Farewell, dear readers, and welcome to the final regular SwitchArcade Round-Up for TouchArcade. Next week, I'll share a special edition with a few embargoed reviews, but this marks the end of my regular contributions. After several years, I'm moving on to new opportunities. This week's roundup is a substantial one, featuring reviews from Mikhail and Shaun, new release summaries, and the usual sales lists. Let's enjoy this 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), their collaboration with Hatsune Miku seemed a natural fit. I've been playing it alongside Ring Fit Adventure, and I'm impressed.
The Fitness Boxing formula—combining boxing and rhythm game mechanics for fitness—remains effective. Miku's inclusion adds a unique dimension, with a dedicated mode for her songs. Note: This is a Joy-Con-only game.
Standard features like difficulty options, free training, warm-ups, progress tracking, and reminders are all present. Unlockable cosmetics add extra incentive. While I can't comment on DLC yet, the base game surpasses Fist of the North Star, except for one minor flaw: the main instructor's voice is a bit jarring and I found myself muting it.
Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU successfully blends Miku's charm with solid fitness mechanics. It's best used to supplement, rather than replace, other exercise routines. -Mikhail Madnani
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Magical Delicacy ($24.99)
Magical Delicacy from sKaule and Whitethorn Games blends Metroidvania exploration with cooking and crafting. While the exploration is well-executed, some inventory management and UI quirks detract from the experience. The charming story follows Flora, a young witch.
The game shines with its beautiful pixel art, lovely music, and customizable UI options. However, some frame rate hiccups and inventory issues need addressing.
The Switch version plays well, with satisfying rumble. It feels like a game that could benefit from further refinement and updates. -Mikhail Madnani
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Aero The Acro-Bat 2 ($5.99)
A sequel to the 16-bit classic, Aero The Acro-Bat 2, surprisingly boasts an improved presentation from Ratalaika. This enhanced emulation includes box and manual scans, achievements, a sprite sheet gallery, a jukebox, and cheats. The only drawback is the exclusion of the Genesis/Mega Drive version.
The game itself is a solid platformer, smoother than its predecessor but perhaps lacking some of its unique charm. A commendable effort from Ratalaika.
Fans of the original will appreciate this enhanced release. A recommended pick for 16-bit platformer enthusiasts.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Metro Quester | Osaka ($19.99)
A prequel to the original Metro Quester, this expansion-like sequel offers a new dungeon, characters, and mechanics in an Osaka setting. The core turn-based combat and exploration remain satisfying, but careful planning is crucial.
New weapons, skills, and enemies provide a fresh challenge for veterans and a strong entry point for newcomers. The game's deliberate pace rewards patient players.
A strong addition to the series, offering more of the same satisfying gameplay.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Select New Releases
NBA 2K25 ($59.99)
The latest iteration of NBA 2K features improved gameplay, a new Neighborhood feature, and MyTEAM enhancements. Requires 53.3 GB of storage.
Shogun Showdown ($14.99)
A Darkest Dungeon-style RPG with a Japanese setting.
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.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
Noteworthy sales include Cosmic Fantasy Collection (40% off) and Tinykin (at its lowest price yet). See the full lists below for more deals.
Select New Sales
(List of sales)
Sales Ending This Weekend
(List of sales)
This concludes my contributions to SwitchArcade Round-Up and my time at TouchArcade. I'll continue writing at Post Game Content and Patreon. Thank you for your readership over the past eleven and a half years. I wish you all the best.
