Ace Attorney Collection Remastered for a New Era

Hello fellow gamers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for September 4th, 2024! Summer's heatwave is finally behind us. While it had its challenging moments, we shared some truly memorable experiences. I feel a little wiser now, and I'm incredibly grateful for the journey we shared. As autumn arrives, I want to express my sincere appreciation – you're the best gaming buddies anyone could ask for! Today's update is packed with reviews, new releases, and some enticing 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 titles, and now we have the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection! This collection includes Miles Edgeworth's two adventures following Trials & Tribulations. The sequel masterfully builds upon previous storylines, enhancing the first game in retrospect. Finally having it officially localized in English is fantastic.

The Investigations games offer a prosecutor's perspective, adding a fresh angle to the familiar gameplay. While the core mechanics remain – searching for clues, questioning witnesses, solving cases – the distinct presentation and Edgeworth's personality give it a unique feel. The pacing can sometimes feel less structured than other Ace Attorney games, but overall, fans of the main series will thoroughly enjoy this spin-off. If you find the first game slightly slow, persevere; the second is significantly better.

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

The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection provides a compelling contrast between its two games. The official localization of the second game is a triumph, and the extra features make it a superb package. With this release, 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 truly unexpected! Sunsoft's NES title saw limited Western release, but now, thirty years later, we have a sequel. Developed by Bitwave Games, it remains remarkably faithful to the original, perhaps even too much so for some. However, that dedication to the source material is commendable.

Six lengthy and challenging physics-based platforming levels await. The difficulty is immediately apparent, but an easier mode is now available. Yumetaro's star attack remains central to gameplay, functioning as a weapon, vehicle, and puzzle solver. New collectibles unlock customization options, providing extra incentive beyond progression.

While a quick playthrough is possible, the difficulty remains high. Generous checkpoints mitigate frustration, but don't underestimate Gimmick! 2. The charming visuals and music help offset the challenge, but this game retains the spirit of its predecessor. Mastering platforming and strategic use of Yumetaro's star and enemies are crucial.

Gimmick! 2 is a surprisingly excellent sequel, expertly building upon the original without losing its own identity. Fans of the first game will be delighted. Challenging platformer enthusiasts should definitely check it out. However, if you prefer more relaxed gameplay, be warned – it's as demanding 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 experience reminiscent of Lords of Thunder. Surprisingly, it works well, although the Switch's hardware sometimes struggles to deliver optimal performance. However, this shouldn't detract from the intense action, rocking soundtrack, and creepy visuals.

The weapon system adds a strategic layer. The primary gun's energy depletes, requiring use of a melee weapon to recharge it. A third, rotating weapon adds further variety. The dash maneuver is both offensive and defensive, requiring careful timing. Mastering weapon management and evasion is key to success.

While different from the original, Mecha Therion retains a similar atmosphere. It's a stylish heavy metal shoot 'em up, avoiding many genre pitfalls. Performance may be better on other platforms, but the Switch version remains enjoyable.

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, offering satisfying content for those familiar with the franchise. The writing is well-done, and the meta-systems reward dedicated players.

However, the appeal for non-fans is limited. The mini-games are few and repetitive, lacking depth. The narrative unfolds in a way that only fans will fully appreciate. Even some mini-games offer minimal interaction. The best mini-game is unlockable, but overall, the content is sparse.

Even for fans, the game's emphasis feels misplaced. The visuals, sound, and world are well-executed, and unlockables provide some replayability. But the overall experience is short-lived, and lacks appeal for those unfamiliar with Umamusume.

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 a lesser-known side: charming 8-bit games popular in Japan. Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection includes three such games: Firework Thrower Kantaro’s 53 Stations of the Tokaido, Ripple Island, and The Wing of Madoola.

The collection includes save states, rewind, display options, and art galleries. Most impressively, all three games are fully localized, a significant achievement, especially for Ripple Island. This is their first official English release.

The games themselves are varied. 53 Stations is frustrating due to its weapon mechanics, but charming in its thematic execution. Ripple Island is a solid adventure game. The Wing of Madoola is ambitious but uneven. None are top-tier NES titles, but none are bad either.

Fans of Sunsoft and those who enjoy exploring lesser-known titles will appreciate this collection. The careful handling of each game and the long-awaited localization make it worthwhile. 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 game in the style of Metal Slug and Contra, playable solo or with a friend via local multiplayer. It's been available on other platforms, so reviews are readily available. Fans of the genre should find it enjoyable.

Billy’s Game Show ($7.99)

While it might appear similar to Five Nights at Freddy's, it's more of a hide-and-seek game where you avoid a creepy stalker while managing generators and avoiding traps. Not for everyone, but it might appeal to some.

Mining Mechs ($4.99)

A straightforward mining game where you use mechs to collect ores, sell them, and upgrade your equipment. The deeper you mine, the greater the challenges. The story progresses with profit milestones. A simple but potentially enjoyable experience for the price.

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

The eShop inbox is light this week, but the outbox has some interesting sales.

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 it for today! More reviews are coming this week, and September promises a steady stream of new eShop releases. See you tomorrow, or if not, check out my personal blog, Post Game Content, for updates. Have a fantastic Wednesday, and thanks for reading!