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

Hello fellow gamers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up 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 has given us second chances at many classic titles. Trials of Mana, Live A Live, the original Fire Emblem, and now, the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection – finally bringing Miles Edgeworth's adventures to English speakers. The sequel cleverly builds on previous storylines, enhancing the original game in retrospect. It's a fantastic addition to the series.

These Investigations games offer a prosecutor's perspective, maintaining the core gameplay loop: searching for clues, questioning witnesses, and solving cases. The unique presentation and Edgeworth's character add a fresh feel. While the pacing can sometimes feel less structured, leading to occasionally lengthy cases, fans of the main series will undoubtedly enjoy this spin-off. If the first game feels a bit slow, persevere – the second is significantly better.

Bonus features are generous, including an art and music gallery, a story mode for relaxed playthroughs, and the option to switch between original and updated visuals/soundtracks. A handy dialogue history is also included – a welcome addition to the series.

The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection provides a compelling contrast between the two games, creating a satisfying overall experience. The localization of the second game is a major win, and the extra features make this a must-have for any Ace Attorney fan. With this release, nearly every Ace Attorney title (excluding the Professor Layton crossover) is now available on Switch.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Gimmick! 2 ($24.99)

A sequel to Gimmick! is unexpected, but a welcome surprise! Developed by Bitwave Games, this faithful sequel stays true to the original's challenging physics-based platforming. Six lengthy levels will test your skills, but an easier mode is now available for those seeking a less demanding experience.

Yumetaro's star attack returns, serving as a weapon, vehicle, and puzzle-solving tool. New collectibles offer customization options, rewarding players for tackling more difficult sections. While a quick playthrough is possible, the game remains challenging. The charming visuals and music help offset the difficulty, but don't underestimate Gimmick! 2. It retains the original's challenging spirit, demanding platforming mastery and clever use of the star and enemies.

Despite its high difficulty, generous checkpoints prevent frustration. Fans of the original will be delighted, and challenging platformer enthusiasts should definitely check it out. However, those seeking a casual experience should be warned – it's as tough as its predecessor, even with the easier difficulty setting.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Valfaris: Mecha Therion ($19.99)

Valfaris: Mecha Therion takes a bold step, shifting from the original's action-platformer style to a shoot 'em up akin to Lords of Thunder. Surprisingly, it works well, although the Switch's hardware sometimes struggles to deliver optimal performance. This isn't a deal-breaker, however. The intense action, rocking soundtrack, and creepy visuals are still enjoyable.

The weapon system adds a fun dynamic. The main gun's energy depletes, requiring the use of a melee weapon to recharge it, while a third rotating weapon adds variety. Mastering the rhythm of weapon management and dodging enemy fire is key to success.

While different from the original, Mecha Therion retains a similar atmosphere. It's a stylish heavy metal shoot 'em up that avoids common genre pitfalls. Performance is better on other platforms, but the Switch version is still a solid experience.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash ($44.99)

Licensed games often cater to fans, and Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash is no exception. It delivers ample fan service, with strong writing and meta-systems that reward dedicated fans. However, the appeal for non-fans is limited. The mini-games are repetitive, and the story will resonate primarily with those familiar with the Umamusume universe.

The unlockable mini-game is a highlight, but the overall experience is shallow. Even for fans, the game might feel unbalanced, focusing too much on presentation at the expense of gameplay longevity. The visuals and sound are well-executed, and the unlockables might keep dedicated fans engaged, but the game lacks staying power for casual players.

SwitchArcade Score: 3/5

Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection ($9.99)

This collection showcases a lesser-known side of Sunsoft, offering three charming 8-bit games. It includes Firework Thrower Kantaro’s 53 Stations of the Tokaido, Ripple Island, and The Wing of Madoola. All three games are fully localized, a significant achievement, especially for Ripple Island. The collection includes save states, rewind, display options, and art galleries.

The games themselves are a mixed bag. 53 Stations is frustrating due to its awkward weapon mechanics, but its charm is undeniable. Ripple Island is a solid adventure game, while The Wing of Madoola is ambitious but uneven. None are top-tier NES titles, but none are outright bad.

Sunsoft fans and retro game enthusiasts will appreciate this collection. The careful handling of these games and their localization make this a worthwhile purchase. Hopefully, this is just the first of many such collections.

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. Fans of the genre should find it appealing.

Billy’s Game Show ($7.99)

A game where you explore while evading a stalker, managing generators, and avoiding traps. Thematically similar to Five Nights at Freddy's, but with different gameplay mechanics.

Mining Mechs ($4.99)

A mech-based mining game where you collect ores, sell them, and upgrade your equipment. The deeper you mine, the more challenging it becomes.

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

The sales list is somewhat limited this week. However, the upcoming sales have some interesting titles.

Select New Sales

Nora: The Wannabe Alchemist ($1.99 from $19.99 until 9/10) Deflector ($1.99 from $22.99 until 9/10) Sky Caravan ($1.99 from $19.99 until 9/10) The Blind Prophet ($1.99 from $24.99 until 9/10) They Know ($1.99 from $6.99 until 9/10) Conjured Through Death ($4.49 from $14.99 until 9/15) Dark Days ($1.99 from $7.99 until 9/24) Another Bar Game ($3.89 from $5.99 until 9/24) Cook Serve Delicious ($4.41 from $12.99 until 9/24) Blood Will Be Spilled ($2.99 from $14.99 until 9/24) Feudal Alloy ($3.39 from $16.99 until 9/24)

Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 5th

(A comprehensive list of sales ending September 5th is provided in the original text. Due to space constraints, it's omitted here but can be found in the input.)

That's all for today! More reviews are coming this week, and expect numerous new eShop releases in the coming days. Check out my personal blog, Post Game Content, for more updates. Have a great Wednesday, and thanks for reading!