9th Dawn Remake Review: Dungeon Crawling and Card Battles Shine on Nintendo Switch

9th Dawn Remake Review: Dungeon Crawling and Card Battles Shine on Nintendo Switch Valorware brings a fresh take to the classic dungeon crawler formula with 9th Dawn Remake, an ambitious action RPG now available on Nintendo Switch via the eShop.

First launched as 9th Dawn in 2012, the remake expands on the original title with a completely reworked storyline, larger dungeon environments, and enhanced content, positioning itself as a must-try for fans of retro-inspired RPGs looking for deep gameplay and replayability. As an independent developer, Valorware has carved a niche for itself in the RPG scene, and 9th Dawn Remake shows just how committed the team is to delivering quality experiences for both new and returning players.

The game can be played solo or with a friend in local co-op mode, encouraging exploration across expansive open-world landscapes that merge classic dungeon crawling with unique deck-building card elements.

Players can expect dozens of hours of content, all running smoothly both docked and in handheld mode on the Nintendo Switch, a testament to the developer’s technical prowess. The narrative thrust of 9th Dawn Remake places players in the role of an adventurer tasked with investigating the disappearance of the local lighthouse keeper.

As you delve deeper into the world, each dungeon presents a blend of challenging puzzles, combat encounters, and loot opportunities.

Enemy respawning adds to the challenge, though treasure chests do not refill, rewarding careful exploration.

Combat is approachable, with multiple control options and the flexibility to wield melee, magic, and ranged weapons simultaneously.

Weapons also gain experience and level up the more they are used, and the game rewards experimentation and persistence with noticeable progression. The game’s menu and upgrade system are robust, albeit somewhat complex.

Players can find ability orbs and invest them in an extensive skill tree covering spells, creature taming, passive bonuses, and more—spanning an impressive thirteen pages.

Stat enhancements, such as strength, dexterity, and intelligence, add another layer of customization, although guidance in the user interface is minimal, requiring players to explore menu options actively.

The pause function does not halt gameplay, making it important to manage upgrades and inventory away from danger. Outside of the core dungeon crawling, 9th Dawn Remake excels in its mini-games.

From an in-depth card game introduced early on, to a fishing mini-game reminiscent of mechanics found in popular indie titles, there are plenty of side activities to engage with.

These diversions offer a satisfying break from the main quest and further enrich the game’s world. According to a statement from the Valorware team, the remake delivers "a fully reimagined story, expanded dungeons, and even more action-packed content for players to enjoy." This commitment to delivering value is evident throughout the game, even if some players may find the learning curve steep or the controls less intuitive.

For dungeon crawler enthusiasts, 9th Dawn Remake offers a wealth of content and challenge. In summary, 9th Dawn Remake stands out as a strong addition to the Nintendo Switch RPG library.

While it may require patience to master its systems and controls, the sheer volume of content, rewarding loot systems, and entertaining mini-games make it a worthy adventure.

Valorware’s remake honors the classic feel of 9th Dawn while enhancing it for a new generation of gamers on the Nintendo Switch.

Nintendo Switch 9th Dawn Remake Nintendo Switch Valorware eShop