Reviews Featuring ‘Fae Farm’ and ’30XX’, Plus the Latest Releases and Sales – TouchArcade

Whats up light readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Spherical-Up for September eleventh, 2023. We’re kicking off this week with a giant one, beginning with a really detailed evaluate of Fae Farm by our pal Mikhail. After that, there are a number of smaller evaluations by yours actually, masking Sea of Stars, 30XX, and How 2 Escape. We then transfer into the brand new releases of the day, and goodness gracious there’s a good bit of junk. Lastly, gross sales! Not sufficient to interchange the outgoing gross sales over the weekend, however higher than nothing. Let’s get to work!

Opinions & Mini-Views

Fae Farm ($59.99)

Fae Farm from developer Phoenix Labs has been a recreation I used to be wanting ahead to enjoying because it was showcased in a Nintendo stream. I really like new takes on farming and life simulator video games as an enormous Story of Seasons and Rune Manufacturing unit fan, and whereas there’s no scarcity of video games in these genres, Fae Farm is value your time on Change, however it has a number of caveats in its present state.

I’ve been enjoying Fae Farm on Change due to an early code from Phoenix Labs, and it has been very fascinating to see the developer’s tackle the farming simulation style. Early on, it felt like a magical remix meets a biggest hits album of the style greats, however I felt like Fae Farm hadn’t proven its hand but even half a dozen hours in. After the primary few chapters, it clicked. I understood how huge the sport was, and I additionally knew proper there who this recreation can be for (together with myself).

Going from Dauntless by the identical developer to Fae Farm, I nearly anticipated this to be a free to play recreation akin to Disney Dreamlight Valley, with a extra stay service focus, however Fae Farm could be very a lot a premium recreation that not solely serves as a stunning intro the farming and life simulation style, however one which manages to face out with its magical focus that applies to most facets of the expertise.

Fae Farm‘s gameplay on paper isn’t something extraordinary, however the high quality of life and enhancements it brings to the tried and examined farming simulation gameplay is what makes it stand out. Virtually nothing within the recreation looks like it’s losing your time and forcing you into many menus. The builders clearly understood what facets of the style had been value constructing upon for Fae Farm. Even staple items like device swapping and stock administration in Fae Farm are so properly achieved that it makes it laborious for me to return to different video games.

As you progress by way of the sport’s story and unlock extra of the world, all the pieces will begin to really feel extra full of life, with upgrades, character-specific quests, a sturdy system for fishing which I all the time love in video games, exploring dungeons, and extra. Fae Farm can be an amazing recreation you play each day to knock an hour or extra by when you do one thing else or as a break from the opposite video games on this busy launch season.

I couldn’t take a look at a lot of the multiplayer pre-release, and can be revisiting it sooner or later, however it does have cross play. I’m to see how that is all dealt with if Fae Farm additionally hits extra platforms sooner or later. You do want a Phoenix Labs account or linking to 1 on-line so preserve that in thoughts. The Change model has native wi-fi with out an account wanted (seemingly) so that’s an choice when you’ve got folks to play with domestically.

Visually, I really like all the pieces about Fae Farm’s aesthetic barring the character designs. These aren’t unhealthy, however they really feel a bit jarring in some conditions. It looks like a hybrid of a chibi and non chibi aesthetic that didn’t work out for me for some characters. Barring that, Fae Farm appears and feels nice visually regardless of softer picture high quality. Efficiency has been a lot better than I anticipated with some slowdowns when the digital camera is panning. Load occasions aren’t too unhealthy both after the preliminary load.

For those who’re questioning about Fae Farm on Nintendo Change or Steam Deck, it’s a a lot better expertise on Steam Deck proper now, however this isn’t like some video games the place the Change model is unhealthy. In case you have the choice to play it on Steam Deck, it’s higher there and you will get it cheaper on PC in addition to I’ll go into beneath.

I don’t often touch upon the worth level of a recreation except it’s an excessive state of affairs, however Fae Farm‘s pricing wants addressing given the platform variations. Fae Farm on Change is a single $59.99 digital or bodily buy. On PC, Fae Farm will be purchased for $39.99 or $59.99. The lower-price version is the sport with out the paid content material packs which can be deliberate for launch later within the yr and in early 2024. The Change model worth level contains these content material packs so they are going to be free for all Change house owners. $59.99 isn’t an issue for a recreation like this, however when you’ve others priced decrease together with Story of Seasons itself, it makes issues a bit tough.

