Hello gentle readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for March 15th, 2024. We’re closing out the week with a bunch of new games, with Sony’s baseball franchise MLB The Show up to bat yet again. There are several other interesting games to check out, and that’s just what we’ll do. But first, our pal Mikhail has a dandy preview of the upcoming Switch release of Freedom Planet 2. After that, a very healthy list of new sales awaits us. Some hot deals from Square Enix, Bandai Namco, and more in there. Oh, and don’t forget the list of sales ending over the weekend! It’s small, but it is there. Let’s finish up the week!
Previews
Freedom Planet 2 Nintendo Switch Preview
How do you do a preview for a game that has been out for over a year in another format? That’s what I’ve been wondering this past week while playing Freedom Planet 2 on console. GalaxyTrail’s awesome platformer with gorgeous pixel art, excellent music, and great gameplay arrives on PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch early next month through Xseed Games, and both Shaun and myself have been playing it. He is doing the full review closer to launch, so I decided to cover how the game looks and feels on Nintendo Switch in this Freedom Planet 2 console preview. These impressions are based on the first 3 hours I’ve played on both Switch and PS5.
If you’ve never played Freedom Planet 2, it basically felt like an upgrade in every way over the original game when I played it on Steam. Freedom Planet 2 feels like the team finally gave the game its own full identity, and it felt sublime to play across the board. While I played it on Steam Deck before, I kept hoping the console versions would be good, and that we’d see a physical release. Based on what I’ve played with the Switch and PS5 versions, the console ports are very good.
My biggest hope was that the switch version played well in portable mode. It looks gorgeous on the OLED Switch and plays mostly well. I noticed some performance issues in parts, but nothing major in the time I’ve spent with it. It holds the 60fps target rather well otherwise. I recommend disabling the filter in the screen settings though because it looks bad with it enabled. On PS5, there are no issues at all with its visuals and performance, though I was disappointed by it only targeting 60fps. I replayed it on Steam Deck OLED at 90fps recently so I expected the PS5 version to do 120fps. Hopefully it can be added in a future patch.
If you skipped Freedom Planet 2 on PC to play on Switch in portable mode, your wait is almost over, and I’m glad to see it turn out this well based on the opening hours. If you do want to play it on TV though, the PS5 version is much better. Freedom Planet 2 was already a fantastic game and its console version is shaping up to be almost everything I had hoped for. Stay tuned for Shaun’s full Switch review in the future. The console versions release on April 4th worldwide. -Mikhail Madnani
New Releases
MLB The Show 24 – MVP Edition ($84.99)/Digital Deluxe Edition ($99.99)
Note that only the MVP and Digital Deluxe editions of MLB The Show 24 release today. If you want the standard edition, you’ll have to wait until Monday. Anyway, now that the novelty of having a PlayStation Studios game on the Switch is well and truly gone, we’re left with another yearly installment of this great baseball series. You get some new Storylines this time around, plus a few other additions and improvements to compel you to jump to this latest version. I don’t think I’ll be reviewing it this time around, but I think most of you know where you fall with this series on Switch by now.
Rainbow Moon ($14.99)
Oh, wow. I remember playing this game years ago on… my PlayStation 3 maybe? We’ve already seen its follow-up, Rainbow Skies, on the Switch so it is indeed nice to have the first game here to go with it. As I recall, it’s a decent game if not a spectacular one, and it will certainly give you a good bang for your buck in terms of hours of play. There’s something rather nostalgic about it, and it’s very weird to say I am nostalgic for a PlayStation 3 game but here we are.
Kingdom Come Deliverance: Royal Edition ($49.99)
I’ll leave this one to the eShop description, as I have little to add to it. It reads: “Winner of 30 global awards, experience Kingdom Come Deliverance, a story-driven open-world RPG that immerses you in an epic medieval adventure across the Holy Roman Empire. You’re Henry, the son of a blacksmith. Thrust into a raging civil war, you watch helplessly as invaders storm your village and slaughter your friends and family. Narrowly escaping the brutal attack, you grab your sword to fight back. Avenge your parents’ death as you battle invading forces, go on game-changing quests, and make influential choices. Explore a massive realistic Action RPG in authentic medieval Bohemia, anytime, anywhere.”
