Hello gentle readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for August 2nd, 2021. In today’s article, we’ve got reviews of a few recent releases including Koei Tecmo’s Samurai Warriors 5, ININ Games and Taito’s Dariusburst Another Chronicle EX+, and Cloud M1’s Ayo the Clown. There are a few new releases to check out, and the usual lists of new and expiring sales to mull over. Let’s get to it!
Reviews & Mini-Views
Samurai Warriors 5 ($59.99)
By this point in time, you probably know if you’re into Koei Tecmo’s Warriors games or not. While each one has its merits and weaknesses, the broad concept seems to click with some players and completely bore others. I don’t anticipate Samurai Warriors 5 changing anyone’s mind, unfortunately. But if these kinds of games are your thing, you’ll likely enjoy this game very much. It takes a few steps back from the previous game in some regards, serving as something of a reboot for the series. There aren’t quite as many playable characters, and the story covers a narrower band of time. There’s also a completely new art style, and a handful of new mechanics.
While your mileage may vary on the new art style, I personally really like it. It gives Samurai Warriors a distinct look with a pleasing Japanese flavor. This game also runs a lot better on the Switch than many of Koei Tecmo’s previous Warriors titles. I’m not going to call it buttery smooth because it isn’t, but it’s well beyond what we saw in the likes of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. The splitscreen mode isn’t pretty, but as long as you’re sticking to single player you’ll find the game runs well for the most part. The new mechanics aren’t complete gamechangers, but I rather like the Ultimate Skill system that allows you to customize your load-out with some special moves. The story’s focus on the interactions between Nobunaga Oda and Mitsuhide Akechi allows it to spend more time letting that critical part of the Warring States period breathe.
Samurai Warriors 5 may not break this well-worn mold sufficiently to pull in many new fans, but those who appreciate a good Warriors game will have a blast with this one. The new art style is gorgeous, the story feels more personal, character customization has more to offer, the combat is faster and more furious than ever, and the game runs surprisingly well on the Switch. I wouldn’t quite put it over Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends Definitive Edition as far as Switch Warriors games go, but it’s not far from that mark at all. If you enjoyed the Hyrule Warriors games, give this one a go. Link isn’t here, but you’ll still have fun.
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Dariusburst Another Chronicle EX+ ($39.99)
We’ve seen quite a few Darius games hit the Switch in recent years thanks to the Darius Cozmic Collections, but those classic compilations only went as far as the sprite-based entries in the series. Admittedly, Darius didn’t have too many installments past that era, but the ones it did have were quite impressive. G-Darius was the first polygonal Darius game, and we’ll be getting to that one when it releases later this year. Instead, we’ve got what is to date the grand finale of the series, Dariusburst Another Chronicle, here in its EX+ form. It saw the series out the way it came in, with a gorgeous multi-screen display in a deluxe arcade cabinet. Decadence that the shoot-em-up genre really couldn’t financially support in 2010 arcades, but Taito isn’t always about the easiest money.
This Switch port adds a little extra mustard onto the arcade version, with a new Event mode featuring stages that previously were only available for a limited time in the arcades. When added to the existing content, you’ve got an impressive amount of content to blast your way through. The Burst Cannon, the main new gimmick of Dariusburst, is an interesting mechanic once you get the hang of it. It’s a cool shooter, if not quite as well-rounded as Darius Gaiden or G-Darius. It loses a bit of its sizzle without the big dual-screen cabinet, and there isn’t a lot here to make up for that. Apart from a few extra options, this is the arcade version of Dariusburst Another Chronicle on your Switch. And that can be a problem, if you’re playing undocked. That dual-screen set-up, when displayed on the Switch screen, makes things very hard to see at times. Something to keep in mind.
