Nintendo Direct Highlights, 'EGGCONSOLE Star Trader' Review, New Releases & Sales

Hello, dear readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for August 27th, 2024. Today, we're diving into a mix of news, a single review, and a new game release that's worth your attention. We'll wrap up with the latest sales updates. And while I'm curious about tonight's Nintendo Direct, I'm writing this without any spoilers. Let's jump right in!

News

Check Out Today’s Nintendo Direct/Indie World Showcase

Nintendo has surprised us with a last-minute announcement of a 40-minute Nintendo Direct, split into a Partner Showcase and an Indie World Showcase. Don't expect any first-party announcements or news about the Switch's successor. By the time you're reading this, the event will have concluded. You can catch the replay above, and I'll be back tomorrow with a summary of the key highlights.

Reviews & Mini-Views

EGGCONSOLE Star Trader PC-8801mkIIsr ($6.49)

When it comes to EGGCONSOLE releases, the big questions are always about the game's quality and its playability without Japanese language skills. Star Trader is an intriguing blend of a Japanese-style adventure game and side-scrolling shoot 'em up, but it doesn't excel in either genre. The adventure segments feature nice art and involve talking to characters and picking up quests to earn money for ship upgrades, which are crucial for the action parts. However, the PC-8801's choppy scrolling makes the shoot 'em up sections less enjoyable than they could be.

The game's heavy reliance on Japanese text poses a significant barrier for non-Japanese speakers. Without understanding the text, you'll miss out on the story and struggle to progress effectively, making it hard to recommend Star Trader wholeheartedly.

Star Trader offers a fascinating glimpse into gaming history, showcasing Falcom's experimentation outside their usual genre. Yet, the language barrier significantly hampers the enjoyment for most Western players. While you might find some fun in exploring this unique title, it's challenging to give it a strong endorsement.

SwitchArcade Score: 3/5

Select New Releases

Crypt Custodian ($19.99)

Step into the paws of Pluto, a cat who's been banished from the afterlife and tasked with eternal cleaning. This top-down action-adventure game lets you explore, battle enemies with your broom, meet quirky characters, and take on bosses. It's a solid entry in the genre, and if you're a fan, you'll definitely want to check it out.

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

For fans of colorful shoot 'em ups with unique mechanics, the Dreamer series and Harpoon Shooter Nozomi are must-plays. And don't miss out on 1000xRESIST before it leaves the sales section. Other notable titles on sale include Star Wars games, Citizen Sleeper, Paradise Killer, Haiku, the Robot, and Tomb Raider—a real treat for gamers.

Select New Sales

Return ($10.49 from $13.99 until 9/2)
Summer Daze: Tilly’s Tale ($2.99 from $14.99 until 9/9)
Please Fix the Road ($5.99 from $9.99 until 9/9)
Ticket to Ride ($26.99 from $29.99 until 9/9)
King ‘n Knight ($9.59 from $11.99 until 9/9)
Spiritfarer ($7.49 from $29.99 until 9/9)
Harpoon Shooter Nozomi ($6.98 from $9.98 until 9/16)
Like Dreamer ($5.99 from $11.99 until 9/16)
Cosmo Dreamer ($4.10 from $8.20 until 9/16)
Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate ($8.99 from $59.99 until 9/16)
Gluck ($5.59 from $6.99 until 9/16)
Love Love School Days ($4.19 from $10.49 until 9/16)
Ugly ($6.79 from $19.99 until 9/16)
Replik Survivors ($3.44 from $4.99 until 9/16)

Sales Ending Tomorrow, August 28th

1000xRESIST ($15.99 from $19.99 until 8/28)
Citizen Sleeper ($9.99 from $19.99 until 8/28)
Genesis Noir ($4.49 from $14.99 until 8/28)
Haiku, The Robot ($9.99 from $19.99 until 8/28)
Heads Up! Phones Down Edition ($1.99 from $39.99 until 8/28)
Legend Bowl ($18.74 from $24.99 until 8/28)
MythForce ($14.99 from $29.99 until 8/28)
Paradise Killer ($5.99 from $19.99 until 8/28)
Star Wars Battlefront Collection ($28.00 from $35.01 until 8/28)
Star Wars Bounty Hunter ($14.99 from $19.99 until 8/28)
Star Wars Episode I Racer ($7.49 from $14.99 until 8/28)
Star Wars Jedi Academy ($9.99 from $19.99 until 8/28)
Star Wars Jedi Outcast ($4.99 from $9.99 until 8/28)
Star Wars KotOR ($7.49 from $14.99 until 8/28)
Star Wars KotOR II: Sith Lords ($7.49 from $14.99 until 8/28)
Star Wars Republic Commando ($7.49 from $14.99 until 8/28)
Star Wars The Force Unleashed ($9.99 from $19.99 until 8/28)
Super Mutant Alien Assault ($1.99 from $9.99 until 8/28)
Suzerain ($4.49 from $17.99 until 8/28)
The Pale Beyond ($9.99 from $19.99 until 8/28)
Times & Galaxy ($17.99 from $19.99 until 8/28)
Tomb Raider I-III Remastered ($22.49 from $29.99 until 8/28)

That's all for today, folks. Tomorrow, we'll discuss the highlights from the Nintendo Direct, along with new games, sales, and possibly more reviews. Have a fantastic Tuesday, and thank you for reading!