Hello gentle readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for June 3rd, 2021. In today’s article, it’s all about those new releases. There are a couple of genuinely outstanding games in today’s releases, along with a number of decent, interesting ones. We’ve got summaries of all of them, along with the lists of incoming and outgoing sales of the day. Let’s get to business!
New Releases
Astalon: Tears of the Earth ($19.99)
SwitchArcade Highlight!
Okay, so there’s this really great game on Steam called Castle in the Darkness. You can go and grab it if you like, it’s quality action/adventure stuff. Anyway, the creator of that got together with some other cool people and founded a new studio, and their first project is this game. While this is not a sequel to Castle in the Darkness, they share a lot of strengths. You control a group of three adventurers, each with their own abilities, and try to guide them through a deadly tower. Thanks to a secret pact made by one of them, death is just a temporary problem. Indeed, it is sometimes a good strategy. I’ll be doing a review of this one soon, but I can say right now that I very much dig what it’s doing.
Overboard! ($14.99)
SwitchArcade Highlight!
Whoa, the latest inkle game has dropped, and it looks utterly fantastic. You’re a passenger on the SS Hook, a ship about eight hours away from New York. A body is found. A murder has been committed. There’s no mystery about the culprit, however: it’s you. But you’ve got to make sure you’re the only one who knows that information, no matter what. Can you get away with murder? Explore the ship, talk to people, make choices, and do what you need to in order to keep your name clean for the next eight hours. One playthrough only takes about a half hour or so, but if you want to find all of the secrets and pull off the best ending, you’re going to have to play multiple times. I’m not sure if I’m reviewing this Switch version or the mobile version, but one way or another, a review is coming soon.
Arcade Archives Hacha Mecha Fighter ($7.99)
Hamster dug deep again for this week’s Arcade Archives release. Hacha Mecha Fighter is an NMK game released in 1991. It’s a horizontal cute-em-up featuring an otter and a pig as playable characters. The colorful visuals may pull in more casual players, but the game heats up quite a bit near the end. It’s okay, but not too much more than that. Hamster has done its usual fine work in bringing the game to the Switch. It plays as it should, and you get a decent selection of options.
Infinite Tanks WWII ($19.99)
This one comes from the folks at Atypical Games, and is a follow-up of sorts to the popular original Infinite Tanks. It features a card-driven tank customization system, giving you a near-uncountable number of possibilities. Once you’ve settled on your tank, you can head into a single-player campaign with twelve missions to complete, or head online for some seven-on-seven battles. Many popular tanks from history are represented here, along with five era-appropriate battlefields. It seems to be of the usual quality we’ve come to expect from Atypical, so if you’ve been a fan of the developer’s prior efforts you’ll probably like what you get here.
Chroma Quaternion ($14.99)
Kemco and EXE-Create have yet another JRPG to offer Switch owners, and it’s probably going to look quite familiar to most readers. It was released on mobile a while back, and if you feel like saving a few bucks it is a little cheaper on the App Store than it is here on Switch. You play as a character named Ark as he travels a world of four kingdoms, each based on a season. Things start going ca-ca, and you’re going to need to find out why and then deal with it. Not much separating this from most of EXE-Create’s other offerings, but I suppose it does have a giant fluffy dog as a party member.
Sunblaze ($14.99)
Precision platformer time again, friends. This one is about a would-be hero named Sunblaze who is undergoing hero training via a simulator made by her father. It features over five hundred stages filled with traps, gimmicks, and hazards. Well, that’s a lot. As you clear each stage, the next one will automatically draw in around you. Because it’s a simulator, you see. It doesn’t appear to be particularly revolutionary or anything like that, but if you like these kinds of super-challenging platformers you certainly can’t argue with the sheer quantity you get for your buck here.
Mystic Pillars: A Story-Based Puzzle Game ($6.99)
Inspired by the traditional Indian board game Mancala, Mystic Pillars has you moving gems to solve puzzles across 100 stages. This game released on mobile platforms before, but this Switch version has refreshed 25 of the puzzles. The general aim is to move the gems among the pillars such that they match the target picture. Between the stages, you’ll be presented with cut-scenes that advance the rather extensive story. I’ll have a review of this one early next week if you need more details, but here are a few tidbits to help you for now. It’s a fairly relaxed game, mechanically speaking. The story helps keep you engaged if the gameplay starts to feel a bit played out. I like it well enough.
Wicce ($7.99)
This is a short but quite competent 2D action platformer about a witch who needs to rescue her daughter. It’s a bit on the easy side, but it’s fun to play. The witch has a variety of moves like sliding, flying, and using magic. There are three different endings you can reach based on certain things that you may or may not do. It’s not going to blow your mind or anything, but for a sub-ten dollar action-platformer, it’s a good time.
