Hello gentle readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for August 12th, 2024. In today’s article, we’re starting off the week with reviews. We’re doing that because there aren’t any new releases! Well, that’s how it goes some days. On the review docket, there’s Tomba! Special Edition, Volgarr the Viking II, and the latest JALECOlle release Yokai Club. After that, we’ve got the usual lists of new and expiring sales. We’ve had busier Mondays, but let’s roll with what we’ve got!

Reviews & Mini-Views

Tomba! Special Edition ($19.99)

Sometimes I struggle with my scores for retro re-releases. What carries more weight, the quality of the original game or games, or the quality of the presentation and overall package? In the case of Tomba! Special Edition, I’ve lucked out somewhat. The game is a true rough gem, one that will need your patience now and then but will reward you with an incredibly charming experience. The Carbon Engine wrapper doesn’t get in the way of that by and large, though I did run into a crash or two during my playthrough. The extras are alright, with a solid museum filled with art and some interesting videos, a music player, and both the original soundtrack and a new arranged one to choose from.

Tomba is an odd game, a hybrid of 2.5D platforming and adventure game-style inventory puzzles that probably can be most closely compared to some of the Monster World series. It first released on PlayStation at one of the worst times for a game with 2D gameplay to come, but it managed to build enough of an audience for a sequel to be made. Story for another day, that one. The platforming is a little clunky, but only a little, and the puzzles and quests run the gamut from annoying to amusing. It’s a game I have a lot of affection for, but I’m not ignorant of how its quirky nature makes it a bad fit for some people. But hey, it’s not the first weird game I’ve recommended.

In terms of emulation, the Carbon Engine seems to be mostly behaving itself here. I’ve noticed a couple of things that are off, but nothing substantial. As mentioned, I did have a couple of crashes while playing through the game, and I really can’t sort what caused them. But hey, nothing to wake the neighbors up about. In terms of features, it’s the norm here. A few save states, some display options, a rewind feature, some borders to choose from, and a toggle for vibration. While I went over the basic details of the extras, I really do appreciate all of the scans in the museum mode. This isn’t Digital Eclipse level or anything, but it’s better than a basic brown paper bag wrapper.

Like the original game itself, Tomba! Special Edition isn’t perfect, but it’s a very difficult game to dislike. This is a game that feels eternally in search of its due, and perhaps this multiplatform release might help make that finally happen. If you’re looking for a platformer that’s a bit different from the norm, or are an old Tomba fan in search of a way to rekindle your happy memories, this is a good pick.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Volgarr the Viking II ($19.99)

Volgarr the Viking II is a game that I don’t have a whole ton to say about, which is odd given how much I enjoyed it. It’s a nice plate of meat-and-potatoes ultra-tough 2D action, just like the first game. In some ways that is expected, but it’s not hard to imagine a world where the developer was influenced by the zeitgeist into making the follow-up into some sort of Soulstroidvania. Nope! What has been done here is to make the stages a lot longer, with some checkpoints added to off-set that. Also, if you fail too many times the game will make you invincible for the rest of the game, which might be what you want at that point, but give you a bad ending. No one likes bad endings, so try not to continue too often.

Otherwise, this is more Volgarr. You have the same limited but versatile set of moves as your disposal, the same three power-ups you can collect to increase your strength and durability, and will be up against many familiar foes. There are some new enemies and bosses to battle of course, and the new stage layouts are delightfully devilish. As with the first game, you’re going to have to demonstrate some serious patience and skills if you even want to see the back half of the game. Except this time if you just want to tour it, you do have that bad ending Zombie Volgarr feature to lean on. At least for me, this somewhat defeats the point of the game, but it’s nice to see some kind of option there for those who want it.

