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 deeply grateful for sharing that journey with you all. As autumn arrives, I want to express my sincere appreciation – you're the best gaming companions anyone could ask for! Today's lineup features a bounty of reviews, exciting new releases, and some tempting 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 long-awaited English localization of the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection! This compilation includes Miles Edgeworth's two adventures following Trials & Tribulations. The sequel masterfully builds upon previous storylines, enhancing the original game in retrospect. Finally experiencing it in English is a true delight.
These Investigations titles offer a fresh perspective, showcasing the prosecution's side. While the core mechanics remain largely unchanged (gathering clues, questioning witnesses, solving cases), the unique presentation and Edgeworth's character add a captivating twist. The pacing differs from the main Ace Attorney games, occasionally leading to slightly grueling cases, but overall, fans of the series will find this sub-series incredibly rewarding. If the first game feels a bit slow, persevere – the second is significantly better and provides context to the first.
Bonus features are generous, similar to the Apollo Justice set. An art and music gallery, a story mode for relaxed playthroughs, and the option to toggle between original and updated visuals/soundtracks are included. A handy dialogue history feature, a must-have for this type of game, is also present.
The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection provides a compelling contrast between its two games, creating a fantastic overall experience. The official localization of the second game is phenomenal, and the added extras make this a truly exceptional package. With this release, every Ace Attorney game (excluding the Professor Layton crossover) is now available on 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 truly unexpected! Sunsoft's late NES title, previously only released in Scandinavia, now has a follow-up thirty years later. Developed by Bitwave Games, this sequel remains remarkably faithful to the original, perhaps even excessively so for some. However, there's nothing wrong with a first sequel staying true to its roots.
Six lengthy and challenging physics-based platforming levels await. Expect a steep difficulty curve, similar to the original, but an easier mode is now available. The protagonist's star attack returns, serving as a weapon, vehicle, and puzzle solver. New collectibles provide customization options, rewarding players for tackling harder sections.
The game's length is manageable, but the difficulty remains high. Frequent deaths are inevitable, but generous checkpoints mitigate frustration. The charming visuals and music help to maintain enjoyment, but don't underestimate Gimmick! 2's challenge. It retains the demanding nature of its predecessor, requiring skillful platforming and strategic use of the star and enemies.
Gimmick! 2 surprisingly delivers a high-quality sequel to a decades-old game, created by a different team. It cleverly expands upon the original without losing 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 as tough as its predecessor, even with the easier 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 succeeds, although the Switch's hardware occasionally struggles to deliver optimal performance. This isn't a major flaw; the intense action, rocking soundtrack, and creepy visuals still shine through.
The weapon system adds a fun layer of strategy. The main gun depletes energy, requiring use of a melee weapon to recharge it, while a rotating third weapon adds further variety. The dash maneuver is both offensive and defensive. Mastering the rhythm of weapon management and dodging enemy fire is key to success.
While vastly different from its predecessor, Valfaris: Mecha Therion retains a similar atmosphere. It's a stylish heavy metal shoot 'em up that avoids many genre pitfalls. Performance will be better on other platforms, but the Switch version is still enjoyable.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash ($44.99)
Licensed games are often targeted at fans. Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash certainly caters to its fanbase with ample fan service. The writing is well-executed, and the meta-systems reward dedicated fans.
However, the appeal for non-fans is limited. The few mini-games are somewhat underdeveloped, and the overall gameplay loop lacks depth. Only fans will truly appreciate the story. Even for fans, the game's focus might feel misplaced. The visuals and audio are well-done, and the unlockables might keep dedicated players engaged, but the overall experience is short-lived.
Even for fans, Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash feels unbalanced. While the presentation captures the essence of Umamusume, the limited gameplay undermines its potential.
SwitchArcade Score: 3/5
Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection ($9.99)
Sunsoft is known in the West for titles like Blaster Master and Batman. However, their Japanese catalog includes many charming 8-bit games. Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection aims to showcase this lesser-known side, offering three games at a reasonable price.
The collection includes Firework Thrower Kantaro’s 53 Stations of the Tokaido, Ripple Island, and The Wing of Madoola. Each game features save states, rewind, display options, and an art gallery. Remarkably, all three games are fully localized into English for the first time.
The games offer varied experiences. 53 Stations is frustrating due to its weapon mechanics, but charming in its thematic execution. Ripple Island is a solid adventure game, while The Wing of Madoola is ambitious but inconsistent. None are top-tier NES games, but none are outright bad either.
Fans of Sunsoft and retro game enthusiasts will appreciate this collection. The careful handling of each game and the long-awaited English localization make 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, featuring single-player and local multiplayer modes. It's been available on other platforms, so reviews are readily available.
Billy’s Game Show ($7.99)
While appearing similar to Five Nights at Freddy's, this game involves exploration, hiding from a stalker, maintaining generators, and avoiding traps.
Mining Mechs ($4.99)
A straightforward mech mining game where players collect ores, upgrade mechs, and progress deeper underground. The story unfolds as profits increase.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
A smaller selection of sales this week, but the upcoming sales list offers some intriguing titles.
Select New Sales
(List of sales provided in original text)
Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 5th
(List of sales provided in original text)
That's all for today! More reviews are coming this week, and numerous new releases are expected in the coming days. Check out my personal blog, Post Game Content, for further updates. Have a great Wednesday, and thanks for reading!
