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 over, but we made some great memories. I'm feeling refreshed and ready for autumn, and grateful for your company. Let's dive into today's gaming news: a plethora of reviews, fresh releases, and some enticing sales!

Reviews & Mini-Views

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection ($39.99)

The Switch has given us second chances at many classic games, and now the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection brings us Miles Edgeworth's previously unlocalized adventures. This sequel cleverly builds on previous storylines, enhancing the original game in retrospect. It's fantastic to finally experience it in English!

Shifting the perspective to the prosecution's side offers a fresh take on the familiar gameplay. While mechanics remain largely unchanged – clue hunting, witness interrogation, case solving – the unique presentation and Edgeworth's personality add a distinct flavor. The pacing might feel less structured than other 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 and provides context for the first.

Bonus features are generous, including an art and music gallery, a story mode for relaxed play, and the option to switch between original and updated visuals/soundtracks. A handy dialog history feature is a welcome addition.

The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection offers a compelling contrast between the two games, creating a rewarding overall experience. The localization of the second game is a major win, and the extra features make this a must-have for Ace Attorney fans. 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 a surprising yet welcome development. Developed by Bitwave Games, this faithful sequel stays true to the original, perhaps even too much for some. Six challenging physics-based platforming levels await, pushing players to their limits. A new easier mode caters to those seeking a less demanding experience.

Yumetaro's star attack returns as a versatile tool for combat and puzzle-solving. Collectibles add replayability, offering customization options. While not excessively long, the game presents a significant challenge. Frequent checkpoints mitigate frustration, and the charming visuals and music provide a welcome counterpoint to the difficulty.

Expect to die often, but the generous checkpoints prevent overwhelming frustration. Gimmick! 2 successfully builds upon its predecessor without losing its unique identity. Fans of the original and challenging platformers will find this a rewarding experience. However, those seeking a casual experience should be warned – this game is just as tough as its predecessor.

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 might struggle at times. The intense action, rocking soundtrack, and creepy visuals still deliver a fun experience, despite performance limitations.

The weapon system adds depth. Managing the primary gun, melee weapon, and rotating third weapon requires skillful timing and strategy. Mastering the dash maneuver is crucial for both offense and defense. The game throws a constant barrage of enemies and obstacles, making skillful resource management essential and rewarding.

While different from the original, Valfaris: Mecha Therion retains a similar atmosphere. It's a stylish, heavy metal-infused shoot 'em up that avoids many genre clichés. Performance may be better on other platforms, but the Switch version is still enjoyable.

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. The game excels in fan service, with strong writing and meta-systems rewarding dedicated players. However, the limited number of repetitive mini-games might leave non-fans wanting more.

Even for fans, the emphasis on fan service might overshadow the gameplay. The visuals and sound are well-executed, and the unlockables offer some replay value, but the overall experience feels short-lived. Non-fans will likely find little to enjoy.

SwitchArcade Score: 3/5

Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection ($9.99)

This collection showcases Sunsoft's lesser-known 8-bit titles, offering a glimpse into a different side of the publisher's history. It includes Firework Thrower Kantaro’s 53 Stations of the Tokaido, Ripple Island, and The Wing of Madoola, all fully localized for the first time. The package includes save states, rewind, display options, and art galleries.

The games themselves vary in quality. 53 Stations is frustrating, Ripple Island is a decent adventure game, and The Wing of Madoola is ambitious but uneven. None are top-tier NES games, but they offer a unique perspective on Sunsoft's catalog. Fans of retro games and Sunsoft will appreciate this collection.

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, offering both solo and local multiplayer options.

Billy’s Game Show ($7.99)

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

Mining Mechs ($4.99)

A mining simulation game using mechs, featuring progressively challenging levels and a story that unfolds with increasing profits.

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

A smaller selection of sales this week, but the upcoming sales ending September 5th offer some noteworthy titles. Check the lists below for details.

Select New Sales

(List of new sales)

Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 5th

(List of sales ending September 5th)

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