Hello fellow gamers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Roundup for September 4th, 2024! Summer's warmth has faded, leaving behind memories both scorching and sweet. I'm a bit older, a bit wiser, and deeply grateful for sharing that journey with you all. As autumn arrives, remember: you're the best gaming companions anyone could ask for. Today's article is packed with reviews, new releases, and sales! Let's dive in!
Reviews & Mini-Views
Ace Attorney Investigations Collection ($39.99)
The Nintendo Switch era has gifted us second chances at classic titles. Trials of Mana, Live A Live, the original Fire Emblem, and now, the final unlocalized Ace Attorney game arrives with the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection. This set includes Miles Edgeworth's two adventures following Trials & Tribulations. This series excels at building upon previous storylines, and the second Investigations game masterfully achieves this. It's a sequel that retrospectively enhances the original, and its official English release is fantastic.
The Ace Attorney Investigations games offer a prosecutor's perspective. Gameplay remains largely familiar: gather clues, interrogate witnesses, and solve cases. However, the unique presentation and Edgeworth's character add a distinct flavor. The pacing differs from typical Ace Attorney games, potentially causing fatigue in some cases, but fans of the main series will appreciate this spin-off. If the first game feels slow, persevere to the second – it's significantly better and provides context for the first game's events.
Bonus features are generous, resembling the Apollo Justice collection. A gallery showcases art and music; a story mode allows passive playthroughs; and players can toggle between original and enhanced visuals/soundtracks. A dialogue history feature, a welcome addition to this genre, is also included.
The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection provides an engaging contrast between its two games. The official localization of the second game is a triumph, and the extra content makes this a compelling package. With this release, every Ace Attorney game (excluding the Professor Layton crossover) is now available on Switch. If you've already enjoyed the series, 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 to the original, perhaps too much so for some. However, this dedication to the source material is commendable.
Six lengthy, challenging physics-based platforming levels await. The difficulty is steep, mirroring the original, but an easier mode is now available. The protagonist's star attack functions similarly, serving as a weapon, vehicle, and puzzle solver. Collectibles, offering customization options, reward completion of difficult optional sections.
While a quick playthrough is possible, the game remains challenging. Frequent deaths are expected, but generous checkpoints mitigate frustration. The charming visuals and music help maintain engagement, but don't underestimate Gimmick! 2. Despite concessions, the game retains the original's challenging spirit. Mastering platforming and utilizing the star and enemies strategically is crucial.
Gimmick! 2 surprisingly succeeds as a sequel, building upon the original intelligently while maintaining its own identity. Fans of the first game will be delighted. Challenging platformer enthusiasts should also consider it. However, those seeking a relaxed experience should be warned – it's as demanding 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 works, though the Switch's limitations sometimes impact performance. This isn't a significant drawback; the intense action, soundtrack, and visuals remain enjoyable.
Weapon management is key. The main gun depletes energy, requiring use of a melee weapon to recharge. A rotating third weapon adds tactical depth. The dash maneuver serves both offensively and defensively. Mastering the weapon cycle and dodging enemy fire is crucial and rewarding.
While different from the first game, Mecha Therion retains a similar atmosphere. It's a stylish, heavy metal-infused shoot 'em up that avoids genre clichés. Performance is better on other platforms, but the Switch version is perfectly playable.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash ($44.99)
Licensed games are often for fans, and this one is no exception. Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash caters to fans with solid writing, world-building, and meta-systems. However, its appeal to non-fans is limited. The game features a small number of repetitive mini-games, and the story will resonate primarily with existing fans.
The mini-games are underwhelming, with one being particularly simplistic. Even fans might find the limited gameplay repetitive. The unlockable mini-game is a highlight, but the overall experience feels lacking.
Even for fans, Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash feels unbalanced. The visuals, audio, and world are well-executed, and unlockables might provide some longevity for dedicated fans. However, the limited gameplay is a major drawback for both fans and newcomers.
SwitchArcade Score: 3/5
Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection ($9.99)
Sunsoft is known for titles like Blaster Master and Batman, but this collection showcases lesser-known 8-bit games popular in Japan. Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection 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 art galleries. Remarkably, all three are fully localized into English for the first time.
The games vary in quality. 53 Stations is frustrating due to its weapon mechanics, but charming thematically. Ripple Island is a decent adventure game. The Wing of Madoola is ambitious but uneven. None are top-tier NES games, but none are outright bad.
Sunsoft fans and retro gaming enthusiasts will appreciate this collection. The careful handling of these games and their first-time 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 run-and-gun 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 will likely enjoy it.
Billy’s Game Show ($7.99)
While superficially resembling Five Nights at Freddy's, this is a game about searching while evading a stalker. Players must hide or run, manage generators, and avoid traps. Not for everyone, but may appeal to specific tastes.
Mining Mechs ($4.99)
A straightforward mining game using mechs. Players collect ores, sell them, and upgrade mechs to progress deeper underground, facing increasing dangers. Story progression is tied to profit levels. A simple but potentially enjoyable experience for the price.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
The sales inbox is sparse, but the outbox offers some interesting deals.
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 numerous new eShop releases in the coming days. See you tomorrow, or if not, check out my blog, Post Game Content, for updates. Have a great Wednesday, and thanks for reading!
