New Releases and Reviews on SwitchArcade

Farewell, dear readers, and welcome to the final regular SwitchArcade Round-Up for TouchArcade. Next week brings a special edition with a few embargoed reviews, but this marks the end of my tenure. After several years, I bid adieu to the Switch's journey with this column, due to unforeseen circumstances. This is a substantial wrap-up, featuring reviews from Mikhail and Shaun, new release summaries, and the usual sales lists. Let’s enjoy one last ride!

Reviews & Mini-Views

Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU ($49.99)

Following Imagineer's successful Fitness Boxing series, including the surprisingly enjoyable Fitness Boxing Fist of the North Star, I was intrigued by their collaboration with Hatsune Miku. My recent weeks playing it alongside Ring Fit Adventure have been impressive.

For newcomers, Fitness Boxing utilizes boxing and rhythm-game mechanics for daily workouts, mini-games, and more. Hatsune Miku's inclusion adds a unique element, featuring a dedicated mode for her songs alongside the game's standard tracks. Note: this is a Joy-Con-only title, incompatible with Pro Controllers or third-party accessories.

The series' hallmarks are present: difficulty options, free training, warm-ups, progress tracking, and reminders (even in sleep mode). Unlockable cosmetics add replay value. While I can't comment on DLC, the base game surpasses Fist of the North Star, save for one minor drawback.

The audio is excellent, but the main instructor's voice feels out of sync, leading me to lower its volume.

Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU successfully integrates Miku into the franchise, appealing to her fanbase. It's a solid fitness game, but best used as a supplement to other routines rather than a standalone program. -Mikhail Madnani

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Magical Delicacy ($24.99)

Magical Delicacy from sKaule and Whitethorn Games initially flew under my radar until an Xbox Game Pass announcement. Playing it on Switch, I feel it requires further refinement. While blending Metroidvania exploration and cooking mechanics, the execution feels uneven.

As Flora, a young witch, you cook and craft for various characters. The exploration is surprisingly well-implemented, despite some frustrating backtracking. However, ingredient management and inventory UI could use improvement.

The game shines with its pixel art, music, and extensive settings (including UI scaling and text options). Early access or post-launch updates would have greatly benefited Magical Delicacy.

The Switch version runs smoothly, aside from occasional frame pacing issues. The rumble feedback is also well-done. Its portability makes it ideal for Switch or Steam Deck.

Despite its potential, Magical Delicacy feels slightly incomplete due to inventory and backtracking issues. Nevertheless, it's a strong title, well-suited for Switch, and improvements would elevate it to an essential purchase. -Mikhail Madnani

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Aero The Acro-Bat 2 ($5.99)

Many 16-bit mascot platformers emerged in Sonic’s wake, few achieving sequels. Aero The Acro-Bat is an exception, its sequel’s success less pronounced but not indicative of poor quality.

Is Aero The Acro-Bat 2 a bad game? No. It’s comparable to its predecessor, offering a more polished but less characterful experience. A solid platformer nonetheless.

Surprisingly, Ratalaika eschewed their usual emulation wrapper for a custom presentation. The package includes box and manual scans, achievements, a sprite gallery, jukebox, cheats, and more. The only drawback is the exclusion of the SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive version.

Fans of the original will appreciate this release. Ratalaika's improved emulation is commendable. A strong release for retro platformer enthusiasts.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Metro Quester | Osaka ($19.99)

I enjoyed the original Metro Quester, a challenging but rewarding dungeon crawler. Metro Quester | Osaka, while more of an expansion than a sequel, is a welcome addition.

This prequel shifts the setting to Osaka, introducing a new dungeon, character types, weapons, skills, and enemies. The wet environment necessitates canoe travel. The core mechanics remain unchanged from the original.

Turn-based combat, top-down exploration, and strategic progression are key features. Careful planning is crucial.

Fans of the original will find much to love, while newcomers can jump straight into this enhanced experience. A fantastic expansion that builds upon existing systems.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Select New Releases

NBA 2K25 ($59.99)

NBA 2K25 arrives, prompting thoughts on the series' future naming conventions. This year's installment boasts improved gameplay, a new "Neighborhood" feature, and MyTEAM enhancements. Requires 53.3 GB of storage.

Shogun Showdown ($14.99)

A Darkest Dungeon-inspired game with a Japanese setting and some unique twists. A solid entry for fans of the genre.

Aero The Acro-Bat 2 ($5.99)

(See review above)

Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection ($9.99)

A collection of three previously unlocalized Famicom games, offering diverse gameplay experiences. A good choice for retro gaming enthusiasts.

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

Notable sales include Cosmic Fantasy Collection (40% off) and Tinykin (at its lowest price yet).

Select New Sales & Sales Ending This Weekend: (Images and lists omitted for brevity, but maintain original formatting)

This concludes my eleven-and-a-half-year journey at TouchArcade. While I'll continue writing on my blog (Post Game Content) and Patreon, this marks the end of this particular chapter. Thank you, dear readers, for your unwavering support. I cherish every one of you. Farewell, and thank you for reading.