While I know some Volgarr fans are slightly put off by the lengthier stages, I think by and large Volgarr the Viking II will go down well with those who enjoyed the workmanlike challenge of the original game. It doesn’t mess with the formula too much, and its one concession to those who were frustrated by the first one has a sufficient cost to preserve the core ethos of the series. A well-made, no-nonsense action game that might just be the remedy you’re after.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

JALECOlle Famicom Ver. Yokai Club ($7.99)

The second game in the JALECOlle line also happens to be the first that we didn’t see released in the West back in the day. In some ways, it’s not hard to see why. On a platform swimming with 2D action-platformers, Yokai Club is just another one. Except this one has a Japanese folk lore theme and RPG elements, both elements that many publishers tried to sidestep back in those days. There’s also a very healthy amount of that distinctive Jaleco jank in play. Still… there’s something to it, and enough of that something to make me glad it’s been fished out and re-released.

This is a six-stage affair that is broadly linear but with stages that have vertical elements and a few cubbies to poke around in for extra power-ups. Defeating enemies and collecting the items they leave behind will earn you experience, which will eventually level you up and give you stronger weapons. There are also items you can grab that can be used at your leisure. This release of the game is kind enough to map a turbo-fire option for your attack, which when combined with save states and rewind should make this a reasonable clear for most players.

You get the same features we saw in Pinball Quest, minus of course the option to choose which regional variant you want to play. There’s only one, after all. That means achievements, manual and packaging scans, some gadgets that sit in the borders of the screen, and so on. The gadgets in particular are very useful here, as they remind you what each item does and how close you are to leveling up. The collision detection in this game is a bit weird, and the jumping physics take a while to get used to, but all the assists here helped me stick with it long enough to enjoy it. Mission accomplished?

If you’re interested in exploring retro gaming to find decent games that got lost in the shuffle of history, I have a hunch JALECOlle is going to be a good series for you. Yokai Club certainly helps sell the concept, as it’s a title we didn’t see outside of Japan back in the day, gussied up and presented with care. Is it great? No, it’s very much a middle of the line affair. But there’s enough to like here that those with a curious mind and a bit of patience should enjoy a playthrough or two.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

Some Sunsoft sales, some Inti-Creates sales, and a few other bits and bobs worth considering. Over in the outbox, it’s your last chance to stock up on Koei Tecmo and the Sam & Max games at lower prices. Don’t sleep on that Rush Rally 3 sale, either. That game is really good, and four bucks is a steal for it. Check those lists!

Select New Sales

Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley ($16.99 from $19.99 until 8/17)
Luna & Monsters Tower Defense ($2.56 from $12.99 until 8/17)
Bug & Seek ($11.99 from $14.99 until 8/17)
Venba ($9.74 from $14.99 until 8/18)
Ikki Unite ($10.49 from $14.99 until 8/19)
House Cleaning Survival ($2.39 from $23.99 until 8/19)
Sunsoft Mahjong Solitaire ($10.79 from $17.99 until 8/19)
Trip World DX ($12.99 from $19.99 until 8/19)
Umbraclaw ($17.49 from $24.99 until 8/23)
PuzzMiX ($2.99 from $3.99 until 8/23)
Gunvolt Records: Cychronicle ($10.49 from $14.99 until 8/23)
Yohane the Parhelion: Blaze in the Deepblue ($20.39 from $29.99 until 8/23)
Gal Guardians: Demon Purge ($13.74 from $24.99 until 8/23)
Azure Striker Gunvolt 3 ($14.99 from $29.99 until 8/23)
Luminous Avenger iX 2 ($12.49 from $24.99 until 8/23)

Blaster Master Zero 3 ($7.49 from $14.99 until 8/23)
Dragon Marked for Death ($7.49 from $14.99 until 8/23)
Bloodstained Curse of the Moon 2 ($5.99 from $14.99 until 8/23)
All Noobs Must Die ($1.99 from $12.99 until 8/24)
Venari Escape Room Adventure ($4.19 from $5.99 until 8/24)
Right and Down and Dice ($5.99 from $11.99 until 8/24)
Full Metal Sergeant ($7.99 from $9.99 until 8/24)
Mystic Academy: Escape Room ($5.49 from $10.99 until 8/24)
The Long Dark ($17.49 from $34.99 until 8/26)
Slime Rancher: Plortable ($9.99 from $24.99 until 8/26)
Kittengumi: Sakaboto’s Thief ($2.99 from $9.99 until 8/26)
Tape: Unveil the Memories ($5.99 from $19.99 until 8/26)
S.O.L Search of Light ($14.99 from $19.99 until 8/26)
OBAKEIDORO ($9.99 from $19.99 until 8/30)
Dark Quest 3 ($7.59 from $18.99 until 8/31)

