Ace Attorney Inquiries Probed in Latest Round-Up

Hello fellow gamers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for September 4th, 2024! Summer's heatwave has finally broken, leaving behind memories of sun-drenched days and unforgettable moments. I'm feeling refreshed and ready for autumn, and I'm thankful for the amazing community we've built. Let's dive into today's gaming news: a mountain of reviews, exciting new releases, and some tempting sales!

Reviews & Mini-Views

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection ($39.99)

The Nintendo Switch has given us a second chance at some classic titles, and the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is a prime example. This collection brings together Miles Edgeworth's adventures, finally making the previously unlocalized game accessible to English-speaking players. This series excels at building upon previous storylines, and the sequel significantly enhances the first game's narrative. Playing from the prosecutor's perspective offers a fresh take on the familiar gameplay.

While the core mechanics remain largely unchanged (searching for clues, questioning witnesses, solving cases), the unique presentation and Edgeworth's character add a distinctive flavor. The pacing can feel less structured than the main Ace Attorney games, potentially leading to some lengthy cases. However, fans of the series will undoubtedly enjoy this sub-series. If the first game seems slow, persevere – the second is far superior and provides crucial context to the first.

Bonus features are generous, similar to the Apollo Justice set. A gallery showcasing art and music, a story mode for relaxed play, and the option to switch between original and updated visuals/soundtracks are included. A handy dialogue history feature, a welcome addition to the series, is also present.

The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection offers a compelling dual experience. The official localization of the second game is fantastic, and the extra features make this a complete package. With this release, nearly every Ace Attorney game (excluding the Professor Layton crossover) is now available on Switch. If you've already enjoyed the other titles, this is a must-have.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Gimmick! 2 ($24.99)

A sequel to Gimmick! is unexpected, but here it is! Developed by Bitwave Games, this faithful follow-up to the NES classic remains true to the original's challenging physics-based platforming. Six lengthy levels push players to their limits, although an easier mode has been added for those seeking a less demanding experience.

Yumetaro's star attack returns, serving as a weapon, vehicle, and puzzle solver. New collectibles unlock customization options, providing extra rewards for completing tougher sections. The game's length depends on your play style, but expect a significant challenge regardless of difficulty. Frequent deaths are inevitable, but generous checkpoints mitigate frustration. The charming visuals and music help ease the intensity, but don't underestimate Gimmick! 2's difficulty.

Gimmick! 2 is a surprisingly excellent sequel. It expands on the original without losing its identity. Fans of the first game will love it, and challenging platformer enthusiasts should definitely check it out. However, those seeking a casual 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 boldly shifts gears from the original's action-platforming to a shoot 'em up style reminiscent of Lords of Thunder. Surprisingly, it works well, although the Switch's hardware struggles slightly with the demanding visuals. This isn't a deal-breaker, however; the intense action, memorable soundtrack, and creepy aesthetic remain enjoyable.

The weapon system adds a strategic layer. Juggling the main gun, melee weapon, and rotating third weapon, while managing energy and cooldown timers, keeps the gameplay engaging. Mastering this rhythm is crucial for survival.

While vastly different from its predecessor, Valfaris: Mecha Therion retains a similar atmosphere. It's a stylish, heavy metal-infused shoot 'em up that avoids many genre pitfalls. Performance may be better on other platforms, but the Switch version still delivers a satisfying experience.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash ($44.99)

Licensed games are often targeted at fans, and Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash is no exception. The game's strong points are its fan service – the writing is good, and the meta-systems will please fans. However, the appeal for non-fans is limited. The mini-games are repetitive and shallow, and the story will likely only resonate with those familiar with the Umamusume universe.

Even for fans, the game's focus feels misplaced. While the visuals, audio, and world are well-executed, and the unlockables might hold some interest, the gameplay lacks longevity. Without prior attachment to the franchise, the game's appeal is significantly diminished.

SwitchArcade Score: 3/5

Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection ($9.99)

This collection shines a light on Sunsoft's lesser-known 8-bit games, offering a charmingly retro experience. It includes Firework Thrower Kantaro’s 53 Stations of the Tokaido, Ripple Island, and The Wing of Madoola. All three games feature save states, rewind, display options, and a gallery. The full localization of all three games is a notable achievement.

The games themselves vary in quality. 53 Stations can be frustrating, but its charm is undeniable. Ripple Island is a solid adventure game, and The Wing of Madoola is ambitious, though sometimes uneven. None are top-tier NES games, but they offer a unique retro experience.

Fans of Sunsoft and those seeking obscure titles will appreciate this collection. The careful handling of each game and the full 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 solo or local multiplayer options. Fans of the genre should find it appealing.

Billy’s Game Show ($7.99)

While superficially resembling Five Nights at Freddy's, this game focuses on exploration, evasion, and generator maintenance while being stalked by a mysterious entity.

Mining Mechs ($4.99)

A straightforward mech mining game where players collect ores, upgrade mechs, and progress deeper into dangerous underground environments.

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

The sales are rather sparse this week, but the outbox contains some interesting deals. I encourage you to explore the lists yourselves.

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 September promises a steady stream of new eShop releases. Check out my personal blog, Post Game Content, for further updates. Have a great Wednesday, and thanks for reading!