Orion Haste ($5.99)
If you’re a little let down by the technical performance of the new Contra game on Switch, you might be interested in another run-and-gun that is a little less… shall we say, encumbered. It’s single-player only, and I can see a lot of Turrican in here along with the obvious Contra inspirations. All up you get seven stages of alien-busting action, which works out to less than a buck per. Some deal! Sure, there are the usual rough edges here that we see in games at this price point, but I think it’s pretty fun for what it is.
Baron of Blood ($12.99)
I always try to extend the benefit of the doubt to new publishers on the eShop, but this clearly isn’t the fanciest dinner on the platter. It’s a side-scrolling action-platformer with twenty-four stages spread across five worlds. Maybe at half the price it might be worth thinking about, but I think it’s not where it needs to be for a ten-dollar-plus game. You might think differently, however. Such is the world.
Nice Disc: The Last Hot Blood ($4.99)
Ah yes, here’s KEMCO with another RP… wait a minute! This isn’t an RPG at all! Instead it’s some kind of battle game where you use a disc as your weapon. Play the story mode solo or with a friend via local multiplayer, or dive into some free-for-alls with up to four players. Well, that’s an unexpected release. Might be some good fun for a fiver.
PJ Masks Power Heroes: Mighty Alliance ($39.99)
Another one of these licensed affairs from Outright Games, clearly aimed at people a lot younger than this graying old writer. If you’re a parent that likes to play these games with your little ones, do note that this one is single-player only despite a title that might have you thinking otherwise. I don’t have much else to say about this one, but I hope the fans of the characters enjoy it.
Bio Inc. Redemption ($14.99)
This is a simulation game of sorts along the lines of Plague Inc. where you are trying to create a deadly disease. You get a bit more of an up-close view of how this is affecting patients, which is an interesting touch. The Redemption part of the title refers to an additional mode where instead of trying to kill people, you’re trying to cure them. I know some who prefer this game to Plague, and others who prefer Plague to this game. Shaun says: why not both?
Around the World: Travel to Brazil Collector’s Edition ($9.99)
Search for the hidden objects… in Brazil!
Fortunate Duo ($19.90)
Another extremely poorly translated visual novel from this publisher. When your game is entirely reliant on text, please take the time to do it right. Oh well, someone must be buying these things or else they wouldn’t keep cranking them out.
Dreamland Solitaire: Dragon’s Fury ($5.99)
More card-matching fun for those who somehow haven’t gotten their fill on the Nintendo Switch by now. It seems well-made for what it is.
Cozy Hamlets ($5.29)
I don’t know, I don’t think these hamlets look cozy at all. This is a relaxed builder. No real pressures or worries about things like resources, just pure building. I’m kind of into games like these, but this one just doesn’t do it for me.
The Bin Bunch
Stickman Jailbreak 2024 ($4.99)
Instant Death ($9.99)
Ecchi Paradise ($7.69)
Infantry Attack ($7.99)
Hot Rider Racing Simulator ($11.99)
Sherlock Purr 2 ($19.99)
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
Lots of sales popped up today, so I’ll just call out a few and let you get on your way. Ender Lilies is at a new low price, and it’s a steal at ten bucks. If you enjoy challenging platformers, Gimmick at half-off will give you the test you’re after. Finally, Paranormasight is an excellent adventure game that I feel like too many people have slept on. Not too much in the weekend outbox, but shoot-em-up fans should have Psyvariar in their collections for sure. Check those lists!
