The Deluxe
Astro Duel Deluxe was released yesterday on Nintendo Switch! Besides being on a console for the first time, there is a ton new in this version.
Team Annihilation
This combines the Pilot Hunters mode with Team Deathmatch. You'll need to eliminate the enemy pilots to win. It’s likely the preferable way to do team games now. I do like the classic “one hit kill” from the ship modes, but the pilot modes are just way more fun. I mostly play those now.
6 Players
Six player support is under a new mode called Chaos. In Chaos, player spawns have been moved to support the additional ships. Usually it means spawning closer to opponents. The levels have been opened up and more powerups spawn in this mode.
There is quite a bit of flexibility when combined with CPU opponents. Try teaming up with a friend against 3 or 4 CPUs.
New Pilots
Previously only available through cheat codes, Box Cat and Chomper now officially join the cast of pilots. There is also now a proper player select menu, so each player can select their pilot without swapping controllers. :)
Party Mode
Basically it’s Astro Party but with access to the new deluxe features. Each player only gets two buttons. Shoot and Turn. Ships always move forward and you can only turn one direction! It’s a bit sillier, but still competitive and fun. The levels and powerups have been redesigned for this mode.
On top of using controllers, you can use the touch-screen in this mode too! For example: two players can use a Joy-Con while two others use the touch-screen. Because it’s only two-buttons, using the touch-screen works great.
Sudden Death
If a round starts to go on too long, beams ignite on both sides of the level. They move slow. but they’re absolutely killer. Fight, run or die. They can be disabled in the Custom game menu.
Instant Replays
Shows the last few seconds of gameplay after each round ends. Good for learning, bragging, or just taking a breath between rounds. You can disable this in the options menu.
New Music
My friends made some thumpin’ new tracks! Really helps round out the Astro soundscape. Check out more of their work here:
Damien Di Fede - http://www.compartmental.net Johnny Betts - http://johnnybetts.com Matt Meyer - https://mattmeyer.bandcamp.com Matthew Grimm - https://8bitmatt.bandcamp.com
Stereo Sound
The original iPad only had one speaker, so I didn't bother with Stereo sound. But with Astro now in the living room, this needed to be fixed. Happy to now hear sounds firing from both sides of the screen.
Localization
Astro Duel is now a bit more accessible around the globe. All the text is now in English, French, French Canadian, Italian, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Brazilian Portuguese, Dutch, and Japanese.
New Menus
Redid pretty much every menu for the console.
Misc
Pilots can pickup powerups. If killed before spawning, they drop ‘em.
Pilots are team colored in the team modes.
Pilots have a "pulse ring" when their ship is destroyed.
Pilots can wiggle a bit when the round is starting.
A bunch more small tweaks and changes. :)
That’s it!
I really enjoyed expanding Astro Duel for the Nintendo Switch. Besides being a natural fit for the Switch, there was a ton added to make this version feel special.
Now go buy it here. :)
