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

Welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for August 27th, 2024. Today, we start with some exciting news. Following that, we’ve got one review for you to dive into—a look at the latest *EGGCONSOLE* release from last week. Regular readers probably know what to expect. Afterward, we highlight just one new release, but it’s a standout. To wrap things up, we’ve compiled the usual lists of new and expiring sales, which are solid picks. As for the upcoming Nintendo Direct, its contents remain a mystery as I write this, but you might find answers by the time you read it. Let’s jump in!

News

Don’t Miss Today’s Nintendo Direct/Indie World Showcase

Insiders were spot-on this time, predicting a Nintendo Direct for August at the last minute. Clocking in at 40 minutes, it splits time between a Partner Showcase and an Indie World Showcase. Expect nothing major from first-party titles, and don’t hold your breath for news about the Switch’s successor. By the time you read this, the stream should have aired. Watch it above, and check back tomorrow for my summary of the key highlights.

Reviews & Mini-Views

EGGCONSOLE Star Trader PC-8801mkIIsr ($6.49)

When it comes to these untranslated EGGCONSOLE releases, two questions arise: How good is the game itself, and can it be enjoyed without Japanese proficiency? Star Trader is an intriguing title, though not quite a masterpiece. Falcom blended a Japanese-style adventure game format with side-scrolling shooter stages, neither of which shines particularly brightly. While the adventure portion features some nice visuals and storytelling through shooting segments, the PC-8801 hardware struggles to deliver smooth scrolling.

Your primary task involves conversing with NPCs and completing quests to earn credits, essential for upgrading your ship. The shoot ’em up elements are rough, with choppiness detracting from the experience. It’s unclear whether the adventure supports the shooter or vice versa, but ultimately, Star Trader feels more curious than compelling. For non-Japanese speakers, the text-heavy adventure segments pose a significant barrier. Brute-forcing your way through isn’t impossible, but it won’t be enjoyable.

Star Trader offers a fascinating glimpse into gaming history, showcasing a developer stepping outside their comfort zone. However, the abundance of untranslated text makes this niche title challenging for Western audiences. Still, if you’re curious, it’s worth a fiddle—but don’t expect glowing recommendations.

SwitchArcade Score: 3/5

Select New Releases

Crypt Custodian ($19.99)

In this top-down action-adventure game, Pluto, a recently deceased cat, is banished from the afterlife for failing to impress the Guardian. Now tasked with eternal cleaning duty, you explore, fight enemies with a broom, encounter quirky characters, and battle bosses. Abilities grow as you progress, and the gameplay mechanics are satisfying. If you’re a fan of this genre, this is worth checking out.

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

Looking for quirky shoot ’em ups? Try the Dreamer series and Harpoon Shooter Nozomi. They’re delightful. Also, pick up 1000xRESIST—it’s a steal. Other gems include Citizen Sleeper, Paradise Killer, Tomb Raider remasters, and Haiku, the Robot.

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. Join us tomorrow for updates on the Direct, new games, sales, and maybe another review or two. Have a fantastic Tuesday, and thanks for reading!