Square-Enix clearly hopes your purse strings are loose this week, launching no less than four Dragon Quest games on the eShop – the ‘definitive edition’ of Dragon Quest XI and a re-release of the original NES ‘Erdrick’ trilogy.
The first DQ will only set you back a modest £3.99, whereas DQ2 and DQ3 are priced £5.35 and £9.79 (respectively). Rather than being simple re-releases, all three feature revised visuals and modern controls.
Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition, meanwhile, is on track to become one of the highest-rated games of the month. The Metacritic currently stands at 90%, putting it slightly above Link’s Awakening. Word has it that not only is it one of the best JRPGs on Switch, it’s also one of the best games Square-Enix has released in years.
“With its classic yet refined battle system and plethora of side content, the game can easily keep you chugging along for 100 hours or more,†said Nintendo World Report, who dished out a stonking 9.5.
Past Xbox One poster child Ori and the Blind Forest has received glowing reviews too, earning top marks (10/10) from Nintendo Insider: “It’s an exceptional Metroidvania that successfully blends elements of the platforming genre to create an experience unlike any other. With beautiful visuals, an imaginative setting, flawless gameplay, charming characters, powerful soundtrack, and an emotional narrative, Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition is one of the best games in the Nintendo Switch software library.â€
Be sure not to overlook Darksiders II Deathinitive Edition, either. “While the Switch port does run into some issues in specific instances, the overall experience feels very smooth. Darksiders 2 is the best entry in the current Darksiders trilogy, and the Switch version, while not perfect, is a great way to experience it,†was Nintendo World Report’s verdict.
Nintendo Life enjoyed it too, opting for an 8/10.
It’s not all smiles and sparkles this week, however. The Nintendo sites are in agreement that STAR WARS: Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast is a game well past its best, with Nintendo Life, Nintendo World Report, and Nintendo Enthusiast all handing out a ‘lukewarm’ 6/10.
“While the accuracy of the original experience may be intact, those who are looking to jump into Jedi Outcast for the first time in 2019 should be warned that the game’s age shows in plenty of unsatisfying ways,†warned Nintendo Enthusiast.
As you’re no doubt aware by now, Contra: Rogue Corps isn’t up to much either. The Switch version has had some particularly harsh words thrown at it due to the muddy visuals. “A combination of imprecise controls, boring level objectives and enemies that are thrown at you haphazardly see to it that the whole thing just never gets off the ground; it never finds that magic, addictive flow that the best in the genre possess in spades,†said Nintendo Life.
Strategy game Northgard is fairing better with critics, gaining a 7/10 from the busy chaps at Nintendo World Report: “The rough edges can make it tough for newcomers to the genre to get invested, but if you’re a fan of strategy games or able to tough it out through the warts until everything clicks, then you’re in for a treat.â€
The 3DS gets a look in too this week with a belated release of Shakedown: Hawaii. It’s nice to see the handheld hasn’t been completely forgotten, and this looks like a tidy little conversion.
Reviews of FIFA 20 Legacy Edition and the 1v4 multiplayer slasher Dead by Daylight are slow to surface. French publication JeuxVideo confirms what we all expected – FIFA 20 is simply FIFA 19 under a different name. As for Dead by Daylight, the launch trailer fills us with more confidence than the recent Friday 13th The Game. It might still be worth waiting for reviews to appear, though.
The full line-up of new Switch releases can be found below, with two other titles of note being the 2D brawler Fight’N Rage and Car Mechanic Simulator Pocket Edition.
New Switch eShop releases
DRAGON QUEST XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition – £49.99
Set out on a grand adventure, filled with memorable characters, an enchanting story and classic RPG gameplay in DRAGON QUEST XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition on Nintendo Switch!
Take on the role of the Luminary, a young man who is descended from a legendary hero who defeated the forces of darkness in ages past. Join up with a cast of charismatic companions and embark on a globe-trotting journey to save the world from an ominous threat.
DRAGON QUEST – £3.99
The legendary RPG comes to Nintendo Switch with updated controls. Whether you’re a veteran fan in need of a nostalgia trip, or a newcomer to the series looking for a fresh take on an old classic, there’s something here for everyone.
DRAGON QUEST II: Luminaries of the Legendary Line – £5.35
The second installment of the classic RPG comes to Nintendo Switch with updated controls. Join the descendants of the legendary hero Erdrick as they embark on an epic adventure to defeat the diabolical High Priest Hargon!
DRAGON QUEST III: The Seeds of Salvation – £9.79
The ground-breaking RPG from 1988 comes to Nintendo Switch with updated controls. Can you succeed where your father failed and vanquish the barbaric Baramos?
Darksiders II Deathinitive Edition – £25.99
Become the terrifying force which everything fears but nothing can escape. Awakened by the End of Days, Death, the most feared of the legendary Four Horsemen embarks on a quest to redeem his brother’s name. Along the way, the Horseman discovers that an ancient grudge may threaten all of Creation. Death lives!
Gunvolt Chronicles: Luminous Avenger iX – £13.49
Inti Creates brings you speedy and stylish 2D action the likes of which you’ve never seen before! Experience the apeX of 2D action with Luminous Avenger iX!
Fight’N Rage – £17.99
Set in a far future where humans are enslaved by mutants, Fight’N Rage is a side-scroller beat’em up inspired by the classics from the 90’s arcade gems.