Whether or not the issues I’ve with Fae Farm have an effect on you as a lot, will depend upon you, however proper now Fae Farm does sufficient to justify the worth in its polished and content-packed state at launch. I undoubtedly want there was a $39.99 choice on Change as properly to make it simpler to advocate to extra people with out caveats.

Fae Farm is a cultured farming sim with a magical taste that excels of the style greats in lots of areas, but additionally one which falls brief in some key ones. The repetitive dialogue and character designs proper now are the massive caveats. Whereas the latter is subjective, Fae Farm can handle the previous and actually attain its full potential. I sit up for seeing the way it evolves by way of patches and content material updates, however proper now Fae Farm is value trying out should you’re a fan of the style. It is sort of a magical remix of the best hits within the style, however one that’s chock stuffed with issues to do with its personal allure. –Mikhail Madnani

SwitchArcade Rating: 4/5

Sea of Stars ($34.99)

Sea of Stars is a very well-made indie RPG that exhibits clear love for the style’s historical past. Chrono Set off, in fact. They all pay homage to that one. I see a whole lot of Phantasm of Gaia in right here too, and that’s a barely deeper pull. Properly, no matter. We may play spot the reference all day right here, and if I’m to be very direct that’s one thing that barely hurts the expertise for me. I like to see the eagerness, however not on the expense of the sport discovering its personal wings. Chrono Set off impressed tons of video games, however will Sea of Stars be capable of do the identical? Not a good comparability in fact, however I feel there’s a nice line that must be walked with inspiration, and Sea of Stars feels prefer it’s enjoying dangerously round it.

However I’m leaving that apart as a result of that may be a wildly subjective factor, and Sea of Stars isn’t egregious sufficient about it that the majority are going to note, I really feel. The sport is sweet, and is often nice. It takes a short while to get cooking, however as soon as it does it’s a reasonably clean journey throughout. The presentation is great, the gameplay is sort of cozy in its familiarity, and the plot and characters are participating. It’s straightforward to see why this recreation has clicked for therefore many individuals, and for an indie developer taking its first swing on the style, it’s terrific.

With that mentioned, I did have some points with Sea of Stars. The largest of them is the standard of the writing. Now, like I mentioned, the plot and characters are well-done. I used to be to see the place all the pieces went and I acquired pretty invested within the denizens of this fascinating world. However the precise prose right here simply isn’t superb. I received’t speculate as to why that’s, as a result of there are many potential sources. With how a lot studying you’ll be doing on this recreation, I feel it will have been good to see extra care taken with this side. It’s by no means indecipherable, however it’s very clumsy and unnatural. The opposite factor that I didn’t take care of was the pacing. It actually drags in locations, and it’s made all of the extra noticeable by how brisk it’s the different half of the time.

That mentioned, whereas I feel the writing may use some critical modifying and the sport doesn’t fairly nail its pacing, these issues are simply forgiven by how properly it does nearly all the pieces else. Sea of Stars suits in properly with different indie RPGs like Cosmic Star Heroine and Chained Echoes, serving each as a high-quality conventional turn-based RPG expertise and a show of real affection for the greats of the style.

SwitchArcade Rating: 4/5

30XX ($19.99)

Today it looks like you will discover a roguelike spin on nearly any in style recreation collection from the previous, however 20XX actually felt forward of the curve with its mix of Mega Man X and procedurally generated design components. Not with out its flaws, however as a fan of Mega Man X who has been going hungry for some time, I actually loved it. That mentioned, whereas enjoying it I discovered myself questioning what it will appear like if this clearly Mega Man-loving developer tried to make a extra conventional action-platformer. 30XX doesn’t fairly grant that want, however it clearly has that sort of concept on its thoughts.

I don’t simply imply its new Mega Mode both, although that is without doubt one of the clearer appeals to that want. This mode removes the perma-death and provides you a extra typical degree choose display screen. The degrees are nonetheless procedurally-generated, however they’re fastened inside your session so you’ll be able to sort out them as many occasions as you want. You’ll get loads of methods to completely improve your character, and also you don’t lose something whenever you fail. You may also play ranges created by the group, and people are typically extra conventional of their layouts. The visuals additionally appear to be making an attempt to extra carefully resemble the traditional Mega Man video games, particularly the Zero collection.

