Emio Thrills in New iOS Adventure: Reviews Showcase

Hello fellow gamers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Roundup for September 5th, 2024! Already Thursday? Time flies, doesn't it? We're diving headfirst into reviews today, with in-depth looks at Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate. Our contributor, Mikhail, also shares his thoughts on Nour: Play With Your Food, Fate/stay night REMASTERED, and the TOKYO CHRONOS & ALTDEUS: Beyond Chronos TWIN PACK. We'll then cover the day's hottest new releases and round things out with our usual sales lists. Let's get to it!

Reviews & Mini-Views

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

Resurrecting dormant franchises is all the rage these days, isn't it? Nintendo's surprise revival of Famicom Detective Club, a series largely unfamiliar to Western audiences except for a fleeting remake a couple of years ago, is a prime example. This new installment marks the first completely new Famicom Detective Club game in years – a significant event.

The challenge with reviving an old IP lies in balancing faithfulness to the original with modern sensibilities. Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club opts for a style reminiscent of recent remakes, staying true to the originals while enhancing the visuals to modern standards. The narrative pushes boundaries beyond what the 90s Nintendo would have dared, yet the gameplay retains a distinctly old-school feel. This blend is both intriguing and potentially divisive, depending on your preference for classic gameplay mechanics.

The game centers around a student's death, marked by a distinctive "smiling man" calling card, echoing unsolved murders from eighteen years prior. The legend of Emio, a killer promising eternal smiles, resurfaces, raising questions of copycats or a resurrected killer. The investigation falls to the Utsugi Detective Agency, tasking you with the classic detective work of gathering clues, questioning suspects, and piecing together the truth.

The gameplay involves exploring scenes, interrogating characters, and connecting clues, much like the investigative sections of Ace Attorney. While engaging and well-written, the pacing occasionally falters, and certain logical leaps could benefit from clearer signposting. Despite these minor flaws, the compelling mystery and thrilling plot twists more than compensate.

Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club is a unique offering from Nintendo, showcasing polished visuals and a gripping narrative. Though the mechanics might feel dated to some, the overall experience is thoroughly enjoyable. Welcome back, Detective Club!

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate ($29.99)

The Switch is becoming quite the haven for TMNT games! Following the Cowabunga Collection, Shredder's Revenge, and Wrath of the Mutants, we now have Splintered Fate, a unique blend of beat 'em up and roguelite elements, similar to Hades. Playable solo or with up to four players locally or online, the game offers a satisfying experience, especially in multiplayer.

The story involves Shredder's machinations and a mysterious power threatening Splinter. Players battle Foot Soldiers, utilizing dashes and strategic combat, collecting perks for temporary boosts and permanent upgrades. Death sends you back to the lair to start again. While not groundbreaking, it's a solid and enjoyable take on the TMNT formula.

Splintered Fate isn't a must-have for everyone, but TMNT fans will appreciate this fresh take on the genre. The well-implemented multiplayer enhances the fun factor. While other roguelites might offer more innovative gameplay, Splintered Fate holds its own in a crowded market.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Nour: Play With Your Food ($9.99)

Nour: Play With Your Food is a playful sandbox experience perfect for those who appreciate food and art. It's not a traditional game, but its interactive nature and whimsical approach make it enjoyable. The Switch version, however, suffers from long load times and a lack of touchscreen support, hindering the overall experience.

The absence of touchscreen controls is a significant drawback on Switch. Despite performance compromises, Nour remains a unique and worthwhile experience, especially for fans of interactive food art.

Nour: Play With Your Food is a unique and creative experience, but the Switch version's shortcomings prevent it from reaching its full potential. Hopefully, future updates or ports will address these issues. -Mikhail Madnani

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Fate/stay night REMASTERED ($29.99)

Fate/stay night REMASTERED is a highly anticipated remaster of the 2004 visual novel, finally available in English on Switch and Steam. This is an excellent entry point into the Fate universe, offering a compelling 55+ hour adventure at a surprisingly affordable price.

The remaster includes English language support, 16:9 widescreen, and improved visuals, making it a significant upgrade over previous versions. The addition of touchscreen support on Switch is a welcome addition, enhancing the overall playability.

Fate/stay night REMASTERED is a must-have for visual novel fans, offering a captivating story and excellent value. The inclusion of touchscreen support on Switch and its compatibility with Steam Deck make it a highly versatile and enjoyable experience. -Mikhail Madnani

SwitchArcade Score: 5/5

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

This twin pack brings two VR visual novels to Switch, offering intriguing sci-fi stories. ALTDEUS: Beyond Chronos stands out with its superior production values, while TOKYO CHRONOS provides a more traditional visual novel experience. The Switch version offers touchscreen controls and rumble support, enhancing the immersion.

While some camera movement issues exist, the overall experience is positive, particularly with the addition of touchscreen controls. The demo is recommended to assess if the gameplay suits your preferences. -Mikhail Madnani

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5