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

Hello, dear readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for August 27th, 2024. Today, we're diving into a bit of news to start things off. Following that, we have a single review for you to enjoy. I'll be sharing my thoughts on the latest EGGCONSOLE release from last week, and if you're a regular reader, you might already guess how it's going to turn out. We also have one new release to check out, and it's a gem worth your attention. We'll wrap up with our usual lists of new and expiring sales, which are quite decent this time around. As for tonight's Direct, I'm in the dark just like you, but by the time you're reading this, the mystery will be solved. Let's jump right in!

News

Check Out Today’s Nintendo Direct/Indie World Showcase

Nintendo surprised us with a last-minute announcement of a Nintendo Direct for August, split into a 40-minute segment that includes a Partner Showcase and Indie World Showcase. Don't hold your breath for first-party announcements or news about the next Switch console. By now, you've probably already watched it, but if you haven't, you can catch it above. I'll be breaking down the highlights tomorrow.

Reviews & Mini-Views

EGGCONSOLE Star Trader PC-8801mkIIsr ($6.49)

When it comes to EGGCONSOLE releases without translations, two key questions arise: How good is the game itself, and can it be enjoyed without understanding Japanese? Star Trader is a unique blend of a Japanese-style adventure game and side-scrolling shoot 'em up sections. While it's interesting, it doesn't excel in either category. The adventure parts feature nice art and involve talking to characters and picking up quests to earn money for ship upgrades, which are crucial for surviving the action segments. However, the shoot 'em up sections suffer from the PC-8801's choppy scrolling, making for a less-than-smooth experience.

The second question is vital: Can you enjoy this game without understanding Japanese? Unfortunately, the text-heavy adventure segments make it difficult for non-Japanese speakers to fully engage with the game. You might miss out on important story elements and struggle to earn enough credits, which can hamper your progress in the shoot 'em up sections. While Star Trader offers a fascinating glimpse into gaming history and Falcom's experimental ventures, its enjoyment is severely limited for those who can't read Japanese.

Star Trader is an intriguing piece of gaming history but falls short in delivering a satisfying experience for Western players due to its language barrier. You might get some enjoyment out of exploring this curiosity, but it's hard to give it a strong recommendation.

SwitchArcade Score: 3/5

Select New Releases

Crypt Custodian ($19.99)

Step into the paws of Pluto, a recently-deceased cat sentenced to eternal cleaning in this top-down action-adventure game. After a bad encounter with the Afterlife Guardian, Pluto is banished and must navigate through this quirky afterlife, fighting enemies with a broom, meeting odd characters, and battling bosses. If you're a fan of this genre, Crypt Custodian is a delightful addition to your collection.

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

For fans of colorful shoot 'em ups with unique mechanics, don't miss out on the Dreamer series and Harpoon Shooter Nozomi—they're a blast. In the expiring sales, make sure to grab 1000xRESIST. It's a must-buy. Other recommendations include Star Wars titles, Citizen Sleeper, Paradise Killer, Haiku, the Robot, and perhaps treat yourself to some Tomb Raider. Check out the lists below for more options!

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, friends. We'll be back tomorrow to discuss the highlights from the Direct, along with new games, sales, and possibly a few more reviews. I hope you all have a fantastic Tuesday, and as always, thank you for reading!