Haunted Dawn: The Zombie Apocalypse ($14.99)
Oh good, more zombies. Well, let’s see what this one is all about. Play as Generic 3D Model Man or Generic 3D Model Lady as they battle the undead in this first-person shooter. It’s a stage-based affair, with each one offering a mission to complete. Apparently there are a few different modes in here, and you also get a selection of weapons to blast your enemies with. Big Simple Series energy here, but at a price just high enough that I don’t feel like taking a gamble on it. As such, I can’t help you out much further with this game than I already have.
Motif ($2.99)
If you’re looking for a chill, cheap puzzle game today, Motif may be up your alley. Each of the game’s levels sees you moving around pieces to try to match a target shape. All of the pieces are symmetrical so it’s really just about rotating and moving them closer together or farther apart until you get the design you’re looking for. There are more than two hundred levels in here, and while the concept is a bit shallow it’s not a bad little palate cleanser for the price. You can play with touch controls or button controls, though it feels more comfortable with the former than the latter. Not a bad value at all, really.
Dungeons of Clay ($6.99)
This is a roguelite action game that takes place in dungeons made of clay. It has one highly eye-catching bullet point in its description: 999,999 procedurally-generated endings. I’m sure the differences are going to be slight on the whole, but that sure is a big number. Anyway, lots of weapons and items to use, some companions to recruit, and unlockables to help you make progress even if you die. Which you will. You know how this kind of thing goes. It looks decent for what is is, and reviews were positive if not overwhelmingly so on other platforms. Could be good for a chuckle or two.
FreeCell Solitaire Collection ($5.79)
Here’s another card game collection from eSolutions, this time tackling FreeCell. It includes ten different variants of the game, which is admittedly a feature most other FreeCell games on the Switch don’t offer. Apart from those different sets of rules, there isn’t much here you haven’t seen before. You can take back moves, use an auto-complete feature, check out play stats, and read rules for the various games. The presentation isn’t much to write home about, certainly falling short of many of its competitors. But do you need a slick presentation to enjoy cards? I leave that one to you, friends.
Basketball Club Story ($14.00)
Hey, it’s Kairosoft. It’s been a little bit since their last release on Switch. Of the usual Kairosoft sim templates, this game follows the “train-em-up" style seen in the likes of Pocket League Story and Grand Prix Story. As this is a relatively newer game on mobile, this Switch version is only double the price instead of the usual triple. Build your facilities, train your basketball club, and try to win championships. The usual rules apply. If you’re burnt out on Kairosoft sims, this won’t change your mind. If you’re not, then you’ll have a good time. I always recommend grabbing these on mobile if you can because they’re a lot cheaper and just as playable, but the Switch port is fine beyond the price point.
Winds of Change ($19.99)
This is a hybrid visual novel/adventure game with a heavy emphasis on the relationships between characters. It calls itself the “Ultimate Furry Tale", and whether that is a plus or a minus is going to come down to individual tastes. You’re a Seer, specially chosen by the spirits, and you’re leading a rebellion against tyrannical rulers. Conversations feel vaguely Bioware-like in how you handle them, with various choices eliciting different reactions and either strengthening or damaging your bonds with the other character. It seems to have gone over well on other platforms, so if you find the concept compelling, you’ll want to give this a closer look.
Reversi Let’s Go ($4.99)
This is just what it looks like: a Reversi game. You can play against another player in local multiplayer mode, or play on your own in one of three single-player modes. Classic Solo pits you against an AI opponent on one of eight different difficulty levels. Endgame Challenge has eighty different Reversi puzzles to solve. Lights Out gets away from traditional Reversi and has you trying to flip all of the pieces to black. And that’s it, really. But for five dollars, I suppose you can’t ask for too much more than that.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
While there will, as usual, be a lot more sales posted by the time you read this, there’s a solid selection to look through for now. They include some otome visual novels, the multiplayer party game Tools Up!, and more. As for the outbox, THQ Nordic and QUByte are finishing up their latest sales, and they aren’t the only ones. Check both lists as usual to make sure you’re not missing out on anything you’re interested in.
