Hello fellow gamers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Roundup for September 4th, 2024! Summer's warmth has faded, leaving behind cherished memories. I'm feeling refreshed and ready for autumn, and grateful for your company throughout the season. Let's dive into today's exciting lineup: a plethora of reviews, fresh releases, and enticing sales!
Reviews & Mini-Views
Ace Attorney Investigations Collection ($39.99)
The Nintendo Switch has gifted us with many gaming second chances. Trials of Mana, Live A Live, the original Fire Emblem, and now, the previously unlocalized Ace Attorney title. The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection brings us Miles Edgeworth's two adventures following Trials & Tribulations. This series excels at expanding on previous storylines, and the sequel here is a prime example, enhancing the original. Finally having it in English is fantastic.
These Investigations games offer the prosecution's perspective. Gameplay remains largely familiar: gather clues, question witnesses, solve cases. The unique presentation and Edgeworth as the protagonist add a fresh feel. The pacing is less structured than typical Ace Attorney games, occasionally leading to lengthy cases, but fans of the main series will enjoy this spin-off. If the first game feels slow, persevere – the second is significantly better, providing context to the first.
Bonus features are plentiful, reminiscent of the Apollo Justice collection: an art and music gallery, a story mode for casual play, and selectable original/updated graphics/soundtracks. A helpful dialogue history feature is included, a welcome addition to the series.
The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection offers a compelling contrast between its two games. The official localization of the second game is a triumph, and the extras make it a superb package. With this, every Ace Attorney game (excluding the Professor Layton crossover) is now available on Switch. If you've played the others, this is a must-have.
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Gimmick! 2 ($24.99)
A Gimmick! sequel is unexpected! Sunsoft's late NES title, originally released only in Scandinavia, now has a follow-up thirty years later. Developed by Bitwave Games without the original creator's involvement, it remains remarkably faithful. Perhaps too faithful for some, but a strong first sequel.
Six lengthy, challenging physics-based platforming levels await. The difficulty is immediately apparent, though an easier mode is available. The protagonist's star attack returns as a multi-purpose tool. Collectibles offer customization options, rewarding players for completing harder sections.
It's not excessively long, but challenging. The difficulty mirrors the original, with frequent deaths, but generous checkpoints mitigate frustration. The charming visuals and music further soften the blow, but don't underestimate Gimmick! 2. It retains the original's challenging spirit, requiring platforming skill and strategic use of the star and enemies.
Gimmick! 2 is a surprisingly excellent sequel, successfully building upon the original without losing its own identity. Fans of the first game will be delighted. Challenging platformer enthusiasts should definitely check it out. However, those seeking a relaxed experience should be warned – it's as tough as its predecessor, even on easy mode.
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Valfaris: Mecha Therion ($19.99)
Valfaris: Mecha Therion takes a risk, shifting from the original's action-platformer style to a shoot 'em up akin to Lords of Thunder. Surprisingly, it largely succeeds. The Switch's limitations affect performance, but the intense action, soundtrack, and visuals remain enjoyable.
The weapon system creates an engaging dynamic. The main gun weakens when depleted, requiring use of the melee weapon to recharge it. A third rotating weapon adds further complexity. The dash maneuver is both offensive and defensive. Mastering the weapon management and dodging is key to success.
While different from the first game, Valfaris: Mecha Therion retains its distinct atmosphere. It's a stylish heavy metal shoot 'em up that avoids common genre pitfalls. Other platforms offer better performance, but the Switch version is still a worthwhile experience.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash ($44.99)
Licensed games often cater to fans. Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash delivers ample fan service, excelling in its presentation of the source material. The writing is well-done, and meta-systems reward dedicated fans.
However, the appeal for non-fans is limited. The mini-games are few and repetitive, lacking staying power unless you're invested in Umamusume. Even for fans, the focus on fan service overshadows the gameplay.
Even for fans, Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash feels unbalanced. While the visuals, audio, and world are well-represented, and unlockables offer some longevity, the overall experience is short-lived. Without prior attachment to the franchise, it's likely to disappoint.
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. Recently, rarer titles like Ufouria and Gimmick! have gained popularity. Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection highlights a lesser-known aspect of Sunsoft's Japanese catalog: charming 8-bit games. This collection offers three such games at a reasonable price.
The collection includes Firework Thrower Kantaro’s 53 Stations of the Tokaido, Ripple Island, and The Wing of Madoola. All three are fully localized, a significant achievement, particularly for Ripple Island. The collection includes save states, rewind, display options, and art galleries.
The games themselves are varied in quality. 53 Stations is frustrating due to its weapon mechanics, but charming in its thematic commitment. Ripple Island is a solid adventure game. The Wing of Madoola is ambitious but inconsistent. None are top-tier NES games, but none are bad either.
Fans of Sunsoft and those who enjoy exploring less-known game libraries will appreciate this collection. The careful handling of each game and the official English localization are commendable. Hopefully, this is the first of many such collections.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Select New Releases
Cyborg Force ($9.95)
A challenging action game in the style of Metal Slug and Contra, playable solo or with a friend via local multiplayer. Available on other platforms, so reviews are readily available. Fans of the genre should enjoy it.
Billy’s Game Show ($7.99)
While seemingly a Five Nights clone, it's more of a hide-and-seek game with a creepy stalker. Players must hide or run, manage generators, and avoid traps. Not for everyone, but might appeal to some.
Mining Mechs ($4.99)
A straightforward mech mining game. Players mine ores, sell them, and upgrade their mechs to progress deeper underground, facing increasing dangers. Story progression is tied to profit levels. Simple but potentially enjoyable.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
A small selection of sales, but the upcoming sales are more noteworthy.
Select New Sales
(List of sales)
Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 5th
(List of sales)
That's all for today. More reviews are coming this week, and numerous new eShop 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!