While I’m happy to have the Event mode stages preserved in a slightly less fragile format, it’s a bit disappointing that Dariusburst Another Chronicle EX+ didn’t include the more small screen-friendly Chronicle Saviours mode. That would have looked dynamite on the Switch display, and would have made this the ultimate version of the game. Instead, we have another fork that offers some things and leaves out others, and one that isn’t as well-suited to the platform as it could be. Play it on your TV and you’ll enjoy this fish fry well enough, but those who primarily play in handheld will want to proceed with caution.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Ayo the Clown ($19.99)
I’ll be upfront with this: I don’t like this character’s design. He’s standing on a tightrope between creepy and cute. I also dislike circus and clown things in general. So, you know, this game was starting off with some points against it with ol’ Shaun. Yet as I played it, I couldn’t help but be somewhat impressed with its creative level designs and fun ideas. With a wide variety of levels and gimmicks to deal with, you’ll have a great time hopping and bopping your way through. Does Ayo the Clown reinvent the platforming wheel? No, but it doesn’t have to. It’s a little easy, a little short, but it’s creative and a solid example of the 2D platforming genre.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
New Releases
Demons of Asteborg ($29.99)
This is a new Genesis/Mega Drive game that was funded through a successful Kickstarter campaign a while back. It’s arriving on Switch, Steam, and the Genesis all at roughly the same time, so there really isn’t a whole lot of feedback on it yet. Here’s what we can say so far: it’s a side-scrolling action game, it looks really nice in motion, and the team behind it doesn’t seem to have a whole ton of professional experience but clearly has a lot of passion for the classics. Is that enough to punt $29.99 on? Well, that’s up to you. Personally, my plate is full enough at the moment that I can afford to wait a little and see impressions on this one shake out.
Theofil ($1.99)
On the one hand, this is not a very good game. It feels incredibly amateurish from almost every angle, and it’s really short. On the other hand, it’s a 3D action platformer that only costs two dollars. This is kind of the struggle of the modern gamer though, isn’t it? I don’t see how you couldn’t get two dollars’ worth out of this, but I could say that for hundreds of games on the eShop and I certainly wouldn’t advise you buy or play all of them. If you like the look of it, are in need of something to play, and have two bucks you don’t mind parting with, I guess you could pick this up.
We Know the Devil ($6.66)
This is a visual novel that deals with identity and the damage that can be done to young people by trying to force them to fight their true nature. It uses horror as symbolism, but don’t come into it expecting that kind of thing. Three teenage girls are finishing out their last hours of summer camp, but before they can go home they have to spend the night in a lonely cabin in the woods. Two of the girls will become closer through the experience, and the third will be left out. Who that will be is up to you and your choices. We Know the Devil was very well-received when it released on computers thanks to its handling of queer themes, so if you’re interested in that concept you’ll want to give this a look.
Easy Flight Simulator ($4.99)
Pix Arts has another low-effort release for us today, friends. This game is billing itself as a flight simulator, but there’s no simulation about this. Fly your plane through the checkpoints to complete each level using some very basic controls. There are some different planes, but it doesn’t really matter. Different weather conditions and times of day, but they also don’t matter. The Switch isn’t exactly swimming with high quality flight simulators but do yourself a favor and keep that fiver in your pocket on this one.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
Some interesting ones in today’s list. A few really uncommon sales like Cresteaju, Sydney Hunter, and FUZE4 Nintendo Switch. Some good ones that show up now and then like the Choices That Matter trilogy, Okami HD, and The Warlock of Firetop Mountain. A number of hidden object adventure games, if that’s your thing. Well, do what you do. And hey, check that outbox too, as there are also some fun games in that list.
