SwitchArcade Round-Up: ‘Mugen Souls’, ‘Ninja Smasher’, ‘Omega Strikers’, Plus Today’s Other Releases and Sales

Hello gentle readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for April 27th, 2023. It’s another Thursday with well over twenty new releases, which frankly doesn’t seem all that tenable to me, but what do I know? I have summaries of all of those new games for you, plus the usual lists of new and expiring sales. That’s about it really, but I’m hoping it’s more than enough to give you some reading enjoyment today. Let’s get to it!

New Releases

Mugen Souls ($39.99)

Oh hey, Mugen Souls. This is a Compile Heart/Idea Factory RPG that originally came out back in 2012. I’m not sure why they’ve handed it off to eastasiasoft for this Switch version, but it doesn’t really matter much. It’s still the same old Mugen Souls, a game that developed a cult following thanks to its cute characters and mildly competent gameplay. This port includes all of the latest updates and extras, so it’s as good a way to play the game as any. There are lots of reviews and impressions for this game out there if you need more to go on.

Omega Strikers (Free)

This reminds me a lot of Windjammers for some reason. But it’s a three-on-three sport instead, and if you’re playing online each of those players will be human-controlled. Since it’s free-to-play you can check it out yourself to see how well you like it, so I won’t blather on much longer. Note that it does have in-game purchases. I mean, of course it does. But just a gentle reminder.

Mercenaries Lament: Requiem of the Silver Wolf ($19.99)

Oh hey, it’s a new Mercenaries game. You probably know how these work by now. It’s the Mr. Pibb version of Final Fantasy Tactics, the Final Fantasy Tactics we have at home. But it’s competently made and has the notable advantage over Final Fantasy Tactics of, you know, existing and getting new installments. So there’s that. This one has a whole new story, lots of battles, and a few additions to the gameplay that don’t really change the broad strokes of the whole thing. Buy it if you liked the last one and are still thirsty for more.

Bramble: The Mountain King ($29.99)

Well, this one looks rather interesting. It leans heavily into Nordic folklore and pulls no punches in terms of delivering these faery tales in their full, oft-dark glory. While it might look like an adventure game of sorts, it’s actually rather linear in nature and more focused on telling its story. That isn’t to say there isn’t a fair share of action to it, though. Indeed, the boss battles appear to be quite dramatic both in their scope and what they expect from the player. I’m not sure if this one is good or not yet, but I would say there is some serious potential here.

Picross S9 ($9.99)

This probably doesn’t need a big description or anything. There’s a new rewind feature so you can fix any goof-ups you make, but otherwise it’s just more Picross. A total of 485 new puzzles to play, to be exact. Hours upon hours of fun, but do you need another one? Did you finish all the puzzles in Picross S8? Picross S7? Well, I can’t really preach. I’m throwing this one on the pile too.

Arcade Archives Galaga ’88 ($7.99)

It’s pretty interesting to have this following up Cosmo Gang The Video‘s release last week, given that that game was something of an homage to this one. Anyway, Galaga ’88. Maybe you know it as Galaga ’90. It’s an updated version of Galaga with a lot of new elements, and it’s very fun as long as you don’t mind fixed-screen shooters. Hamster has done its usual fine work here, and all the extras and features you would expect are included.

Convenience Stories ($14.00)

Kairosoft is back, doing what Kairosoft does. It’s another simulation game, this time about running your own convenience store. Well, that’s a fun theme at least. The usual rules apply here. You can get this on your mobile device at a lower price, and it plays just as well there. So this version is really only if you want the game on your Switch in particular, which is a perfectly valid desire. Anyway, it checks off all the typical Kairosoft bullet points, which means it’s a pleasant way to pass a few days even if it’s not all that tough.

Ninja Smasher! ($7.99)

Ah, here’s an old favorite of mine. Perhaps you have played Ninja Striker; perhaps you have not. It was an arcade-style game built around trying to keep your ninja in the air as long as possible. Now imagine that idea, but placed into a Metroidvania formula. A wonderfully charming little game, and I’ll be picking it up for the third time with this release.

Invercity ($14.99)

Gosh, Flyhigh Works/Circle has a lot of stuff out today. Hopefully each of these games gets a chance to shine properly. This one is a puzzle-platformer where you can manipulate gravity to make progress. The protagonist can not only use a move that flips the stages, but she herself can do a handstand to make objects fall from the sky. Very cute, and while it’s not the first time we’ve seen this kind of thing in a puzzle-platformer before, it’s a very reliable set-up for some quality gameplay.

