Hello fellow gamers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Roundup for September 4th, 2024! Summer's warmth has faded, leaving behind memories of sun-drenched days and gaming adventures. As autumn approaches, I want to express my gratitude for your company throughout the season. Today's article is packed with game reviews, new releases, and enticing sales – let's dive in!
Reviews & Mini-Views
Ace Attorney Investigations Collection ($39.99)
The Nintendo Switch continues to provide second chances at classic titles. Following Trials of Mana, Live A Live, and the original Fire Emblem, we now have the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection, featuring Miles Edgeworth's two adventures following Trials & Tribulations. This collection showcases the series' strength in building upon previous storylines, particularly in the second game, which enhances the first. Finally, the second game is officially available in English!
The Investigations games offer a fresh perspective from the prosecution's standpoint. Gameplay remains largely the same – searching for clues, questioning witnesses, and solving cases. However, the unique presentation and Edgeworth's character add a distinct charm. While the pacing differs from the main series, potentially leading to lengthy cases, fans of the main Ace Attorney games will find this sub-series enjoyable. 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. A gallery mode showcases art and music, a story mode allows for relaxed playthroughs, and players can choose between original and updated graphics/soundtracks. A helpful dialog history feature is also included.
The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection offers a compelling contrast between its two games. The official localization of the second game is a significant achievement, and the extra features create a fantastic package. With this release, 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.
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Gimmick! 2 ($24.99)
A sequel to Gimmick! is surprising, given the original's limited Western release. Developed by Bitwave Games, this faithful sequel adheres closely to the original's style, perhaps too much for some. Six challenging physics-based platforming levels await, demanding skill from the outset. However, an easier mode is available for those seeking a less demanding experience.
The protagonist's star attack returns, serving as a weapon, vehicle, and puzzle-solving tool. Collectibles are introduced, offering customization options as rewards for completing difficult, non-essential sections. While a quick playthrough is possible, the game presents a significant challenge. Frequent checkpoints mitigate frustration, and the charming visuals and music add to the experience.
The difficulty mirrors the original, requiring platforming mastery and strategic use of the star and enemies. Despite its concessions, Gimmick! 2 retains the challenging spirit of its predecessor. Fans of the original and those who enjoy challenging platformers will appreciate it. However, those seeking a relaxed experience should be warned – it's just as difficult 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 akin to Lords of Thunder. Surprisingly, this works well, though the Switch's hardware limitations impact performance. Despite this, the intense action, soundtrack, and visuals remain enjoyable.
The weapon system adds a strategic layer. The main gun weakens when depleted, requiring use of a melee weapon to recharge it, alongside a rotating third weapon. Mastering the weapon cycle and defensive dashing is crucial for survival.
While different from the first game, Mecha Therion maintains a similar atmosphere. It's a stylish, heavy metal shoot 'em up that avoids common genre pitfalls. Performance will be better on other platforms, but the Switch version is still playable.
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 excels in fan service, offering a strong narrative and meta-systems. However, its appeal to non-fans is limited. The few mini-games are repetitive, and the story will resonate primarily with Umamusume enthusiasts.
Even for fans, the game's focus may feel misplaced. While the visuals and sound are well-executed, and unlockables provide some incentive, the overall experience lacks longevity. Non-fans will likely tire of it quickly.
SwitchArcade Score: 3/5
Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection ($9.99)
Sunsoft is known for titles like Blaster Master and Batman, but this collection showcases lesser-known 8-bit games from its Japanese library. Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection includes Firework Thrower Kantaro’s 53 Stations of the Tokaido, Ripple Island, and The Wing of Madoola, all fully localized.
The collection includes save states, rewind, display options, and art galleries. The games vary in quality. 53 Stations is frustrating due to its weapon mechanics, but charming thematically. Ripple Island is a solid adventure game, while The Wing of Madoola is ambitious but uneven. None are top-tier NES games, but none are outright bad.
This collection is ideal for Sunsoft fans and those seeking obscure titles. The localization effort is commendable, making this a worthwhile purchase.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Select New Releases
Cyborg Force ($9.95)
A challenging run-and-gun game in the style of Metal Slug and Contra, offering single-player and local multiplayer modes.
Billy’s Game Show ($7.99)
A game where players move around, find items, and avoid a stalker, while maintaining power generators.
Mining Mechs ($4.99)
A mining game using mechs, featuring progression, upgrades, and a story.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
A selection of sales are listed below, including Nora: The Wannabe Alchemist, Deflector, Sky Caravan, The Blind Prophet, They Know, Conjured Through Death, Dark Days, Another Bar Game, Cook Serve Delicious, Blood Will Be Spilled, and Feudal Alloy. Sales ending September 5th include Adventure Bar Story, Akiba’s Trip: Undead & Undressed, Anomaly Agent, Avenging Spirit, Bug & Seek, Burst Hero, Cat Quest II, Corpse Party, Deadcraft, Dice Make 10!, Eldgear, Evil God Korone, F1 Manager 2024, Fairy Elements, Freedom Planet 2, Genso Chronicles, Gibbon: Beyond the Trees, Hide & Dance!, Magical Drop VI, Marchen Forest, Mom Hid My Game!, Mom Hid My Game! 2, My Brother Ate My Pudding!, Port Royale 4, SCHiM, Silent Hope, Super Toy Cars Offroad, The Sinking City, Untitled Goose Game, Wing of Darkness, WitchSpring R, and Yggdra Union: WNFA.
That's all for today! More reviews are coming this week, and several new releases are expected in the next few days. Check out my personal blog, Post Game Content, for further updates. Have a great Wednesday, and thanks for reading!