Select New Games on Sale
City Driving Simulator ($5.99 from $11.99 until 8/6)
4×4 Dirt Track ($5.99 from $11.99 until 8/6)
Car Driving School Sim ($6.99 from $13.99 until 8/6)
Carnage: Battle Arena ($4.49 from $14.99 until 8/6)
Okami HD ($9.99 from $19.99 until 8/7)
Horror Tales: The Wine ($11.99 from $14.99 until 8/8)
Landflix Odyssey ($10.49 from $14.99 until 8/8)
Get 10 Quest ($2.09 from $2.99 until 8/8)
City Match: Block Pop Puzzle ($4.99 from $6.99 until 8/9)
Death Squared ($3.74 from $14.99 until 8/12)
Brawl Chess ($6.99 from $9.99 until 8/13)
Sydney Hunter & Curse of the Mayan ($4.99 from $9.99 until 8/15)
The Unholy Society ($1.99 from $9.99 until 8/16)
Bring Them Home ($2.39 from $2.99 until 8/16)
Espacio Cosmic Light-Seeker ($2.44 from $3.49 until 8/16)
Cresteaju ($5.99 from $6.99 until 8/16)
Horse Club Adventures ($29.99 from $39.99 until 8/16)
Craps at Aces Casino ($2.99 from $7.99 until 8/16)
Pilot Sports ($4.99 from $19.99 until 8/16)
Fimbul ($3.74 from $14.99 until 8/16)
Bayala: The Game ($8.99 from $14.99 until 8/16)
Big-Bobby-Car: The Big Race ($17.99 from $29.99 until 8/16)
Eldrador Creatures ($17.99 from $19.99 until 8/16)
Kentucky Robo Chicken ($1.99 from $2.49 until 8/16)
Super One More Jump ($1.99 from $7.00 until 8/16)
OTTTD: Tower Defense ($1.99 from $7.99 until 8/16)
Fox n Forests ($2.49 from $9.99 until 8/16)
The Great Perhaps ($3.49 from $9.99 until 8/16)
Revertia ($2.99 from $4.99 until 8/16)
Escape from the Universe ($1.99 from $9.99 until 8/16)
Archaica: The Path of Light ($3.49 from $14.99 until 8/17)
Apple Slash ($3.99 from $4.99 until 8/20)
Warp Shift ($1.99 from $9.99 until 8/20)
Truck Simulator ($5.99 from $11.99 until 8/20)
The Last Survey ($8.99 from $14.99 until 8/20)
Hunter Shooting Camp ($6.39 from $7.99 until 8/20)
US Navy Sea Conflict ($3.99 from $4.99 until 8/20)
Power Racing Bundle 3 ($9.99 from $24.99 until 8/20)
Julie’s Sweets ($1.99 from $9.99 until 8/21)
The Drama Queen Murder ($1.99 from $9.99 until 8/21)
Farm Mystery ($1.99 from $9.99 until 8/21)
Black Rainbow ($1.99 from $9.99 until 8/21)
Brightstone Mysteries: PH ($1.99 from $9.99 until 8/21)
Country Tales ($1.99 from $9.99 until 8/21)
Red Crow Mysteries: Legion ($1.99 from $9.99 until 8/21)
Faircroft’s Antiques: THofGK ($4.99 from $9.99 until 8/21)
The Mysterious Case of Jekyll & Hyde ($4.99 from $9.99 until 8/21)
The Seven Chambers ($2.99 from $9.99 until 8/21)
Emily Archer: TCofT ($4.99 from $9.99 until 8/21)
Skee-Ball ($2.49 from $4.99 until 8/21)
Woodle Tree Adventures ($1.99 from $4.99 until 8/21)
Woodle Tree 2 Deluxe ($3.24 from $12.99 until 8/21)
Mitsurugi Kamui Hikae ($7.14 from $11.90 until 8/21)
Suicide Guy Collection ($7.14 from $10.99 until 8/21)
The Warlock of Firetop Mountain ($2.99 from $29.99 until 8/22)
Choices That Matter: ATSWO ($2.99 from $5.99 until 8/22)
Choices That Matter: ATSWE ($2.99 from $5.99 until 8/22)