Fotress S ($24.99)

I think this is supposed to be Fortress S, but I write what the eShop says. Awkward since this seems to be the latest in the Fortress series that dates back to the 00s. This one has a story mode where you can collect twenty-nine different tanks, plus a battle mode where up to four players can fight at the same time and a version of the classic turn-based battle mode. The developer has also thrown in some minigames because, hey, why not? I’m not overly familiar with the series, but I imagine some readers will be. They’ll likely be happy to see a new one, typo in the title or otherwise.

Contraptions 2 ($6.99)

I guess that first one went over well enough, then. This is the second in what I suppose is now a series of physics-based puzzlers largely inspired by the likes of The Incredible Machine. Use the parts given to you to build the solution to the problem on each stage. That problem being the monsters infesting them, naturally. You get more than two hundred stages spread across five different worlds, plus a level creator. The fun is in that the puzzle solutions have a lot of flexibility to them, so you can find your own methods to reach the goal.

Velocity Noodle ($12.99)

Despite the odd title, this one is a regular side-scrolling platformer. It has more than sixty levels to play, and the whole thing is designed for speedrunning. You can find all kinds of shortcuts and tricks to exploit in each level, and you’re rewarded well for going as fast as you can. The title comes from the idea that you’re running your own noodle shop and are delivering noodles. That’s why it’s better to go faster, because there isn’t anyone on the planet that wouldn’t be happy with the supper they ordered coming quicker.

Ash of Gods: The Way ($24.99)

I can’t say I was the biggest of fans of the first Ash of Gods game, but there was enough potential there that I’m willing to give this follow-up a shot. It’s another turn-based strategy RPG, this time with a card element to it. Build your deck and make your choices to arrive at one of the game’s multiple endings. It looks good, but then again so did the first game. I guess we’ll have to see. I haven’t had a chance to dig into this one yet, but I’ll report back if it turns out to be really cool.

Spooky Spirit Shooting Gallery ($39.99)

This, as the title says, is a shooting gallery game. Up to three players via local multiplayer can join up for some spirit-blasting action in two different stages, or just chill out and play some minigames. It looks amusing enough, but I feel like the relatively high price is going to be the obstacle for most folks here. It just doesn’t feel like it’s offering enough, but perhaps I’m wrong.

44 Minutes in Nightmare ($7.00)

This, by contrast, seems like a lot of game for the price. It’s a roguelite horror game where everything gets all jumbled up again each time you play. The map, the items, the enemies, all of it. You’re trapped in a nightmare and need to find the girl trapped inside of it and get out. Just be careful of the monsters, because they’re constantly trying to hunt you down and they’re pretty good at it. For all the crummy horror games you see at or around this price point, this one actually seems to be pretty good. Give it a shot if this is your kind of thing.

Roomie Romance ($9.99)

Here’s a cute little yuri visual novel about a young woman who is starting a new job in the city. She falls in love with her new roommate, which is extra-awkward because that roommate is also her superior at work. Make your choices and see how the story turns out. It’s a Gamuzumi game, so you probably know what to expect if you’ve tried any of the Sakura games or their other visual novels.

Cyber Neon Bundle ($4.99)

This is a pair of small arcade-style action games with a neon theme. Cyberhunt is a twin-stick shooter, and Razortron 2000 is a top-down endless racer. Both decent enough little score chasers with a variety of things to unlock, so if you’re looking for some cheap fun today this might serve you well enough.

The Creepy Syndrome ($4.99)

An anthology of four little horror games with a pixel art theme. Each game is distinct from the other, so you get a variety of play styles here. The framing device involves a strange psychiatrist giving the main character a consultation, with each of the games serving as some sort of representation of buried trauma. Another one that might give you some decent bang for your buck.

Super Trunko Go ($9.99)

A top-down twin-stick shooter with a cartoonish look. You play as a space elephant named Super Trunko as he battles the forces of Lord Tusk. Get some extra weapons, smash up some crates, and do a little bit of platforming in six different biomes. Certainly an unusual premise, which might help it stand out in an otherwise crowded field.

Ship Graveyard Simulator ($12.99)

Speaking of interesting premises, here’s a game where you explore a ship graveyard and need to use your tools to break down all of the ships and make some money in the process. Search the ships for valuables and upgrade your gear to make your work more efficient. Just be careful, as there are a lot of ways to get hurt if you set foot in the wrong place. The problem here is that Ultimate Games handled the port, which means you can probably expect a clumsy UI and various other issues. If you can handle those, then this could be an amusing pick-up.

DobbyxEscape: Pirate Adventure ($3.99)

Here’s a family friendly room escape game about a boy who wants to be a pirate. He uses a magic wand and is able to go on an adventure with Blackbeard, who I presume is a slightly nicer fellow here than he probably was historically. You get six different locations to explore, some really cute art, and some puzzles anyone can enjoy solving. Quite reasonably priced, too.

