Critiques That includes ‘Lorelei and the Laser Eyes’, Plus the Newest Releases and Gross sales – TouchArcade

Whats up mild readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Spherical-Up for Might seventeenth, 2024. In as we speak’s article, our pal Mikhail has a whopping three evaluations so that you can get pleasure from. Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, Slayers X: Terminal Aftermath: Vengance of the Slayer, and Learn Solely Recollections: NEURODIVER all have titles which can be a bit too lengthy in my view, however how are the video games themselves? Mikhail’s bought you coated. After that, I check out the remaining noteworthy releases of the week, plus supply up the lists of the most recent gross sales and expiring reductions. Let’s get to it!

Critiques & Mini-Views

Slayers X: Terminal Aftermath: Vengance of the Slayer ($16.99)

Final August, I wrote about the most effective boomer shooters on Steam Deck, and included Massive Z Studios and No Extra Robots’ Slayers X: Terminal Aftermath: Vengance of the Slayer in my function. I really like the sport, and saved hoping it might see ports to extra platforms after it debuted on Steam and Xbox. Quick ahead to this month, and Slayers X: Terminal Aftermath: Vengance of the Slayer arrived on PlayStation and Swap, and I’ve been replaying it on each PS5 and Swap for evaluation.

This new model of Slayers X: Terminal Aftermath: Vengance of the Slayer doesn’t embrace any added content material or something, so if you happen to already performed it, you don’t want to purchase it once more, however I’m certain anybody who performed and loved it earlier than has possible already purchased it no less than as soon as extra to help the sport, as a result of it’s that rattling good.

For those who’ve by no means heard of it, Slayers X: Terminal Aftermath: Vengance of the Slayer is a spin-off to the wonderful Hypnospace Outlaw, however you possibly can play this straight. It’s a boomer shooter or retro FPS with a 90s aesthetic that oozes appeal and improbable gameplay regardless of some parts of the sport annoying me even as we speak. I really like the music, visuals, cut-scenes, and weapons right here, and it simply stays a rattling effective recreation total.

Having revisited it on Swap, Steam Deck, and PS5, I believe the Steam Deck model is by far my favourite. It runs flawlessly there and by no means dropped beneath 60fps for me. On Swap, the body price goal is far decrease at round what appears like 30fps, but it surely felt effective to play in handheld mode. The docked efficiency felt worse. Load instances aren’t horrible, however they’re much longer on Swap than Steam Deck or PS5.

The shortage of gyro controls is disappointing although. I really feel like they may be added because the developer put in effort to even usher in touchscreen help for the interface on Swap. Hopefully this port does properly sufficient to get a bodily copy with a pleasant ooze inexperienced vinyl soundtrack launch. Make it occur.

Slayers X: Terminal Aftermath: Vengance of the Slayer stays a improbable boomer shooter, and is essentially the most 90s factor (praise) on the eShop proper now. I hope it might see some efficiency enchancment for docked play and gyro help added in potential updates although. -Mikhail Madnani

SwitchArcade Rating: 4/5

Lorelei and the Laser Eyes ($24.99)

For builders like Simogo, I normally attempt to keep away from continually following the progress on upcoming video games. With its releases, the much less you already know the higher getting in. When Lorelei and the Laser Eyes was introduced, the one factor I needed to know have been what platforms it’s on. It lastly launched on Swap and Steam this week, and is a masterpiece, but it surely may not be for everybody.

For followers of Simogo by means of the years, a evaluation for a brand new recreation doesn’t matter as a result of they’re simply going to purchase it and play it with out wanting into it. That’s what I’d do as a result of few builders have earned my belief in addition to Simogo lately. However, you’re right here, which implies you’re questioning how Lorelei and the Laser Eyes is, or if there’s any cause you shouldn’t get it. I’m going to hopefully reply each with no spoilers.

I believe the final puzzle recreation that had me enthusiastic about it as a lot outdoors the sport was The Witness. I began seeing the shapes, pondering of the notes, remembering areas, and extra from Lorelei and the Laser Eyes as I performed different video games like Ultimate Fantasy XIV. Getting caught on a puzzle recreation for a number of days isn’t enjoyable, however when it does click on, the satisfaction is unmatched.

Lorelei and the Laser Eyes begins with you controlling a lady who arrives at a resort in Europe. You aren’t informed something about why you’re there, however have entry to a notice and a few free motion area. Proper from the get go, the nonlinear nature of Lorelei and the Laser Eyes begins to unfold. That is necessary as a result of there are a number of situations the place you’re going to get caught or haven’t any clue what to do, and attempt to discover and discover a manner ahead. The sport has no trace system and a pocket book or notice taking app will dramatically make your life simpler as you play.