Paper Train – £8.99
Don’t miss the train! Step into the shoes of a conductor! Control railway traffic, choo-choose the best moment to halt and speed up your engines, without having them crashing together. Get them through rocky canyons, amusement parks, plane cemeteries, spacecraft crash sites, holiday resorts and other exotic locations trains usually travel through. Complete levels with flawless precision for special rewards, or just hop in for some stress-free conducting and enjoy the beautiful hand-drawn aesthetics, while you let off some steam!
Cyber Protocol – £8.99
Cyber Protocol is an arcade puzzle game set in Cyberpunk scenario with a strong and dynamic gameplay. You impersonate the main hero, whose mission is to bring his Android friend (G0X6) back to life by activating the protocol.
Habroxia – £6.99
Blast your way through a myriad of extra terrestrial incursions in this arcade-style scrolling shooter! Pilot the ship Habroxia through 15 levels featuring intense boss fights, rescue missions, shifting perspectives and untold surprises. Customize your ship to enhance your abilities, unlock the three endless side modes, and save the galaxy from a series of sinister invaders.
CONTRA ROGUE CORPS – £39.99
CONTRA is back! Two years after the Alien Wars ended, the Damned City erupts from the final battleground. From the midst of the chaos, a group of scoundrels emerge.
FLYING GIRL STRIKER – £11.69
Flying Girl Striker is a super exhilarating 3D shooting game where you shoot enemies with dynamic camera work and effects.
STAR WARS: Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast – £8.09
Kyle Katarn’s classic adventure lands on Nintendo Switch! Experience the legendary single-player epic with modernized controls.
Dead by Daylight – £34.99
Ever wished to play as one of the characters from your favourite horror movies? Dead by Daylight is a 1v4 multiplayer game that allows you to choose between playing an unstoppable Killer and one of four Survivors trying to evade a gruesome end. This edition includes 9 killers and 10 survivors to choose from and 3 cosmetic packs.
Oliver’s Adventures in the Fairyland – £5.69
Oliver’s Adventures in the Fairyland by Hoodoo Bear is the indie adventure game inspired by the best Metroidvania titles. This game packs retro graphics, roguelike elements and classical platforming action. Old school gamers would be delighted by the pixel look and immersive atmosphere of this title. Plot is based on teenager from modern world being summoned into fantasy world with an important task from wizard — to return King’s stolen treasures!
Detective Dolittle – £1.49
Inside a quiet neighborhood, there lived Mr. Dolittle. If you don’t look closely, you might just think he is a random weirdo, who does not like to talk and has a “pet” squirrel named Rocky. But Mr. Dolittle has a secret that no one else knows.
Reaper – £4.99
Become the Black Swordsman and slay thousands of enemies in an epic action RPG!
Button Button Up! – £10.79
Button Button Up! is a platforming adventure game that combines single player, co-op and competitive battle modes. You’ll also realise that buttons have some unique and clever abilities to help you through each challenge!
Akash: Path of the Five – £24.19
Akash: Path of the Five is a visual novel in the otome style. Players will become Aurora, a member of a magical race of elementals. As the first elemental girl the village has seen in over 200 years, all eyes are on your fast-approaching coming of age ceremony. All is not as it seems, however, as tensions between Akash and a nearby human settlement threaten to erupt into an all-out war. Cultivate a romance with one of her five classmates, navigate the coming conflict, and plan the greatest coming of age ceremony your village has seen in over two centuries.
Barry Bradford’s Putt Panic Party – £5.99
Tee off with up to three friends simultaneously for maximum fun! You have a limited time to aim your shot and the timer gets shorter every turn! It’s a party of putting with panic guaranteed.
Northgard – £31.49
After years of tireless explorations, brave Vikings have discovered a new land filled with mystery, danger and riches: Northgard. The boldest Northmen have set sail to explore and conquer these new shores, bring fame to their Clan and write history through conquest, trading, or devotion to the Gods.
Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition – £14.99
The forest of Nibel is dying. After a powerful storm sets a series of devastating events in motion, Ori must journey to find courage and confront a dark nemesis to save the forest of Nibel.
Freedom Finger – £16.19
Freedom Finger is a music driven, side-scrolling shooter that sends you blasting, punching, and smashing your way across levels of crazy cartoon action. Starring Nolan North, John DiMaggio, Eric Bauza and Sam Riegel!
EA SPORTS FIFA 20 Nintendo Switch Legacy Edition – £44.99
EA SPORTSâ„¢ FIFA 20 Legacy Edition launches September 27th on Nintendo Switchâ„¢ featuring the latest kits, clubs, and squads from some of top leagues around the world. It will also feature some of the world’s most famous stadiums, including some brand new to FIFA 20. Gameplay features and modes will have parity with FIFA 19 on Nintendo Switchâ„¢.
Dreaming Canvas – £4.49
In Dreaming Canvas you are free to choose your destination and explore it at your own pace. Meet interesting other travelers along your journey, listen to inspirational art quotes from famous painters and locate canvasses scattered around the landscape…
Car Mechanic Simulator Pocket Edition – £17.99
Repair cars for your customers and spend the money earned on improving the workshop and expanding your skills. Buy devastated cars, renew and sell them for a profit or collect in a private collection. Put your management skills to the test to stay on the market.
New on 3DS eShop
Shakedown: Hawaii – £13.49
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.
Next week: Ghostbusters: The Video Game Remastered, Chop is Dish, Sniper Elite 3 Ultimate Edition, Cubixx, Lanternium, 80 DAYS, Super Crate Box, Galaxy Champions TV, CASE: Animatronics, Neo Cab, Candleman, Hexagroove: Tactical DJ, CROSSNIQ+, Rimelands: Hammer of Thor, The Tiny Bang Story, YU-NO: A girl who chants love at the bound of this world, and One Night Stand.