EcoMahjong ($19.99)

A mahjong solitaire game with an ecological theme and more than one hundred levels to play. It even has a story of some kind, because I’m sure someone out there needs story context to enjoy some mahjong solitaire. At twenty bucks this seems to be a little on the pricier side of things, but maybe that’s just me. Could be that you feel differently. I’m just a weird internet guy, you have no obligation to listen to me.

Pixel Game Maker Series Ninja Otedama R ($4.99)

Here’s another quirky game for the list today. The idea in this one is that you have to juggle the enemy ninjas while making your way to the goal. Don’t let them drop! There are six different characters to play as, fifty stages to play, and support for up to four players via local multiplayer. If nothing else, I can say that I haven’t played a game exactly like this before.

Ultimate Shot – 3D Real Strike Shouter Counter FPS Simulator Games ($9.99)

This would be so much more interesting if it was, in fact, a shouter game. That would imply some kind of new idea. But no, this is the usual trash from the trash merchants at INSTAMARKETINGANDGAME. Just leave it in the bin where it belongs.

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

There are a bunch of sales today that are likely a result of the Golden Week holidays in Japan, but there are a few others besides those. Ori for a fiver is a must if you don’t already have it. I’ll also point at Eschatos and Hazelnut Hex if you enjoy your shooters. The outbox is pretty hefty in its own right, but I’ll let you look through that on your own time.

Select New Games on Sale

Ori & the Blind Forest ($4.99 from $19.99 until 5/2)
Hazelnut Hex ($2.39 from $7.99 until 5/7)
Ginnung ($2.50 from $5.00 until 5/8)
Mosaic Chronicles Deluxe ($1.99 from $12.99 until 5/9)
Bunny Must Die! Chelsea & the 7 Devils ($10.49 from $14.99 until 5/10)
Magic Scroll Tactics ($8.39 from $11.99 until 5/10)
Vazial Saga XX ($23.80 from $34.00 until 5/10)
VasterClaws 3 ($21.00 from $30.00 until 5/10)
Flying Girl Striker ($10.50 from $15.00 until 5/10)
ZombieVital DG ($10.01 from $14.30 until 5/10)
Little Bit War ($9.59 from $13.71 until 5/10)
Touhou Fan-made Virtual Autography ($10.49 from $14.99 until 5/10)
Super Zangyura ($13.99 from $19.99 until 5/10)
Touhou Sky Arena Matsuri Climax ($20.99 from $29.99 until 5/10)
Eschatos ($18.89 from $26.99 until 5/11)

DEEMO -Reborn- ($15.00 from $25.00 until 5/11)
Cosplay Love ($9.59 from $11.99 until 5/11)
MO: Astray ($7.49 from $14.99 until 5/11)
Maggie the Magnet ($2.49 from $4.99 until 5/12)
Kid Ball Adventure ($2.49 from $4.99 until 5/12)
Otoko Cross: Pretty Boys Mahjong Solitaire ($4.68 from $6.99 until 5/12)
Book Quest ($4.19 from $6.99 until 5/12)
Twice Reborn: A Vampire Visual Novel ($11.24 from $14.99 until 5/12)
Horatio Goes Snowboarding ($3.49 from $6.99 until 5/12)
Rage Among the Stars ($1.99 from $4.99 until 5/12)
Slap the Rocks ($1.99 from $4.99 until 5/12)
Groove Coaster Wai Wai Party ($35.99 form $59.99 until 5/15)
Mom Hid My Game! ($2.99 from $4.99 until 5/15)
Mom Hid My Game! 2 ($2.99 from $4.99 until 5/15)
My Brother Ate My Pudding! ($2.99 from $4.99 until 5/15)
Hide & Dance! ($2.99 from $4.99 until 5/15)

Monster Viator ($7.49 from $14.99 until 5/15)
Chronus Arc ($6.49 from $12.99 until 5/15)
Asdivine Kamura ($7.49 from $14.99 until 5/15)
Asdivine Menace ($6.49 from $12.99 until 5/15)
Fernz Gate ($6.49 from $12.99 until 5/15)
RPGolf Legends ($16.49 from $29.99 until 5/15)
Alphadia Genesis ($7.49 from $14.99 until 5/15)
Alphadia Genesis 2 ($7.49 from $14.99 until 5/15)
Multiversepool ($1.99 from $3.49 until 5/16)
Asterix & Obelix XXXL TRfH ($23.99 from $39.99 until 5/17)
Garfield Lasagna Party ($23.99 from $39.99 until 5/17)
Arkanoid Eternal Battle ($17.99 from $29.99 until 5/17)
Alfred Hitchcock Vertigo ($23.99 from $39.99 until 5/17)
Stranded Deep ($17.49 from $24.99 until 5/17)
Overlanders ($1.99 from $24.99 until 5/17)

