nightmares ($9.99 from $19.99 until 10/21)
Outbreak: Contagious Memories ($14.99 from $29.99 until 10/21)
Kubi Adventures ($1.99 from $2.99 until 10/21)
Soft Drift ($1.99 from $3.85 until 10/21)
Gliding Square ($1.99 from $4.00 until 10/21)
After Wave: Downfall ($7.49 from $14.99 until 10/22)
Dyna Bomb 2 ($7.49 from $19.99 until 10/22)
Marmoset ($1.99 from $9.99 until 10/22)
Dinogotchi ($1.99 from $9.99 until 10/22)
Cook, Serve, Delicious! 3?! ($7.99 from $19.99 until 10/22)
The Skylia Prophecy ($3.49 from $6.99 until 10/22)
Suicide Guy Collection ($3.29 from $10.99 until 10/22)
Road to Guangdong ($4.99 from $24.99 until 10/22)
In My Shadow ($7.80 from $12.00 until 10/22)
The Unexpected Quest ($6.00 from $15.00 until 10/22)
Sales Ending Tomorrow, Tuesday, October 4th
6Souls ($3.99 from $7.99 until 10/4)
Armello ($13.99 from $19.99 until 10/4)
Artsy Pixel ($3.49 from $6.99 until 10/4)
Chefy-Chef ($3.49 from $4.99 until 10/4)
Demon’s Residence ($2.49 from $4.99 until 10/4)
Farm Manager 2022 ($7.99 from $15.99 until 10/4)
Foodtruck Arena ($4.79 from $15.99 until 10/4)
For The Warp ($11.69 from $17.99 until 10/4)
Gleylancer ($4.89 from $6.99 until 10/4)
Gynoug ($4.89 from $6.99 until 10/4)
HellGunner ($3.49 from $4.99 until 10/4)
Ignatius ($1.99 from $4.99 until 10/4)
Kinduo ($2.49 from $4.99 until 10/4)
Mojito the Cat ($1.99 from $9.99 until 10/4)
Moto Roader MC ($4.89 from $6.99 until 10/4)
Night Lights ($2.49 from $4.99 until 10/4)
Pocket Slimes ($1.99 from $9.99 until 10/4)
Remote Life ($13.29 from $18.99 until 10/4)
Sir Lovelot ($4.99 from $9.99 until 10/4)
SkateBIRD ($9.99 from $19.99 until 10/4)
Super Soccer Blast ($3.99 from $7.99 until 10/4)
Super Tennis Blast ($4.49 from $14.99 until 10/4)
Tales of Aravorn: SotW ($13.99 from $19.99 until 10/4)
TEN ($3.49 from $4.99 until 10/4)
The Legend of the Dragonflame ($3.49 from $4.99 until 10/4)
The Psychoduck ($3.49 from $4.99 until 10/4)
The Song Out of Space ($2.49 from $4.99 until 10/4)
The Wizard and the Slug ($3.49 from $4.99 until 10/4)
Timber Story ($2.49 from $4.99 until 10/4)
Train Valley ($8.39 from $11.99 until 10/4)
Vampire’s Fall Origins ($3.89 from $12.99 until 10/4)
Viki Spotter: Around the World ($2.49 from $4.99 until 10/4)
Viki Spotter: Camping ($1.99 from $4.99 until 10/4)
Viki Spotter: Megapolis ($2.49 from $4.99 until 10/4)
Viki Spotter: Professions ($2.49 from $4.99 until 10/4)
Viki Spotter: Shopping ($2.49 from $4.99 until 10/4)
Viki Spotter: The Farm ($3.49 from $4.99 until 10/4)
Viki Spotter: Zoo ($3.49 from $4.99 until 10/4)
That’s all for today, friends. We’ll be back tomorrow with more new releases, more reviews, more sales, and perhaps some news. I’ve been playing a lot of Magical Drop recently for a high score competition I’m taking part in. It’s a really fun puzzle game, and there are a couple of ways to play it on Switch. Give it a shot if you haven’t already. I hope you all have a magnificent Monday, and as always, thanks for reading!
