Hello gentle readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for February 16th, 2023. It’s Thursday, and as promised we have a bunch of new releases to look at. Most of them are quite dubious, but the good ones are very good. Very, very good. It’s Theatrhythm day, people! That most glorious of days. The one I’ve been looking forward for for months now. Anyway, we have summaries of all of those new games, plus some lists of the latest sales and expiring discounts. Let’s march to the beat!
New Releases
Theatrhythm Final Bar Line ($49.99)
I really thought that the Theatrhythm series was finished with Curtain Call on the 3DS, but by purchasing every piece of DLC for it, one by one, in a slow, agonizing process, it appears I willed this Switch sequel into existence. And I couldn’t be happier! The touch controls are gone, but in their place we have more complex arrangements for the button controls. This base version includes more than three hundred songs to play, but there are fancier editions if that isn’t enough for you. I’ll have a full review of this soon, but you know. Five out of five, right? Right.
Elderand ($19.99)
A Metroidvania that leans heavily into the gory bits, Elderand features a variety of weapons, considerable amounts of character customization, a large world to explore, more than sixty different kinds of enemies to deal with, the obligatory crafting system, and lots of secrets to uncover. I’ll have a proper review of this one early next week to let you know if it stands out from the pack in a meaningful way.
Dust & Neon ($29.99)
If you’re into the whole twin-stick shooter roguelite thing, then Dust & Neon looks to be full up with the kinds of things you crave. Tons of weapons and ways to upgrade your character, hot action, and hours upon hours of content to play. I haven’t played it yet, but it sure looks like a high-quality affair. I love the theme and art style in particular. The fly in the ointment here is that if you have a Netflix subscription and a mobile device, you can play this on there without paying thirty bucks. On the other hand, you get to keep this version without worrying about a subscription. I leave the choice in your hands.
W.A.R.P. ($4.99)
This is one of those games where you’re controlling a ship with thrust mechanics and need to make your way through the various hazards and enemies littering each stage. You get over one hundred and forty stages to play, with three different modes on offer. Not bad for a fiver as long as you aren’t opposed to this sort of game.
Silver Falls – Ghoul Busters ($11.99)
Yes, this is the same IP as that horror game. This one is a cute side-scroller, though. Collect collectibles, eliminate enemies, overcome obstacles, and try to survive. Big five-dollar Switch platformer energy at a somewhat higher price. It was originally on 3DS and made good use of the console’s 3D feature, but you get some extras with this version to make up for that being gone. It’s only nine levels long, but you’ll definitely be put through the ringer if you’re trying to finish it.
Verdict Guilty ($8.99)
This is an indie one-on-one fighter that clearly models itself after the original Street Fighter II, but has a strong sense of style all its own. It came out several years ago for computers, and it’s generally quite well-liked. The price is also very competitive, coming in just over the cost of an Arcade Archives title. Sadly, the only multiplayer support is for local play. A decent pick for fighting fans, to be sure.
The Legend of Gwen ($19.99)
I really wish this game was better than it is, but here we are. This is a 3D platformer that at times reminds me of SEGA’s Bug! for the SEGA Saturn, but it’s not nearly as good. As Bug!. Not as good as Bug!. You play as a witch who can use a variety of magical tricks to progress through eight moons, each containing several stages. It’s extremely difficult for a variety of reasons, and the technical performance on the Switch is frankly dreadful. I can’t recommend it.
Hopping Girl Kohane EX ($24.99)
A few years back, an unusual game called Hopping Girl Kohane came out on Switch. This EX version of the game adds some new levels and a couple of new gameplay modes, but is otherwise almost identical. I feel like this could have been an update or DLC for the existing twenty dollar game rather than a brand new twenty-five dollar purchase that is seemingly co-existing with the original game on the shop, but I’m not a wealthy game development baron or anything.
Arcade Archives Grobda ($7.99)
Originally released back in 1984, Grobda is a spin-off of Xevious that sees you controlling one of those wimpy little tanks that you blew up by the dozens. It’s a tank combat game similar to the likes of Atari Combat, and while it’s not the most famous of games it was certainly influential with some game developers. My personal take is that it’s a bit too simple and doesn’t really do enough to stand out from similar games, but I know it has its fans. Maybe you are one of them. Know then that Hamster has done its usual fine job bringing this game to the Switch, just as you remember it.