Each aspect of Lorelei and the Laser Eyes feels handcrafted and completely designed in its aesthetic and mechanically. I don’t even need to think about how a lot time went into this for the small staff because it needed to even be localized into a number of languages whereas providing as little apparent data as potential to the participant.

The one button management scheme in Lorelei and the Laser Eyes goes to be some extent of rivalry as a result of you’ll need to get used to further inputs for sure interactions you’re used to in different video games. You possibly can’t again out of menus as you usually do in video games, but it surely all comes collectively as you play since you are as a lot part of Lorelei and the Laser Eyes as each aspect of the world.

Talking of the world, the environment in Lorelei and the Laser Eyes is shockingly good. Simogo video games are all the time greatest skilled with headphones, however I really feel like that holds true essentially the most for Lorelei and the Laser Eyes.

I already wrote about how Lorelei and the Laser Eyes felt on Steam Deck, and whereas I used to be shocked at how polished it was out of the field, I’m extra impressed with the Swap model on the OLED display screen. The placing aesthetic principally feels designed across the beautiful handheld display screen, and it performs completely with good HD Rumble. I might’ve cherished touchscreen help for some interactions, however I’ve no complaints with the Swap model outdoors that. I believe the one visible distinction I seen was the dearth of anti-aliasing in components on Swap.

I’ve praised Lorelei and the Laser Eyes so much, however there may be one aspect that I didn’t look after within the recreation. I spoke to Simogo about this as properly in my interview. Some inputs for puzzles would’ve been a lot simpler if you happen to may transfer in two instructions when interacting with one thing. It was a deliberate determination to make the sport management like this. I respect that, however there are a number of situations the place I didn’t look after that implementation.

I don’t understand how Simogo retains doing it, however Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, like each different recreation I’ve performed from the studio, will get my highest potential suggestion. It is among the greatest video Games I’ve ever performed on Swap and Steam Deck. If in case you have the smallest curiosity in distinctive experiences and like puzzle video Games, purchase Lorelei and the Laser Eyes and seize a pocket book. You’ll not remorse it. -Mikhail Madnani

SwitchArcade Rating: 5/5

Learn Solely Recollections: NEURODIVER ($14.99)

It has been so lengthy since I first performed 2064: Learn Solely Recollections that I forgot we have been even getting a brand new recreation in that universe. Learn Solely Recollections: NEURODIVER is a sequel to that recreation, and a narrative-heavy level and click on journey, but it surely can be loved by itself. I ended up liking Learn Solely Recollections: NEURODIVER so much, but it surely isn’t precisely the sequel I pictured in my head for the unique.

I normally attempt to preserve my expectations in verify for sequels to video games I performed and adored years in the past, however I simply couldn’t right here. After I first performed Learn Solely Recollections: NEURODIVER, I spotted the staff centered on delivering a shorter expertise in some methods, however constructed on many points of the unique to make it memorable all through.

Sure, there are acquainted faces and the vibe is impeccable right here, however Learn Solely Recollections: NEURODIVER appears like a return to a spot you’ve not been for years somewhat than the large new sequel. When you settle for that, you will note what Learn Solely Recollections: NEURODIVER was going for.

Learn Solely Recollections: NEURODIVER is ready within the beautiful world of Neo-San Francisco the place you play as an ESPer monitoring down the Golden Butterfly. Alongside your Neurodiver, you hook into individuals’s minds, study extra about them, and attempt to repair recollections.

The purpose and click on gameplay is superb, and I loved enjoyable after work whereas tackling an hour of Learn Solely Recollections: NEURODIVER every night time, however the lack of correct touchscreen help on each Swap and Steam Deck is disappointing. On Swap, there may be some contact help, but it surely feels just like the DualSense touchpad performance somewhat than having the ability to play it like different journey video games on Swap.

2064: Learn Solely Recollections had pretty pixel artwork and a terrific rating, however Learn Solely Recollections: NEURODIVER takes issues up a notch in each manufacturing together with voice performing. The anime aesthetic and the FM synth music are unbelievable right here. I hope they do an artbook for the sport quickly.