It additionally bleeds again somewhat into the principle mode, which is a roguelite within the method of the earlier recreation. You’ll be able to gather every kind of recent weapons and upgrades within the procedurally generated phases, however should you die you lose all of it. You’ll be able to select between Nina (who performs like X) and Ace (who performs like Zero) proper from the beginning this time and may change everytime you like, and there are a number of different spanners tossed into the works to maintain thins fascinating. Like every recreation with procedurally generated phases, 30XX depends closely on hand-built chunks which can be randomly pieced collectively. These chunks appear to be a bit extra apparent on this recreation than the final one, notably with some biomes, however it solely hinders the enjoyable somewhat.

30XX takes the essential concept behind 20XX and expands on it, providing extra of nearly all the pieces to gamers. That’s just about what you’d need from a sequel, although I suppose the shift in graphical model and barely extra repetitive predominant mode may discover some detractors. I just like the Mega Mode and I really feel it makes for a pleasant olive department for Mega Man followers turned off by the roguelite components of 20XX, although it in all probability doesn’t go far sufficient. Like its predecessor, this can be a stable motion recreation with nice controls that’s doing its half to maintain the spirit of a dormant franchise alive, and should you’re an X fan who can take pleasure in randomized components, you’ll possible have a good time with it.

SwitchArcade Rating: 4/5

How 2 Escape ($14.99)

I used to be somewhat bit torn on what to do with this one, however finally I’m simply going to guage it for what it’s and what it’s attempting to do. That is an escape room recreation of kinds, and it leans into the standard tropes of that style. On this case, you’re attempting to flee from a prepare. It’s stuffed with ridiculous puzzles, and your solely hope of fixing them is by getting hints out of your companion. That may be the second participant, who should obtain and use a particular cellular app to get the wanted solutions. The 2 gamers should talk with one another with a purpose to succeed, much like video games like Hold Speaking and No one Explodes. For those who aren’t serious about enjoying a two-player (closely) asymmetrical recreation, then don’t decide this up.

Okay, so taking a look at it inside the scope of what it’s doing, I do have some criticisms. The puzzles typically make little sense and whereas there’s a trace system, it tends to both let you know an excessive amount of or not sufficient. The English textual content doesn’t learn properly, affected by clear markings of a lower than stellar localization. That makes it even tougher to resolve some puzzles. The sport can be just about a one and achieved, like most escape video games. That mentioned, the premise is a stable one and with a number of refinements I may see this making for a very good collection. Exterior of some very irritating puzzles, my spouse and I had an honest time enjoying by way of How 2 Escape.

How 2 Escape actually simply has one trick up its sleeve, however it’s a ok one. In case you have somebody who’s keen to play together with you as your “man within the chair” and may tolerate a number of poor puzzle designs and a few tough writing, you’ll possible discover this to be a particular and fairly pleasing escape journey.

SwitchArcade Rating: 3.5/5

New Releases

Adventures of Ben: Rabbit Run ($24.99)

A younger adventure-loving boy named Ben will get become a human-sized rabbit by a wizard and he has to go on a journey to regain his true type. This can be a 3D platformer and I’ll be frank and say that it’s greater than somewhat tough round its edges. Is it nonetheless pleasing anyway? Properly, there’s a demo on the eShop and I like to recommend giving {that a} spin and seeing how you’re feeling about it your self.

Outdated College ($14.99)

Right here’s one other recreation from Wrestling Empire creator MDickie, and it’s precisely nearly as good as you’d anticipate. This can be a spiffed up model of a earlier launch from the off-beat developer named College Days, and it’s… I don’t know methods to describe it. Like, I’d need to point out issues like Skool Daze or Bully, however that is actually an entire different kettle of bonkers fish. It’s like professional wrestling meets highschool in all the fitting methods. You’ll be able to even play with associates by way of native multiplayer, with help for as much as 4 college students at a time.