Select New Games on Sale
My Bewitching Perfume ($13.99 from $19.99 until 6/17)
YumeMidori Nostalgia ($13.99 from $19.99 until 6/17)
Byakko-tai Samurai Boys ($13.99 from $19.99 until 6/17)
Diamond Girl An Education in Love ($13.99 from $19.99 until 6/17)
Princess Closet ($17.49 from $24.99 until 6/17)
Tools Up! ($3.99 from $19.99 until 6/23)
Strike Daz Cans ($2.39 from $2.99 until 6/23)
Deadlings ($1.99 from $4.99 until 6/23)
Little Racer ($1.99 from $9.99 until 6/23)
Solitaire Card Games ($2.99 from $5.99 until 6/23)
Space Cows ($1.99 from $7.99 until 6/23)
Red Wings: Aces of the Sky ($3.99 from $19.99 until 6/23)
Metamorphosis ($7.49 from $24.99 until 6/23)
Dungeon Escape ($3.99 from $4.99 until 6/23)
Moonlighter ($7.49 from $24.99 until 6/23)
This War of Mine: Complete ($3.99 from $39.99 until 6/23)
Screencheat: Unplugged ($2.20 from $12.99 until 6/23)
Beat Cop ($2.24 from $14.99 until 6/23)
Feather ($4.69 from $9.99 until 6/23)
Dig Dog ($1.99 from $3.99 until 6/23)
Children of Morta ($10.99 from $21.99 until 6/23)
Roombo: First Blood ($1.99 from $4.99 until 6/23)
Astro Duel Deluxe ($1.99 from $7.99 until 6/23)
Thomas Was Alone ($4.99 from $9.99 until 6/24)
ASOBU Tights ($18.90 from $21.00 until 6/24)
Lovekami -Divinity Stage- ($11.24 from $14.99 until 6/24)
Drunken Fist ($4.79 from $7.99 until 6/24)
Task Force Kampas ($1.99 from $5.99 until 6/24)
Many Faces ($1.99 from $4.99 until 6/24)
Zero Strain ($2.99 from $9.99 until 6/24)
If My Heart Had Wings ($10.99 from $19.99 until 6/24)
Kawaii Deathu Desu ($2.49 from $4.99 until 6/24)
Tower of Babel ($1.99 from $5.99 until 6/24)
Lost Sea ($2.99 from $9.99 until 6/24)
Final Light, The Prison ($1.99 from $6.99 until 6/24)
SkyScrappers ($2.49 from $9.99 until 6/24)
Quarantine Circular ($2.99 from $5.99 until 6/24)
UNI ($2.49 from $4.99 until 6/24)
Xtreme Club Racing ($1.99 from $9.99 until 6/24)
Overboard! ($12.74 from $14.99 until 6/9)
Sales Ending Tomorrow, Friday, June 4th
#Wish Travel, Puzzles Dream ($1.99 from $5.99 until 6/4)
3D Billiards: Pool & Snooker ($9.99 from $19.99 until 6/4)
3D Mini Golf ($9.99 from $19.99 until 6/4)
99Vidas: Definitive Edition ($1.99 from $9.99 until 6/4)
Bakery Master ($2.49 from $4.99 until 6/4)
Baobabs Mausoleum Ep.3 ($4.49 from $5.99 until 6/4)
Baobabs Mausoleum Ep.1 ($4.49 from $5.99 until 6/4)
Baobabs Mausoleum Ep.2 ($5.24 from $6.99 until 6/4)
Baobabs Mausoleum Grindhouse ($14.99 from $19.99 until 6/4)
Battle Worlds: Kronos ($11.99 from $29.99 until 6/4)
Black The Fall ($4.49 from $14.99 until 6/4)
Bleep Bloop ($1.99 from $3.99 until 6/4)
Bossgard ($9.99 from $19.99 until 6/4)
Brawl Chess ($3.99 from $9.99 until 6/4)
Burger Master ($2.49 from $4.99 until 6/4)
Chess Knights: Viking Lands ($1.99 from $3.99 until 6/4)
Classic Checkers ($3.99 from $7.99 until 6/4)
Clouds & Sheep 2 ($1.99 from $9.99 until 6/4)
Crashlands ($10.49 from $14.99 until 6/4)
Cultist Simulator: Initiate ($9.99 from $19.99 until 6/4)
Darksiders II Deathinitive ($14.99 from $29.99 until 6/4)
Darksiders Warmastered ($14.99 from $29.99 until 6/4)
de Blob ($11.99 from $29.99 until 6/4)
de Blob 2 ($11.99 from $29.99 until 6/4)
Defentron ($4.99 from $9.99 until 6/4)
Dogurai ($1.99 from $4.99 until 6/4)
Dracula’s Legacy ($9.99 from $19.99 until 6/4)
Dude, Stop ($8.99 from $14.99 until 6/4)
