Hello fellow gamers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for September 4th, 2024! Summer’s warmth has faded, leaving behind cherished memories. I'm feeling a bit wiser after the season, and grateful for sharing it with you all. As autumn arrives, I want to express my appreciation for the fantastic gaming community – you're the best! Today's article is packed with game reviews, new releases, and sales. Let's dive in!

Reviews & Mini-Views

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection ($39.99)

The Nintendo Switch has given us a second chance at many classic titles, and now the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection brings us Miles Edgeworth's previously unlocalized adventures. This collection expertly builds upon storylines from earlier games, particularly the sequel, which significantly enhances the original. Experiencing the prosecution's perspective offers a fresh take on the familiar gameplay.

While the core mechanics remain – clue-finding, witness questioning, case-solving – the unique presentation and Edgeworth's character bring a distinctive atmosphere. The pacing differs from standard Ace Attorney games, occasionally causing fatigue, but overall, fans will appreciate this sub-series. If the first game feels slow, persevere – the second is far superior and provides context to the first.

Bonus features are generous, including an art and music gallery, a story mode, and selectable graphics/soundtracks. A helpful dialog history function is also included. The two games offer a compelling contrast, forming a superb package. With this release, nearly every Ace Attorney game (excluding the Professor Layton crossover) is now available on Switch. Existing fans will undoubtedly want this.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Gimmick! 2 ($24.99)

A sequel to Gimmick! is a surprising development. Developed by Bitwave Games, this faithful sequel stays true to the original, perhaps even too much for some. Six lengthy, challenging physics-based platforming levels await, quickly testing your skills. A new easier mode caters to varied player preferences. Yumetaro's star attack remains central to gameplay, serving multiple purposes. Collectibles unlock customization options, rewarding dedicated players.

The game's length is moderate, but the difficulty is high. Frequent deaths are expected, but generous checkpoints mitigate frustration. The charming visuals and music enhance the experience. Gimmick! 2 successfully builds upon its predecessor without losing its unique identity. Fans of the original and challenging platformers should definitely check it out. However, those seeking a relaxed experience should be warned – it’s just as tough as the original.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Valfaris: Mecha Therion ($19.99)

Valfaris: Mecha Therion boldly shifts from the original's action-platformer style to a shoot 'em up experience. While the Switch's hardware limitations slightly impact performance, the intense action, soundtrack, and visuals remain compelling. The weapon system, incorporating a gun, melee weapon, and rotating third weapon, creates a satisfying gameplay loop. Mastering weapon management and defensive maneuvers is crucial for success.

While different from its predecessor, Mecha Therion retains a similar atmosphere. It's a stylish heavy metal shoot 'em up that avoids genre clichés. While other platforms offer better performance, the Switch version delivers a solid experience.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash ($44.99)

Licensed games often cater to existing fans. Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash delivers ample fan service, with strong writing and meta-systems rewarding dedicated players. However, non-fans may find limited appeal due to the small number of repetitive mini-games. While the presentation is excellent, the gameplay lacks depth for those unfamiliar with the franchise.

Even for fans, the game's focus feels misplaced. The visuals, sound, and world are well-executed, and unlockables might offer some replayability. But the overall experience feels short-lived, and less engaging for those without prior attachment to the series.

SwitchArcade Score: 3/5

Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection ($9.99)

This collection showcases Sunsoft's lesser-known 8-bit games, offering three titles with full English localization. Included are Firework Thrower Kantaro’s 53 Stations of the Tokaido, Ripple Island, and The Wing of Madoola. Each game features save states, rewind, display options, and art galleries. The localization effort alone is commendable.

The games themselves are a mixed bag. 53 Stations is challenging due to its weapon mechanics, but charming thematically. Ripple Island is a solid adventure game, while The Wing of Madoola is ambitious but inconsistent. None are top-tier NES titles, but none are outright bad.

Fans of Sunsoft and obscure NES games will appreciate this collection. The care given to each game and the localization make it a worthwhile purchase.

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, featuring single-player and local multiplayer modes. Fans of the genre should find it enjoyable.

Billy’s Game Show ($7.99)

A game where you explore while avoiding a pursuer, managing generators, and avoiding traps. Thematically similar to Five Nights at Freddy's, but with different gameplay.

Mining Mechs ($4.99)

A mech-based mining game where you collect ores, upgrade your mechs, and progress deeper underground. A straightforward game with a decent amount of content for the price.

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

A small selection of sales, with some notable titles ending soon. Check the lists below for details.

Select New Sales

(List of sales)

Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 5th

(List of sales)

That's all for today! More reviews are coming this week, along with several new eShop releases. Check out my personal blog, Post Game Content, for additional updates. Have a great Wednesday, and thanks for reading!