Hello gentle readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for November 17th, 2023. It’s the end of another busy week in the world of Switch, and we’ve got quite the crop of new releases to close things out with. But before that, our pal Mikhail has some hot news items for you to dig into. I’ll let him do his thing, and then we’ll move into all of the new games that hit the eShop today. We’ll finish up in the usual fashion, with some hot lists of new and expiring sales. Let’s go!
News
Otome Game Tengoku Struggle: Strayside Gets April 2024 Release Date
Aksys Games has announced that its 2022-announced localization of Tengoku Struggle: Strayside from the Olympia Soiree developers will finally launch in the West in April 2024 for Nintendo Switch. The Aksys online store version of the game will also include a soundtrack on CD. I haven’t paid much attention to this release yet, but I’m definitely going to be reviewing it next year. Olympia Soiree was great and Aksys is yet to disappoint with a new otome release.
Two Point Campus: Brainy Bundle Now Available
Sega just released the Two Point Campus: Brainy Bundle on Switch and other platforms bringing in the base game, Space Academy DLC, School Spirits DLC, and Medical School DLC into a single discounted bundle. If you’ve not played it yet, read my review of the game here, Space Academy DLC here, School Spirits DLC here, and Medical School DLC here. The bundle is usually priced at $49.99, but it is 45% off right now. If you haven’t gotten the game yet, this one is worth grabbing. Check out the Two Point Campus: Brainy Bundle here on the eShop.
New Unicorn Overlord Details
Atlus and Vanillaware’s upcoming tactical RPG due March 8th, 2024 has revealed some new character, world, and gameplay details earlier today. Whenever Vanillaware has a game coming out, I’m curious to see how the developer will tackle various genres. 13 Sentinels is one my favorite games of all time, and it looks like Unicorn Overlord is shaping up to be special. Atlus revealed multiple allies the protagonist has, but the world and aesthetic are highlights so far. Exploration and quests are available in-game in addition to liberating and rebuilding towns as you defeat imperial forces. The world of Unicorn Overlord features five nations: Cornia, Drakenhold, Elheim, Bastorias, and Albion. Check out a screenshot from the game above.
New Releases
Super Mario RPG ($59.99)
Here’s the spiffy remake of the Nintendo/Square Enix Super NES game that kicked off a long line of Mario RPGs. The usual crew are here along with Mallow and Geno as they try to defeat the wicked Smithy and save Star Road. If you haven’t played this game before, you’re in for a treat. If you have, you probably don’t need me to tell you to how good it is. I’ll have a review of it anyway, because that’s what we do around here.
Persona 5 Tactica ($59.99)
The Phantom Thieves are back. Again. This time they’re starring in a turn-based tactical RPG, and it’s yet another fine game in this genre to add to your Switch library. Mikhail did a really nice review of this game a couple of days ago, and I highly recommend checking it out if you want more details. In fact, I recommend it enough that I am going to link to it right… here.
The King of Fighters XIII Global Match ($19.99)
The well-loved King of Fighters XIII comes to the Nintendo Switch in this enhanced version that features rollback online play. You can also play locally, of course. You get thirty-six playable characters in this one, and it includes most of the favorites from previous entries in the series. Our pal Mikhail is going to be doing a review of this one as he is the local expert in pugilistic endeavors.
Naruto X Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections ($59.99)
It’s been a hot minute since the last Ninja Storm game, and this one is an anniversary edition of sorts as it raises its champagne glass to twenty years since the anime debuted. Every character from the previous Storm games returns, and some new ones have been piled in as well. In total, you’ve got more than one hundred and thirty playable characters. The story mode covers the whole anime, albeit in highly abridged form, and you also get a new original story starring Boruto. If you’ve enjoyed any of the other games in this series, you’ll likely be happy with this massive entry.
The Walking Dead: Destinies ($49.99)
Oh, Game Mill. Well, let’s hope for the best here. This one is based on the TV show, and you start the game as Rick Grimes. In total you’ll get to play as thirteen characters from the series, with most of the favorites represented. It’s an action-adventure game of sorts, though it appears to offer some choices that will lead the story in new directions should you opt to diverge from the show. Given the publisher here, it’s probably best not to expect too much. It seems to have some big “PlayStation 2 budget game" vibes. Might be worth a laugh or two if you can grab it on a deep sale, though.
Bluey: The Videogame ($39.99)
The extremely popular Bluey finally has a Switch game to call her own, courtesy of Outright Games. Of all the companies who shovel this licensed stuff out on this platform, I feel like this is the one that occasionally gets it right. Fingers crossed here. At any rate, you can play as Bluey and her family as they explore various locations from the show and play some mini-games. There are things to collect, unlockable goodies, and plenty of references to the show. Play alone or pull in some family members or friends in local multiplayer. Up to four can play at once. This is obviously meant for the younger crowd, and I suspect most of the Bluey fans in that group will have fun here.
