Nintendo Switch Online April Game Updates, My Thoughts

The Nintendo Switch Online service is expanding again! Three new entries are joining the library! Let's take a look!

Amazing Hebereke 
- Developed by Sunsoft and OLM, published by Sunsoft.
- Released in March 1994 for the Super Famicom. This is the first time the game was officially brought to the United States. 

It's a fighting game that is a spin-off of the Hebereke series. The name comes from a Japanese colloquialism for drunkenness.

As of 2024, there are 9 games in the series, but none of them have ever been officially released in North America until Ulforia: The Saga was put on the Wii Virtual Console.

This game feels like a precursor to the Super Smash Bros. except with silly animal characters instead of iconic video game characters. It looks fun, if a bit simple. 

Super R-Type
- Developed by Irem, published by Irem (Japan/North America), Nintendo (Europe)
- Released for the SNES on September 1, 1991 (North America), July 13, 1991 (Japan), June 14, 1992 (Europe)

This game is a partial port of R-Type II, taking the first four levels of that game and adding three new ones. The game has been criticized for its difficulty (even for an R-Type game), as well as the game going into a slowdown when there's a lot of objects on the screen. The trailer actually shows the slowdown! I thought that was due to the SNES's processor being overtaxed, not a programming flaw. Just get R-Type Dimensions EX for the Switch instead if you want to play some R-Type. 

Wrecking Crew '98
- Developed by Nintendo R&D1 & Pax Softnica, published by Nintendo
- Released for the Super Famicom on May 23, 1998 (Japan only)

This game is a sequel to the 1985 game Wrecking Crew. The object of this action puzzle game is that Mario and Luigi must bring down Bowser's new high-rise bases. My guess is the big lizard/dragon/dinosaur/turtle forgot to get the proper building permits. It also marks the return of Foreman Spike, whom you may be aware of thanks to The Super Mario Bros. Movie. 

It's really cool that the Online Service is bringing over these games most Americans never got to play. I think I'll give Amazing Hebereke and Wrecking Crew '98 a shot. Thanks for reading this blog entry! If you liked it, show it off! Take care of yourselves and each other! Stay safe, stay healthy, stay home, wash your hands often, wear a mask, and get your vaccine/booster! See you next time!