Select New Sales
Meg’s Monster ($11.24 from $14.99 until 3/21)
Fishing Paradiso ($11.24 from $14.99 until 3/21)
Bear’s Restaurant ($9.74 from $12.99 until 3/21)
Neet Girl Rehabilitation Plan ($13.93 from $19.90 until 3/21)
Ender Lilies QotK ($9.99 from $24.99 until 3/21)
Cleopatra Fortune S-Tribute ($13.49 from $14.99 until 3/21)
Elevator Action Returns S-Tribute ($13.49 from $14.99 until 3/21)
Deathsmiles I-II ($35.99 from $39.99 until 3/21)
Batsugun Saturn Tribute Boosted ($26.99 from $29.99 until 3/21)
Akai Katana Shin ($26.99 from $29.99 until 3/21)
Game Tengoku CruisinMix Special ($14.99 from $29.99 until 3/21)
Exiled ($2.49 from $4.99 until 3/22)
Black Witchcraft ($7.49 from $9.99 until 3/22)
Talisman Digital Edition ($9.99 from $19.99 until 3/22)
Overlord Escape From Nazarick ($11.99 from $29.99 until 3/22)
Corbid A Colorful Adventure ($8.99 from $9.99 until 3/22)
PopSlinger ($6.74 from $14.99 until 3/22)
Hazelnut Hex ($3.99 from $7.99 until 3/22)
Kyle is Famous Complete Edition ($4.99 from $9.99 until 3/22)
Gimmick! Special Edition ($7.49 from $14.99 until 3/22)
Save The World ($5.35 from $7.99 until 3/25)
Sakura Agent ($6.69 from $9.99 until 3/25)
JoJo’s Bizarre Adv. All-Star Battle R ($14.99 from $49.99 until 3/25)
Tales of Vesperia Definitive Edition ($9.99 from $49.99 until 3/25)
Katamari Damacy Reroll ($7.49 from $29.99 until 3/25)
We Love Katamari Reroll ($9.89 from $29.99 until 3/25)
Sable’s Grimoire: A Dragon’s Treasure ($2.99 from $5.99 until 3/25)
Dragon Ball Z Kakarot Deluxe ($19.49 from $74.99 until 3/25)
Naruto X Boruto Ult. NS Connections ($39.59 from $59.99 until 3/25)
One Piece Pirate Warriors 4 Ultimate ($47.49 from $94.99 until 3/25)
Kingdom Eighties ($8.39 from $11.99 until 3/26)
Marble It Up! Ultra ($21.75 from $29.99 until 3/26)
DEEMO ($11.99 from $29.99 until 3/28)
Cytus Alpha ($19.99 from $49.99 until 3/28)
VOEZ ($10.00 from $25.00 until 3/28)
Hirilun ($5.99 from $9.99 until 3/28)
Fearmonium ($7.79 from $12.99 until 3/28)
Zomborg ($2.99 from $4.99 until 3/28)
Blaster Master Zero 3 ($7.49 from $14.99 until 3/28)
Azure Striker Gunvolt 3 ($16.49 from $29.99 until 3/28)
Yohane the Parhelion Blaze in the Deepblue ($23.99 from $29.99 until 3/28)
Gal Guardians: Demon Purge ($16.24 from $24.99 until 3/28)
Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon ($4.99 from $9.99 until 3/28)
Amabilly ($2.99 from $4.99 until 3/28)
Bob The Elementalist ($2.99 from $4.99 until 3/28)
Evil Diary ($2.99 from $4.99 until 3/28)
Runnyk ($2.99 from $4.99 until 3/28)
Pirates on Target ($2.99 from $4.99 until 3/28)
Love Kuesuto ($2.99 from $4.99 until 3/28)
Bancho Tactics ($17.99 from $19.99 until 3/28)
Tinykin ($14.99 from $24.99 until 3/28)
Shinobi Non Grata ($11.99 from $14.99 until 3/28)
Garlic ($7.49 from $14.99 until 3/28)
Chemically Bonded ($5.99 from $9.99 until 3/28)
Hello Neighbor 2 ($19.99 from $39.99 until 3/28)
SpiderHeck ($8.99 from $14.99 until 3/28)
NeonPowerUp! ($2.99 from $4.99 until 3/28)
Murder Is Game Over ($2.99 from $4.99 until 3/28)
Transiruby ($10.49 from $14.99 until 3/28)
Picontier ($19.99 from $24.99 until 3/28)
Great Ambition of the Slimes ($10.79 from $11.99 until 3/28)
