Ace Attorney Investigations Collection Reviewed: New Releases and Sales Highlighted

Hello, dear readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for September 4th, 2024. As the long summer draws to a close, we reflect on the heat and the memorable moments we've shared. I find myself a bit older and wiser, and I'm thankful for the journey we've taken together. As we transition into a new season, I want to express my gratitude for being the best summer companions anyone could ask for. Today's article is packed with reviews, new releases, and some exciting sales. Let's dive in!

Reviews & Mini-Views

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection ($39.99)

The Nintendo Switch has been a treasure trove for revisiting classics that slipped through the cracks. From Trials of Mana to the original Fire Emblem, and now, the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection brings us the previously unlocalized adventures of Miles Edgeworth. This collection, featuring two post-Trials & Tribulations games, excels at weaving together plot threads from earlier titles. The second game, in particular, enhances the first, making it a must-play for fans.

In Ace Attorney Investigations, you step into Edgeworth's shoes, experiencing the legal battles from the prosecution's perspective. The mechanics remain familiar, with searching for clues and questioning witnesses, but the unique presentation and Edgeworth's narrative voice add a fresh twist. While the pacing can sometimes feel less structured, fans of the main series will find much to enjoy here. The second game is notably better, offering a rewarding experience that justifies the initial effort.

The collection includes a gallery mode with art and music, a story mode for a more relaxed experience, and the ability to switch between original and updated graphics and sound. A dialogue history feature ensures you won't miss crucial details. With every Ace Attorney game now available on the Switch, except the Professor Layton crossover, this collection is essential for enthusiasts.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Gimmick! 2 ($24.99)

It's surprising to see a sequel to Gimmick!, a late NES gem that never saw a Western release outside Scandinavia. Thirty years later, Gimmick! 2 not only makes the original more accessible but also delivers a worthy follow-up, despite being developed without the original creator's involvement. This faithful sequel offers six challenging levels of physics-based platforming, with an easier mode for those seeking a less daunting challenge.

Yumetaro's star attack remains central to gameplay, serving as a weapon, vehicle, and puzzle solver. New collectibles reward players for tackling tougher sections, adding depth to the experience. While the game isn't long, its difficulty ensures a robust challenge, softened by generous checkpointing and charming visuals and music.

Gimmick! 2 successfully honors its predecessor while establishing its own identity. Platformer fans who relish a challenge will find it rewarding, though those seeking a casual experience should look elsewhere. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of the original, brought to life in a new era.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Valfaris: Mecha Therion ($19.99)

Valfaris: Mecha Therion boldly shifts from the original's action-platforming to a shoot 'em up style reminiscent of Lords of Thunder. Despite some performance issues on the aging Switch hardware, the game's intense action, rocking soundtrack, and eerie visuals still shine through. The innovative weapon system, requiring players to juggle between a gun, melee weapon, and rotating third item, adds depth and satisfaction to the gameplay.

While the transition to a different genre might surprise fans, Mecha Therion retains the original's heavy metal vibe. It avoids common pitfalls of genre shifts, delivering a unique experience. For the best performance, other platforms might be preferable, but the Switch version remains enjoyable.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash ($44.99)

Licensed games are often designed with fans in mind, and Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash is no exception. It excels in fan service, with engaging writing and numerous meta-systems rewarding players with fan-favorite content. However, for those not deeply invested in the Umamusume universe, the experience might fall flat.

The game offers a limited selection of repetitive mini-games, with only one unlockable mini-game standing out. While the presentation is solid, the lack of varied content makes it less appealing for non-fans. Even dedicated fans might find the game's focus on the wrong aspects disappointing over time.

SwitchArcade Score: 3/5

Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection ($9.99)

Sunsoft's legacy in the West is often associated with classics like Blaster Master and Batman, but in Japan, they're known for their charming 8-bit games. Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection brings three such games to the Switch, fully localized for the first time. The package includes Firework Thrower Kantaro's 53 Stations of the Tokaido, Ripple Island, and The Wing of Madoola, all wrapped with essential features like save states, rewind, and an art gallery.

The games themselves are a mixed bag. 53 Stations is charming but frustrating due to its awkward weapon mechanics. Ripple Island is a solid adventure game, while The Wing of Madoola is ambitious yet uneven. This collection is a treat for Sunsoft fans and retro gaming enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the company's lesser-known titles.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Select New Releases

Cyborg Force ($9.95)

Cyborg Force is a challenging action game in the style of Metal Slug and Contra, offering both solo and local multiplayer modes. Already available on other platforms, including the NEOGEO, it should appeal to fans of the genre.

Billy's Game Show ($7.99)

While Billy's Game Show might seem like a Five Nights clone at first, it's more akin to a hide-and-seek game with a creepy stalker. You'll need to evade traps and keep generators running to survive. It's not for everyone, but it might intrigue those who enjoy tense, atmospheric games.

Mining Mechs ($4.99)

Mining Mechs is exactly what it sounds like: use mechs to mine ores and treasures, upgrade your equipment, and progress deeper underground. As you reach certain profit levels, the story unfolds. It's a straightforward but enjoyable experience for the price.

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

Today's sales list is relatively small, but the outbox offers some enticing deals. Here are some highlights to consider:

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 wraps up today's round-up. More reviews are on the way this week, so stay tuned. September is bringing a slew of new releases to the eShop, so keep an eye out. Let's plan to meet again tomorrow, but if you can't find me, check out my personal blog, Post Game Content. It's not frequently updated, but I'll be back soon. Wishing you all a wonderful Wednesday, and as always, thank you for reading!