Farewell, dear readers, and welcome to the final regular SwitchArcade Round-Up for TouchArcade from yours truly. This concludes several years of bringing you these weekly articles. While a special edition with embargoed reviews will follow next week, this marks the end of an era. Today’s roundup is packed with content: Mikhail and Shaun deliver dual reviews, we summarize several new releases, and, as always, we've got the latest sales lists. Let's make this a memorable one!
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 felt like a natural progression. I've been testing it alongside Ring Fit Adventure, and I'm impressed.
For newcomers, Fitness Boxing blends boxing and rhythm game mechanics for effective workouts, mini-games, and more. Hatsune Miku’s inclusion is a smart move, with a dedicated mode featuring her songs alongside the game's standard tracks. Note: this title is Joy-Con only; Pro Controllers and third-party accessories are incompatible.
As with previous entries, difficulty settings, free training, warm-ups, progress tracking, reminders, and a system-wide alarm (even in sleep mode) are included. Unlockable cosmetics provide additional motivation. While I can't comment on DLC yet, the base game surpasses Fist of the North Star, except for one drawback: the main instructor's voice is jarring and ultimately muted during my playthrough.
Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU successfully integrates Miku into the Fitness Boxing formula. It's a solid fitness game, best used as a supplement to existing routines rather than a standalone program. - Mikhail Madnani
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Magical Delicacy ($24.99)
Magical Delicacy, from sKaule and Whitethorn Games, combines Metroidvania exploration with cooking and crafting. While I appreciate the elements, the integration isn't perfect, resulting in a game with both strengths and weaknesses.
Players take on the role of Flora, a young witch. The exploration is surprisingly well-executed despite some frustrating backtracking. However, inventory management and the UI require some adjustment.
The game boasts stunning pixel art, a lovely soundtrack, and customizable UI elements (helpful for handheld mode). Early access or post-launch updates could significantly improve the experience.
The Switch version performs well, aside from occasional frame pacing issues. The haptic feedback is a nice touch. Having played it on Xbox Series X, I prefer the portability of the Switch version.
Magical Delicacy is a promising blend of genres, but feels slightly unfinished due to inventory and backtracking issues. Despite its current state, it's a strong addition to the Switch library, with potential for future enhancements. - Mikhail Madnani
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Aero The Acro-Bat 2 ($5.99)
Aero The Acro-Bat 2 is a surprisingly polished sequel to the original. While not a massive success, it’s a solid platformer that refines its predecessor, albeit at the cost of some of its unique charm.
This release features a significant upgrade from Ratalaika's usual emulation wrapper, offering enhanced presentation, options, and extras, including box and manual scans, achievements, sprite sheets, a jukebox, and cheats. The only drawback is the exclusion of the SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive version.
Fans of the first game will find much to enjoy here, and even those who were initially hesitant might find this sequel more appealing. Ratalaika’s improved emulation is commendable, and it would be great to see the first game receive a similar update.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Metro Quester | Osaka ($19.99)
Metro Quester | Osaka serves as a prequel and expansion to the original. It introduces a new dungeon in Osaka, new character classes, and canoe-based water traversal. The core turn-based combat and top-down exploration remain, demanding careful planning and strategic play.
Fans of the original will find plenty to love, while newcomers can jump straight into this enhanced experience. It’s a rewarding adventure for those willing to invest the time.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Select New Releases
NBA 2K25 ($59.99)
NBA 2K25 arrives with gameplay improvements, a new "Neighborhood" feature, and MyTEAM updates. (Requires 53.3 GB of storage space.)
Shogun Showdown ($14.99)
A Darkest Dungeon-style game with a Japanese setting and some unique twists.
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 titles: a side-scrolling action platformer, an adventure game, and an action-RPG.
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 details.
(Sales lists omitted for brevity, but images are retained)
This concludes my eleven and a half years at TouchArcade. While I’ll continue writing elsewhere, this marks the end of my regular contributions here. Thank you for your readership and support over the years. I appreciate each and every one of you.
