Ace Attorney Investigations Collection Reviewed: New Releases and Sales Highlighted

Hello, gentle readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for September 4th, 2024. As the long summer draws to a close, we reflect on the hot and sometimes uncomfortable days, cherishing the memorable moments we shared. I'm a bit older and wiser, and I'm grateful for the journey we've taken together. As we transition into a new season, I want to express my heartfelt thanks—you've been the best summer companions anyone could ask for. Today, we dive into a packed lineup of reviews, new releases, and sales. Let's get started!

Reviews & Mini-Views

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection ($39.99)

The Nintendo Switch has given us a second chance to enjoy games we missed in the past, like Trials of Mana, Live A Live, and the original Fire Emblem. Now, the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection brings us the previously unlocalized Ace Attorney game featuring Miles Edgeworth's adventures post-Trials & Tribulations. This series excels at building on established plot threads, and the second Ace Attorney Investigations title enhances the original's narrative, making it a must-play for fans.

Focusing on Miles Edgeworth, these games offer a fresh perspective from the prosecution's side. While the mechanics remain largely similar—searching for clues, questioning witnesses, and solving cases—the presentation and Edgeworth's unique narrative style add a refreshing twist. The pacing may feel less structured, potentially making some cases drag, but overall, fans of the main series will find this sub-series rewarding. Stick with it through the first game; the second significantly improves and retroactively enhances the first.

The collection includes bonus features akin to the Apollo Justice set, including a gallery mode with art and music, a story mode, and options to switch between original and updated graphics and soundtracks. A dialog history feature ensures you don't miss crucial details, enhancing the overall experience.

The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection offers a compelling contrast between its two games, making for a rich experience. With the second game now officially localized, and a robust set of extras, this collection is a must-have for Ace Attorney enthusiasts. Every mainline Ace Attorney game is now available on the Switch, except for the crossover with Professor Layton.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Gimmick! 2 ($24.99)

It's surreal to see a sequel to Gimmick!, a late NES game that barely reached the West outside Scandinavia. Thirty years later, not only is the original more accessible, but Gimmick! 2 has arrived, developed by Bitwave Games without the original creator's involvement. Yet, it remains remarkably faithful to its predecessor, perhaps too much for some tastes, but its dedication is commendable.

Gimmick! 2 offers six lengthy levels of challenging physics-based platforming. An easier mode caters to those seeking a less daunting experience, while the standard difficulty requires passing a test at the outset. Yumetaro's star attack remains versatile, serving as a weapon, vehicle, and puzzle solver. New collectibles reward players for tackling tougher sections, offering customization options.

While not a lengthy game, its challenge mirrors the original. Generous checkpointing mitigates frustration, though the game remains demanding. The charming visuals and lively music help maintain a positive atmosphere, but don't underestimate its difficulty. Gimmick! 2 successfully builds on its predecessor while establishing its own identity, appealing to fans of the original and platforming enthusiasts.

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. Surprisingly, it works, though the Switch's hardware struggles to keep up at times. Despite occasional performance hiccups, the game's intense action, rocking soundtrack, and eerie visuals still deliver a thrilling experience.

The game's weapon system requires a delicate balance: your primary gun weakens when its energy depletes, but your melee weapon can recharge it by slicing through bullets and enemies. A rotating third weapon or item adds strategic depth, and mastering the rhythm of weapon management is key to surviving the onslaught of enemies and obstacles.

While not a direct follow-up to the original, Valfaris: Mecha Therion maintains the heavy metal vibe and successfully navigates the genre shift. Though better performance is achievable on other platforms, the Switch version remains enjoyable for fans of the series.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash ($44.99)

Licensed games often cater to fans, and Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash is no exception. It excels in fan service, with good writing and meta-systems that reward players with fan-favorite content. However, it falls short for non-fans, offering only a few repetitive mini-games and a story that resonates primarily with dedicated followers.

The mini-games lack depth and variety, with one barely qualifying as interactive. While the presentation is solid, the gameplay doesn't hold up as a party game. Even for fans, the focus on fan service overshadows the game's potential, resulting in a fleeting experience.

Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash prioritizes fan service over engaging gameplay, which may satisfy dedicated fans temporarily but fails to captivate a broader audience.

SwitchArcade Score: 3/5

Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection ($9.99)

Sunsoft is known in the West for games like Blaster Master and Batman, but in Japan, it's celebrated for its charming 8-bit titles. Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection introduces Western audiences to three such games: Firework Thrower Kantaro’s 53 Stations of the Tokaido, Ripple Island, and The Wing of Madoola. The package includes save states, rewind, display options, manual scans, and an art gallery, all fully localized into English for the first time.

53 Stations is frustrating yet charming, Ripple Island offers a solid adventure, and The Wing of Madoola is ambitious yet uneven. None will top the charts, but they offer a unique glimpse into Sunsoft's lesser-known catalog.

This collection will delight Sunsoft fans and retro gaming enthusiasts, showcasing the care taken in its presentation and localization. Hopefully, it's the first of many such collections.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Select New Releases

Cyborg Force ($9.95)

If you enjoy run-and-gun action, Cyborg Force is worth checking out. Inspired by classics like Metal Slug and Contra, it offers challenging gameplay and local multiplayer. Available on multiple platforms, including NEOGEO, feedback is readily available for those interested.

Billy’s Game Show ($7.99)

While it may resemble Five Nights at first glance, Billy’s Game Show is more about evasion and survival. Navigate a creepy environment, hide from a stalking antagonist, and maintain power by managing generators. Not everyone's cup of tea, but it might appeal to some.

Mining Mechs ($4.99)

Mining Mechs does exactly what it says on the tin. Use mechs to mine ores and treasures, sell them to upgrade your equipment, and delve deeper into increasingly dangerous territories. As you hit profit milestones, the story progresses. A simple yet potentially enjoyable experience for the price.

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

Today's sales are modest, but the outbox offers some enticing deals. Take a moment to explore these offerings and find something that catches your eye.

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 on the way this week, so stay tuned. September brings a slew of new releases to the eShop, which is typical for this time of year. Let's aim to reconvene tomorrow, but if we get separated, you can find me at my personal blog, Post Game Content. It's not frequently updated, but I'll be back in the swing of things soon. I hope you all have a fantastic Wednesday, and as always, thank you for reading!