Hello gentle readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for September 4th, 2024! Summer’s long, sometimes sweltering days are behind us, but let's cherish the good times. I'm feeling a bit wiser, and grateful for sharing those moments with you all. As autumn arrives, remember you're the best summer pals anyone could ask for! Today's article is packed: reviews galore, 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 many classic games. Trials of Mana, Live A Live, the original Fire Emblem... and now, the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection! This brings us Miles Edgeworth's two adventures, finally localized. This series excels at building on previous plots, and the second Investigations game shines, enhancing the first in retrospect. It's fantastic to have it officially in English.
These games offer a prosecutor's perspective. The mechanics are familiar—searching for clues, questioning witnesses—but the presentation is fresh and engaging, and Edgeworth's personality shapes the narrative. The pacing can feel less structured than other Ace Attorney titles, sometimes making cases feel lengthy, but fans of the main series will enjoy this sub-series. If the first game feels slow, persevere—the second is significantly better, adding context to the first.
Bonus features are generous, similar to the Apollo Justice set: a gallery with art and music, a story mode for relaxed play, and options to switch between original and updated graphics/soundtracks. A helpful dialog history is included, a welcome addition to this type of game.
The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection offers a compelling contrast between the two games. The official localization of the second game is a major win, and the extras make this an excellent package. With this release, every Ace Attorney game (excluding the Professor Layton crossover) is now on Switch. If you've enjoyed the other games, 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 unreleased in most of the West, now has a follow-up developed by Bitwave Games. While not created by the original team, it's incredibly faithful—perhaps too much so for some. The sequel stays true to its roots, which isn't a bad thing.
Six lengthy, challenging physics-based platforming levels await. The difficulty is steep, but an easier mode is available. Yumetaro's star attack returns as weapon, vehicle, and puzzle solver. Collectibles offer customization options, rewarding players for completing tougher sections.
It's not a long game if you rush, but it's tough regardless. The generous checkpointing mitigates frustration, along with the charming visuals and music. Don't underestimate Gimmick! 2; it retains the original's challenging spirit. Mastering platforming and using Yumetaro's star creatively are crucial.
Gimmick! 2 is a surprisingly good sequel, building smartly on the original without losing its own identity. Fans of the first game will love it. Challenging platformer fans should also check it out, but 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 action-platforming to a shoot 'em up akin to Lords of Thunder. Surprisingly, it works, though the Switch's hardware sometimes struggles. This isn't a fault of the game itself, but a reflection of the Switch's age. Despite performance limitations, Mecha Therion delivers intense action, a rocking soundtrack, and creepy visuals.
The weapon system creates a fun dynamic. The main gun weakens when depleted, requiring use of the melee weapon to recharge. A rotating third weapon adds another layer of strategy. Mastering the rhythm of weapon management and dodging is key to survival.
Don't expect the same game as the original, but the vibe is similar. It's a heavy metal shoot 'em up with unique style, avoiding many genre pitfalls. Other platforms offer better performance, but the Switch version is still enjoyable.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash ($44.99)
Licensed games are often "for the fans." Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash delivers ample fan service. The writing is good, fitting the source material, and meta-systems reward fans. However, non-fans might find limited appeal. The mini-games are repetitive, and the story is primarily for existing fans.
Even for fans, the emphasis feels misplaced. The visuals, sound, and world are well-represented, and unlockables might keep dedicated fans engaged, but the game lacks longevity. Without prior attachment, it'll likely grow tiresome quickly.
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. This collection showcases a lesser-known side: charming 8-bit games popular in Japan. Sunsoft is Back! offers three such games, fully localized—a significant achievement. The package includes save states, rewind, display options, and art galleries.
The games are a mixed bag. 53 Stations is frustrating but charming. Ripple Island is a solid adventure game. The Wing of Madoola is ambitious but uneven. None are top-tier NES games, but none are bad either.