Pixel Game Maker Series Storm Swordsman ($7.99)
Another in the Pixel Game Maker Series, Storm Swordsman is a single-player action game where you’ll have to battle a series of sword masters, ninjas, and more in one-on-one combat. It’s interesting to see this kind of set-up with a focus on solo play. One can only hope that it has the depth to maintain interest without another human player, but I haven’t had a chance to play it yet so I can’t say if that bears out.
Eyra: The Crow Maiden ($9.99)
Oh, I’ve played the Genesis version of this on the Evercade. This is the NES version of this side-scrolling action game, and it’s a rather no-frills release of it. It’s a reasonably fun game, but quite challenging at times. The bosses in particular can be a pain. It has a very “home computer game" vibe to it despite being built for Nintendo’s 8-bitter. If that’s what you’re after today, by all means dig in.
The Forest Quartet ($9.99)
The lead singer of a band has passed away, but her spirit isn’t ready to move on yet. She’ll have to explore the psyches of her band mates and help them through their grief so that they can have one final farewell concert. This is a puzzle game where you use your ability to sing and generate light in areas built around each band member’s emotional state. If you feel like going through the emotional wringer, you might want to give this one a go.
Da Da Daungo ($14.00)
This is a card game that supports up to four players online, and claims to be a combination of Doubt and Bingo. Normally I’d recommend something like this for people looking for a casual card game they can play with others, but it only supports Japanese language. I suspect that is going to put the game out of reach of a lot of the crowd that it is best suited for. Oh well.
Time Master ($14.99)
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a Crescent Moon game on the Nintendo Switch, but I think this might the first one it has published on its own. Anyway, Time Master sees you playing as the wizard Zeno as he attempts to complete a series of trials in order to get his sister back after she was lost during an accident. This is an isometric puzzle platformer where you use time manipulation in order to solve the challenges in front of you. I’m a fan of this kind of thing, so I’m going to be doing a review of this game as soon as I can get through it.
Runnyk ($4.99)
Viking warrior Runnyk must find the four magical runes in order to meet Odin and ask for his help opening a pickle jar or something. Okay, I made up the part about the pickle jar but the rest is legit. It’s a small Metroidvania-style game, and for a fiver it probably carries its weight well enough. Not a bad choice if you’re looking for something that doesn’t take too much commitment.
Pop and Chicks ($1.99)
A cute little puzzle game about a chicken trying to collect their chicks and bring them back to the barn. Make your moves carefully or you’ll end up in a pinch. Nothing fancy, but it’s only two dollars.
The Bin Bunch
Girl Dress Up Classic ($3.99)
Call of Sniper Combat – WW2 ($11.99)
Drag Racing Car Simulator ($9.99)
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
Some good stuff on sale today, with titles like Streets of Rogue, Unepic, and Totally Reliable Delivery Service hitting new low prices. The weekend outbox doesn’t have a whole lot of note in it, but I recommend giving it a look on your way out after combing through the new stuff.
Select New Sales
Little Witch Nobeta ($42.49 from $49.99 until 11/23)
Sail Forth ($13.89 from $19.99 until 11/23)
Cozy Grove ($8.60 from $14.99 until 11/23)
Orbital Bullet ($5.99 from $19.99 until 11/23)
Freshly Frosted ($6.38 from $9.99 until 11/23)
Embracelet ($4.79 from $11.99 until 11/24)
Garden Simulator ($10.79 from $26.99 until 11/24)
Starsand ($7.99 from $19.99 until 11/24)
Beholder 3 ($7.99 from $19.99 until 11/24)
Retro Bowl ($2.99 from $4.99 until 11/26)
Smashing the Battle ($2.99 from $4.99 until 11/30)
