Reviews Featuring ‘Tomba!’ & ‘Volgarr the Viking II’, Plus the Latest Sales – TouchArcade Leave a comment
Hi there light readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Spherical-Up for August twelfth, 2024. In at present’s article, we’re beginning off the week with opinions. We’re doing that as a result of there aren’t any new releases! Effectively, that’s the way it goes some days. On the evaluate docket, there’s Tomba! Particular Version, Volgarr the Viking II, and the newest JALECOlle launch Yokai Membership. After that, we’ve obtained the same old lists of latest and expiring gross sales. We’ve had busier Mondays, however let’s roll with what we’ve obtained!
Evaluations & Mini-Views
Tomba! Particular Version ($19.99)
Typically I battle with my scores for retro re-releases. What carries extra weight, the standard of the unique recreation or video games, or the standard of the presentation and general package deal? Within the case of Tomba! Particular Version, I’ve lucked out considerably. The sport is a real tough gem, one that can want your endurance every now and then however will reward you with an extremely charming expertise. The Carbon Engine wrapper doesn’t get in the best way of that by and enormous, although I did run right into a crash or two throughout my playthrough. The extras are alright, with a strong museum full of artwork and a few fascinating movies, a music participant, and each the unique soundtrack and a brand new organized one to select from.
Tomba is an odd recreation, a hybrid of two.5D platforming and journey game-style stock puzzles that most likely could be most carefully in comparison with a number of the Monster World collection. It first launched on PlayStation at one of many worst occasions for a recreation with 2D gameplay to return, however it managed to construct sufficient of an viewers for a sequel to be made. Story for one more day, that one. The platforming is somewhat clunky, however solely somewhat, and the puzzles and quests run the gamut from annoying to amusing. It’s a recreation I’ve a variety of affection for, however I’m not blind to how its quirky nature makes it a nasty match for some individuals. However hey, it’s not the primary bizarre recreation I’ve beneficial.
By way of emulation, the Carbon Engine appears to be largely behaving itself right here. I’ve observed a few issues which are off, however nothing substantial. As talked about, I did have a few crashes whereas taking part in via the sport, and I actually can’t type what brought on them. However hey, nothing to wake the neighbors up about. By way of options, it’s the norm right here. Just a few save states, some show choices, a rewind characteristic, some borders to select from, and a toggle for vibration. Whereas I went over the fundamental particulars of the extras, I actually do respect all the scans within the museum mode. This isn’t Digital Eclipse degree or something, however it’s higher than a primary brown paper bag wrapper.
Like the unique recreation itself, Tomba! Particular Version isn’t good, however it’s a really troublesome recreation to dislike. This can be a recreation that feels eternally seeking its due, and maybe this multiplatform launch may assist make that lastly occur. For those who’re in search of a platformer that’s a bit totally different from the norm, or are an outdated Tomba fan seeking a approach to rekindle your completely satisfied reminiscences, it is a good decide.
SwitchArcade Rating: 4/5
Volgarr the Viking II ($19.99)
Volgarr the Viking II is a recreation that I don’t have a complete ton to say about, which is odd given how a lot I loved it. It’s a pleasant plate of meat-and-potatoes ultra-tough 2D motion, similar to the primary recreation. In some methods that’s anticipated, however it’s not onerous to think about a world the place the developer was influenced by the zeitgeist into making the follow-up into some type of Soulstroidvania. Nope! What has been achieved right here is to make the levels loads longer, with some checkpoints added to off-set that. Additionally, when you fail too many occasions the sport will make you invincible for the remainder of the sport, which is likely to be what you need at that time, however provide you with a nasty ending. Nobody likes dangerous endings, so attempt to not proceed too usually.
In any other case, that is extra Volgarr. You may have the identical restricted however versatile set of strikes as your disposal, the identical three power-ups you’ll be able to gather to extend your energy and sturdiness, and shall be up towards many acquainted foes. There are some new enemies and executives to battle after all, and the brand new stage layouts are delightfully devilish. As with the primary recreation, you’re going to need to display some critical endurance and expertise when you even need to see the again half of the sport. Besides this time when you simply need to tour it, you do have that dangerous ending Zombie Volgarr characteristic to lean on. No less than for me, this considerably defeats the purpose of the sport, however it’s good to see some form of possibility there for individuals who need it.
