News about SwitchArcade Round-Up: Reviews Featuring ‘Emio – The Smiling Man’, Plus Today’s New Releases and Sales

Hello discerning readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Roundup for September 5th, 2024. Already Thursday? Time flies! We're diving deep into reviews today, with two comprehensive analyses: Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate. Mikhail also contributes his insightful perspectives on Nour: Play With Your Food, Fate/stay night REMASTERED, and the TOKYO CHRONOS & ALTDEUS: Beyond Chronos TWIN PACK. Following this, we'll highlight the day's noteworthy new releases and conclude with our usual sales updates. Let's begin!

Reviews & Mini-Views

Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club ($49.99)

Sequels to long-dormant franchises are all the rage, mirroring Hollywood's trends. Nintendo's unexpected revival of Famicom Detective Club, primarily known in the West through a fleeting remake, is intriguing. This marks the first new Famicom Detective Club adventure in years.

The challenge lies in balancing faithfulness to the original with modern sensibilities. Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club largely retains the style of the recent remakes, staying true to its roots. The visuals are top-notch, and the narrative pushes boundaries beyond what 90s Nintendo would have attempted. However, the gameplay retains a distinctly old-school feel, influencing overall enjoyment.

The game centers on a student's death, linked to unsolved murders from 18 years prior. The urban legend of Emio, a killer promising eternal smiles, adds intrigue. The investigation unfolds through classic detective work: exploring scenes, questioning suspects, and piecing together clues. The gameplay, reminiscent of Ace Attorney's investigative segments, may feel repetitive or tedious for some. Specific logical connections could benefit from clearer guidance.

Despite some story criticisms, the narrative is engaging, suspenseful, and well-crafted. Certain plot points may not resonate universally, but detailing them would spoil the experience. The game's momentum builds effectively.

Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club is atypical of Nintendo's output, showcasing polished execution. While its mechanics adhere closely to the originals, and the pacing occasionally falters, it's a highly enjoyable mystery adventure. Welcome back, Detective Club!

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate ($29.99)

The Switch boasts a growing collection of TMNT titles. Splintered Fate offers a unique blend of beat 'em up and roguelite elements, similar to Hades. It supports solo play and up to four players locally or online. Online multiplayer functioned smoothly during testing.

The story involves Shredder, a mysterious power, and a jeopardized Splinter. Gameplay involves combat, tactical dashing, perk acquisition, and permanent upgrades. Death restarts the run. While not groundbreaking, it's a solid execution.

Splintered Fate isn't essential, but TMNT fans will appreciate this unique take. The well-implemented multiplayer enhances the experience. While other roguelite titles on Switch might offer more depth, Splintered Fate holds its own.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Nour: Play With Your Food ($9.99)

Nour: Play With Your Food's absence from Switch and mobile at launch was surprising, given its suitability for touchscreens. The PC version was enjoyable, but it's not a traditional game. Those who appreciate playful sandbox experiences and food will likely enjoy it. The Switch version, however, has shortcomings.

The game allows interaction with various food types across different stages, featuring engaging music and playful elements. Progression unlocks more options. The lack of touchscreen support on Switch is disappointing, and performance compromises are evident, resulting in lengthy loading times.

Despite its Switch limitations, Nour: Play With Your Food is worth considering for food and art enthusiasts. While not optimal on Switch, its portability is a plus. More DLC or a physical release would be welcome. It's a refreshing alternative to more complex games. -Mikhail Madnani

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Fate/stay night REMASTERED ($29.99)

Fate/stay night REMASTERED, released recently on Switch and Steam, is a remaster of the 2004 visual novel. It serves as an excellent entry point into the Fate universe. The extensive content (55+ hours) justifies the low price.

Improvements include English language support, 16:9 aspect ratio, and enhanced visuals for modern displays. Touchscreen support on Switch is a valuable addition. The game performs well on both Switch and Steam Deck.

The lack of a physical Switch release is a minor drawback. Overall, Fate/stay night REMASTERED is essential for visual novel fans. Its affordability further strengthens its recommendation. -Mikhail Madnani

SwitchArcade Score: 5/5

TOKYO CHRONOS & ALTDEUS: Beyond Chronos TWIN PACK ($49.99)

This twin pack offers two VR titles now available on Switch. TOKYO CHRONOS follows high school friends in an alternate Shibuya, involving memory loss and murder. The narrative is predictable at times, but the visuals are appealing.

ALTDEUS: Beyond Chronos surpasses TOKYO CHRONOS in production quality, writing, and character development. It expands beyond a pure visual novel format.

Camera movement issues on Switch are minor distractions. Touchscreen support and rumble enhance immersion. Sci-fi fans should try the demo. -Mikhail Madnani

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5