Hello, fellow gamers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Roundup for September 5th, 2024! It's Thursday already – where does the time fly? We're diving headfirst into reviews today, with in-depth looks at Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate. Our contributor, Mikhail, also shares his thoughts on Nour: Play With Your Food, Fate/stay night REMASTERED, and the TOKYO CHRONOS & ALTDEUS: Beyond Chronos TWIN PACK. We'll then highlight the day's top new releases and round things off with our usual sales lists. Let's get to it!
Reviews & Mini-Views
Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club ($49.99)
Resurrecting dormant franchises is all the rage these days, mirroring Hollywood's penchant for sequels. Nintendo's unexpected revival of Famicom Detective Club, primarily known in the West through a brief remake, is a prime example. This marks the first new Famicom Detective Club game of the 21st century!
The challenge lies in balancing faithfulness to the original with modern sensibilities. Emio – The Smiling Man opts for a style similar to the recent remakes, sticking closely to the source material. This creates a unique blend: modern visuals meet a classic gameplay style. The graphics are top-notch, and the story pushes boundaries beyond what 90s Nintendo would have dared, but the gameplay remains distinctly old-school, influencing the overall enjoyment.
The game centers on a student found dead with a smiling-face paper bag over his head, triggering a re-examination of unsolved murders from 18 years prior. The urban legend of Emio, a killer promising eternal smiles, is central to the mystery. Is it a copycat, a resurrected killer, or pure myth? The police are baffled, leaving the case to the Utsugi Detective Agency. Through investigation and interrogation, you uncover the truth!
Gameplay involves searching for clues, questioning suspects (often repeatedly), and piecing together the narrative. It's reminiscent of the investigative segments in Ace Attorney. While engaging, some aspects feel clunky or could use clearer guidance. However, within the context of similar games, Emio doesn't significantly stray from the norm.
Despite some minor story criticisms, Emio is captivating, twisting, and well-written. While certain plot points may not resonate universally, discussing them would spoil the experience. It's a mystery best enjoyed fresh. The highs are truly high, making the occasional lull more forgivable.
Emio – The Smiling Man is atypical for Nintendo, yet demonstrates polished execution. While its mechanics remain loyal to the originals, and the plot has its minor pacing issues, it's a thoroughly enjoyable mystery adventure. Welcome back, Detective Club – don't vanish again for so long!
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate ($29.99)
The Switch is building a solid collection of TMNT games. From the Cowabunga Collection to Shredder's Revenge and Wrath of the Mutants, there's a title for every preference. Splintered Fate offers a console-style experience, and more are on the horizon.
This one's quite good. If you've played the Apple Arcade version, you know the gist. Imagine a TMNT beat 'em up infused with Hades mechanics. Play solo or with up to four players locally or online. Online multiplayer worked well in our testing. While enjoyable solo, adding players enhances the fun. It's TMNT – naturally better with friends.
Shredder's antics and a mysterious power endanger Splinter, forcing the Turtles into action. Fight enemies, strategically dodge attacks, utilize power-ups, and collect currency for permanent upgrades. Death sends you back to the lair to start again. A roguelite beat 'em up with a TMNT twist. It's not groundbreaking, but it's well-executed.
Splintered Fate isn't a must-have for everyone, but TMNT fans will appreciate this unique take. The well-implemented multiplayer is a highlight. Those less familiar with the Turtles may find better roguelites on Switch, but its ability to compete in this crowded genre is commendable.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Nour: Play With Your Food ($9.99)
Nour: Play With Your Food's initial absence on Switch and mobile was surprising, given its apparent suitability for touchscreens. The PC version was enjoyable, but it's not a traditional game. Those who enjoy playful sandbox experiences and food will likely adore it, though the Switch version has shortcomings.
Nour is an experimental food art experience. It blends interactive app elements with artistic expression. Starting with basic tools, the game gradually expands, letting you truly "play with your food." This is where the touchscreen's absence becomes noticeable.
The lack of touchscreen support is disappointing. Performance compromises are evident on Switch compared to other platforms, resulting in noticeable load times.
Nour is a worthwhile experience for food and art enthusiasts, despite the Switch version's flaws. The portability makes it appealing, and hopefully, its success will lead to more DLC or a physical release. Games like Nour and Townscaper offer a refreshing contrast to more involved titles. -Mikhail Madnani
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Fate/stay night REMASTERED ($29.99)
Fate/stay night REMASTERED, released recently on Switch and Steam, is a remaster of the 2004 visual novel. This is an excellent entry point into the Fate universe, providing a chance to experience the series' origin. The extensive content makes the price remarkably low.
The remaster offers improvements, including English language support and 16:9 aspect ratio. The visuals are enhanced for modern displays, although not reaching the level of Tsukihime's remake. Touchscreen support on Switch is a welcome addition.
The game runs well on both Switch and Steam Deck, making it a highly portable experience. The lack of a physical Switch release is a minor drawback.
Fate/stay night REMASTERED is essential for visual novel fans, offering exceptional value and accessibility. While the visuals aren't as stunning as Tsukihime's remake, its compelling story and convenient platform availability make it a must-play. -Mikhail Madnani
SwitchArcade Score: 5/5
TOKYO CHRONOS & ALTDEUS: Beyond Chronos TWIN PACK ($49.99)
TOKYO CHRONOS & ALTDEUS: Beyond Chronos TWIN PACK offers two visual novels, originally VR experiences. TOKYO CHRONOS follows high school friends in an alternate Shibuya, dealing with lost memories and murder. While predictable at times, it boasts good visuals. ALTDEUS: Beyond Chronos, however, is superior, with stronger writing, voice acting, and characters.
The Switch version features touchscreen support and haptic feedback, enhancing immersion. However, camera control issues exist, though not game-breaking.
Despite minor narrative shortcomings, the Switch port is well-done, making the most of the platform's capabilities. The demo is recommended to gauge compatibility.
TOKYO CHRONOS & ALTDEUS: Beyond Chronos TWIN PACK is a satisfying experience on Switch, offering a compelling sci-fi narrative. -Mikhail Madnani
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Select New Releases
(Descriptions of Fitness Boxing feat. Hatsune Miku, Gimmick! 2, Touhou Danmaku Kagura Phantasia Lost, EGGCONSOLE Hydlide MSX, and Arcade Archives Lead Angle are similar to the original text, with minor wording changes for variation.)
Sales
(Sales lists are similar to the original text, with minor wording changes for variation.)
That's all for today! We'll return tomorrow with more reviews, new releases, and sales. Check out my blog, Post Game Content, for additional gaming insights. Have a great Thursday!
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