Ace Attorney Investigations Collection Lands on Switch, Reviews Praise

Hello fellow gamers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Roundup for September 4th, 2024! Summer's over, but let's not forget the good times. This week? A mountain of reviews, some fresh releases, and a few sales to peruse. Let's dive in!

Reviews & Mini-Views

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection ($39.99)

The Switch has given us second chances at many classic games, and now it's the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection's turn. This package includes Miles Edgeworth's two adventures, finally bringing the unlocalized title to English-speaking audiences. The sequel builds brilliantly on the first game's plot, enhancing the overall experience.

These games offer a fresh perspective, showcasing the prosecution's side. While the core mechanics remain similar – searching for clues, questioning witnesses – the unique presentation and Edgeworth's personality add a distinct flair. The pacing might feel less structured than other Ace Attorney titles, but fans of the series will appreciate this spin-off. The second game is particularly strong, making the first one even more enjoyable in retrospect.

Bonus features include an art and music gallery, a story mode, and the option to switch between original and updated graphics/soundtracks. A dialog history feature is a welcome addition. Overall, the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is a fantastic package, offering a compelling narrative and excellent extras. With this release, almost every Ace Attorney game is now available on Switch.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Gimmick! 2 ($24.99)

A sequel to Gimmick! is a surprising but welcome development. Developed by Bitwave Games, this faithful follow-up delivers six challenging levels of physics-based platforming. While retaining the original's difficulty, it introduces an easier mode for those seeking a less demanding experience.

The gameplay remains true to the original, with Yumetaro's star serving as a versatile tool for combat and puzzle-solving. New collectibles offer customization options, rewarding players for tackling tougher challenges. The game's difficulty is substantial, leading to frequent deaths, but generous checkpoints mitigate frustration. The charming visuals and music help maintain engagement.

Gimmick! 2 successfully builds upon its predecessor without losing its own identity. Fans of the original and challenging platformers will find this a rewarding experience. However, those seeking a casual playthrough should be warned – this game is just as tough as the original.

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. While the Switch's hardware may struggle at times, the intense action, soundtrack, and visuals still deliver an enjoyable experience.

The game's weapon system adds depth, requiring players to manage energy levels and utilize both ranged and melee attacks effectively. Mastering the rhythm of weapon switching and dodging is crucial. While performance might be better on other platforms, the Switch version remains playable and captures the original's distinctive atmosphere.

Don't expect a carbon copy of the first game, but embrace a new, thrilling shoot 'em up adventure with a unique style.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash ($44.99)

This licensed game caters heavily to fans of the Umamusume franchise. The writing and meta-systems will resonate strongly with existing fans, but the limited number of repetitive mini-games might leave non-fans wanting more. The unlockable mini-game is a highlight, but overall, the game lacks depth and replayability for those unfamiliar with the source material.

Even for fans, the game's focus on fan service might overshadow its gameplay. While the presentation is strong, the limited content and repetitive gameplay might lead to burnout quickly.

SwitchArcade Score: 3/5

Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection ($9.99)

This collection showcases a lesser-known side of Sunsoft, featuring three charming 8-bit games. The package includes Firework Thrower Kantaro’s 53 Stations of the Tokaido, Ripple Island, and The Wing of Madoola, all fully localized into English for the first time. The collection includes save states, rewind, display options, and art galleries.

The games themselves offer a varied experience. 53 Stations is challenging due to its awkward weapon mechanics, Ripple Island is a solid adventure game, and The Wing of Madoola is an ambitious but occasionally flawed action title. While not groundbreaking, they offer a unique glimpse into Sunsoft's Japanese catalog.

This collection is a must-have for Sunsoft fans and those seeking obscure retro titles. The careful localization and inclusion of modern conveniences make this a worthwhile purchase.

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, offering both single-player and local multiplayer options.

Billy’s Game Show ($7.99)

A stealth-based game where players must hide from a pursuing enemy while maintaining power generators.

Mining Mechs ($4.99)

A mech-based mining game where players explore increasingly dangerous depths, collect resources, and upgrade their mechs.

Sales

A selection of sales are listed, both current and ending soon. Refer to the original article for the full list.

That's all for today! More reviews are coming this week, and plenty of new releases are expected in the coming days. Check out Post Game Content for more updates. Have a great Wednesday!