Among this week’s assortment of new eShop titles you’ll find such big hitters as Shakedown: Hawaii, Puyo Puyo Champions, Saints Row: The Third, and For the King. If none of these takes your fancy, then Nintendo has you covered – the Go Digital! sale is underway, boasting over 130 games on offer.
There are too many discounts to list in full, but we can rattle off some choice picks: Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap (£8.99), Night in the Woods (£11.96), Iron Crypticle (£3.74), Snake Pass (£6.39), Rogue Aces (£3.99), Bulb Boy (£1.79), Velocity 2X (£5.99), CAPCOM BEAT ‘EM UP BUNDLE (£12.79), and Raging Justice (£3.39), and SEGA AGES Out Run (£4.49).
Speaking of SEGA, the e-sports orientated puzzler Puyo Puyo Champions launches at the low price of £7.99. However, it’s not quite the bargain it may seem – it’s a very slim package, offering just the basics. The addition of the ‘Fever’ ruleset should be able to open the wallets of Puyo Puyo diehards, though, and review scores for this colourful ditty are still clocking in at 8/10.
“This is a great option if you want to play this puzzler online against pros or locally with friends,†said Nintendo World Report, while suggesting that Puyo Puyo Tetris is a better option for those expecting a story mode.
After a lengthy development period, Vblank was no doubt hoping to see higher review scores for their Retro City Rampage follow-up Shakedown: Hawaii. The 16-bit GTA-style crime caper received a 6.5 from Nintendo World Report and an equally lukewarm 6/10 from Nintendo Life.
“Despite all of its numerous shortcomings, there’s still some fun to be had when you’re not toiling through menus, but it’s hard not be disappointed when you consider VBlank’s previous work; hopefully, like Retro City Rampage, we’ll see a better DX version in the future,†said the former.
Scores for the twin-stick roguelike Blazing Beaks are both higher and more consistent, gaining impressive 8/10s from both The Digital Fix and Video Chums.
“Blazing Beaks is a lot of things, all at once, splitting focus between a rogue-lite Story mode and twin-stick local multiplayer shenanigans. Neither mode is perfect, and there might be stronger options available if you’re only interested in one of these genres, but there’s an astonishing level of replay value here, across the board. You’d be quackers to miss it,†was The Digital Fix’s verdict.
Then we have the tabletop RPG For The King, which also features roguelike elements. This too has been on the receiving end of 8/10s. The Metro called it “one of the most enjoyable roguelikes of recent years†while also praising its low poly visuals.
Finally, Saints Row: The Third joins the Switch party this Friday, available both at retail and on the eShop. Reviews aren’t live yet, but it’s hard to imagine anything going disastrously wrong with this conversion – the original dates back to 2011, after all.
We recall enjoying the base game – especially flying around the city in a helicopter – but felt the three add-on packs were over too quickly. Regardless, it’s nice to see another open-world game on Switch.
Here’s the full rundown of new Switch releases. Nothing for 3DS this week, it seems.
New Switch eShop releases
Saints Row: The Third – The Full Package – £34.99
Saints Row: The Third – The Full Package is the definitive release of one of gaming’s most beloved entries, playable on a Nintendo system for the first time ever with new features for Nintendo Switch. Includes all three mission packs and more than 30 DLC items
For The King – £19.99
For The King is a strategic RPG that blends tabletop and roguelike elements in a challenging adventure that spans the realms. Set off on a single player experience or play cooperatively both online and locally. None before you have returned from their journey. Will you put an end to the Chaos?
Arcade Archives NINJA GAIDEN – £6.29
Play as a ninja using the Five Ninja Fighting Arts passed on from the chaotic times of feudal Japan, as you take out an assassin organization through the horrifying stage “Jungle,†an American city.
ASCENDANCE – £5.99
ASCENDANCE is a calming, relaxing and minimalist first person 3D Platformer. Shape your way with mysterious abilities and rise with the enchanted wind platforms beyond the skies within a world which evolves and transforms around you.
Blazing Beaks – £13.49
Use your one-of-a-kind bird skills to whack every nasty thing in your way, so it comes from where it came. Explore tons of randomly generated levels bursting with secrets to find and mysteries to unravel. Hear the sweet voice of powerful artifacts calling your name but beware of their dark force. Think twice before picking them up, as they will pray on your greed leading eventually to your annihilation.
Dragon Pinball – £2.69
Enjoy Dragon Pinball, a perfect reproduction of a real pinball machine, with all the graphic details and sounds.
Car Trader – £3.59
Buy cars in different states, renew them and sell them while earning profit. But be sure to watch out for popularity of the type of vehicle during the auction, because you can overpay.
