SwitchArcade Round-Up: Reviews Featuring ‘Ace Attorney Investigations Collection’, Plus New Releases and Sales

Hello fellow gamers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Roundup for September 4th, 2024! Summer's warmth has faded, leaving behind memories both scorching and sweet. I'm feeling a bit wiser, and grateful for sharing that journey with you all. As autumn arrives, I want to express my appreciation – you're the best gaming companions anyone could ask for! Today's article is packed with reviews, new releases, and sales – let's dive in!

Reviews & Mini-Views

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection ($39.99)

The Nintendo Switch era has gifted us second chances at classic titles, and the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is a prime example. This collection finally brings Miles Edgeworth's two adventures (following Trials & Tribulations) to English-speaking audiences. The sequel masterfully builds upon previous storylines, enhancing the original game in retrospect. It's fantastic to finally experience it officially translated.

These Investigations games offer a fresh perspective, showcasing the prosecution's viewpoint. While the core mechanics – clue-finding, witness questioning, and case-solving – remain largely unchanged, the unique presentation and Edgeworth's personality add a distinct flavor. The pacing can feel less structured than typical Ace Attorney titles, potentially leading to some lengthy cases, but fans of the main series will undoubtedly appreciate this spin-off. If the first game feels a bit slow, persevere – the second is significantly better, providing context and clarity to the first.

Bonus features are generous, reminiscent of the Apollo Justice collection. A gallery showcasing art and music, a story mode for relaxed playthroughs, and selectable original/updated graphics/soundtracks are included. A convenient dialogue history feature, a must-have for such games, is also present.

The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection offers a compelling contrast between its two games. The official localization of the second game is a significant achievement, and the additional features create a fantastic package. With this release, every Ace Attorney game (excluding the Professor Layton crossover) is now available on the Switch. If you've enjoyed the other titles, this is a definite must-have.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Gimmick! 2 ($24.99)

A sequel to Gimmick! is a surprising yet welcome development. Originally a late NES title with limited Western release, Gimmick! now boasts a sequel developed by Bitwave Games. While created without involvement from the original developer, it remains incredibly faithful to the original, perhaps even too much so for some.

Six lengthy and challenging physics-based platforming levels await, presenting a steep learning curve from the start. Fortunately, an easier mode is available for those seeking a less demanding experience. The core gameplay, including protagonist Yumetaro's star attack, is familiar and effective. New collectibles provide customization options, rewarding players for tackling optional challenges.

The game's length depends on your play style, but the difficulty remains consistently high. Frequent deaths are expected, but generous checkpoints mitigate frustration. The charming visuals and music help maintain a positive experience, but don't underestimate Gimmick! 2's challenge. Mastering platforming skills and strategic use of Yumetaro's star and enemies is essential.

Gimmick! 2 is a surprisingly excellent sequel, successfully expanding upon the original without sacrificing its identity. Fans of the first game will be delighted, and challenging platformer enthusiasts should definitely check it out. However, those seeking a relaxed experience should be warned – it's as tough as its predecessor, despite the easier mode.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Valfaris: Mecha Therion ($19.99)

Valfaris: Mecha Therion takes a bold step, abandoning the original's action-platforming for a shoot 'em up style reminiscent of Lords of Thunder. Surprisingly, it works well, although the Switch's hardware limitations occasionally impact the visual experience. This isn't a major drawback, and the intense action, soundtrack, and visuals remain highly enjoyable.

The weapon system adds a strategic layer. The main gun depletes energy, requiring use of a melee weapon (which recharges the gun) and a rotating third weapon. Mastering the rhythm of weapon management and dodging is key to success.

While different from its predecessor, Valfaris: Mecha Therion maintains a similar atmosphere. It's a stylish, heavy metal-infused shoot 'em up that avoids common genre pitfalls. While performance may be better on other platforms, the Switch version delivers a satisfying experience.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash ($44.99)

Licensed games often cater primarily to fans. Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash delivers ample fan service, excelling in capturing the series' aesthetic, writing, and meta-systems.

However, the appeal for non-fans is limited. The game offers a small selection of repetitive mini-games, with a story that will resonate mainly with existing fans. Even for fans, the emphasis on fan service might overshadow the core gameplay.

Despite its strengths in presentation and unlockables, Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash lacks longevity. Unless you're a dedicated fan, the limited gameplay might lead to quick burnout.

SwitchArcade Score: 3/5

Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection ($9.99)

Sunsoft is known for titles like Blaster Master and Batman, but this collection showcases a lesser-known side: charming 8-bit games popular in Japan. Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection offers three such games, all fully localized for the first time in English. The package includes save states, rewind, display options, and art galleries.

The games themselves are a mixed bag. Firework Thrower Kantaro’s 53 Stations of the Tokaido is challenging due to its weapon mechanics, but possesses unique charm. Ripple Island is a decent adventure game, while The Wing of Madoola is ambitious but uneven. None are top-tier NES games, but none are outright bad.

Fans of Sunsoft and obscure game libraries will appreciate this collection. The care taken in localization and presentation makes it a worthwhile purchase.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Select New Releases

Cyborg Force ($9.95)

A challenging run-and-gun action game in the style of Metal Slug and Contra, featuring single-player and local multiplayer options.

Billy’s Game Show ($7.99)

A stealth-focused game where you must hide from a stalker while maintaining power generators.

Mining Mechs ($4.99)

A mech-based mining game where you collect resources, upgrade your mechs, and progress deeper underground.

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

A brief overview of sales, with notable titles highlighted below.

Select New Sales

Nora: The Wannabe Alchemist, Deflector, Sky Caravan, The Blind Prophet, They Know, Conjured Through Death, Dark Days, Another Bar Game, Cook Serve Delicious, Blood Will Be Spilled, Feudal Alloy

Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 5th

Adventure Bar Story, Akiba’s Trip: Undead & Undressed, Anomaly Agent, Avenging Spirit, Bug & Seek, Burst Hero, Cat Quest II, Corpse Party, Deadcraft, Dice Make 10!, Eldgear, Evil God Korone, F1 Manager 2024, Fairy Elements, Freedom Planet 2, Genso Chronicles, Gibbon: Beyond the Trees, Hide & Dance!, Magical Drop VI, Marchen Forest, Mom Hid My Game!, Mom Hid My Game! 2, My Brother Ate My Pudding!, Port Royale 4, SCHiM, Silent Hope, Super Toy Cars Offroad, The Sinking City, Untitled Goose Game, Wing of Darkness, WitchSpring R, Yggdra Union: WNFA

That's it for today! More reviews are coming this week, and plenty of new eShop releases are expected in the coming days. Check back tomorrow, or visit my blog, Post Game Content, for updates. Have a great Wednesday, and thanks for reading!