Montezuma’s Revenge: 8-Bit Edition ($11.99)
Oh, this one is a classic. The name… remains unfortunate, but the game itself is pretty fun given it dates back to 1984. You play as Panama Joe and have to explore an Aztec pyramid, collecting treasure and items as you go. Some call this a prototype of the Metroidvania genre; I’m not going to stick my hand in that particular fire, but it’s worth mentioning. This particular version is the relatively new NES port that came out not that long ago. It’s a good, faithful port.
Prizma Puzzle Prime ($4.99)
This serves as sort of a greatest hits collection of puzzles from the Prizma Puzzle series of web games. It’s one of those ones where you have to connect the nodes in the correct way, with different nodes having different needs. If you’re a fan of puzzle games, you’ve probably played something like this before. Not bad for what it is, and the reasonable price makes it an easy sell.
Lucie’s Potager ($19.99)
One of those shop simulation games. This one focuses on having you search for materials, grown plants, craft items, and sell things in your shop for mad profits. With seasons and a day-night system in play, you’ll have to figure out how to manage your time as best as you can. Probably not going to knock Stardew Valley off its throne or anything, but you get to play as a squirrel girl, and that’s worth something.
OverShoot Battle Race ($7.99)
A pretty naked homage to Blizzard’s classic Rock & Roll Racing, but there’s nothing wrong with that. Up to two players locally and six players online can participate in some isometric racing fun with plenty of weapons for adding extra mayhem to the mix. Tour the galaxy to prove you are the best racer, upgrading your machine and picking up new rides with your prize money. It’s surprisingly well-made for what it is, so if you have happy memories of those great isometric racers of the past, make sure to give this some of your attention.
Ein’s Sword ($3.00)
This looks really rough. It’s an action game of sorts but it’s really slow and not very visually, um, adept. I know it’s only three dollars and I’m sure the developer did its best, but I really can’t see this appealing to many people.
Geometric Sniper – Blood in Paris ($2.99)
I guess the first game did okay for this publisher, because here is another one. Ten more missions to play. It plays like any other sniper game, but the gimmick here is that everything is rendered in a low-poly style that makes everyone look like silly, simple geometric shapes. I’d rather have a couple of delicious Snickers bars, but you do you.
Stack Tower Up 3D Builder Simulator Don’t Crash ($1.99)
Buckle up, it’s time for the garbage parade. Here’s one of the releases from VG Games today, a penny-store version of Jenga. Just stack things that are laying around your room and spend the two bucks on a drink or something.
Sniper Strike 3D – Secret Elite Mission Warfare “Ghost Squad” ($4.99)
More VG Games junk. It’s a sniper game that works like every other cheap sniper game you’ve ever seen. Just uglier and with more stock assets. Not even the best sniper game you could buy today.
Z World Zombie Death War: Survival Platformer Game Left Killer Box 2023 ($4.99)
Midnight Works with the combo breaker here. Like all of this garbage publisher’s other games, this is pure junk. It’s a beat-em-up with a zombie theme, and it’s so lousy that even a zombie would have enough brain function to get bored with it in about ten seconds.
The Dwarf Kingdom – Magic World of War vs Orks and Dragon ($4.99)
Can it be? More VG Games trash? Yes, yes it is. This is probably the worst top-down fantasy-themed action game you can buy on the eShop. You’d have a better time if you covered your five dollar bill in Frank’s Red Hot and rubbed it in your eyes.
Psychophonies: What Ghosts Say ($3.99)
Cooking and Publishing has another game where you answer a bunch of questions and then need to repeat your answers without making a mistake. If not, the ghosts will get you. That’s the hook this time. Complete waste of time and money.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
Some interesting sales have already popped up, with discounts on games from Activision, Platinum Games, Square Enix, Capcom, and more on offer. There isn’t a whole lot in the outbox to worry about, but it’s a short enough list that you’ll probably want to check it while you’re at it. You know, just in case.
