Castlevania Collection Dominates SwitchArcade Review Roundup!

Hello fellow gamers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Roundup for September 3rd, 2024! Today's update brings you fresh reviews, starting with an in-depth look at the Castlevania Dominus Collection, followed by a review of Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn, and concise critiques of two recently released Pinball FX DLC tables. We'll then explore today's new releases, including the charming Bakeru, and finally, dive into the latest sales and expiring deals. Let's get started!

Reviews & Mini-Views

Castlevania Dominus Collection ($24.99)

Konami's recent track record with classic game collections has been exceptional, and the Castlevania franchise has been a prime beneficiary. Castlevania Dominus Collection, the third in the series on modern platforms, focuses on the Nintendo DS trilogy. Developed by M2, this collection delivers excellent results and offers more than initially apparent, potentially making it the most essential Castlevania compilation to date.

The Nintendo DS Castlevania games possess unique identities, forming a surprisingly diverse set. Dawn of Sorrow, a direct sequel to Aria of Sorrow, initially suffered from cumbersome touchscreen controls, thankfully mitigated in this release. Portrait of Ruin relegates touchscreen elements to a bonus mode, instead utilizing an interesting dual-character mechanic. Order of Ecclesia significantly departs from its predecessors, boasting increased difficulty and a design reminiscent of Simon’s Quest. All three are strong titles.

This collection marks the culmination of Koji Igarashi's exploratory Castlevania era, a period that began with the revitalizing Symphony of the Night. While the games are individually strong, there's a question of whether their distinct styles reflect Igarashi's creative exploration or a response to waning audience interest. Regardless, these games represent a significant chapter in the franchise's history.

Interestingly, these aren't emulated but are native ports, allowing M2 to enhance the experience. The annoying touchscreen controls in Dawn of Sorrow are replaced with more intuitive button presses, and the presentation includes a simultaneous display of the main screen, status screen, and map, significantly improving gameplay.

The collection is packed with options and extras. Players can select game regions, customize button mapping, and choose between left stick control for character movement or the touch cursor. A delightful credits sequence showcases the series' unsung heroes, and a comprehensive gallery features artwork, manuals, and box art. A music player allows custom playlist creation, and each game includes a detailed compendium covering equipment, enemies, items, and more. While additional screen layout options would be a welcome addition, this is a near-perfect presentation of these classic games.

But the surprises don't end there! The notoriously difficult arcade game, Haunted Castle, is included. This is accompanied by a complete remake, Haunted Castle Revisited, a substantial addition that significantly improves upon the original's flaws. It's a remarkable bonus, essentially adding a whole new Castlevania game to the collection.

Castlevania Dominus Collection is a must-have for Castlevania fans. The inclusion of a fantastic remake of Haunted Castle, along with the well-presented Nintendo DS titles, makes this an exceptional value. If you're unfamiliar with Castlevania, this is an excellent starting point.

SwitchArcade Score: 5/5

Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn ($19.99)

My experience with Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn has been a mixed bag. While I've generally enjoyed Tengo Project's previous releases, this remake presents some unique challenges. The original game is less celebrated than their other titles, and the 8-bit-to-modern update differs from their previous 16-bit remakes.

After playing the game extensively, my opinion is somewhat nuanced. Compared to their other work, this feels less polished. However, improvements are evident, from the enhanced presentation to a refined weapon and item system. While no new characters are added, existing characters are better differentiated. It's undeniably superior to the original while retaining its essence. Fans of the original will adore this.

For those who found the original merely decent, this remake likely won't dramatically alter that perception. Simultaneous access to both the chain and sword is a welcome improvement, and the sword's utility is enhanced. The new inventory system adds depth. The presentation is excellent, masking its 8-bit origins. However, some challenging difficulty spikes are present.

Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn is another solid effort from Tengo Project, representing a substantial improvement over the original. Its appeal depends heavily on one's prior experience with the original game. Newcomers will find an enjoyable but not essential action game.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Pinball FX – The Princess Bride Pinball ($5.49)

Two quick reviews of recent Pinball FX DLC. The Princess Bride Pinball utilizes actual voice clips and video clips from the movie, a welcome inclusion. The table's mechanics feel authentic and are satisfying to play. It's a well-executed licensed table, enjoyable for both newcomers and veterans.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Pinball FX – Goat Simulator Pinball ($5.49)

Goat Simulator Pinball embraces the absurdity of its license. It's a unique and quirky table, best suited for experienced pinball players. While initially bewildering, it rewards persistence with humorous antics.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5