Learn Solely Recollections: NEURODIVER appears like a bizarre sequel in the way it didn’t find yourself being what I hoped for, however nonetheless had me glad it exists and having fun with it kind of all the best way. The music, artwork, and interactions elevate this to an important for followers of 2064: Learn Solely Recollections, however I nonetheless like the unique recreation extra. -Mikhail Madnani

SwitchArcade Rating: 4/5

Choose New Releases

Kyukyoku TigerHeli -Toaplan Arcade Storage- ($34.99)

Years after the Japanese launch, M2 has lastly introduced this assortment of Toaplan shooters to the West. The fundamental model consists of the arcade variations of Tiger-Heli and Twin Cobra, with all of the enjoyable choices and devices you may ask for. A extremely cool coaching mode for studying the video games can also be included. You may as well splash out $17.99 for some DLC that features another arcade recreation, Guardian/Get Star, plus quite a lot of residence console ports of Tiger-Heli and Twin Cobra. Some choices for these, however not one of the fancy devices. I believe it is a nice set, offered you get pleasure from shooters. Very premium.

Overmorrow ($19.99)

That is an journey recreation with an intriguing premise. The variety of actions you possibly can take per in-Game day is proscribed by what number of Runes you’ve discovered. When you’ve spent that power, you possibly can relaxation to refill it. That strikes the in-Game calendar ahead a day, and after thirty days your save will likely be deleted. Is that every one there may be to it? Hmm. Sure, that is a kind of video Games the place there may be extra to it than initially meets the attention. You already know if this your sort of factor higher than I do.

Return ($13.99)

You left your planet 200 years in the past in search of new life, and it’s lastly time so that you can… title drop… RETURN. You come again and issues are fairly completely different, which is smart because it’s been a few centuries. Issues seem to have gone very badly although, so it’s good that you’ve got your gun with you. And the uncanny capacity to roll round like wild, and roll you’ll. A brief however first rate little exploratory motion recreation, with a powerful environment and magnificence.

Morbid: The Lords of Ire ($29.99)

Whereas the Swap definitely isn’t affected by an absence of video Games impressed by the Souls video Games, it doesn’t have a ton of Soulslikes that play it comparatively straight with the idea. Effectively, right here’s another. There are some huge evil jerks round, you need to go kill them, you’ll in all probability die so much, however someway you’ll make it by means of finally. Actually, not too shabby so far as indie takes on this form of factor go. At that value, you sort of need a demo to attempt it out first, however it’s what it’s.

My Little Pony: A Zephyr Heights Thriller ($39.99)

A fairly normal licensed recreation from Outright Video games. As much as two gamers through native co-op can decide their pony of alternative, customise their look, discover a decent-sized world, play mini-games, search for secrets and techniques, and attempt to save the day. It’s greatest loved with a child who loves the collection, or a giant child who loves the collection. Both is ok.

FoxyRush ($4.99)

The look of the fox has modified, however this little platformer does certainly come from the identical builders because the FoxyLand video games. You have got much more strikes this time round, with the power to slip on partitions, swing on ropes, and extra. There are sixty-four ranges to play in complete, and you may unlock extra characters by amassing the celebs scattered about. Nothing too fancy, however that is your 5 greenback Swap platformer for as we speak.

Spellcats: Auto Card Ways ($9.99)

You’re a self-aware cat, the one one in a world of people the place “Neko-casting” sees many a cat below the thrall of Nekocasters. You’ll need to summon cats of your personal to defeat them and create a peaceable world for all cats. Perhaps even discover out about your origins? It’s one other roguelite type recreation with a card-based fight system, a template that’s beginning to really feel a little bit well-worn however is that if nothing else comparatively dependable.

Gross sales

(North American eShop, US Costs)

A pleasant number of titles on sale as we speak, together with quite a few Bandai Namco video games and a few good indies like Siralim Final and Ultimate Vendetta. The weekend outbox isn’t an excessive amount of to fuss about, however do notice that the very uncommon sale on The Stanley Parable is ending up quickly. Test these lists, as you do!

Choose New Gross sales

A Tiny Sticker Story ($6.79 from $9.99 till 5/23)
Soccer Supervisor 2024 Contact ($29.99 from $49.99 till 5/24)
Sine Mora EX ($4.49 from $29.99 till 5/24)
Siralim 3 ($7.49 from $14.99 till 5/24)
Siralim Final ($9.99 from $19.99 till 5/24)
Tallowmere 2 ($3.49 from $4.99 till 5/24)
Demon’s Tilt ($7.99 from $19.99 till 5/28)
Amongst Us ($3.00 from $5.00 till 5/30)
Hand of Destiny 2 ($8.99 from $29.99 till 5/31)
Spouse Quest ($3.99 from $7.99 till 5/31)
Fairly Women Panic Plus ($2.39 from $5.99 till 5/31)
Violet Wisteria ($9.89 from $14.99 till 5/31)
10 Seconds to Win ($3.49 from $4.99 till 5/31)
Desires of a Geisha ($9.99 from $19.99 till 5/31)
Historical Relics Egypt ($9.99 from $19.99 till 5/31)
E-book Quest ($2.44 from $6.99 till 5/31)

