Hello fellow gamers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for September 4th, 2024! Summer's heatwave is finally behind us, leaving behind some cherished memories. I've grown a bit wiser this past season, and I'm thankful to have shared it with you all. As autumn approaches, I want to express my gratitude for your amazing company this summer – you're the best gaming buddies anyone could ask for! Today's article is packed with reviews, 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 a second chance at many classic titles, and the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is a prime example. This collection brings us the only unlocalized Ace Attorney game, featuring Miles Edgeworth's two adventures following Trials & Tribulations. The sequel masterfully builds on the original's plot, enhancing the overall experience. It's fantastic to finally have it in English!

These Investigations games offer a fresh perspective, showcasing the prosecution's side. Gameplay remains largely familiar – searching for clues, questioning witnesses, and solving cases. However, the unique presentation and Edgeworth's personality add a distinct charm. While the pacing can feel less structured than other Ace Attorney titles, leading to occasional exhaustion, fans of the main series will undoubtedly appreciate this spin-off. If the first game feels slow, persevere – the second is significantly better and provides crucial context.

Bonus features are generous, similar to the Apollo Justice collection. A gallery showcases art and music, a story mode allows for relaxed playthroughs, and players can choose between original and updated graphics/soundtracks. The inclusion of a dialogue history is a welcome addition, making it easier to track crucial information.

The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection offers a compelling contrast between its two games, resulting in a fantastic overall experience. The official localization of the second game is a huge win, and the extras make it a complete package. With this release, nearly every Ace Attorney game (excluding the Professor Layton crossover) is now available on the Switch. If you've enjoyed previous entries, this is a must-have.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Gimmick! 2 ($24.99)

A sequel to Gimmick! is surprisingly welcome! Sunsoft's NES title was previously only released in Scandinavia. Thirty years later, we not only have wider access to the original but also a brand-new sequel. Developed by Bitwave Games, it stays remarkably true to the original, perhaps even too much for some. However, this faithfulness isn't inherently negative.

Six lengthy levels of challenging physics-based platforming await. As in the original, the difficulty ramps up quickly. However, an easier mode has been added for players seeking a less demanding experience. The standard difficulty requires a short initial test. Yumetaro's star attack returns as a versatile tool for combat and puzzle-solving. Collectibles offer customization options, rewarding players for tackling tougher optional challenges.

While a quick playthrough is possible, the game remains challenging. Frequent deaths are inevitable, but generous checkpoints mitigate frustration. The charming visuals and lively music help to maintain a positive experience, but don't underestimate Gimmick! 2. Despite its concessions, the game retains the original's challenging spirit. Mastering platforming skills and using the star and enemies strategically are crucial for progress.

Gimmick! 2 is a surprisingly excellent sequel, created by a different team decades after the original. It cleverly expands on the original without losing its identity. Fans of the first game will be delighted, and challenging platformer enthusiasts should also check it out. However, those seeking a relaxed experience should be warned – it's just as difficult as its predecessor, despite the easier mode.

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, it works well, though performance on the Switch can sometimes be hampered by the console's limitations. This isn't a major flaw; if it's your only option, the intense action, soundtrack, and visuals remain highly enjoyable.

The weapon system adds a fun dynamic. The main gun weakens when depleted, requiring use of the melee weapon to recharge it while also serving as an offensive tool. A rotating third weapon adds further strategic depth. The dash move is both offensive and defensive, adding another layer of complexity. Mastering this interplay is crucial and rewarding given the game's challenging nature.

Don't expect Mecha Therion to mirror the first game, but the atmosphere remains consistent. It's a stylish heavy metal shoot 'em up that avoids common genre pitfalls. While other platforms offer better performance, the Switch version is still 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. It caters well to fans with strong fan service, good writing that aligns with the source material, and meta-systems rewarding dedicated players.

However, non-fans might find less to enjoy. The mini-games are limited and repetitive, offering little engagement beyond the presentation. The storyline will only resonate with those familiar with Umamusume. One mini-game is almost inconsequential, while the others, though better, lack the longevity of a proper party game. The best mini-game is unlockable, but even that is rather brief.

Even for fans, the game's focus feels misplaced. The visuals, sound, and world are well-executed, and unlockables might keep dedicated players engaged for a time. However, the appeal fades quickly, and without prior attachment, the game will likely lose its charm before completion.

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, its Japanese library features many charming, albeit rough-around-the-edges, 8-bit games. Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection aims to introduce these lesser-known gems, offering three games in one affordable package.

This collection 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, manual scans, and art galleries. Remarkably, all three are fully localized, a significant achievement for Ripple Island in particular. This is their first official English release.

The games themselves are varied. 53 Stations can be frustrating due to its weapon mechanics, yet possesses unique charm. Ripple Island is a solid adventure game. The Wing of Madoola is the most ambitious, but inconsistent. None are top-tier NES games, but none are outright bad.

Fans of Sunsoft and those exploring lesser-known game libraries will appreciate this collection. The careful handling of each game and the long-awaited localization make this a worthwhile purchase. Hopefully, this is just the first of many similar collections.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Select New Releases

Cyborg Force ($9.95)

Fans of run-and-gun action games like Metal Slug and Contra should consider Cyborg Force. It's a challenging game with single-player and local multiplayer options. It's been available on other platforms for some time, so reviews are readily available.

Billy’s Game Show ($7.99)

While resembling a Five Nights at Freddy's game, Billy's Game Show is more of a hide-and-seek game where you evade a pursuer while maintaining generators and avoiding traps.

Mining Mechs ($4.99)

A straightforward mech mining game where you collect resources, upgrade your mechs, and progress deeper underground, unlocking story elements as you earn profits.

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

This week's sales are rather sparse, 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 expect a flurry of new eShop releases in the coming days. We'll aim to reconvene tomorrow, but if you need to find me, check out my personal blog, Post Game Content (updates are infrequent, but I'll be back soon!). Have a great Wednesday, and thanks for reading!