El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron, a game from the era of the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, is finding a new home on the Nintendo Switch. In a gaming landscape constantly looking forward, players are often eager to revisit or discover games from previous generations. This is where remastered games shine, providing a chance for older games restricted to extinct hardware to reach a wider audience. The Switch adds extra appeal with portability for gaming on the move.
El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron is one such game previously bound to outdated hardware. It was originally developed by Ignition Tokyo, a team that included multiple ex-members of Clover Studio, a group known for classics from the PlayStation 2 era such as Viewtiful Joe. El Shaddai presents a biblical hack-and-slash adventure underscored by its striking aesthetics. The game, while appreciated by a select fan base and receiving favorable reviews, did not perform as expected in terms of sales. A remaster of the game was launched on Steam in 2021 to a highly positive reception.
El Shaddai is getting a second shot as it migrates to the Nintendo Switch on April 28, this time as an HD remastered version, courtesy of Studio Crim. Physical editions of the game will be distributed by Limited Run Games, a notable vendor for specialized game releases. In addition to standard versions, deluxe editions are also in the pipeline, boasting extras such as an original soundtrack CD, a double-sided poster, and a Nephilim Enamel Pin.
This launch continues the steady flow of games boosting the Nintendo Switch’s lifespan in 2021. Considering Nintendo’s silences on new hardware announcements and circulating rumors, it’s feasible that the Switch will remain as Nintendo’s prime focus for another year.
For Switch players seeking a more unique, emotionally-rich experience, the likes of El Shaddai often fit the bill. Those who relish El Shaddai’s spiritual-nuanced, aesthetics-centered gameplay may also take interest in Tales of Kenzera: Zau, a game deeply inspired by Bantu mythology. It’s not a classic remastered game like El Shaddai, but it promises a similar appeal and experience.
The Nintendo Switch, a celebrated late arrival to the eighth console generation is a hybrid system lending itself to home and portable gaming. With an impressive launch game in form of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the platform has since accumulated a vast range of both major and indie titles. Nintendo has since released two additional models; the Switch Lite and OLED.
Brand
Nintendo
Release date
March 3, 2017
Hardware
Switch , Nintendo Switch Lite , Nintendo Switch OLED Model
Original Retail Price (USD)
Switch: $299; Lite: $199.99; OLED: $349.99
Weight
Switch: 0.88 LBS; Lite: 0.61 LBS; OLED: 0.93 LBS
