Hey light readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Spherical-Up for April thirtieth, 2024. In at the moment’s article, we’ve obtained just a few opinions so that you can get pleasure from. Our pal Mikhail crashes the door along with his ideas on Reigns: Past and Let’s! Revolution!, and I’ve obtained a reasonably hefty take a look at The Epyx Assortment: Handheld. After that, we’ve obtained a handful of recent releases to take a peek at, they usually’re not a foul lot all up. Lastly, we carry issues to a detailed for April with lists of recent and expiring gross sales for the day. Let’s put this month to mattress!
Evaluations & Mini-Views
Reigns: Past ($4.99)
I really feel like at this level you both love or hate Nerial’s Reigns sequence. Over time, we’ve seen it undergo sequels, collaborations, completely different eras, and extra, however Nerial additionally took the sequence to area for its Apple Arcade recreation in Reigns: Past. A couple of years after hitting Apple Arcade, Devolver Digital and Nerial introduced Reigns: Past to Change and Steam, and it’s one other important entry within the sequence.
What set Reigns: Past aside when it hit Apple Arcade was its sci-fi setting again then, and it nonetheless holds up brilliantly now on a replay as you set off to change into well-known as a rock band recruiting whereas taking part in gigs throughout the galaxy. I’ve all the time liked how Nerial elegantly brings the theme of the sport to the interface and menu components along with the cardboard artwork itself, and Reigns: Past is likely to be the largest leap for me.
On Change, Reigns: Past similar to prior video games, has contact help and respectable rumble. It appears and runs because it ought to, and there actually isn’t something to complain about with the port. I all the time needed to purchase Reigns: Past to personal as an alternative of solely getting access to it by way of Apple Arcade, and I’ve performed simply that with this new launch.
I really like nearly each Reigns recreation, however Reigns: Past is well among the finest within the sequence, and an excellent sturdy recreation by itself. I nonetheless suppose the unique recreation is one of the best entry level, however Reigns: Past is implausible and completely well worth the asking value on Change. When you dislike the Reigns video games, this received’t do something to vary your thoughts although. -Mikhail Madnani
SwitchArcade Rating: 4.5/5
Let’s! Revolution! ($19.99)
Let’s! Revolution! (henceforth Let’s Revolution) is a recreation I had my eye on since a good friend advised me it was excellent for Steam Deck. I by no means obtained round to taking part in it again when it hit PC final yr, however the brand new Change port was the right probability to lastly give it a go. I’ve been taking part in Let’s Revolution on each Change and Steam Deck over the previous few weeks, and it’s glorious virtually throughout the board.
Earlier than wanting into the gameplay, Let’s Revolution‘s aesthetic grabbed me from the beginning. It’s beautiful with its colourful look, slick animation work, and stylish interface. That is all accompanied by an important soundtrack that I’ve been listening to whereas working currently. However the actual draw of Let’s Revolution is the gameplay.
Let’s Revolution is mainly Minesweeper meets roguelite puzzles with turn-based fight. That mix itself is complicated, however the development and courses within the recreation actually elevate Let’s Revolution to one thing particular. There may be some RNG concerned after all, and I wouldn’t have it some other approach regardless of how annoying it has gotten in just a few conditions. That is likely to be a difficulty for some gamers, however I’m used to it by now.
I had entry to Let’s Revolution on each Steam and Change. I performed it on my OLED Change and Steam Deck and haven’t any complaints with the visuals or efficiency on both handheld. It’s slick, easy, and appears glorious throughout the board with good use of rumble on Change. The one factor I’d wish to see in potential future updates is contact help on Change.