Witch & Hero 2 ($1.99 from $4.99 until 3/28)
Ninja Smasher ($6.39 from $7.99 until 3/28)
Alchemic Dungeons DX ($3.19 from $7.99 until 3/28)
Fairune Collection ($3.99 from $9.99 until 3/28)
KAMIKO ($1.99 from $4.99 until 3/28)
Paranormasight: 7 Mysteries of Honjo ($11.99 from $19.99 until 3/29)
Dragon Quest Treasures ($35.99 from $59.99 until 3/29)
Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince ($40.19 from $59.99 until 3/29)
Infinity Strash: Dragon Quest ($40.19 from $59.99 until 3/29)
Chrono Cross Radical Dreamers ($9.99 from $19.99 until 3/29)
PowerWash Simulator ($19.99 from $24.99 until 3/29)
Harvestella ($29.99 from $59.99 until 3/29)
Voice of Cards Trilogy ($34.99 from $49.99 until 3/29)
Tactics Ogre Reborn ($24.99 from $49.99 until 3/29)
Life is Strange Arcadia Bay Collection ($19.99 from $39.99 until 3/29)
Life is Strange 2 ($15.99 from $31.99 until 3/29)
Life is Strange True Colors ($17.99 from $59.99 until 3/29)
Actraiser Renaissance ($14.99 from $29.99 until 3/29)
Star Ocean First Departure R ($6.29 from $20.99 until 3/29)
Star Ocean The Second Story R ($39.99 from $49.99 until 3/29)
Collection of SaGa FFL ($9.99 from $19.99 until 3/29)
Romancing SaGa Minstrel Song Remastered ($17.49 from $24.99 until 3/29)
SaGa Scarlet Grace: Ambitions ($8.99 from $29.99 until 3/29)
Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory ($23.99 from $59.99 until 3/29)
Theatrhythm Final Bar Line ($24.99 from $49.99 until 3/29)
Final Fantasy VII ($6.39 from $15.99 until 3/29)
Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII Reunion ($29.99 from $49.99 until 3/29)
Collection of Mana ($19.99 from $39.99 until 3/29)
Legend of Mana ($14.99 from $29.99 until 3/29)
I Am Setsuna ($11.99 from $39.99 until 3/29)
Oninaki ($14.99 from $49.99 until 3/29)
Danmaku Unlimited 3 ($4.99 from $9.99 until 3/29)
Aireo FlightSimulator ($17.49 from $24.99 until 4/1)
WorldWide FlightSimulator ($10.49 from $14.99 until 4/1)
Sakura Alien 2 ($6.69 from $9.99 until 4/1)
Mythology Waifus Mahjong ($2.49 from $4.99 until 4/1)
Rebel Transmute ($17.99 from $19.99 until 4/4)
Sherlock Holmes The Awakened ($13.99 from $39.99 until 4/4)
Re:Cento ($1.99 from $2.99 until 4/4)
Blossom Tales: The Sleeping King ($3.74 from $14.99 until 4/4)
Quest of Dungeons ($2.24 from $8.99 until 4/4)
Slayin 2 ($2.99 from $11.99 until 4/4)
Sales Ending This Weekend
Agent A: Puzzle in Disguise ($1.99 from $19.99 until 3/16)
Down in Bermuda ($1.99 from $19.99 until 3/16)
Japanese Rail Sim: Journey to Kyoto ($34.99 from $49.99 until 3/16)
Ori & the Blind Forest DE ($6.59 from $19.99 until 3/16)
Penguin Wars ($7.49 from $14.99 until 3/16)
Psyvariar Delta ($14.99 from $29.99 until 3/16)
Operation Wolf Returns ($17.99 from $29.99 until 3/17)
That’s all for today, friends. We’ll be back next week with more new releases, more sales, some reviews, and perhaps even some news as a treat. You know, the usual. I have a lot of games to play for review this weekend, but I’ll probably sneak off and play some old RPGs again. As I do. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, and as always, thanks for reading!