Candlebook Island ($5.99)

What an odd-looking recreation that is. You’re sort of a monster physician? You might want to journey round and deal with sick monsters, type relationships along with your colleagues, and analysis varied sicknesses and illnesses. In the course of the night time the monsters will transfer round, so that you’ll have to search out the place they’re on the subsequent day. You’ll additionally have to handle your personal situation by enjoyable from time to time. The presentation is actually modest, however I’ll give this recreation credit score for its idea. I don’t recall the rest that has this type of set-up on the eShop, and that’s not straightforward today.

The Bin Bunch

I don’t often write something right here, however a giant shout out to Gametry for Champion of Fighters and its ripped-off sprites from Capcom’s Cadillacs & Dinosaurs. Actually elegant, you absolute bottom-feeding jerks. And now, on to the trash.

RPG Alchemy ($6.52)

Nathan Jones & the Everlasting Fable ($4.99)

Thunder Struggle Rabbit Alien Struggle ($4.99)

Phrase Quest ($2.99)

Champion of Fighters ($2.99)

Gross sales

(North American eShop, US Costs)

Properly, what do I need to point out in the present day? New low costs on XIII and Fur Squadron, I suppose. Not a lot else that I need to make any noise about. Seems to be like enterprise as regular over within the outbox, too. Properly, you’ll be able to test these lists yourselves and see what jumps out at you.

Choose New Video games on Sale

A Painter’s Story: Curon, 1950 ($6.29 from $6.99 till 9/16)
Hell’s Excessive Harmonizers ($5.39 from $11.99 till 9/17)
Magicians’ Chase: Lacking Curry Recipe ($4.04 from $8.99 till 9/17)
Fur Squadron ($4.19 from $6.99 till 9/18)
Flutter Away ($10.39 from $12.99 till 9/24)
Dungeon and Puzzles ($2.49 from $9.99 till 9/24)
Vivid Knight ($8.99 from $14.99 till 9/25)
Madorica Actual Property 2 ($9.49 from $18.99 till 9/25)
The Purple Lantern ($4.99 from $24.99 till 9/26)
Railways ($2.49 from $4.99 till 9/27)
Seduce Me: Full Story ($7.99 from $9.99 till 9/29)
Bus Tycoon: Night time & Day ($2.79 from $133.99 till 9/29)
New Joe & Mac: Caveman Ninja ($14.99 from $29.99 till 9/29)
Garfield Lasagna Celebration ($19.99 from $39.99 till 9/29)
Asterix & Obelix XXL Romastered ($7.99 from $19.99 till 9/30)
XIII ($15.99 from $19.99 till 9/30)
Mega Celebration: A Tootuff Journey ($2.99 from $14.99 till 9/30)
Agatha Christie: ABC Murders ($5.09 from $14.99 till 9/30)
Everdream Valley ($17.49 from $24.99 till 9/30)
Toki ($1.99 from $9.99 till 9/30)

Gross sales Ending Tomorrow, Tuesday, September twelfth

Agent A: A Puzzle in Disguise ($1.99 from $19.99 till 9/12)
Citadel Morihisa ($3.74 from $14.99 till 9/12)
Kids of Morta: Full ($7.99 from $26.99 till 9/12)
Lifeless by Daylight ($14.99 from $29.99 till 9/12)
Ember ($4.99 from $14.99 till 9/12)
Mechanic 8230: Escape From Ilgrot ($1.99 from $14.99 till 9/12)
Moonlighter: Full ($4.34 from $28.99 till 9/12)
Phoenotopia: Awakening ($7.99 from $19.99 till 9/12)
South of the Circle ($7.79 from $12.99 till 9/12)
Sqroma ($4.99 from $8.99 till 9/12)
SUPERHOT ($9.99 from $24.99 till 9/12)
This Struggle of Mine: Full ($1.99 from $39.99 till 9/12)
UnderDungeon ($1.99 from $13.99 till 9/12)

That’s all for in the present day, associates. We’ll be again tomorrow with extra evaluations, extra new releases, extra gross sales, and if the whispers on the winds are appropriate, maybe some information. I in some way managed to mess up my knee over the weekend, so let’s all cross our fingers that it heals quick or I won’t be capable of attend the Tokyo Sport Present subsequent week. That wouldn’t be cool. I hope you all have a wonderful Monday, and as all the time, thanks for studying!