Having lastly performed Let’s Revolution due to the brand new console ports, I undoubtedly remorse not leaping into it final yr on PC. It’s an incredible mix of Minesweeper and roguelites with beautiful visuals, slick animations, and an important soundtrack. Other than some points that come up because of RNG and the shortage of touchscreen help on Change, I’ve no complaints with Let’s Revolution. It’s a simple advice on each Change and Steam Deck. -Mikhail Madnani
SwitchArcade Rating: 4.5/5
The Epyx Assortment: Handheld ($11.99)
With how a lot the Recreation Boy dominated the primary massive handheld battle, it may generally be simple to overlook concerning the competitors. SEGA provides us the odd kick to assist us bear in mind the Recreation Gear, however there was one other: Atari’s Lynx. Essentially the most highly effective of the three handheld consoles, it had the misfortune of being Atari’s console at a time the place that was a digital assure of final place. Its energy had a heavy value, each in value and battery utilization, and Atari simply wasn’t in a spot to supply it the software program help it wanted to compete with Nintendo. Realistically talking, it by no means had an opportunity.
However , Atari in all probability may have made it simpler on itself. Its proprietor on the time was Jack Tramiel, a pointy businessman who was identified for his tenacious management fashion and… let’s say frugal nature. As was the case with all the consoles launched by Atari throughout Tramiel’s tenure, the Lynx was not developed by Atari itself. Fairly, it was the work of Epyx, an organization greatest identified for its microcomputer hits like Not possible Mission and Summer season Video games. Two of the designers of the Amiga laptop had been requested by a former colleague, now at Epyx, to develop a handheld. By the point it was prepared, Epyx’s fortunes had made a big flip for the more serious.
The hand-held, known as the Useful, was shopped round to varied firms in hopes of securing a associate. After being turned down by the likes of Nintendo and SEGA, Epyx lastly discovered a possible ray of hope with Atari. A deal was struck whereby Atari would take over manufacturing of the console, which it renamed the Lynx, whereas Epyx would help it with video games. It’s what Epyx was good at, in spite of everything. It whipped up some video games for the upcoming launch of the system, however in an extremely self-owning transfer (one thing Atari proved to be a dab hand at) Atari performed some nasty hardball with Epyx, depriving the corporate of the funds it desperately wanted to remain in enterprise. Epyx folded earlier than the Lynx even launched, and Atari now owned the entire shebang. Sadly, it now needed to help the entire thing roughly by itself. Nicely, a minimum of it had that first blast of titles from Epyx?
An aggravating story, one in all many from the historical past of Atari. It will get much more irritating whenever you spend a while with the Lynx’s library of software program. It’s higher than you would possibly count on, even when it wasn’t actually what the console wanted on the time. However these preliminary Epyx video games show very properly that it was conversant in the console on a extra intimate stage than anybody else, flexing the tech whereas displaying off the writer’s expertise in creating quirky, pleasant video games. One can solely marvel what we might have seen from Epyx had it continued to work on the console over the span of its life. Nicely, such is the enterprise. Okay, that’s the preamble. Let’s get to the overview.
As with many bankrupt firms, Epyx has seen its IP fall into the arms of an organization that doesn’t do way more than license mentioned IP out to events. Certainly, the set of video games we’re taking a look at right here noticed launch, together with two different video games, on the Evercade console just a few years in the past. It’s right here on the Change courtesy of Pixel Video games UK and Think about Software program, they usually’ve performed a fairly good job of the nuts and bolts. The emulation high quality right here is nice, and also you get the essential options like save states, display screen filters, and rewind. We’ve additionally obtained 3D fashions of the packing containers and manuals right here, albeit rigorously scrubbed to take away any and all mentions of Atari, the Lynx, and different marks not related to Epyx. It might be good if there was some historic context right here, however for the value it’s arduous to be too upset with what we’ve been given.
How about these video games, although? You get six of them right here, which makes up two-thirds of the video games Epyx developed for the Lynx and roughly 8% of the overall business library of the platform. One other Epyx recreation, Chip’s Problem, was already launched individually. The opposite two video games use IP belonging to WB Video games, who appear to have forgotten they personal any video video games that predate the yr 2000. So realistically, these are the one six we may have gotten. The video games included listed below are: Blue Lightning, California Video games, Electrocop, Gates of Zendocon, Todd’s Adventures in Slime World, and Zarlor Mercenary. When you bear in mind the Lynx however didn’t personal one, likelihood is these are among the titles you most strongly affiliate with the system.
