Ace Attorney Investigations Collection Joins SwitchArcade, Along with 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 lineup? A bounty of reviews, fresh releases, and some enticing sales! Let's dive in!

Reviews & Mini-Views

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection ($39.99)

The Nintendo Switch era has gifted us second chances at classic titles, and Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is a prime example. This collection brings us Miles Edgeworth's adventures, finally localizing the previously untranslated entries. The sequel masterfully builds upon the first game's narrative, enhancing the overall experience. Playing as Edgeworth offers a unique perspective from the prosecution's standpoint.

While the core gameplay remains familiar – investigating, questioning witnesses, solving cases – the presentation is refreshed. The pacing differs slightly from the main Ace Attorney series, occasionally leading to lengthy cases, but fans of the franchise will undoubtedly appreciate this sub-series. If the first game feels a bit slow, persevere – the second is significantly better and adds context to the original.

Bonus features rival those of the Apollo Justice collection: a gallery showcasing art and music, a story mode for relaxed play, and the option to switch between original and enhanced visuals/soundtracks. A dialogue history feature, a welcome addition to the series, is also included.

The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection provides a compelling contrast between its two games, forming a rewarding experience. The localization of the second game is a significant achievement, and the extra features elevate this package. With this release, almost every Ace Attorney game (excluding the Professor Layton crossover) is now available on Switch. If you've enjoyed the other titles, this is a must-have.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Gimmick! 2 ($24.99)

A sequel to Gimmick! is a surprising development! Developed by Bitwave Games, this faithful follow-up to the NES classic remains true to the original's spirit. Six challenging levels of physics-based platforming await, pushing players to their limits. A new easier mode caters to those seeking a less demanding experience.

Yumetaro's star attack returns, serving as weapon, vehicle, and puzzle solver. Collectibles add replayability, unlocking customization options. While a quick playthrough is possible, the difficulty remains high. Generous checkpoints mitigate frustration, while charming visuals and music enhance the experience.

Gimmick! 2 successfully builds upon its predecessor without losing its identity. 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 demanding as its predecessor, even with the easier difficulty.

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 experience reminiscent of Lords of Thunder. Surprisingly, it works well, although the Switch's hardware struggles at times. Despite this, the intense action, soundtrack, and visuals remain captivating.

Weapon management adds depth, requiring players to juggle a main gun, melee weapon, and a rotating third weapon, all while mastering dashing techniques. The game's demanding nature makes mastering this rhythm crucial and rewarding.

While different from its predecessor, Valfaris: Mecha Therion maintains a similar atmosphere. Performance may be better on other platforms, but the Switch version delivers a satisfying experience.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash ($44.99)

Licensed games often cater primarily to fans, and Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash is no exception. The game excels in fan service, with strong writing and systems rewarding dedicated players. However, the appeal for non-fans is limited. The mini-games are repetitive, and the story unfolds in a way that only fans will fully appreciate.

Even for fans, the game's focus feels misplaced. While the visuals, audio, and world are well-executed, the limited gameplay may lead to quick burnout. Unless you're a dedicated Umamusume fan, this might not be worth the price.

SwitchArcade Score: 3/5

Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection ($9.99)

This collection showcases a lesser-known side of Sunsoft, featuring three charming 8-bit titles. Firework Thrower Kantaro’s 53 Stations of the Tokaido, Ripple Island, and The Wing of Madoola are presented with save states, rewind, display options, and a gallery. The full localization of all three games is a notable achievement.

The games themselves offer a varied experience. 53 Stations is challenging due to its weapon mechanics, while Ripple Island provides a solid adventure experience. The Wing of Madoola is the most ambitious but also the most inconsistent. While not top-tier NES games, they offer a unique charm.

Fans of Sunsoft and retro gaming will find this collection appealing. The careful handling and localization make this a worthwhile purchase.

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-survival game where players must hide from a stalker while maintaining generators and avoiding traps.

Mining Mechs ($4.99)

A mech-based mining game where players collect ores, upgrade their mechs, and progress deeper into dangerous underground environments.

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

A selection of sales are highlighted below, including several noteworthy titles.

Select New Sales

(List of games on sale)

Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 5th

(List of games on sale)

That's all for today! More reviews are on the way, and plenty of new releases are anticipated. Check out my blog, Post Game Content, for further updates. Have a great Wednesday, and thanks for reading!