Ace Attorney Investigations Collection Reviewed: New Releases and Sales Highlighted

Hello, dear readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for September 4th, 2024. As the long summer fades away, we reflect on the hot and sometimes uncomfortable days, but also the cherished memories we've created. I feel a bit older and wiser than when the season began, and I'm thankful for having shared this journey with you. As we transition into a new season, I want to express my gratitude—you've all been the best summer companions one could hope 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 has been a treasure trove for second chances at games that slipped through our fingers in the past. From Trials of Mana to Live A Live and the original Fire Emblem, it's now time for the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection to shine. This set includes Miles Edgeworth's two adventures post-Trials & Tribulations, bringing us the previously unlocalized Ace Attorney game. These titles excel at weaving together plot threads from previous entries, with the second game enhancing the original's narrative in retrospect. Playing as Miles Edgeworth offers a fresh perspective from the prosecution's side, maintaining the core mechanics of searching for clues, questioning witnesses, and solving cases. While the pacing can feel less structured, fans of the main series will find much to enjoy, especially in the second game.

The collection includes a gallery mode with art and music, a story mode for a more relaxed experience, and options to switch between original and updated graphics and soundtracks. A dialog history feature is a welcome addition. Overall, the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is a compelling package, especially with the long-awaited localization of the second game. It's a must-have for Ace Attorney enthusiasts.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Gimmick! 2 ($24.99)

It's astonishing to see a sequel to Gimmick!, a late NES gem that barely saw a Western release. Gimmick! 2, developed by Bitwave Games without the original creator's involvement, remains remarkably faithful to its predecessor. The game offers six challenging, physics-based platforming levels that will test your skills. An easier mode is available for those seeking a less demanding experience, but the true challenge lies in the normal difficulty, which requires passing a test to unlock. Yumetaro's star attack remains versatile, serving as a weapon, vehicle, and puzzle solver. New collectibles add depth, rewarding players for tackling tougher sections.

While Gimmick! 2 can be completed quickly if rushed, its difficulty ensures a lasting challenge. Generous checkpointing and charming visuals and music help mitigate frustration. This sequel successfully builds on the original's legacy, offering a satisfying experience for fans and platforming enthusiasts alike.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Valfaris: Mecha Therion ($19.99)

Valfaris: Mecha Therion takes a bold step away from the original's action-platforming roots, embracing a shoot 'em up style reminiscent of Lords of Thunder. Despite some performance issues on the Switch, the game delivers intense action, a rocking soundtrack, and eerie visuals. The weapon system requires juggling between a primary gun, a melee weapon for recharging, and a rotating third weapon or item. Mastering this rhythm is key to surviving the onslaught of enemies and obstacles.

While the Switch version may not be the smoothest, Valfaris: Mecha Therion captures the heavy metal vibe of its predecessor, offering a unique and engaging experience for fans of the genre.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash ($44.99)

Licensed games often cater to fans, and Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash is no exception. It excels in fan service, with solid writing and meta-systems that reward players with fan-pleasing content. However, for non-fans, the game falls short. The limited number of repetitive mini-games and a story that only resonates with dedicated followers of the Umamusume series may not hold broad appeal. Even the unlockable mini-game, while enjoyable, doesn't offer enough to sustain interest.

For fans, Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash offers a delightful dive into the world of horse-girls, but it may not satisfy those without a prior connection to the franchise.

SwitchArcade Score: 3/5

Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection ($9.99)

Sunsoft's legacy in the West often revolves around titles like Blaster Master and Batman, but in Japan, the company is known for its charming 8-bit games. Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection introduces three such titles to Western audiences: Firework Thrower Kantaro’s 53 Stations of the Tokaido, Ripple Island, and The Wing of Madoola. The collection includes essential features like save states, rewind, display options, and an art gallery, with all games fully localized.

The games themselves offer a mixed experience. 53 Stations can be frustrating due to its awkward weapon mechanics, but its thematic charm is undeniable. Ripple Island is a solid adventure game, while The Wing of Madoola is ambitious but uneven. This collection is a treat for Sunsoft fans and retro gaming enthusiasts, celebrating a lesser-known side of the publisher's history.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Select New Releases

Cyborg Force ($9.95)

If you enjoy fast-paced action games like Metal Slug and Contra, Cyborg Force might catch your eye. This challenging title offers both solo and local multiplayer modes, and has been available on other platforms, including the NEOGEO, for some time.

Billy’s Game Show ($7.99)

At first glance, Billy’s Game Show might seem like a Five Nights clone, but it's more about evading a stalking antagonist while managing generators and avoiding traps. It's not for everyone, but it could be your cup of tea.

Mining Mechs ($4.99)

Mining Mechs is straightforward: use mechs to mine, collect resources, and upgrade to delve deeper into increasingly dangerous territories. As you reach profit milestones, the story progresses. It's simple but offers good value for its price.

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

Today's sales list is modest, but the outbox has some enticing deals. Take the time to explore these offers, as it's always rewarding to discover gems on your own.

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, friends. More reviews are on the way this week, so stay tuned. September brings a slew of new releases to the eShop, as expected. Let's aim to meet again tomorrow, but if we get separated, you can always find me at my personal blog, Post Game Content. It's not frequently updated, but I have a feeling I'll be back in the groove soon. Wishing you all a fantastic Wednesday, and as always, thank you for reading!