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 of sunshine and fun. I'm feeling refreshed and ready for autumn, and I appreciate sharing those summer days with you all. Let's dive into today's gaming news: a plethora of reviews, exciting new releases, and some tempting sales!

Reviews & Mini-Views

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection ($39.99)

The Nintendo Switch continues to give us second chances at classic games. Following Trials of Mana, Live A Live, and the original Fire Emblem, we now have the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection, featuring Miles Edgeworth's adventures. This collection masterfully builds upon previous storylines, particularly in the second game, enhancing the overall experience. Finally having the second game officially localized in English is a significant win for fans.

The Investigations games offer a fresh perspective, showcasing the prosecution's side. While the core mechanics remain similar – searching for clues, questioning witnesses, solving cases – the unique presentation and Edgeworth's personality add a captivating twist. The pacing differs from the main Ace Attorney series, occasionally leading to lengthy cases, but overall, fans of the series will be delighted. If the first game feels slow, persevere – the second is far superior.

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 graphics/soundtracks. A helpful dialogue history feature is also included.

The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection offers a compelling dual experience. The official localization of the second game is fantastic, and the additional features create a complete package. With this release, nearly every Ace Attorney game is now available on Switch (excluding the Professor Layton crossover). If you've enjoyed previous titles, this is a must-have.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Gimmick! 2 ($24.99)

A sequel to Gimmick! is a surprising but welcome addition to the gaming world. Developed by Bitwave Games, this faithful sequel stays true to the original's challenging physics-based platforming. Six lengthy levels provide a demanding experience, although an easier mode is available for those seeking a less frustrating playthrough.

The core gameplay remains familiar, utilizing Yumetaro's star for attacking, navigating, and puzzle-solving. New collectibles offer customization options, rewarding players for tackling more difficult sections. While a quick playthrough is possible, the difficulty remains high, mirroring the original. Frequent checkpoints mitigate frustration, and the charming visuals and music help to keep the experience enjoyable.

Gimmick! 2 is a successful sequel, building upon the original without losing its identity. Fans of the first game will be thrilled, and challenging platformer enthusiasts should definitely check it out. However, casual players 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, shifting from the original's action-platforming to a shoot 'em up style. While the change is risky, it surprisingly works well. Performance on the Switch may be slightly hampered by the system's age, but the intense action, soundtrack, and visuals still deliver an enjoyable experience.

The weapon system adds a layer of strategic depth. Juggling the main gun, melee weapon, and rotating third weapon requires skillful timing and resource management. Mastering this rhythm is essential for survival.

While different from the original, Mecha Therion maintains a similar atmosphere. It's a stylish, heavy metal shoot 'em up that avoids many genre clichés. While other platforms may offer better performance, the Switch version is still a solid option.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash ($44.99)

Licensed games are often targeted at fans, and Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash is no exception. It delivers plenty of fan service, excelling in its presentation, writing, and meta-systems. However, the limited number of mini-games and shallow gameplay may disappoint non-fans. The repetitive mini-games and a short story may not offer enough replayability, even for dedicated fans.

Despite strong visuals and sound, the game's focus on fan service overshadows its core gameplay. The unlockable content might appeal to dedicated Umamusume fans, but the overall experience feels too short-lived.

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. The package 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. The collection includes save states, rewind, display options, and art galleries.

The games themselves offer a varied experience. 53 Stations is challenging but charming, Ripple Island is a solid adventure game, and The Wing of Madoola is ambitious but occasionally uneven. While not groundbreaking, they offer a unique glimpse into Sunsoft's history.

Fans of Sunsoft and retro gaming will appreciate this collection. The careful handling of these games and their localization make this a worthwhile purchase.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Select New Releases

Cyborg Force ($9.95)

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

Billy’s Game Show ($7.99)

A stealth-focused game where players must evade a stalker while maintaining power generators.

Mining Mechs ($4.99)

A mech-based mining game where players explore increasingly dangerous depths to collect resources.

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

A brief overview of sales, highlighting some notable titles. Check the full list for more options.

Select New Sales

(List of sales)

Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 5th

(List of sales)

That's all for today! More reviews are coming this week, and plenty of new releases are expected in the coming days. Thanks for reading, and have a great Wednesday! For more, check out my personal blog, Post Game Content.