Choices That Matter: ATHWL ($2.99 from $5.99 until 8/22)
FUZE4 Nintendo Switch ($13.39 from $19.99 until 8/22)
Yoga Master ($17.49 from $24.99 until 8/22)
Sales Ending Tomorrow, Tuesday, August 3rd
10 Second Ninja X ($7.99 from $11.99 until 8/3)
Aery: Broken Memories ($7.49 from $14.99 until 8/3)
Air Bounce: Jump n Run Challenge ($2.99 from $5.99 until 8/3)
Clustertruck ($10.49 from $14.99 until 8/3)
Community Inc ($10.49 from $14.99 until 8/3)
Doom & Destiny ($5.99 from $11.99 until 8/3)
Doom & Destiny Advanced ($8.39 from $11.99 until 8/3)
Dream Alone ($1.99 from $9.99 until 8/3)
Egg Up ($2.48 from $2.99 until 8/3)
Event Horizon: Space Defense ($1.99 from $6.99 until 8/3)
Fantasy Cards ($3.99 from $4.99 until 8/3)
Flying Hero X ($4.99 from $9.99 until 8/3)
Funny Bunny Adventures ($1.99 from $4.99 until 8/3)
Garage ($10.49 from $14.99 until 8/3)
Graveyard Keeper ($13.99 from $19.99 until 8/3)
Guts & Glory ($10.49 from $14.99 until 8/3)
Hello Neighbor ($27.99 from $39.99 until 8/3)
Hello Neighbor Hide & Seek ($20.99 from $29.99 until 8/3)
Hellpoint ($24.49 from $34.99 until 8/3)
Kill It With Fire ($10.49 from $14.99 until 8/3)
Lazy Galaxy: Rebel Story ($5.27 from $7.99 until 8/3)
Life of Fly ($7.49 from $14.99 until 8/3)
Lost Words: Beyond the Page ($9.74 from $14.99 until 8/3)
Mech Rage ($1.99 from $9.99 until 8/3)
Merchant of the Skies ($9.89 from $14.99 until 8/3)
Miner Warfare ($3.99 from $7.99 until 8/3)
Minesweeper Genius ($1.99 from $5.99 until 8/3)
Mr. Shifty ($10.49 from $14.99 until 8/3)
My Little Dog Adventure ($4.99 from $9.99 until 8/3)
My Little Fast Food Booth ($1.99 from $3.99 until 8/3)
Night Book ($11.69 from $12.99 until 8/3)
Override: Mech City Brawl ($14.99 from $29.99 until 8/3)
Party Hard ($10.49 from $14.99 until 8/3)
Party Hard 2 ($13.99 from $19.99 until 8/3)
Phantom Trigger ($10.49 from $14.99 until 8/3)
Punch Club ($10.49 from $14.99 until 8/3)
Road to Ballhalla ($10.49 from $14.99 until 8/3)
Siegecraft Commander ($8.99 from $19.99 until 8/3)
Speedrunners ($10.49 from $14.99 until 8/3)
Spirit Roots ($1.99 from $6.99 until 8/3)
Streets of Rogue ($13.99 from $19.99 until 8/3)
Sweet Witches ($1.99 from $9.99 until 8/3)
Table Soccer Foosball ($2.99 from $4.99 until 8/3)
The Final Station ($13.99 from $19.99 until 8/3)
The Tiny Bang Story ($1.99 from $9.99 until 8/3)
Totally Reliable Delivery Service ($10.49 from $14.99 until 8/3)
Traffix ($2.49 from $4.99 until 8/3)
Trine: Ultimate Collection ($9.99 from $49.99 until 8/3)
War Tech Fighters ($8.99 from $19.99 until 8/3)
YesterMorrow ($8.99 from $19.99 until 8/3)
That’s all for today, friends. We’ll be back tomorrow with a couple of new releases and a review or two, along with whatever sales and news come along in the next 24 hours. I don’t have too much else to say today, so I suppose I’ll leave it there. I hope you all have a great Monday, and as always, thanks for reading!
