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

Hello discerning readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Roundup for September 4th, 2024. Summer's long reign has, for the most part, concluded. While occasionally sweltering, it gifted us with memorable moments. I've gained a bit of age and wisdom, and I'm thankful to have shared that journey with you all. As we embark on autumn's chapter, I want to express my gratitude – you've been the best summer companions anyone could ask for. Today's agenda? A plethora of reviews! Several new releases! And some enticing sales! Let's dive in!

Reviews & Mini-Views

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection ($39.99)

The Nintendo Switch era has undeniably provided second chances at previously missed gaming gems. Trials of Mana, Live A Live, the original Fire Emblem – and now, the sole unlocalized Ace Attorney title arrives via the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection. This package includes Miles Edgeworth's two adventures following Trials & Tribulations. This series excels at expanding on previous storylines, and the second Investigations game masterfully achieves this. It's a sequel that retrospectively enhances the original, and its official English release is fantastic.

The Ace Attorney Investigations games, starring Miles Edgeworth, offer a prosecutor's perspective. Beyond a few novel mechanics, gameplay remains largely consistent: gather clues, interrogate witnesses, and solve cases. However, the unique and engaging presentation adds excitement, and Edgeworth's personality infuses the narrative with a distinct tone. The pacing is less structured than typical Ace Attorney games, occasionally leading to exhausting cases, but overall, fans of the main series will appreciate this spin-off. If the first game feels tedious, persevere to the second – it's significantly better and clarifies aspects of the first.

Bonus features resemble the Apollo Justice set more than others. An art and music gallery, a story mode for relaxed play, and selectable original/enhanced graphics/soundtracks are included. A dialogue history feature, a welcome addition to this genre, is also present.

The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection's two games offer a compelling contrast, creating a rewarding overall experience. The official localization of the second game is remarkable, and the extra features elevate the package. With this release, every Ace Attorney game (excluding the Professor Layton crossover) is now available on Switch. If you've already enjoyed the other titles, this is a must-have.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Gimmick! 2 ($24.99)

A Gimmick! sequel is unexpectedly delightful. Sunsoft's late NES title, Gimmick!, saw limited Western release. Thirty years later, not only is the original more accessible, but a sequel exists. Developed by Bitwave Games without the original creator's involvement, it remains incredibly faithful – perhaps excessively so for some, but a commendable first sequel nonetheless.

Six extensive levels of challenging physics-based platforming await. Similar to the original, the difficulty curve is steep. However, an easier mode is now available. Normal difficulty requires an initial test. Protagonist Yumetaro's star attack functions as a weapon, vehicle, and puzzle solver. Collectibles, rewarding difficult optional sections, unlock customization options.

Completion time varies, but the challenge remains significant. Frequent deaths are inevitable, but generous checkpoints mitigate frustration. The charming visuals and music temper the difficulty. Don't underestimate Gimmick! 2. Despite concessions, the challenge remains integral to the experience. Masterful platforming and strategic use of Yumetaro's star and enemies are crucial.

Gimmick! 2 surprisingly succeeds as a sequel to a decades-old game by a different team. It cleverly builds upon the original without overshadowing its own identity. Fans of the first game will be delighted. Demanding platforming enthusiasts should also check it out. However, those seeking a casual experience should be wary – it's as challenging as its predecessor, even with the easier mode.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Valfaris: Mecha Therion ($19.99)

Valfaris: Mecha Therion takes a bold design risk, abandoning the original's action-platforming for a Lords of Thunder-style shoot 'em up. Surprisingly, it largely works. The primary issue is occasional performance limitations on the aging Switch hardware. This isn't a fault of the developers, reflecting the console's current limitations. Despite this, Mecha Therion's intense action, soundtrack, and visuals remain enjoyable.

Weapon management adds depth. The main gun weakens when depleted, requiring use of a melee weapon to recharge it. A rotating third weapon adds strategic layers. The dash maneuver serves offensively and defensively. Mastering weapon cycling and dodging is crucial for survival.

Don't expect a direct sequel, but the atmosphere remains consistent. It's a stylish heavy metal shoot 'em up that avoids genre pitfalls. Other platforms offer better performance, but the Switch version is perfectly playable.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash ($44.99)

Calling a licensed game "fan service" is a cliché. However, some cater better to their fanbase. This leads to two questions: the level of fan service and appeal to non-fans. Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash delivers ample fan service, excelling in this aspect. The writing is fitting, and meta-systems reward fans.

