New on Switch: Ace Attorney Investigations Collection Tops Reviews

Hello, readers! Welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for September 4th, 2024. Summer's warmth has faded, leaving behind memories both scorching and sweet. I've grown a bit wiser, and I'm thankful for sharing that journey with you all. As autumn arrives, know that you've been the best summer 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 missed classics. Trials of Mana, Live A Live, the original Fire Emblem, and now, the final unlocalized Ace Attorney game. The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection brings Miles Edgeworth's two adventures post-Trials & Tribulations to English-speaking audiences. This series excels at building on previous storylines, and the second Investigations game masterfully achieves this. It's a sequel that retroactively enhances the original, and its official English release is fantastic.

The Ace Attorney Investigations games offer a prosecutor's perspective. Gameplay remains largely the same: gather clues, interrogate witnesses, and solve cases. However, the unique presentation and Edgeworth's character add a distinct flavor. The pacing differs from main Ace Attorney titles, sometimes leading to lengthy cases, but fans of the series will find this sub-series satisfying. If the first game feels tedious, persevere to the second; it's significantly better and provides context for the first.

Bonus features rival those of the Apollo Justice collection. A gallery showcases art and music, a story mode allows for passive enjoyment, and players can toggle between original and updated visuals/soundtracks. A dialogue history, a much-needed addition, is also included.

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 extra features create an excellent package. With this release, every Ace Attorney game (excluding the Professor Layton crossover) is now available on Switch. If you've already played the others, this is a must-have.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Gimmick! 2 ($24.99)

A sequel to Gimmick! is unexpected. Sunsoft's late NES title saw limited Western release, yet here we are, three decades later, with a sequel. Developed by Bitwave Games, it remains faithful to the original, perhaps too much so for some. However, a first sequel closely following its predecessor isn't inherently flawed.

Six lengthy, physics-based platforming levels await, presenting immediate challenges. An easier mode is thankfully included. The protagonist Yumetaro's star attack functions as a weapon, vehicle, and puzzle-solver. Collectibles, offering customization options, reward completion of more difficult sections.

While a quick playthrough isn't long, the difficulty remains high. Generous checkpoints mitigate frustration, though not always completely. Charming visuals and music help maintain a positive experience, but don't underestimate Gimmick! 2. The challenge is intentional, demanding platforming skill and clever use of Yumetaro's star and enemies.

Gimmick! 2 is a surprisingly good sequel, successfully building upon its predecessor without losing its own identity. Fans of the original will be delighted. Challenging platformer enthusiasts should also consider it. However, those seeking a casual experience should be warned: it's as demanding as its predecessor, despite the easier mode.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Valfaris: Mecha Therion ($19.99)

Valfaris: Mecha Therion takes a risk by shifting from the original's action-platformer style to a shoot 'em up similar to Lords of Thunder. Surprisingly, it largely succeeds, although the Switch's hardware sometimes struggles. This isn't a major fault, considering the console's age. Despite performance limitations, the intense action, soundtrack, and visuals remain enjoyable.

Weapon management adds strategic depth. The main gun depletes energy, weakening without melee attacks which recharge it. A rotating third weapon adds further variety. The dash maneuver serves offensively and defensively. Mastering weapon cycles and dodging is crucial and rewarding.

Don't expect a carbon copy of the first game, but the atmosphere remains consistent. Valfaris: Mecha Therion is a stylish, heavy metal shoot 'em up that avoids common genre pitfalls. Other platforms will offer better performance, but the Switch version is still a solid option.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash ($44.99)

Licensed games often cater to fans. Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash delivers ample fan service, excelling in its presentation of the source material. The writing is well-executed, and meta-systems reward dedicated fans.

However, the appeal for non-fans is limited. A small selection of mini-games, while well-presented, lack depth and replayability. The storyline will resonate only with existing fans. One mini-game offers minimal interaction, and the others, while better, aren't engaging enough. The best mini-game is unlockable, but even that is underwhelming.

Even fans may find the emphasis misplaced. The visual and audio presentation is strong, and unlockables might retain some interest, but the game's longevity is questionable. Without prior attachment to Umamusume, the experience will likely be short-lived.

SwitchArcade Score: 3/5

Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection ($9.99)

Sunsoft is known in the West for titles like Blaster Master and Batman. However, its Japanese catalog includes charming, rough-around-the-edges 8-bit games. Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection showcases three such games.

The collection includes Firework Thrower Kantaro’s 53 Stations of the Tokaido, Ripple Island, and The Wing of Madoola. Each game features save states, rewind, display options, manual scans, and art galleries. The full localization of all three games, especially Ripple Island, is noteworthy.

The games vary in quality. 53 Stations is frustrating due to its weapon mechanics, but its charm is undeniable. Ripple Island is a decent adventure game, while The Wing of Madoola is ambitious but inconsistent. None are top-tier NES titles, but none are bad either.

Fans of Sunsoft and obscure game libraries will appreciate this collection. The careful handling of each game, and their first-time English releases, make this a worthwhile purchase. Hopefully, more such collections will follow.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Select New Releases

Cyborg Force ($9.95)

Fans of run-and-gun action games like Metal Slug and Contra should check out Cyborg Force. It's challenging and offers local multiplayer. It's been available on other platforms, so reviews are readily available.

Billy’s Game Show ($7.99)

While it might resemble Five Nights at Freddy's, Billy's Game Show is a different type of game. Players explore, hide from a stalker, and manage generators.

Mining Mechs ($4.99)

As the title suggests, players pilot mechs to mine, collect resources, and upgrade their equipment. The deeper you go, the more dangerous it becomes.

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

The inbox is sparse, but the outbox has some interesting sales. Explore the lists for yourself!

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's it for today! More reviews are coming this week, and expect plenty of new eShop releases in the coming days. See you tomorrow, or if not, check out my blog, Post Game Content, for updates. Have a great Wednesday, and thanks for reading!