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 sincere appreciation – you've been the best gaming companions anyone could ask for! Today's update is packed with reviews, new releases, and some tempting sales. Let's dive in!
Reviews & Mini-Views
Ace Attorney Investigations Collection ($39.99)
The Nintendo Switch has given us second chances at classic games, and the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is a prime example. This collection finally brings Miles Edgeworth's two post-Trials & Tribulations adventures to English-speaking audiences. The sequel masterfully builds upon the original's plot, enhancing the overall experience. It's a testament to the series' ability to create compelling narratives.
Shifting the perspective to the prosecution's side offers a fresh take on the familiar gameplay. While the core mechanics remain largely unchanged – searching for clues, questioning witnesses, and solving cases – the unique presentation and Edgeworth's personality add a distinctive flair. The pacing can feel less structured than the main series, occasionally leading to lengthy cases, but fans of the Ace Attorney franchise will undoubtedly appreciate this sub-series. If the first game feels a bit slow, persevere – the second is significantly better and provides context for the first game's events.
Bonus features are generous, including an art and music gallery, a story mode for relaxed playthroughs, and the option to toggle between original and updated graphics/soundtracks. A helpful dialogue history feature is also included, a welcome addition to the series.
The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection offers a compelling contrast between its two games, creating a satisfying overall experience. The localization of the second game is a significant achievement, and the extra features elevate the package. With this release, nearly every Ace Attorney game (excluding the Professor Layton crossover) is now available on the Switch. If you've enjoyed the other titles, this is a must-have addition.
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 stays true to the original's challenging physics-based platforming. Six lengthy levels provide hours of gameplay, demanding precision and skill from the player. A new easier mode caters to a wider audience, while the standard difficulty retains the original's demanding challenge.
Yumetaro's star attack returns, serving as a weapon, vehicle, and puzzle-solving tool. Collectibles offer customization options, rewarding players for tackling difficult optional sections. While not excessively long, the game's difficulty ensures replayability. Generous checkpoints mitigate frustration, and the charming visuals and music enhance the experience.
Gimmick! 2 successfully builds upon its predecessor while maintaining its unique identity. Fans of the original will be delighted, and challenging platformer enthusiasts should definitely give it a try. However, those seeking a relaxed experience should be warned – it's just as demanding as the original, even with the easier mode.
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 may struggle at times, the intense action, memorable soundtrack, and eerie visuals still deliver an enjoyable experience.
The game's weapon system adds depth and strategy. Managing the primary gun, melee weapon, and rotating third weapon requires skillful timing and resource management. The dash maneuver serves as both offensive and defensive tool. Mastering this interplay is crucial for success.
Don't expect a direct sequel, but embrace the similar atmosphere. Valfaris: Mecha Therion avoids many common pitfalls of the genre, offering a unique and stylish shoot 'em up experience. While performance may be slightly better on other platforms, the Switch version is still a worthwhile addition to any shoot 'em up collection.
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, providing a strong narrative and systems that reward dedicated fans. However, the limited number of mini-games and lack of depth may leave non-fans wanting more.
The mini-games, while well-presented, lack variety and replayability. Only fans of the Umamusume franchise are likely to fully appreciate the story and unlockable content. Even for fans, the game's focus on fan service may overshadow its gameplay shortcomings.
While visually appealing and faithful to the source material, Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash feels unbalanced. The extensive unlockables might keep dedicated fans engaged, but the limited gameplay will likely disappoint those unfamiliar with the franchise.
SwitchArcade Score: 3/5
Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection ($9.99)
This collection showcases a lesser-known side of Sunsoft, offering three charming 8-bit titles. Firework Thrower Kantaro’s 53 Stations of the Tokaido, Ripple Island, and The Wing of Madoola receive full English localization for the first time. The package includes save states, rewind, display options, and art galleries.
The games themselves offer a varied experience. 53 Stations presents a unique but frustrating challenge, while Ripple Island provides a solid adventure experience. The Wing of Madoola is the most ambitious but also the most uneven. While not groundbreaking, none are outright bad.
Fans of Sunsoft and retro gaming will appreciate this collection. The careful handling of these titles and their long-awaited localization make this a worthwhile purchase. Hopefully, this is the first of many such collections.
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 solo or local co-op gameplay.
Billy’s Game Show ($7.99)
A stealth-survival game where you must hide from a stalker while maintaining power generators.
Mining Mechs ($4.99)
A mining simulation game where you pilot mechs to collect resources and upgrade your equipment.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
A selection of sales are listed below, with prices and end dates noted. Please refer to the original article for the complete list.
Select New Sales
Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 5th
That's all for today! More reviews are on the way, and plenty of new releases are expected in the coming days. Check back tomorrow for another update, or visit my blog, Post Game Content, for more gaming news. Have a great Wednesday, and thanks for reading!