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

Hello fellow gamers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Roundup for September 4th, 2024! Summer's over, but let's not forget the good times. This week brings a bounty of reviews, fresh releases, and some tempting sales. Let's dive in!

Reviews & Mini-Views

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection ($39.99)

The Switch continues to deliver second chances at classic games. Following the successful releases of Trials of Mana and Live A Live, we now have the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection, featuring Miles Edgeworth's adventures. This collection masterfully builds upon previous storylines, particularly in the sequel, which enhances the original. Experiencing the prosecution's perspective is a refreshing change.

Gameplay remains largely familiar: investigate, interrogate, and solve cases. The unique presentation and Edgeworth's personality add a distinct flavor. While the pacing can feel uneven at times, fans of the main series will find this sub-series enjoyable. The second game significantly improves upon the first, making it a worthwhile investment.

Bonus features are plentiful, including an art and music gallery, a story mode, and the option to toggle between original and updated visuals/soundtracks. A dialogue history feature is a welcome addition.

The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection offers a compelling experience. The official localization of the second game is a significant achievement, and the extra features make this a must-have for Ace Attorney enthusiasts. With this release, nearly every Ace Attorney title (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 but welcome development. Developed by Bitwave Games, this faithful sequel retains the challenging physics-based platforming of the original. Six lengthy levels will test your skills, but an easier mode is available for those seeking a less demanding experience.

Yumetaro's star attack returns as a versatile tool for combat and puzzle-solving. Collectibles offer customization options, rewarding players for tackling difficult sections. While not excessively long, the game provides a significant challenge. Generous checkpoints mitigate frustration, although expect to die… often. The charming visuals and music help to balance the difficulty.

Gimmick! 2 is a strong follow-up, successfully building upon the original while maintaining its own identity. Fans of the first game and challenging platformers will appreciate this release. However, those seeking a casual experience should be warned – this game is just as demanding as its predecessor.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Valfaris: Mecha Therion ($19.99)

Valfaris: Mecha Therion takes a bold step, shifting from action-platforming to a shoot 'em up style reminiscent of Lords of Thunder. While the Switch's hardware limitations slightly impact performance, the intense action, soundtrack, and visuals remain engaging.

Weapon management is key, juggling a primary gun, a melee weapon for energy regeneration, and a rotating third weapon. Mastering the rhythm of weapon usage and defensive maneuvers is crucial for survival. The game retains the distinct atmosphere of the original Valfaris.

Don't expect a direct sequel, but Valfaris: Mecha Therion delivers a unique and enjoyable experience. While performance might be better on other platforms, the Switch version is still a worthwhile addition for fans of the genre.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash ($44.99)

This licensed game caters heavily to fans of the Umamusume franchise. The writing and meta-systems will resonate strongly with existing fans. However, the limited number of repetitive mini-games offer little appeal to those unfamiliar with the property.

The presentation is solid, but the gameplay lacks depth. Even for fans, the focus on fan service might not justify the price. Unlockable content might extend replayability for dedicated fans, but the overall experience feels short-lived.

While visually appealing and true to the source material, Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash ultimately falls short in providing a compelling experience beyond its target audience.

SwitchArcade Score: 3/5

Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection ($9.99)

This collection showcases a lesser-known side of Sunsoft's library, offering three charming 8-bit titles. The package includes Firework Thrower Kantaro’s 53 Stations of the Tokaido, Ripple Island, and The Wing of Madoola. All three games feature full English localization, a significant achievement.

The games themselves offer a varied experience. 53 Stations presents a unique challenge, while Ripple Island provides a solid adventure experience, and The Wing of Madoola is the most ambitious but potentially uneven of the three. While not groundbreaking, they offer a nostalgic charm.

Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection is a worthwhile purchase for Sunsoft fans and those interested in exploring lesser-known NES titles. The care taken in localization and the inclusion of modern conveniences make this a valuable addition to any retro gaming collection.

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, featuring single-player and local multiplayer modes.

Billy’s Game Show ($7.99)

A stealth-focused game where you must evade a stalker while maintaining power and avoiding traps.

Mining Mechs ($4.99)

A mech-based mining game where you explore, collect resources, and upgrade your equipment.

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

A selection of sales are listed below, separated into those ending soon and others with a longer duration. Please refer to the original article for the complete list.

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 coming this week, and plenty of new releases are expected in the coming days. Check back tomorrow for more updates, or visit my blog, Post Game Content, for additional content. Have a great Wednesday!