Whereas I do know some Volgarr followers are barely postpone by the lengthier levels, I feel by and enormous Volgarr the Viking II will go down nicely with those that loved the workmanlike problem of the unique recreation. It doesn’t mess with the formulation an excessive amount of, and its one concession to those that had been pissed off by the primary one has a ample value to protect the core ethos of the collection. A well-made, no-nonsense motion recreation that may simply be the treatment you’re after.
SwitchArcade Rating: 4/5
JALECOlle Famicom Ver. Yokai Membership ($7.99)
The second recreation within the JALECOlle line additionally occurs to be the primary that we didn’t see launched within the West again within the day. In some methods, it’s not onerous to see why. On a platform swimming with 2D action-platformers, Yokai Membership is simply one other one. Besides this one has a Japanese people lore theme and RPG components, each components that many publishers tried to sidestep again in these days. There’s additionally a really wholesome quantity of that particular Jaleco jank in play. Nonetheless… there’s one thing to it, and sufficient of that one thing to make me glad it’s been fished out and re-released.
This can be a six-stage affair that’s broadly linear however with levels which have vertical components and some cubbies to poke round in for additional power-ups. Defeating enemies and accumulating the objects they depart behind will earn you expertise, which can ultimately degree you up and provide you with stronger weapons. There are additionally objects you’ll be able to seize that can be utilized at your leisure. This launch of the sport is type sufficient to map a turbo-fire possibility to your assault, which when mixed with save states and rewind ought to make this an affordable clear for many gamers.
You get the identical options we noticed in Pinball Quest, minus after all the choice to decide on which regional variant you need to play. There’s just one, in spite of everything. Which means achievements, guide and packaging scans, some devices that sit within the borders of the display, and so forth. The devices specifically are very helpful right here, as they remind you what every merchandise does and the way shut you might be to leveling up. The collision detection on this recreation is a bit bizarre, and the leaping physics take some time to get used to, however all of the assists right here helped me keep it up lengthy sufficient to get pleasure from it. Mission achieved?
For those who’re concerned about exploring retro gaming to seek out first rate video games that obtained misplaced within the shuffle of historical past, I’ve a hunch JALECOlle goes to be a great collection for you. Yokai Membership definitely helps promote the idea, because it’s a title we didn’t see outdoors of Japan again within the day, gussied up and offered with care. Is it nice? No, it’s very a lot a center of the road affair. However there’s sufficient to love right here that these with a curious thoughts and a little bit of endurance ought to get pleasure from a playthrough or two.
SwitchArcade Rating: 3.5/5
Gross sales
(North American eShop, US Costs)
Some Sunsoft gross sales, some Inti-Creates gross sales, and some different fine details value contemplating. Over within the outbox, it’s your final likelihood to top off on Koei Tecmo and the Sam & Max video games at decrease costs. Don’t sleep on that Rush Rally 3 sale, both. That recreation is basically good, and 4 bucks is a steal for it. Verify these lists!
Choose New Gross sales
Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley ($16.99 from $19.99 till 8/17)
Luna & Monsters Tower Protection ($2.56 from $12.99 till 8/17)
Bug & Search ($11.99 from $14.99 till 8/17)
Venba ($9.74 from $14.99 till 8/18)
Ikki Unite ($10.49 from $14.99 till 8/19)
Home Cleansing Survival ($2.39 from $23.99 till 8/19)
Sunsoft Mahjong Solitaire ($10.79 from $17.99 till 8/19)
Journey World DX ($12.99 from $19.99 till 8/19)
Umbraclaw ($17.49 from $24.99 till 8/23)
