Hello gentle readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for September 4th, 2024! Summer’s long, sometimes sweltering embrace is finally behind us. While the heat might have been a bit much at times, we certainly made some great memories. I feel a little older, a little wiser, and deeply grateful for sharing that journey with all of you. As we step into autumn, I want to express my sincere appreciation—you've been the best summer pals 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 been incredibly generous, giving us second chances at games we might have missed. Trials of Mana, Live A Live, the original Fire Emblem… and now, the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection! This brings us Miles Edgeworth's two adventures following Trials & Tribulations, finally localized. This series excels at building on previous storylines, and the second Investigations game does this brilliantly. It's a sequel that retroactively enhances the original, and having it officially in English is fantastic.
These Investigations games offer a prosecutor's perspective, a refreshing change. While the core mechanics—searching for clues, questioning witnesses—remain largely the same, a few new twists keep things interesting. Edgeworth's narration adds a unique flavor. The pacing is less structured than typical Ace Attorney games, occasionally leading to exhausting cases, but fans of the main series will undoubtedly enjoy this spin-off. If the first game feels slow, persevere—the second is significantly better and provides context for the first.
Bonus features are generous, reminiscent of the Apollo Justice collection. A gallery showcases art and music, a story mode lets you relax and enjoy the narrative, and you can switch between original and updated graphics/soundtracks. A handy dialog history feature, a must-have for this type of game, is also included.
The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection offers a compelling contrast between its two games. As a whole, it's a fantastic experience. The localization of the second game is a major win, and the extra features make it a superb package. With this, every Ace Attorney game (excluding the Professor Layton crossover) is now available on Switch. If you've already played the others, this is a must-have.
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Gimmick! 2 ($24.99)
A sequel to Gimmick! is… unexpected, to say the least. Sunsoft's late NES title had a limited Western release, primarily in Scandinavia. Thirty years later, not only is the original more accessible than ever, but we have a sequel! Developed by Bitwave Games without the original creator's involvement, it's remarkably faithful, perhaps too much so for some. But a first sequel sticking closely to the original isn't inherently bad.
Six lengthy levels of challenging physics-based platforming await. Like the original, it's brutally difficult early on. However, an easier mode is now available. To play on normal difficulty, you'll face a short introductory challenge. Protagonist Yumetaro's star attack returns, functioning as a weapon, vehicle, and puzzle solver. Collectibles, offering customization options, reward completing tougher, optional sections.
It's not a long game if you rush, but it's tough regardless. This mirrors the original. You'll die frequently, often spectacularly, but generous checkpoints prevent excessive frustration. The charming visuals and music also help mitigate the difficulty. Don't underestimate Gimmick! 2. Despite its concessions, it retains the original's challenging spirit. Mastering platforming and utilizing Yumetaro's star and enemies cleverly is crucial.
Gimmick! 2 is a surprisingly good sequel, created by a different team. It cleverly builds upon the original without losing its own identity. Fans of the first game will love this. Challenging platformer enthusiasts should also check it out. However, if you prefer a relaxed experience, be warned—it's as tough as its predecessor, even with the easier mode.
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Valfaris: Mecha Therion ($19.99)
Valfaris: Mecha Therion takes a significant risk, abandoning the original's action-platforming for a shoot 'em up style reminiscent of Lords of Thunder. Surprisingly, it works, although the Switch's hardware struggles at times. This isn't entirely unexpected given the console's age. Performance isn't terrible; if it's your only option, you'll still enjoy the intense action, soundtrack, and visuals.
Weapon management adds a fun layer of strategy. Your main gun weakens when depleted, requiring use of a melee weapon to recharge it. A third rotating weapon/item adds further complexity. Mastering weapon cycling and dodging is key to survival.
Don't expect the same game as the original, but the vibe remains similar. It's a heavy metal shoot 'em up with a unique style, avoiding many genre pitfalls. Other platforms offer better performance, but the Switch version is perfectly playable.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash ($44.99)
Calling a licensed game "fan service" is a cliché, but it's true. Some do it better than others. Two key questions arise: how much fan service is included, and is there anything for non-fans? Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash delivers ample fan service. The writing is good, and the meta-systems reward dedicated fans.
For non-fans, it's less positive. A few weak mini-games are included, and the story will only resonate with those familiar with Umamusume. Repetitive gameplay quickly becomes tiresome. Even the best mini-game feels underwhelming.
Even for fans, Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash feels unbalanced. The visuals, sound, and world are well-executed, and unlockables might keep dedicated fans engaged. However, it lacks longevity, and non-fans will likely tire of it quickly.
SwitchArcade Score: 3/5
Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection ($9.99)
Western gamers might associate Sunsoft with titles like Blaster Master, Batman, or Fester's Quest. Recently, some lesser-known gems have gained popularity (Ufouria, Gimmick!, Trip World). Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection highlights another side of Sunsoft, showcasing charming 8-bit games popular in Japan. Three games are included at a reasonable price.
The collection includes Firework Thrower Kantaro's 53 Stations of the Tokaido, Ripple Island, and The Wing of Madoola. All three are enhanced with save states, rewind, display options, and art galleries. Importantly, all three are fully localized for the first time.
The games are varied. 53 Stations is frustrating due to its weapon mechanics but has charm. Ripple Island is a solid adventure game. The Wing of Madoola is ambitious but inconsistent. None are top-tier NES games, but none are bad either.
Sunsoft fans and retro game enthusiasts will appreciate this collection. The care taken with localization is 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 game in the style of Metal Slug and Contra, playable solo or with a friend. It's been available on other platforms for a while.
Billy’s Game Show ($7.99)
While it might resemble a Five Nights at Freddy's clone, it's more of a hide-and-seek game where you avoid a stalker while maintaining power generators.
Mining Mechs ($4.99)
A straightforward mining game where you use mechs to collect resources, upgrade your equipment, and progress deeper underground.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
The 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, friends! More reviews are coming this week, and plenty of new releases are hitting the eShop in the next few days. Let's aim to reconnect tomorrow, but if you need to find me, head over to my personal blog, Post Game Content. It's rarely updated, but I'll likely be more active soon. Have a wonderful Wednesday, and thanks for reading!