Hot Wheels Unleashed ($5.99 from $39.99 until 8/31)
Hot Wheels Unleashed GotY Edition ($11.99 from $79.99 until 8/31)
Operation Wolf Returns ($10.49 from $29.99 until 8/31)
Oddworld Soulstorm ($17.49 from $49.99 until 8/31)
Geometry Survivor ($1.99 from $4.99 until 8/31)
Frog Detective: The Entire Mystery ($13.96 from $19.95 until 9/1)

Sales Ending Tomorrow, August 12th

Agnostiko Origins ($16.24 from $24.99 until 8/13)
Atelier Arland Deluxe Pack ($58.49 from $89.99 until 8/13)
Atelier Dusk Trilogy Deluxe Pack ($58.49 from $89.99 until 8/13)
Atelier Lulua ($29.99 from $59.99 until 8/13)
Atelier Marie Remake ($29.99 from $49.99 until 8/13)
Atelier Marie Remake Deluxe ($41.99 from $69.99 until 8/13)
Atelier Mysterious Trilogy Deluxe Pack ($58.49 from $89.99 until 8/13)
Atelier Ryza ($23.99 from $59.99 until 8/13)
Atelier Ryza 2 ($29.99 from $59.99 until 8/13)
Atelier Ryza 3 ($38.99 from $59.99 until 8/13)
Atelier Sophie 2 ($29.99 from $59.99 until 8/13)
Blue Reflection: Second Light ($23.99 from $59.99 until 8/13)
Cook, Serve, Delicious ($5.19 from $12.99 until 8/13)
Deflector ($1.99 from $22.99 until 8/13)
Dynasty Warriors 8 XL Definitive ($27.99 from $39.99 until 8/13)

Dynasty Warriors 9 Empires ($35.99 from $59.99 until 8/13)
Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water ($27.99 from $39.99 until 8/13)
Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse ($34.99 from $49.99 until 8/13)
Fate/Samurai Remnant ($38.99 from $59.99 until 8/13)
Jello ($9.79 from $13.99 until 8/13)
Mirrored Souls ($1.99 from $14.99 until 8/13)
Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX ($20.99 from $29.99 until 8/13)
Nelke & the Legendary Alchemists ($19.79 from $59.99 until 8/13)
Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection ($26.79 from $39.99 until 8/13)
Nora the Wannabe Alchemist ($1.99 from $19.99 until 8/13)
Rush Rally 3 ($3.99 from $14.99 until 8/13)
Sam & Max Beyond Time & Space ($11.99 from $19.99 until 8/13)
Sam & Max Save the World ($11.99 from $19.99 until 8/13)
Samurai Warriors 5 ($29.99 from $59.99 until 8/13)
Sky Caravan ($1.99 from $19.99 until 8/13)
Space Tail: Every Journey Leads Home ($6.99 from $9.99 until 8/13)
Squabble ($4.99 from $9.99 until 8/13)
The Blind Prophet ($1.99 from $24.99 until 8/13)
They Know ($1.99 from $6.99 until 8/13)
UDO Unidentified Drilling Object ($5.99 from $14.99 until 8/13)
Warriors Orochi 3 Ult. Deluxe ($41.99 from $69.99 until 8/13)
Warriors Orochi 4 Ultimate ($35.99 from $59.99 until 8/13)

That’s all for today, friends. We should be back tomorrow with some new games, more sales, more reviews, and perhaps some news. I say “should” because I have to check in at the hospital and despite my medicine the symptoms have not yet cleared. So let’s hope I’m not fully checking in, eh? I’ll do my best to be back here with all of you tomorrow. I hope you all have a marvelous Monday, and as always, thanks for reading!