Ace Attorney Investigations Returns with HD Collection, New Releases Hit Switch

Hello fellow gamers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up 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 experiences with you all. Let's dive into today's update: a bounty of reviews, fresh releases, and some tempting sales!

Reviews & Mini-Views

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection ($39.99)

The Nintendo Switch has given us a second chance at many classic games, and now the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection joins the ranks. This collection brings us Miles Edgeworth's two adventures, finally localized in English. The sequel builds masterfully on the first game's plot, enhancing the original experience in retrospect.

These Investigations titles offer a fresh perspective, showing the prosecution's side of the courtroom drama. While the core mechanics remain largely familiar (searching for clues, questioning witnesses), the unique presentation and Edgeworth's personality add a distinct flavor. The pacing can feel less structured than typical Ace Attorney games, potentially leading to occasional fatigue, but fans of the main series will undoubtedly enjoy this spin-off. If the first game feels slow, persevere – the second is significantly better and adds context to the first.

Bonus features are plentiful, reminiscent of the Apollo Justice collection. Enjoy a gallery of art and music, a story mode for relaxed play, and the option to switch between original and updated visuals/soundtracks. A helpful dialog history is also included, a welcome addition to this genre.

The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection offers a compelling contrast between its two games, creating a fantastic overall experience. The official localization of the second game is a huge win, and the extra features make this a must-have for any Ace Attorney enthusiast. With this release, nearly every Ace Attorney game (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 follow-up to the obscure NES classic stays true to its predecessor's challenging physics-based platforming. Six lengthy levels will test your skills, but an easier mode is available for those seeking a less punishing experience.

Yumetaro's star attack returns as a versatile tool for combat and puzzle-solving. New collectibles offer customization options, rewarding players for tackling more difficult sections. While a shorter playthrough is possible, the game's difficulty remains a core element. Expect frequent deaths, but generous checkpoints mitigate the frustration. The charming visuals and music help maintain a positive atmosphere, despite the high challenge.

Gimmick! 2 is a remarkable achievement, a strong sequel created by a different team decades after the original. It expands upon the original cleverly without losing its identity. Fans of the first game will love this, and challenging platformer enthusiasts should definitely give it a try. However, casual gamers should be aware of its demanding gameplay.

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 akin to Lords of Thunder. Surprisingly, this works well, though the Switch's limitations may impact performance. Despite this, the intense action, memorable soundtrack, and unsettling visuals make it a worthwhile experience.

The game cleverly utilizes its weapon system. A primary gun, a melee weapon for energy regeneration, and a rotating third weapon create a dynamic gameplay loop. Mastering the weapon management and dash maneuver is crucial for survival.

While different from the first game, Valfaris: Mecha Therion retains its distinct atmosphere. It's a stylish heavy metal shoot 'em up that avoids common genre pitfalls. Performance may be better on other platforms, but the Switch version remains enjoyable.

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 its fan service, delivering strong writing and meta-systems that reward dedicated fans. However, its appeal to non-fans is limited.

The game includes a small selection of mini-games, which, despite decent presentation, lack depth and replayability for those unfamiliar with the source material. Even for fans, the emphasis on fan service may overshadow the overall experience. The unlockable content might keep fans engaged, but the game's longevity is questionable.

While visually and aurally faithful to the Umamusume universe, Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash feels unbalanced. The fan service is strong, but the core gameplay is shallow, limiting its appeal beyond the dedicated fanbase.

SwitchArcade Score: 3/5

Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection ($9.99)

Sunsoft is known for its lesser-known 8-bit titles in Japan, and Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection aims to introduce them to Western audiences. This collection features three charming games: Firework Thrower Kantaro’s 53 Stations of the Tokaido, Ripple Island, and The Wing of Madoola.

Each game includes save states, rewind, display options, and an art gallery. Most impressively, all three games are fully localized into English for the first time.

The games themselves offer a mixed bag. 53 Stations is frustrating but charming, Ripple Island is a solid adventure game, and The Wing of Madoola is ambitious but inconsistent. While not top-tier NES games, they are far from bad.

Fans of Sunsoft and retro gaming will appreciate this collection. The careful handling of these games and their first-time English 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 game where you explore while evading a stalker, managing generators and avoiding traps.

Mining Mechs ($4.99)

A mech-based mining game where you collect resources, upgrade your mechs, and uncover a story as you progress deeper underground.

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

A smaller selection of sales this week, but the upcoming sales are worth checking out.

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 expected next few days. Check back tomorrow for another update, or visit my personal blog, Post Game Content, for additional content. Have a great Wednesday!