Car Mechanic Manager – £3.59
Buy used cars, repair and sell them. Do you want to earn more? Find out about trends and tune cars before selling. New spoilers? Special painting? Or maybe engine tuning? In Car Mechanic Manager everything this is possible!
Dragon Snakes – £3.59
Classic and addictive gameplay reimagined with colorful dragons. Try to beat your high score or play against up to 4 friends on a single screen. Eat as many butterflies as you can and watch your dragon grow!
European Conqueror X – £8.99
In European Conqueror X you engage in turn-based strategy and resource management, taking on battles in the late 18th- and early 19th-Century. You utilise weapons and soldiers distinct to that period in European warfare, making key decisions to turn the tide of war.
Frane: Dragons’ Odyssey – £11.69
Take on enemies by making use of weapons and magic in different situation in quick-paced action battles! Explore dungeons, craft items, upgrade weapons, cook dishes and enjoy your quest with a variety of original and colorful characters awaiting during your adventure!
MachiKnights -Blood bagos- £9.89
You must stop the evil organization of Kenos from reviving a terrible long-lost weapon known as Bagos the Giant. In order to secure victory you’ll take control of Machi Knights, ancient war machines built by the Babilacca, an ancient civilization which fell into ruin long ago.
Lovecraft´s Untold Stories – £13.49
Lovecraft’s Untold Stories is an action rogue-lite with RPG elements. You explore randomly generated levels based in H.P. Lovecraft stories, fighting cultists and all kinds of monsters from the Mythos, improving your weapons and gear, solving puzzles and challenges, and looking for clues and knowledge to defeat the Great Old Ones and the Outer Gods.
Lost Artifacts: Soulstone – £7.89
After the Soulstone is stolen during an auction in the national museum, Claire and her helpers witnessed the revival of the terracotta army and its Emperor. The Emperor wishes to take over the world by awakening a dragon from the crater of a volcano, but our heroes have other ideas. Go on a journey through a country full of myths in the exciting casual strategy game Lost Artifacts: Soulstone.
Monster Puzzle – £4.49
Far away, lost in another dimension, there’s a world where human dreams come to life. A land built upon sweet dreams where Trekkie and her friends live, safe from the bitter monsters inhabiting the dark world of nightmares.
Puyo Puyo Champions – £7.99
Easy to learn, tough to master! Jump straight into fast-paced puzzle action with features fit for both friendly rivalries and competitive tournaments in Puyo Puyo Champions. Challenge your friends and family in local multiplayer or compete against players from around the world through online matchmaking. Built for all ages, this classic puzzle game comes with a surprisingly competitive edge.
OTTTD: Over The Top Tower Defence – £5.99
OTTTD stands for Over The Top Tower Defense, and you’ll see why when you’re blasting 9 kinds of hell out of a floating robot shark that’s making a beeline for your HQ.
My Big Sister – £5.99
Meet Luzia, a sarcastic twelve-year-old with a playful sense of humor. If you believe what she says, My Big Sister is an RPG-like adventure game that is not about her but about her sister Sombria.
Reverse Crawl – £11.69
You’re dead already! But such a trifling inconvenience isn’t going to stop you – the Revenant King – from reclaiming your throne. Reverse Crawl is a fast-paced turn-based strategy RPG that lets you lead mobs of monster minions and back-from-the-grave goons into battle against the elite armies of the dastardly Red Queen.
Shakedown: Hawaii – £17.99
Shakedown: Hawaii follows three protagonists through a 16-bit open world. Build your own “legitimate” corporation by completing missions, acquiring businesses, sabotaging competitors, “re-zoning” land, and shaking down shops for protection money.
Tales of the Orient – The Rising Sun – £12.99
Prove your skills in Challenge mode with limited moves. Experience the excitement of building an ancient Japanese village in this engaging Match 3 game.
Meow Motors – £12.19
You will take to the track and play as one of a dozen colorful cats memorable for their different characteristics and unique personalities. Overcome various difficulties of the tracks drifting through mines and bombs, stop and slow down your competitors by blasting them with bubble gum and other astonishing weapons. And don’t forget to gather power-ups along the way if you want to be the fastest driver on the track!
New Switch demos
Gakuen Club
Monster Puzzle
Next week: Redout, Rock of Ages 2: Bigger & Boulder, Bubsy: Paws on Fire, Evil Defenders, Undead Horde, INFERNO CLIMBER: REBORN, Project Nimbus: Complete Edition, Octogeddon, KORAL, Pocket League Story, 39 Days to Mars, Darkwood, Thief Simulator, Akane, and Devious Dungeon 2.