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

Hello again, readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for September 4th, 2024! Summer's warmth has faded, leaving behind memories both sunny and sweltering. I'm feeling a bit older and wiser, and grateful for the journey we shared. As autumn arrives, I want to thank you all – you've been the best summer companions anyone could ask for. Today's update is packed: a flurry 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 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 us Miles Edgeworth's two adventures following Trials & Tribulations. This series excels at building on past storylines, and the second Investigations game masterfully demonstrates this. It's a sequel that retroactively enhances its predecessor, and its official English release is fantastic.

The Investigations games offer a prosecutor's perspective. While the core mechanics – clue-finding, witness interrogation, case-solving – remain largely unchanged, a fresh presentation and Edgeworth's unique personality elevate the experience. The pacing differs from the main Ace Attorney titles, occasionally leading to lengthy cases, but fans of the main series will undoubtedly appreciate this spin-off. If the first game feels slow, persevere – the second is significantly better and provides context to the first.

Bonus features are generous, similar to the Apollo Justice collection. An art and music gallery, a story mode for relaxed play, and the option to switch between original and updated visuals/soundtracks are included. A convenient dialogue history feature is a welcome addition.

The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection presents a compelling contrast between its two games. The official localization of the second game is a triumph, and the extra features create a superb 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 sequel to Gimmick! is unexpected, to say the least. Sunsoft's late NES title saw limited Western release. Now, thirty years later, not only is the original more accessible, but we have a follow-up. Developed by Bitwave Games without the original creator's involvement, it remains remarkably faithful – perhaps too much so for some. However, a first sequel staying true to its roots isn't inherently bad.

Six extensive levels of challenging physics-based platforming await. The difficulty is steep, but an easier mode is now available. The protagonist's star attack functions as weapon, vehicle, and puzzle-solver, familiar to fans of the original. Collectibles, offering customization options, reward players for tackling tougher, non-essential sections.

The game isn't excessively long, but remains challenging. Frequent checkpoints mitigate frustration, though not entirely. The charming visuals and music help temper the difficulty, but don't underestimate Gimmick! 2. It retains the original's demanding nature, requiring skillful platforming and clever use of the star and enemies.

Gimmick! 2 surprisingly succeeds as a sequel created decades later by a different team. It intelligently expands upon the original without losing its identity. Fans of the first game will be delighted, and challenging platformer enthusiasts should also investigate. However, those seeking a relaxed experience should be warned – it's as tough as its predecessor, even on easy mode.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Valfaris: Mecha Therion ($19.99)

Valfaris: Mecha Therion takes a bold step, abandoning the original's action-platforming for a shoot 'em up style reminiscent of Lords of Thunder. Surprisingly, it largely works. The biggest drawback is occasional performance issues on the aging Switch hardware, though this is understandable given the console's age. Despite this, Mecha Therion's intense action, soundtrack, and visuals remain engaging.

Weapon management adds depth. The main gun depletes energy, requiring use of a melee weapon (which recharges the gun) and a rotating third weapon. A dash maneuver adds another layer of offensive and defensive strategy. Mastering this interplay is crucial and rewarding.

Don't expect a carbon copy of the first game, but the vibe remains consistent. It's a stylish heavy metal shoot 'em up that avoids many genre pitfalls. While other platforms offer better performance, the Switch version is perfectly playable.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash ($44.99)

Calling a licensed game "fan service" is cliché, but true. Some succeed better than others. This raises two questions: the level of fan service, and its appeal to non-fans. Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash delivers ample fan service, excelling in its portrayal of the horse-girl world. The writing is good, and meta-systems reward dedicated fans.

The second question is less positive. The limited number of simplistic mini-games lack depth, offering little enjoyment for non-fans. Repetitive gameplay and a story appealing primarily to existing fans limit its broader appeal. Even the best mini-game feels inadequate.

Even for fans, the game's focus feels misplaced. The visuals, sound, and world are well-executed, and numerous unlockables might retain fan interest. However, the game's appeal fades quickly, and without prior attachment, it will likely prove tiresome.

SwitchArcade Score: 3/5

Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection ($9.99)

Sunsoft is often associated with titles like Blaster Master and Batman. Recently, lesser-known gems like Ufouria and Gimmick! have gained popularity. However, Sunsoft's Japanese catalog features many charming, albeit rough, 8-bit games. Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection aims to showcase this lesser-known side, offering three titles at a reasonable price.

This collection includes Firework Thrower Kantaro’s 53 Stations of the Tokaido, Ripple Island, and The Wing of Madoola. All three are enhanced with save states, rewind, display options, and art galleries. Remarkably, all three are fully localized – a first for some.

The games are varied. 53 Stations is frustrating due to its weapon mechanics, but charming in its thematic execution. Ripple Island is a solid adventure game. The Wing of Madoola is ambitious but inconsistent. None are top-tier NES titles, but none are outright bad.

Fans of Sunsoft and those who appreciate obscure titles will appreciate this collection. The careful handling of these games, and their long-awaited localization, are commendable. Hopefully, this is the first of many such collections.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Select New Releases

Cyborg Force ($9.95)

A run-and-gun action game in the style of Metal Slug and Contra, playable solo or with a friend via local multiplayer. Available on other platforms, so reviews are readily available. Fans of the genre should find it appealing.

Billy’s Game Show ($7.99)

While reminiscent of Five Nights at Freddy's, this is more of a hide-and-seek game where you evade a stalker while managing generators and avoiding traps. Not for everyone, but it might appeal to a specific audience.

Mining Mechs ($4.99)

A straightforward mech-mining game. Collect resources, sell them, upgrade your mechs, and progress deeper into increasingly dangerous mines. A simple but potentially enjoyable experience for its price.

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

A smaller selection of sales this week, but the upcoming sales list offers some interesting titles.

Select New Sales

(List of sales)

Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 5th

(List of sales)

That concludes today's round-up. More reviews are coming this week, along with the expected September influx of new eShop releases. Check back tomorrow, or visit my personal blog, Post Game Content, for updates. Have a great Wednesday, and thanks for reading!