Quintus & the Absent Reality ($2.99 from $9.99 till 5/31)
Grasp Maker 3D Final ($3.49 from $4.99 till 5/31)
Suhoshin ($5.24 from $14.99 till 5/31)
Extremely Kaiju Monster Rancher ($19.99 from $49.99 till 6/1)
Tales of Symphonia Remastered ($19.99 from $39.99 till 6/1)
Dragon Ball FighterZ ($9.59 from $59.99 till 6/1)
Captain Tsubasa: RoNC ($9.99 from $39.99 till 6/1)
Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth CE ($9.99 from $49.99 till 6/1)
Klonoa Phantasy Reverie ($9.99 from $39.99 till 6/1)
Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster ($29.99 from $49.99 till 6/1)
We Love Katamari Reroll SE ($19.99 from $39.99 till 6/1)
.hack//G.U. Final Recode ($9.99 from $49.99 till 6/1)
Sword Artwork On-line Hole Realization DE ($4.99 from $49.99 till 6/1)
Sword Artwork On-line Alicization Lycoris ($19.99 from $49.99 till 6/1)
Ni no Kuni II: RK Prince’s Version ($9.59 from $59.99 till 6/1)

Doraemon Story of Seasons ($9.99 from $49.99 till 6/1)
God Eater 3 ($9.59 from $59.99 till 6/1)
My Hero One’s Justice 2 ($9.99 from $39.99 till 6/1)
Desktop Baseball 2 ($3.99 from $9.80 till 6/5)
Make It! Taiyaki ($1.99 from $3.00 till 6/5)
Chrome Wolf ($8.99 from $14.99 till 6/6)
Onigo Hunter ($8.99 from $14.99 till 6/6)
Ultimate Vendetta ($9.98 from $24.95 till 6/6)
Battle Axe ($7.49 from $29.99 till 6/6)
Yodanji ($2.49 from $4.99 till 6/6)
Cattails: Wildwood Story ($9.99 from $19.99 till 6/6)
Sherlock Holmes The Woke up DE ($14.99 from $49.99 till 6/6)
God of Gentle Remastered ($2.49 from $4.99 till 6/6)
Apex Heroines ($14.99 from $24.99 till 6/6)
Time Lure: Hidden Objects ($11.24 from $14.99 till 6/6)
The Adv. of Elena Temple Definitive ($1.99 from $3.99 till 6/6)

Gross sales Ending This Weekend

Assault Fits Valken ($9.99 from $24.99 till 5/18)
PGMS Biggerman.io ($2.74 from $5.49 till 5/18)
PGMS Cat and Citadel ($4.24 from $4.99 till 5/18)
PGMS Fish Twister ($2.49 from $4.99 till 5/18)
PGMS Hunter of Satan ($4.24 from $4.99 till 5/18)
PGMS Lunlun Superherobabys DX ($4.24 from $4.99 till 5/18)
Animal Hospital ($15.99 from $39.99 till 5/19)
Asterix & Obelix: Heroes ($11.99 from $29.99 till 5/19)
Fishing Star World Tour ($14.99 from $29.99 till 5/19)
Backyard Life: Backyard Celebration Version ($29.24 from $44.99 till 5/19)
My Improbable Ranch ($7.99 from $39.99 till 5/19)
Rims Racing: Final Version ($6.99 from $69.99 till 5/19)
The Stanley Parable: Extremely Deluxe ($12.49 from $24.99 till 5/19)
Prepare Life: A Railway Simulator ($5.99 from $29.99 till 5/19)
Wildshade Unicorn Champions ($15.99 from $39.99 till 5/19)
Zombiewood: Survival Shooter ($7.99 from $9.99 till 5/19)

That’s all for as we speak and this week, mates. We’ll be again subsequent week with extra new video Games, extra gross sales, extra evaluations, and extra information. This has been an exhausting week despite the fact that I didn’t actually do an excessive amount of. I suppose that’s simply the ol’ psychological exhaustion kicking in. I’ll need to take a pleasant relaxation this weekend, and it’s best to too. I hope you all have a terrific Friday, and as all the time, thanks for studying!