Nintendo Download: Summoning Hand-Painted Wonders and Bandits That Plunder

It’s a trio of headline games this week for Nintendo’s Switch, with Hoa, Arietta of Spirits, and the long-awaited King’s Bounty II all hitting.

Alert the king

There might not be the biggest name stuff landing on the Switch this week, but some of it looks darn good. Hoa looks to be an absolutely gorgeous puzzle-platformer.

If you haven’t seen it in action, and I hadn’t, then do yourself a favor and check out the trailer. It’s a looker, and thankfully looks like it’s sporting some solid gameplay too.

Arietta of Spirits is a title that we’ve covered before here at BG. It’s been out for awhile on the PlayStation, but the Switch edition is here now, and is looking great as ever.

AoS is a 16bit-ish, Zelda-like adventure. So if you dig those, then chances are you’ll want to have a peek at it.

While the other two might not be the biggest of names, you probably have heard of King’s Bounty II at some point. A classic PC title, King’s Bounty (1) saw release waaaaay back in 1991, so when I say this one’s been a long time coming, it has.

Fortunately, it’s also looking great. A role-playing title, KB2 features army-building and turn-based, strategic gameplay. Check it out:

As for the rest? Well, the smaller releases of the week are definitely more niche in flavor. But who knows, you might find something that speaks to you. Check out the full listing below.

Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch

• Hoa – Experience the magic of nature and imagination as you guide Hoa on her journey through stunning environments back to where it all began. With a gentle yet compelling flow, you’ll navigate and solve exploration-based puzzles. Relax to the organic rhythm of subtle storytelling while being intrigued by endless little wonders. Enjoy a beautiful puzzle-platforming game that features breathtaking hand-painted art, lovely music and a peaceful atmosphere. Hoawill be available on Aug. 24.
• Arietta of Spirits – A charming adventure game with an emotion-filled narrative and fast paced combat, Arietta of Spirits tells the story of a family visiting their grandmother’s cabin for the first time after she passed away. However, the family trip takes an unexpected turn when Arietta meets a new friend and gains the ability to see strange spirits. Explore a mysterious island, meet fascinating characters, discover deep lore and fight a wide range of enemies. Arietta of Spirits will be available on Aug. 20.
• King’s Bounty II – This long-awaited RPG expands on the legendary King’s Bounty franchise with an epic new story, as well as new factions, enemies and features. Recruit, develop and command your personal army on a non-linear adventure of betrayal, sacrifice and survival. Fight for your own future, outsmart enemies in unique turn-based combat, make difficult decisions and experience the intensity of one of the classic sagas in an exciting new way. King’s Bounty II will be available on Aug. 24.

Trials:

• Unite, Fight and Survive With a Free* Test Drive! – Minecraft Dungeons Hero Edition sends you and up to three of your friends through action-packed, treasure-stuffed dungeons on a quest to take down the evil Arch-Illager. Personalize your character, then fight up close with melee attacks, play it safe with ranged attacks or suit up in heavy armor and plow through mobs as a tank! Until 11:59 p.m. PT on Aug. 24, Nintendo Switch Online members will be able to try out the full game for free.

Nintendo Mobile

• Today … There Is Quite a Bit To Report – Here, here! Gather round all ye fans of the Fire Emblem Heroes game* for smart devices. Let’s have three cheers for the latest Heroes who were selected in the Choose Your Legends: Round 5 event. Congratulations are due to Gatekeeper: Nothing to Report, Marth: Prince of Light, Marianne: Serene Adherent, Eirika: Pledged Restorer and Pelleas: Ashnard’s Orphan. These brave victors will now appear in the New Heroes: Keepers of Faith summoning event thanks to your vote of confidence! You’ll also find new story maps in Book V, Chapter 10: Howling Descent, as well as limited-time quests and a Log-In Bonus that’ll let you obtain up to 13 Orbs. For more details on all the latest updates to Fire Emblem Heroes, be sure to check out the Feh Channel: Choose Your Legends 2021 Edition video here!

Nintendo eShop sales:

• Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo 3DS and Wii U
  • Great deals this week! Check out the full list of deals available this week at https://www.nintendo.com/games/sales-and-deals.

Also new this week in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch:

• Adventure Field 4 – Available Aug. 20
• Arcade Archives KURIKINTON
• Buissons
• Chess Gambit
• City Driving Simulator 2 – Available Aug. 20
• Dungeon’s Hell
• Faraday Protocol
• Heart Chain Kitty – Available Aug. 20
• Links Puzzle
• Mayhem Brawler
• Metal Commando
• Monster Train First Class
• Murder Mystery Machine – Available Aug. 25
• Pixel Game Maker Series BURAIGUN GALAXY STORM
• Rush Rally Origins
• Sakura Succubus 4
• Space Scavenger – Available Aug. 20
• Stay Safe
• Thea 2: The Shattering
• Tomb Sweeper
• Ultimate Bumper Cars: Dodgems – Available Aug. 20
• Where’s Samantha?
• World Soccer Strikers ’91
• Wrestledunk Sports – Available Aug. 20
• Zombo Buster Advance

* Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required. Not available in all countries. Internet access required for online features. Terms apply. nintendo.com/switch-online