Hello fellow gamers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for September 4th, 2024! Summer's over, but the gaming fun continues! This week brings a bumper crop of reviews, exciting 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, and now the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection brings us Miles Edgeworth's adventures. This collection includes two titles, showcasing the prosecution's perspective. While the core gameplay remains familiar – investigating, questioning, and solving cases – the shift in protagonist and presentation adds a fresh feel. The pacing can feel uneven at times, but fans of the main series will appreciate this sub-series. The sequel significantly improves on the original, creating a more cohesive experience.
Bonus features include an art and music gallery, a story mode, and the option to toggle between original and updated visuals/soundtracks. A helpful dialogue history feature is also included. Overall, the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is a must-have for fans, offering a compelling narrative and excellent extra content. With this release, nearly every Ace Attorney game is now available on Switch.
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Gimmick! 2 ($24.99)
A sequel to the obscure NES classic Gimmick!? It's a surprise, but a welcome one! Developed by Bitwave Games, Gimmick! 2 stays true to the original's challenging physics-based platforming. Six lengthy levels will test your skills, though an easier mode is available for those seeking a less demanding experience. Yumetaro's star attack returns as a versatile tool for combat and puzzle-solving. Collectibles add replay value, unlocking customization options.
Expect a tough but rewarding experience. While generous checkpoints alleviate frustration, the game maintains the original's high difficulty. The charming visuals and music help balance the challenge. Gimmick! 2 is a fantastic sequel that expands on its predecessor without losing its identity. Highly recommended for platforming enthusiasts who relish a challenge.
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Valfaris: Mecha Therion ($19.99)
A bold departure from its predecessor, Valfaris: Mecha Therion shifts to a shoot 'em up style. While the Switch's hardware might struggle slightly with the intense action, the game's unique style, soundtrack, and visuals still deliver a thrilling experience. The weapon system, featuring a gun, melee weapon, and rotating third weapon, adds strategic depth. Mastering the interplay between weapons and the dash maneuver is key to success.
While performance may be better on other platforms, the Switch version is still enjoyable. Valfaris: Mecha Therion maintains the original's distinct atmosphere while offering a fresh gameplay experience.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash ($44.99)
A licensed game primarily aimed at fans of the Umamusume franchise. The game excels in its presentation and fan service, offering a solid recreation of the series' world and characters. However, the gameplay consists of a limited number of repetitive mini-games, lacking the depth and variety needed for broader appeal. While fans will appreciate the attention to detail and unlockable content, non-fans may find it underwhelming.
Even for fans, the emphasis on fan service over substantial gameplay might lead to a shorter-than-expected playtime.
SwitchArcade Score: 3/5
Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection ($9.99)
This collection showcases a lesser-known side of Sunsoft's Japanese library. It includes three 8-bit titles: Firework Thrower Kantaro’s 53 Stations of the Tokaido, Ripple Island, and The Wing of Madoola. All three games feature full English localization, a significant achievement for these previously untranslated titles. The collection includes save states, rewind, display options, and an art gallery.
The games themselves offer a varied experience, with some titles being more challenging or unconventional than others. While not all are masterpieces, they offer a glimpse into a different era of Sunsoft's game development. A worthwhile purchase for Sunsoft fans and retro gaming enthusiasts.
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, featuring both solo and local multiplayer options.
Billy’s Game Show ($7.99)
A stealth-survival game where players must evade a stalker while maintaining power and avoiding traps.
Mining Mechs ($4.99)
A mech-based mining game where players explore, collect resources, and upgrade their mechs.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
A selection of sales are highlighted below, with many more available on the eShop. Check the eShop directly for the complete list.
Select New Sales
Several games are on sale, including Nora: The Wannabe Alchemist, Deflector, Sky Caravan, The Blind Prophet, and more. See the image for details.
Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 5th
Many more sales are ending soon, including Adventure Bar Story, Akiba’s Trip: Undead & Undressed, Anomaly Agent, and numerous others. See the image for the complete list.
That's it for today! More reviews are coming this week, and plenty of new releases are expected in the coming days. Thanks for reading!