Select New Games on Sale
Skul: The Hero Slayer ($9.99 from $19.99 until 2/23)
Squids Odyssey ($2.24 from $14.99 until 2/24)
Melty Blood Type Lumina ($29.99 from $49.99 until 2/26)
Grabitoons! ($5.99 from $7.99 until 2/27)
Sol Cresta ($27.19 from $39.99 until 2/27)
Sol Cresta Dramatic DLC ($6.80 from $10.00 until 2/27)
Sol Cresta Dramatic Edition ($33.99 from $49.99 until 2/27)
The Wonderful 101 ($17.99 from $39.99 until 2/27)
Diablo 2 Resurrected ($13.19 from $39.99 until 2/27)
Diablo 3 Eternal Collection ($29.99 from $59.99 until 2/27)
Blizzard Arcade Collection ($9.99 from $19.99 until 2/27)
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 ($15.99 from $39.99 until 2/27)
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy ($15.99 from $39.99 until 2/27)
Crash Bandicoot 4 ($19.99 from $39.99 until 2/27)
Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled ($13.99 from $39.99 until 2/27)
Spyro Reignited Trilogy ($15.99 from $39.99 until 2/27)
A Street Cat’s Tale ($3.99 from $7.99 until 3/2)
Gearshifters ($11.99 from $29.99 until 3/2)
Savior of the Abyss ($7.99 from $9.99 until 3/2)
Wonder Boy Returns Remix ($5.99 from $14.99 until 3/2)
Miracle Snack Shop ($15.99 from $19.99 until 3/2)
Princess Maker FTCT ($11.99 from $29.99 until 3/2)
Final Vendetta ($12.47 from $24.95 until 3/2)
Battle Axe ($7.49 from $29.99 until 3/2)
Koumajou Remilia Scarlet Symphony ($26.99 from $29.99 until 3/2)
Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium, Various DLC ($0.99 from $1.99 until 3/2)
Cuphead ($13.99 from $19.99 until 3/2)
Cuphead Delicious Last Course DLC ($6.79 from $7.99 until 3/2)
Cuphead Bundle ($19.70 from $26.99 until 3/2)
NieR:Automata The End of YoRHa ($29.99 from $39.99 until 3/2)
Eagletalon vs Horde of the Flies ($6.29 from $8.99 until 3/3)
Assault ChaingunS KM ($6.99 from $9.99 until 3/3)
Otoko Cross Klondike Solitaire ($4.89 from $6.99 until 3/3)
Tetra ($8.04 from $11.49 until 3/3)
De: Yabatanien ($9.79 from $13.99 until 3/3)
Formula Retro Racing ($2.99 from $14.99 until 3/6)
Pinball Lockdown ($1.99 from $5.99 until 3/6)
Pinball Freedom ($1.99 from $9.99 until 3/6)
Q Remastered ($3.40 from $6.80 until 3/8)
Goonya Monster ($17.99 from $19.99 until 3/8)
Banners of Ruin ($3.99 from $19.99 until 3/9)
Sales Ending Tomorrow, Friday, February 17th
35MM ($5.99 from $9.99 until 2/17)
Amazing Superhero Squad ($4.19 from $6.99 until 2/17)
Behind Closed Doors ($2.99 from $4.99 until 2/17)
Black Wolf ($1.99 from $2.99 until 2/17)
Bubsy Paws on Fire ($4.99 from $24.99 until 2/17)
Call of Juarez Gunslinger ($7.99 from $19.99 until 2/17)
Car Parking Club ($6.49 from $12.99 until 2/17)
Dance of Death: Du Lac & Fey ($14.39 from $15.99 until 2/17)
Dying Light: Definitive ($19.99 from $49.99 until 2/17)
FAR: Changing Tides ($9.99 from $19.99 until 2/17)
For The Warp ($8.79 from $17.99 until 2/17)
Hillbilly Doomsday ($2.99 from $4.99 until 2/17)
Just Dance 2023 Deluxe ($38.49 from $69.99 until 2/17)
Oddworld: Soulstorm ($34.99 from $49.99 until 2/17)
Plunderer’s Adventures ($2.49 from $4.99 until 2/17)
RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 CE ($10.49 from $29.99 until 2/17)
Silenced: The House ($2.99 from $4.99 until 2/17)
Smashy Road: Wanted 2 ($1.99 from $7.99 until 2/17)
Struggling ($5.24 from $14.99 until 2/17)
Super Chicken Jumper ($3.49 from $4.99 until 2/17)
The Jackbox Party Pack 8 ($17.99 from $29.99 until 2/17)
Until the Last Plane ($6.99 from $9.99 until 2/17)
Witchcrafty ($5.99 from $9.99 until 2/17)
Wonderland Nights: White Rabbit’s Diary ($5.59 from $6.99 until 2/17)
That’s all for today, friends. We’ll be back tomorrow with the remaining releases of the week, plus a whole bunch of new sales. Ah, I love Theatrhythm Final Bar Line so much. I spent hundreds of hours playing the previous games in the series and I’ve no doubt I’ll be doing the same with this one. I hope you all have a Theatrhythmical Thursday, and as always, thanks for reading!