Fans of Sunsoft and obscure game libraries will appreciate this collection. The care taken with localization and features makes 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 tough run-and-gun action game in the style of Metal Slug and Contra, playable solo or with a friend. It's been available on other platforms for a while, so reviews are readily available. Fans of the genre should enjoy it.
Billy’s Game Show ($7.99)
While it resembles Five Nights at Freddy's, it's more of a hide-and-seek game with a creepy stalker. Players must hide or run, maintain generators, and avoid traps. Not for everyone, but it might appeal to some.
Mining Mechs ($4.99)
As the title suggests: mine with mechs. Collect resources, upgrade mechs, and progress deeper underground. The deeper you go, the more dangerous it gets. A simple but potentially enjoyable game for its price.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
A small selection of sales this week, but the upcoming sales have some interesting titles.
Select New Sales
Nora: The Wannabe Alchemist ($1.99 from $19.99 until 9/10) Deflector ($1.99 from $22.99 until 9/10) Sky Caravan ($1.99 from $19.99 until 9/10) The Blind Prophet ($1.99 from $24.99 until 9/10) They Know ($1.99 from $6.99 until 9/10) Conjured Through Death ($4.49 from $14.99 until 9/15) Dark Days ($1.99 from $7.99 until 9/24) Another Bar Game ($3.89 from $5.99 until 9/24) Cook Serve Delicious ($4.41 from $12.99 until 9/24) Blood Will Be Spilled ($2.99 from $14.99 until 9/24) Feudal Alloy ($3.39 from $16.99 until 9/24)
Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 5th
Adventure Bar Story ($15.99 from $19.99 until 9/5) Akiba’s Trip: Undead & Undressed ($14.99 from $29.99 until 9/5) Anomaly Agent ($7.49 from $14.99 until 9/5) Avenging Spirit ($2.99 from $5.99 until 9/5) Bug & Seek ($11.24 from $14.99 until 9/5) Burst Hero ($5.99 from $11.99 until 9/5) Cat Quest II ($3.74 from $14.99 until 9/5) Corpse Party ($9.99 from $19.99 until 9/5) Deadcraft ($5.99 from $19.99 until 9/5) Dice Make 10! ($3.59 from $3.99 until 9/5) Eldgear ($12.99 from $19.99 until 9/5) Evil God Korone ($3.35 from $3.95 until 9/5) F1 Manager 2024 ($27.99 from $34.99 until 9/5) Fairy Elements ($8.99 from $14.99 until 9/5)
Freedom Planet 2 ($18.74 from $24.99 until 9/5)
Genso Chronicles ($9.74 from $14.99 until 9/5)
Gibbon: Beyond the Trees ($1.99 from $14.99 until 9/5)
Hide & Dance! ($2.49 from $4.99 until 9/5)
Magical Drop VI ($14.99 from $29.99 until 9/5)
Marchen Forest ($6.99 from $34.99 until 9/5)
Mom Hid My Game! ($2.49 from $4.99 until 9/5)
Mom Hid My Game! 2 ($2.49 from $4.99 until 9/5)
My Brother Ate My Pudding! ($2.49 from $4.99 until 9/5)
Port Royale 4 ($17.49 from $49.99 until 9/5)
SCHiM ($17.49 from $24.99 until 9/5)
Silent Hope ($13.99 from $39.99 until 9/5)
Super Toy Cars Offroad ($3.99 from $19.99 until 9/5)
The Sinking City ($5.99 from $49.99 until 9/5)
Untitled Goose Game ($9.99 from $19.99 until 9/5)
Wing of Darkness ($5.99 from $29.99 until 9/5)
WitchSpring R ($35.99 from $39.99 until 9/5)
Yggdra Union: WNFA ($19.99 from $24.99 until 9/5)
That's all for today! More reviews are coming this week, and plenty of new eShop releases are expected in the coming days. See you tomorrow, or if not, check out my blog, Post Game Content (rarely updated, but I'll be back!). Have a great Wednesday, and thanks for reading!