Smashing the Battle Ghost Soul ($8.99 from $14.99 until 11/30)
Hopping Girl Kohane ($3.79 from $19.99 until 11/30)
Monster Boy & the Cursed Kingdom ($9.99 from $39.99 until 11/30)
Dual Brain Complete Edition ($8.90 from $26.99 until 11/30)
Bot Gaiden ($7.49 from $14.99 until 12/1)
Rayland ($3.49 from $4.99 until 12/1)
Unbound: Worlds Apart ($5.99 from $19.99 until 12/1)
Professional Construction: The Simulation ($9.99 from $39.99 until 12/1)
Firefighters: Airport Fire Department ($9.99 from $39.99 until 12/1)
Firefighters: The Simulation ($9.99 from $39.99 until 12/1)
Mountain Rescue Simulator ($9.99 from $39.99 until 12/1)
Splash Cars ($2.09 from $6.99 until 12/1)
Unepic ($2.49 from $9.99 until 12/1)
Quest of Dungeons ($2.89 from $8.99 until 12/1)
The Red Exile: Survival Horror ($3.24 from $4.99 until 12/1)
Pretty Girls Tile Match ($2.99 from $5.99 until 12/1)
Islanders ($1.99 from $4.99 until 12/2)
Jurassic World Aftermath Collection ($11.99 from $29.99 until 12/2)
PHOGS! ($9.99 from $24.99 until 12/2)
Cake Bash ($7.99 from $19.99 until 12/2)
The Last Hero of Nostalgia ($17.49 from $24.99 until 12/2)
Sugar Tanks ($4.99 from $9.99 until 12/4)
One Hand Clapping ($5.99 from $14.99 until 12/4)
Boaty Tanks ($4.99 from $9.99 until 12/4)
Horror Tale 2: Samantha ($4.99 from $9.99 until 12/4)
EA Sports FC 24 ($29.99 from $59.99 until 12/4)
Sine Mora EX ($4.49 from $29.99 until 12/4)
COGEN: Sword of Rewind ($12.49 from $24.99 until 12/4)
Laid-Back Camp Virtual Fumoto Campsite ($12.59 from $29.99 until 12/4)
Laid-Back Camp Virtual Lake Motosu ($12.59 from $20.99 until 12/4)
Spice and Wolf VR ($9.99 from $24.99 until 12/4)
Spice and Wolf VR2 ($9.99 from $24.99 until 12/4)
Tinykin ($16.24 from $24.99 until 12/7)
Mind Scanners ($2.54 from $16.99 until 12/7)
Happy’s Humble Burger Farm ($6.99 from $19.99 until 12/7)
Justice Sucks ($9.99 from $19.99 until 12/7)
Graveyard Keeper ($6.99 from $19.99 until 12/7)
Hellpoint ($8.74 from $34.99 until 12/7)
Streets of Rogue ($4.99 from $19.99 until 12/7)
Totally Reliable Delivery Service ($3.74 from $14.99 until 12/7)
Zombies Rising Dawn ($4.99 from $9.99 until 12/7)
Trash Sailors ($6.99 from $19.99 until 12/7)
Hello Neighbor 2 ($19.99 from $39.99 until 12/7)
Hello Engineer ($9.74 from $14.99 until 12/7)
SpiderHeck ($9.74 from $14.99 until 12/7)
Boxville ($6.99 from $9.99 until 12/7)
Unichrome: A 1-Bit Adventure ($3.49 from $14.99 until 12/7)
Despot’s Game ($12.99 from $19.99 until 12/7)
Despot’s Game Collector’s Edition ($14.94 from $22.99 until 12/7)
Black Skylands ($12.99 from $19.99 until 12/7)
Punch Club 2: Fast Forward ($12.99 from $19.99 until 12/7)
Infinite Links ($10.49 from $14.99 until 12/7)
Asdivine Saga ($7.49 from $14.99 until 12/7)
Sword of Elpisia ($7.49 from $14.99 until 12/7)
Chrome Wolf ($10.49 from $14.99 until 12/7)
Surgeon Simulator CPR ($3.24 from $12.99 until 12/7)
Mayhem in Single Valley ($7.49 from $14.99 until 12/7)
Sales Ending This Weekend
Burnhouse Lane ($13.99 from $19.99 until 11/18)
Cyber Hunters ($16.99 from $19.99 until 11/18)
Dark Minute: Kira’s Adventure ($1.99 from $9.99 until 11/18)
Female Nation Takeover ($9.95 from $19.90 until 11/18)
Nightmare Reaper ($19.99 from $29.99 until 11/18)
No Son of Mine ($9.99 from $14.99 until 11/18)
Papetura ($5.99 from $9.99 until 11/18)
Perseverance: Complete Edition ($7.99 from $19.99 until 11/18)
Project Nightmares Case 36: Henrietta Kedward ($12.99 from $19.99 until 11/18)
Raid on Taihoku ($7.69 from $10.99 until 11/18)
Remorse: The List ($9.99 from $19.99 until 11/18)
That’s all for today and this week, friends. We’ll be back next week with more reviews, new releases, sales, and news. The usual business, in other words. I’m going to be spending this weekend the way I spent the weekend of May 17th, 1996: playing all the way through Super Mario RPG from start to finish with only brief breaks for food and sleep. Heck yeah. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, and as always, thanks for reading!