PuzzMiX ($2.99 from $3.99 till 8/23)
Gunvolt Data: Cychronicle ($10.49 from $14.99 till 8/23)
Yohane the Parhelion: Blaze within the Deepblue ($20.39 from $29.99 till 8/23)
Gal Guardians: Demon Purge ($13.74 from $24.99 till 8/23)
Azure Striker Gunvolt 3 ($14.99 from $29.99 till 8/23)
Luminous Avenger iX 2 ($12.49 from $24.99 till 8/23)
Blaster Grasp Zero 3 ($7.49 from $14.99 till 8/23)
Dragon Marked for Demise ($7.49 from $14.99 till 8/23)
Bloodstained Curse of the Moon 2 ($5.99 from $14.99 till 8/23)
All Noobs Should Die ($1.99 from $12.99 till 8/24)
Venari Escape Room Journey ($4.19 from $5.99 till 8/24)
Proper and Down and Cube ($5.99 from $11.99 till 8/24)
Full Steel Sergeant ($7.99 from $9.99 till 8/24)
Mystic Academy: Escape Room ($5.49 from $10.99 till 8/24)
The Lengthy Darkish ($17.49 from $34.99 till 8/26)
Slime Rancher: Plortable ($9.99 from $24.99 till 8/26)
Kittengumi: Sakaboto’s Thief ($2.99 from $9.99 till 8/26)
Tape: Unveil the Recollections ($5.99 from $19.99 till 8/26)
S.O.L Search of Mild ($14.99 from $19.99 till 8/26)
OBAKEIDORO ($9.99 from $19.99 till 8/30)
Darkish Quest 3 ($7.59 from $18.99 till 8/31)
Sizzling Wheels Unleashed ($5.99 from $39.99 till 8/31)
Sizzling Wheels Unleashed GotY Version ($11.99 from $79.99 till 8/31)
Operation Wolf Returns ($10.49 from $29.99 till 8/31)
Oddworld Soulstorm ($17.49 from $49.99 till 8/31)
Geometry Survivor ($1.99 from $4.99 till 8/31)
Frog Detective: The Total Thriller ($13.96 from $19.95 till 9/1)
Gross sales Ending Tomorrow, August twelfth
Agnostiko Origins ($16.24 from $24.99 till 8/13)
Atelier Arland Deluxe Pack ($58.49 from $89.99 till 8/13)
Atelier Nightfall Trilogy Deluxe Pack ($58.49 from $89.99 till 8/13)
Atelier Lulua ($29.99 from $59.99 till 8/13)
Atelier Marie Remake ($29.99 from $49.99 till 8/13)
Atelier Marie Remake Deluxe ($41.99 from $69.99 till 8/13)
Atelier Mysterious Trilogy Deluxe Pack ($58.49 from $89.99 till 8/13)
Atelier Ryza ($23.99 from $59.99 till 8/13)
Atelier Ryza 2 ($29.99 from $59.99 till 8/13)
Atelier Ryza 3 ($38.99 from $59.99 till 8/13)
Atelier Sophie 2 ($29.99 from $59.99 till 8/13)
Blue Reflection: Second Mild ($23.99 from $59.99 till 8/13)
Prepare dinner, Serve, Scrumptious ($5.19 from $12.99 till 8/13)
Deflector ($1.99 from $22.99 till 8/13)
Dynasty Warriors 8 XL Definitive ($27.99 from $39.99 till 8/13)
Dynasty Warriors 9 Empires ($35.99 from $59.99 till 8/13)
Deadly Body: Maiden of Black Water ($27.99 from $39.99 till 8/13)
Deadly Body: Masks of the Lunar Eclipse ($34.99 from $49.99 till 8/13)
Destiny/Samurai Remnant ($38.99 from $59.99 till 8/13)
Jello ($9.79 from $13.99 till 8/13)
Mirrored Souls ($1.99 from $14.99 till 8/13)
Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX ($20.99 from $29.99 till 8/13)
Nelke & the Legendary Alchemists ($19.79 from $59.99 till 8/13)
Ninja Gaiden: Grasp Assortment ($26.79 from $39.99 till 8/13)
Nora the Wannabe Alchemist ($1.99 from $19.99 till 8/13)
Rush Rally 3 ($3.99 from $14.99 till 8/13)
Sam & Max Past Time & Area ($11.99 from $19.99 till 8/13)
Sam & Max Save the World ($11.99 from $19.99 till 8/13)
Samurai Warriors 5 ($29.99 from $59.99 till 8/13)
Sky Caravan ($1.99 from $19.99 till 8/13)
Area Tail: Each Journey Leads Residence ($6.99 from $9.99 till 8/13)
Squabble ($4.99 from $9.99 till 8/13)
The Blind Prophet ($1.99 from $24.99 till 8/13)
They Know ($1.99 from $6.99 till 8/13)
UDO Unidentified Drilling Object ($5.99 from $14.99 till 8/13)
Warriors Orochi 3 Ult. Deluxe ($41.99 from $69.99 till 8/13)
Warriors Orochi 4 Final ($35.99 from $59.99 till 8/13)
That’s all for at present, buddies. We needs to be again tomorrow with some new video games, extra gross sales, extra opinions, and maybe some information. I say “ought to” as a result of I’ve to verify in on the hospital and regardless of my drugs the signs haven’t but cleared. So let’s hope I’m not absolutely checking in, eh? I’ll do my greatest to be again right here with all of you tomorrow. I hope you all have a wonderful Monday, and as at all times, thanks for studying!
