Hello fellow gamers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Roundup for September 4th, 2024! Summer's heatwave is finally behind us, leaving behind memories of sunshine and fun. I'm feeling refreshed and ready for autumn, and grateful for your company throughout the summer. Let's dive into today's gaming news: a plethora of reviews, fresh releases, and some tempting sales!
Reviews & Mini-Views
Ace Attorney Investigations Collection ($39.99)
The Nintendo Switch has given us second chances with many classic games, and now the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection brings us Miles Edgeworth's previously unlocalized adventures. This sequel masterfully builds upon previous storylines, enhancing the original game in retrospect. It’s fantastic to finally have it in English!
The Investigations games offer a prosecutor's perspective, maintaining the core gameplay: clue hunting, witness interrogation, and case solving. The unique presentation and Edgeworth's personality add a fresh feel. While the pacing can sometimes feel less structured than other Ace Attorney titles, fans of the series will find this sub-series highly enjoyable. If you find the first game a bit slow, persevere – the second is significantly better.
Bonus features include an art and music gallery, a story mode, and the ability to switch between original and updated visuals/soundtracks. A handy dialogue history is also included, a welcome addition to this type of game.
The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection provides a compelling dual experience. The official localization of the second game is a major win, and the extra features make this a must-have for any Ace Attorney fan. 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 yet welcome development. Developed by Bitwave Games, this faithful follow-up to the NES classic delivers six challenging physics-based platforming levels. The difficulty is high, but an easier mode is available for those seeking a less intense experience.
The core gameplay remains familiar, utilizing Yumetaro's star for attacking, traversing, and puzzle-solving. Collectibles add replayability, unlocking customization options. While a shorter game if played quickly, the challenge is substantial. Frequent checkpoints mitigate frustration. The charming visuals and lively music help maintain a positive atmosphere despite the difficulty.
Gimmick! 2 is a remarkable sequel, successfully building upon the original while maintaining its own identity. Fans of the first game will be delighted, and challenging platforming enthusiasts should definitely check it out. However, those seeking a relaxed experience should be warned – it's 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 the original's action-platformer style to a shoot 'em up experience reminiscent of Lords of Thunder. While the Switch's hardware might slightly limit the visual fidelity, the intense action, soundtrack, and creepy visuals still deliver a satisfying experience.
The weapon system adds strategic depth, requiring players to manage gun energy, melee attacks, and a rotating third weapon. Mastering the rhythm of weapon usage and evasive maneuvers is key to success.
While different from its predecessor, Mecha Therion retains the original's atmosphere. It's a stylish heavy metal shoot 'em up that avoids many genre clichés. Performance may be better on other platforms, but the Switch version is still a solid choice.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash ($44.99)
Licensed games often cater to fans, and Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash is no exception. It offers plenty of fan service, with strong writing and meta-systems rewarding dedicated players. However, the limited number of repetitive mini-games might not appeal to those unfamiliar with the Umamusume franchise.
While the presentation is polished, the gameplay lacks depth for non-fans. The unlockable mini-game is a highlight, but the overall experience feels too short-lived.
Even for fans, Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash feels unbalanced. The visual and audio elements are well-executed, and the unlockables might provide some longevity, but the limited gameplay will likely disappoint many.
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 games. Firework Thrower Kantaro’s 53 Stations of the Tokaido, Ripple Island, and The Wing of Madoola are all fully localized for the first time. The package includes save states, rewind, display options, and art galleries.
The games themselves offer a varied experience. 53 Stations can be frustrating, while Ripple Island is a solid adventure game, and The Wing of Madoola is an ambitious but uneven action title. None are groundbreaking, but they possess a unique charm.
Sunsoft fans and retro gaming enthusiasts will appreciate this collection. The careful handling of these games, especially the localization effort, makes 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, playable solo or with a friend via local multiplayer.
Billy’s Game Show ($7.99)
A game where you explore while evading a pursuer, 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.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
A smaller selection of sales this week, but the outbox features some noteworthy discounts.
Select New Sales
(List of sales omitted for brevity, but present in the original)
Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 5th
(List of sales omitted for brevity, but present in the original)
That's all for today! More reviews are coming this week, and several new releases are expected in the coming days. Check out my personal blog, Post Game Content, for further updates. Have a great Wednesday! Thanks for reading!