Non-fans may find less to enjoy. The limited mini-games, while well-presented, lack depth and replayability without prior attachment to Umamusume. One mini-game offers minimal interaction. Others are better but lack longevity. The best mini-game is unlockable, but still limited.

Even for fans, Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash feels unbalanced. The visuals, audio, and world are well-executed, and unlockables might retain dedicated fans' interest. However, it lacks staying power, and non-fans will likely tire of it quickly.

SwitchArcade Score: 3/5

Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection ($9.99)

Western gamers associate Sunsoft with titles like Blaster Master, Batman, and Fester's Quest. Recently, lesser-known titles like Ufouria, Gimmick!, and Trip World have gained popularity. Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection highlights another side of Sunsoft, showcasing charming 8-bit games prominent in Japan. This collection offers three such games at a reasonable price.

The collection includes Firework Thrower Kantaro's 53 Stations of the Tokaido, Ripple Island, and The Wing of Madoola. All three feature save states, rewind, display options, manual scans, and art galleries. Remarkably, all three are fully localized, a first for these titles.

The games vary in quality. 53 Stations is frustrating due to awkward weapon mechanics, but charming thematically. Ripple Island is a solid adventure game. The Wing of Madoola is ambitious but inconsistent. None are top-tier NES games, but none are outright bad.

Sunsoft fans and retro game enthusiasts will appreciate Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection. The careful handling and localization of these previously unavailable titles are commendable. Hopefully, this is the first of many such collections.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Select New Releases

Cyborg Force ($9.95)

Fans of run-and-gun action should consider Cyborg Force. It's a challenging game in the style of Metal Slug and Contra, offering solo and local multiplayer options. Its availability on other platforms provides ample pre-existing reviews.

Billy’s Game Show ($7.99)

While resembling a Five Nights at Freddy's clone, it's more akin to games where you search for items while evading a pursuer. Hiding and generator maintenance are key elements.

Mining Mechs ($4.99)

A straightforward mech mining game. Collect resources, upgrade mechs, and progress deeper underground, facing increasing dangers. Story elements unlock at profit milestones.

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

A sparse selection this week, with limited noteworthy titles. However, the outbox features more appealing sales.

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

Adventure Bar Story ($15.99 from $19.99 until 9/5) Akiba’s Trip: Undead & Undressed ($14.99 from $29.99 until 9/5) Anomaly Agent ($7.49 from $14.99 until 9/5) Avenging Spirit ($2.99 from $5.99 until 9/5) Bug & Seek ($11.24 from $14.99 until 9/5) Burst Hero ($5.99 from $11.99 until 9/5) Cat Quest II ($3.74 from $14.99 until 9/5) Corpse Party ($9.99 from $19.99 until 9/5) Deadcraft ($5.99 from $19.99 until 9/5) Dice Make 10! ($3.59 from $3.99 until 9/5) Eldgear ($12.99 from $19.99 until 9/5) Evil God Korone ($3.35 from $3.95 until 9/5) F1 Manager 2024 ($27.99 from $34.99 until 9/5) Fairy Elements ($8.99 from $14.99 until 9/5)

Freedom Planet 2 ($18.74 from $24.99 until 9/5) Genso Chronicles ($9.74 from $14.99 until 9/5) Gibbon: Beyond the Trees ($1.99 from $14.99 until 9/5) Hide & Dance! ($2.49 from $4.99 until 9/5) Magical Drop VI ($14.99 from $29.99 until 9/5) Marchen Forest ($6.99 from $34.99 until 9/5) Mom Hid My Game! ($2.49 from $4.99 until 9/5) Mom Hid My Game! 2 ($2.49 from $4.99 until 9/5) My Brother Ate My Pudding! ($2.49 from $4.99 until 9/5) Port Royale 4 ($17.49 from $49.99 until 9/5) SCHiM ($17.49 from $24.99 until 9/5) Silent Hope ($13.99 from $39.99 until 9/5) Super Toy Cars Offroad ($3.99 from $19.99 until 9/5) The Sinking City ($5.99 from $49.99 until 9/5) Untitled Goose Game ($9.99 from $19.99 until 9/5) Wing of Darkness ($5.99 from $29.99 until 9/5) WitchSpring R ($35.99 from $39.99 until 9/5) Yggdra Union: WNFA ($19.99 from $24.99 until 9/5)

That concludes today's roundup. More reviews are forthcoming this week. Expect numerous new eShop releases in the coming days. Let's aim to reconvene tomorrow, but if we get separated, you can always find me on my personal blog, Post Game Content. It's infrequently updated, but I anticipate resuming regular posts soon. Have a wonderful Wednesday, and thank you for reading!