Dungeon of the Endless ($3.99 from $19.99 until 6/4)
Earth Defense Force: World Brothers ($47.99 from $59.99 until 6/4)
Enchanted in the Moonlight ($13.99 from $19.99 until 6/4)
Eternum Ex ($3.99 from $7.99 until 6/4)
Flatland Vol.1 ($1.99 from $4.99 until 6/4)
Forgotten Tales: DotD ($7.49 from $14.99 until 6/4)
Future Aero Racing S Ultra ($5.24 from $6.99 until 6/4)
Gemini ($1.99 from $3.99 until 6/4)
Gnomes Garden 2 ($1.99 from $4.99 until 6/4)
Grave Danger ($9.99 from $19.99 until 6/4)
Hardcore Maze Cube ($1.99 from $2.49 until 6/4)
Horned Knight ($4.79 from $5.99 until 6/4)
Island Flight Simulator ($9.99 from $19.99 until 6/4)
Just Die Already ($11.99 from $14.99 until 6/4)
Kissed by the Baddest Bidder ($17.49 from $24.99 until 6/4)
Knight’s Retreat ($1.99 from $3.99 until 6/4)
LASTFIGHT ($9.99 from $19.99 until 6/4)
Legend of Kay Anniversary ($9.89 from $29.99 until 6/4)
Little Mouse’s Encyclopedia ($10.39 from $12.99 until 6/4)
Love Letter from Thief X ($17.49 from $24.99 until 6/4)
Mahjong Deluxe 3 ($9.99 from $19.99 until 6/4)
Mahluk Dark Demon ($4.99 from $9.99 until 6/4)
Micro Pico Racers ($2.24 from $4.49 until 6/4)
Moai VI: Unexpected Guests ($9.49 from $18.99 until 6/4)
My Forged Wedding ($17.49 from $24.99 until 6/4)
Our Two Bedroom Story ($17.49 from $24.99 until 6/4)
Power Racing Bundle 2 ($8.49 from $16.99 until 6/4)
Rabisco+ ($3.99 from $4.99 until 6/4)
Rebel Cops ($3.29 from $9.99 until 6/4)
Renzo Racers ($9.99 from $19.99 until 6/4)
Ritual: Crown of Horns ($5.99 from $19.99 until 6/4)
Season Match ($4.99 from $9.99 until 6/4)
Season Match 2 ($4.99 from $9.99 until 6/4)
Season Match 3: CotWC ($4.99 from $9.99 until 6/4)
Secrets of Magic 2: W&W ($4.99 from $9.99 until 6/4)
Secrets of Magic: Book of Spells ($4.99 from $9.99 until 6/4)
Skellboy Refractured ($16.00 from $20.00 until 6/4)
Space Elite Force 2 ($1.99 from $4.99 until 6/4)
Sphinx & the Cursed Mummy ($9.89 from $29.99 until 6/4)
Star-Crossed Myth ($20.99 from $29.99 until 6/4)
Sumire ($13.49 from $14.99 until 6/4)
Summer Sports Games ($12.49 from $24.99 until 6/4)
Tales of the Orient: Rising Sun ($7.49 from $14.99 until 6/4)
The Almost Gone ($1.99 from $9.99 until 6/4)
The Book of Unwritten Tales 2 ($9.89 from $29.99 until 6/4)
The Fox Awaits Me ($35.99 from $44.99 until 6/4)
The House of Da Vinci ($4.99 from $9.99 until 6/4)
The Lost Light of Sisu ($1.99 from $9.99 until 6/4)
The Padre ($5.99 from $19.99 until 6/4)
The Raven Remastered ($9.89 from $29.99 until 6/4)
The Town of Light: Deluxe ($4.49 from $9.99 until 6/4)
Townsmen: A Kingdom Rebuilt ($7.99 from $19.99 until 6/4)
Ubermosh: Omega ($1.99 from $4.99 until 6/4)
Viviette ($5.99 from $9.99 until 6/4)
Way of the Passive Fist ($5.99 from $14.99 until 6/4)
Weaving Tides ($21.24 from $24.99 until 6/4)
Winter Sports Games ($12.49 from $24.99 until 6/4)
Zen Chess Collection ($1.99 from $3.99 until 6/4)
That’s all for today, friends. We’ll be back tomorrow with the rest of the releases of the week, including Nintendo’s DC Super Hero Girls. There will be summaries of each of those games, plus the lists of incoming and expiring sales. I’m expecting a fair few games to go on sale, but will they be good ones? We’ll see. If any huge news hits, we’ll also talk about that. I hope you all have a nice Thursday, and as always, thanks for reading!