Blue Lightning is an actual tech showcase, demonstrating that Lynx may do a greater tackle After Burner than SEGA’s personal 16-bit console apparently may. The sport itself has a way more relaxed tempo than SEGA’s arcade hit, and regardless of how good it appears and sounds for its period it’s a reasonably common recreation. California Video games was the pack-in for the system and options 4 excessive sports activities occasions. Your mileage will fluctuate with every of those, however the browsing and footbag minigames are as satisfying as ever. Electrocop is an early tackle a roguelite motion recreation and is one other {hardware} flex. Those that are affected person with it is going to discover it extra rewarding than it initially appears. Most likely the clunkiest of the lot right here, nonetheless.
Gates of Zendocon is a horizontal shooter, and it’s a reasonably unorthodox one. Don’t come into it anticipating one thing typical and also you would possibly discover so much to love. Todd’s Adventures in Slime World isn’t the sport you would possibly suppose it’s, however there’s a sure pleasure in its methodical action-adventure gameplay. It’s a disgrace we don’t have multiplayer help on this assortment, as a result of this recreation would actually profit from that function being obtainable. Zarlor Mercenary is a vertical shooter that I’ve by no means actually gotten on properly with. It’s one other uncommon tackle its style, and also you would possibly prefer it higher than I do. All up, not a foul bunch of video games when you think about they work out to about two bucks every.
The Epyx Assortment: Handheld is a very good starter set for these trying to examine the Atari Lynx library. I’d say this can be a higher and extra iconic choice than the Lynx video games included in Atari 50, even. Whilst you received’t get any fascinating historic info right here, the included quality-of-life options, together with extras like handbook and field scans, make this a strong effort on the entire. The video games themselves run the gamut from fascinating experiments to downright compelling experiences. Greater than value digging into, in my view.
SwitchArcade Rating: 4/5
New Releases
Tales from Candleforth ($11.99)
Add one other point-and-click fashion journey recreation to the Change’s reasonably hefty roster. A woman named Sarah takes over the household apothecary after her grandmother goes lacking, and shortly discovers that not every part is what she believed it to be. With hints that her grandmother would possibly nonetheless be alive, Sarah finds herself neck-deep in her household’s secrets and techniques. A few of these secrets and techniques is likely to be very harmful certainly, however she’ll must confront all of them the identical.
The Fall of Elena Temple ($2.99)
We’ve seen her adventures, and we’ve seen her definitive adventures, however now we should bear witness to the autumn of Elena Temple. No, actually. It is a puzzle-action recreation the place you might want to acquire all the cash in every of the twenty rooms, however there’s one drawback: gravity. Fortunately, you have got an answer: time mischief. You possibly can undo a set variety of falls in every room, and whenever you do the cash you grabbed will stay collected. By this implies, you have to snatch up all of these cash littered about. Defy the legal guidelines of the universe, Elena. See the place it will get you.
Earlier than the Inexperienced Moon ($11.99)
A type of Harvest Moon-inspired sluggish life farming sims, this one with a slight sci-fi twist to it. Evaluations over on Steam are fairly constructive, with a variety of reward going to how the small forged of characters is developed over the course of the sport. The true query mark at this level is how properly the Change port has been dealt with, and that’s one thing I don’t but have a solution for. Let’s hope it’s a easy one so we are able to add one other good farming sim recreation to the record.
Area Routine ($4.99)
A life simulation a few area household doing area issues. For 5 {dollars} I wouldn’t need to get my hopes up too excessive, however this developer’s earlier recreation was a variety of enjoyable and I’m hoping this one pans out the identical approach. You’ll must handle every member of the household’s generally routine, generally surreal each day life. Could possibly be enjoyable, however I haven’t had the possibility to attempt it but so I can’t say with any certainty at this level.
Gross sales
(North American eShop, US Costs)
When you’re out there for catgirls, at the moment’s inbox shall be of curiosity to you. The entire Nekopara “saga” for twelve bucks. Twelve bucks and your sense of disgrace, you lewd creature. Other than that… properly, you’ll be able to take a look by yourself. Not a lot within the outbox, except you need to refill on Team17 video games throughout their once-per-month line-wide sale.