Retro Game Pack ($1.99 from $4.99 until 5/17)
Myastere Ruins of Deazniff ($15.99 from $19.99 until 5/18)
Arise: A Simple Story ($4.99 from $19.99 until 5/18)
The Hong Kong Massacre ($1.99 from $19.99 until 5/18)
What Lies in the Multiverse ($1.99 from $14.99 until 5/18)
Badland: Game of the Year Edition ($1.99 from $5.99 until 5/18)
Golf Club Wasteland ($1.99 from $9.99 until 5/18)
The TakeOver ($3.99 from $19.99 until 5/18)
Sherlock Holmes Crimes & Punishments ($11.99 from $29.99 until 5/18)
ibb & obb ($1.99 from $14.99 until 5/18)
Lovekami Divinity Stage ($8.99 from $14.99 until 5/18)
Lovekami Useless Goddess ($9.74 from $14.99 until 5/18)
Lovekami Healing Harem ($10.49 from $14.99 until 5/18)
Blade of Darkness ($4.99 from $14.99 until 5/18)

Sales Ending Tomorrow, Friday, April 28th

0 Degrees ($1.99 from $4.99 until 4/28)
890B ($1.99 from $4.99 until 4/28)
A Normal Lost Phone ($2.03 from $5.99 until 4/28)
Accidental Queens Collection ($4.49 from $14.99 until 4/28)
Alba: A Wildlife Adventure ($8.99 from $19.99 until 4/28)
Albacete Warrior ($6.99 from $9.99 until 4/28)
Alt-Frequencies ($2.39 from $7.99 until 4/28)
Another Lost Phone Laura’s Story ($2.03 from $5.99 until 4/28)
Ashwalkers ($12.99 from $19.99 until 4/28)
Astria Ascending ($23.99 from $39.99 until 4/28)
Black Wolf ($2.09 from $2.99 until 4/28)
Cassiodora ($12.74 from $16.99 until 4/28)
Cris Tales ($7.99 from $39.99 until 4/28)
Espacio Cosmic Light-Seeker ($1.99 from $3.49 until 4/28)
Guild of Ascension ($10.19 from $16.99 until 4/28)

Hoplegs ($3.49 from $6.99 until 4/28)
Instant Sports ($5.99 from $14.99 until 4/28)
Iris and the Giant ($7.49 from $14.99 until 4/28)
Jettomero: HotU ($2.40 from $12.00 until 4/28)
Knights of Pen & Paper Bundle ($5.62 from $22.49 until 4/28)
Linelight ($4.99 from $9.99 until 4/28)
Lost Phone Stories ($2.99 from $9.99 until 4/28)
Mech Armada ($11.99 from $19.99 until 4/28)
NeuroVoider ($3.49 from $13.99 until 4/28)
Old School Musical ($3.89 from $12.99 until 4/28)
Old School RPG Bundle ($8.99 from $29.99 until 4/28)
Pankapu ($2.39 from $11.99 until 4/28)
PictoQuest ($3.49 from $9.99 until 4/28)
Piczle Cross Adventure ($3.99 from $9.99 until 4/28)
Raiden IV x Mikado Remix ($14.99 from $29.99 until 4/28)

Raiden V: Director’s Cut ($8.99 from $29.99 until 4/28)
Rock of Ages 3: Make & Break ($2.99 from $29.99 until 4/28)
Rustler ($2.99 from $29.99 until 4/28)
ScourgeBringer ($8.49 from $16.99 until 4/28)
Sissa’s Path ($3.49 from $4.99 until 4/28)
Souldiers ($14.99 from $19.99 until 4/28)
Space Haters ($2.39 from $5.99 until 4/28)
Super Cute Alien’s Adventure ($8.99 from $9.99 until 4/28)
Super Kiwi 64 ($2.39 from $2.99 until 4/28)
The Dungeon of Naheulbeuk: TAoC ($23.99 from $39.99 until 4/28)
Theatre of Sorrows ($1.99 from $9.99 until 4/28)
They Always Run ($14.99 from $19.99 until 4/28)
Zoeti ($17.99 from $19.99 until 4/28)

That’s all for today, friends. I’ll be back tomorrow with the remaining releases of the week, plus whatever sales and major new tidbits roll in during the course of the next 24ish hours. Today was an exhausting one, so I’m going to go take a little break. I hope you all have a thrilling Thursday, and as always, thanks for reading!