Choose New Gross sales
Digimon Survive ($17.99 from $59.99 till 5/13)
Surprise Boy Returns Remix ($2.99 from $14.99 till 5/13)
Nekopara Vol 1 ($2.99 from $14.99 till 5/13)
Nekopara Vol 2 ($2.99 from $14.99 till 5/13)
Nekopara Vol 3 ($2.99 from $14.99 till 5/13)
Nekopara Vol 4 ($2.99 from $14.99 till 5/13)
QV ($4.49 from $14.99 till 5/13)
Resort Sowls ($2.39 from $7.99 till 5/13)
MazM: Jekyll and Hyde ($4.49 from $14.99 till 5/13)
MazM: Pechka ($11.99 from $14.99 till 5/13)
MazM: Phantom of the Opera ($4.49 from $14.99 till 5/13)
Motesolo: No Girlfriend Since Beginning ($13.99 from $19.99 till 5/13)
Zombie Hunter: D-Day ($2.24 from $8.99 till 5/13)
Smilemo ($2.99 from $9.99 till 5/13)
Savior of the Abyss ($2.99 from $9.99 till 5/13)
Shutter Nyan! Enhanced Version ($7.49 from $14.99 till 5/13)
My Divorce Story ($3.99 from $7.99 till 5/13)
Tremendous Nanaru ($2.99 from $9.99 till 5/13)
HammerHelm ($8.99 from $14.99 till 5/13)
Who’s Zombie ($2.69 from $8.99 till 5/13)
Miracle Snack Store ($9.99 from $19.99 till 5/13)
Mortal Kombat 1 ($34.99 from $69.99 till 5/20)
Batman: Arkham Trilogy ($35.99 from $59.99 till 5/20)
Negligee ($6.69 from $9.99 till 5/20)
Roomie Romance ($4.99 from $9.99 till 5/20)
Tremendous Dungeon Maker ($7.99 from $19.99 till 5/20)
Gross sales Ending Tomorrow, Could 1st
9 Years of Shadows ($13.99 from $19.99 till 5/1)
Amber Metropolis ($5.39 from $8.99 till 5/1)
Braveland Trilogy ($2.99 from $14.99 till 5/1)
Bravery and Greed ($7.99 from $19.99 till 5/1)
CLOSER ($4.19 from $5.99 till 5/1)
Dreamscaper ($6.24 from $24.99 till 5/1)
Guild of Dungeoneering UE ($9.99 from $19.99 till 5/1)
Jetboard Joust ($1.99 from $9.99 till 5/1)
Mars Base ($1.99 from $19.99 till 5/1)
Neon Blight ($1.99 from $19.99 till 5/1)
Destroy Raiders ($1.99 from $19.99 till 5/1)
Shalnor Legends 2: ToT ($3.99 from $9.99 till 5/1)
Stolen Realm ($15.99 from $19.99 till 5/1)
Terracotta ($1.99 from $19.99 till 5/1)
The Knight Witch ($6.79 from $19.99 till 5/1)
The Previous Inside ($1.99 from $5.99 till 5/1)
The Serpent Rogue ($1.99 from $19.99 till 5/1)
To The Rescue! ($1.99 from $19.99 till 5/1)
TOEM ($4.99 from $19.99 till 5/1)
Worms WMD ($5.99 from $29.99 till 5/1)
Yoku’s Island Specific ($3.99 from $19.99 till 5/1)
Yooka-Laylee & the Not possible Lair ($2.99 from $29.99 till 5/1)
That’s all for at the moment and this month, buddies. We’ll be again tomorrow with the standard Wednesday stuff. Extra new releases, extra gross sales, perhaps a overview or two, and no matter massive information rolls in. I’m a bit sleepy so I’ll forgo the standard slice of life remark for at the moment. I hope you all have a terrific Tuesday, and as all the time, thanks for studying!
