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 yet memorable times we've shared. I'm a bit older and wiser now, and I'm thankful for the journey we've taken together. As we step into a new season, I want to express my gratitude for being the best summer companions anyone could hope for. Today, we've got a lineup packed with reviews, new releases, and some exciting sales. Let's dive right in!

Reviews & Mini-Views

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection ($39.99)

The Nintendo Switch has truly been a blessing, offering us second chances at many classics that slipped through our fingers in the past. From Trials of Mana to Live A Live and the original Fire Emblem, it's been a treasure trove of nostalgia. 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 weaving intricate plot threads, and the second Ace Attorney Investigations game does this exceptionally well, enhancing the original in hindsight.

Focusing on Miles Edgeworth, these games shift the perspective to the prosecution's side, maintaining the core mechanics of searching for clues, interrogating witnesses, and solving cases. While the gameplay remains familiar, the presentation is fresh and engaging, and Edgeworth's unique narrative voice adds depth. The pacing might feel less structured than in other Ace Attorney titles, occasionally making some cases feel lengthy, but fans of the series will find much to enjoy. If the first game feels slow, persevere; the second game is a significant improvement and ties everything together beautifully.

The collection includes a gallery mode with art and music, a story mode for a more relaxed experience, and options to toggle between original and updated graphics and soundtracks. A dialog history feature is a welcome addition, ensuring you never miss crucial information. The contrast between the two games in the collection makes for a rich experience, and the inclusion of the second game in English is a major highlight. With every Ace Attorney game now available on Switch except the Professor Layton crossover, this is a must-have for fans.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Gimmick! 2 ($24.99)

It's surreal to see a sequel to Gimmick!, a late NES gem that never saw a Western release beyond Scandinavia. Now, thirty years later, the original is more accessible than ever, and we're treated to Gimmick! 2. Developed by Bitwave Games without the original creator's involvement, this sequel remains remarkably faithful, perhaps too much so for some, but it captures the spirit of the original beautifully.

This game offers six challenging, physics-based platforming levels that will test your skills from the get-go. An easier mode is available for those who prefer a less punishing experience, but to tackle the standard difficulty, you must first pass a test. Yumetaro's star attack remains versatile, serving as a weapon, vehicle, and puzzle solver. New collectibles, often hidden in tougher sections, add customization options and a sense of achievement.

While Gimmick! 2 can be completed quickly if you rush through, its difficulty ensures it's no walk in the park. The game's generous checkpointing helps manage frustration, though the adorable visuals and lively music keep things engaging. Don't let its charming appearance fool you; Gimmick! 2 demands platforming mastery and clever use of Yumetaro's star and the environment.

This sequel defies expectations, delivering a worthy follow-up to a beloved classic. Fans of the original will be delighted, and platformer enthusiasts looking for a challenge will find it rewarding. Just be aware that Gimmick! 2 maintains its predecessor's tough nature, even with an easier setting.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Valfaris: Mecha Therion ($19.99)

Valfaris: Mecha Therion takes a bold step away from the action-platforming roots of its predecessor, embracing a shoot 'em up style reminiscent of Lords of Thunder. Surprisingly, this shift works well, though the Switch's hardware struggles at times to handle the intense action. It's not unplayable, and the game's heavy metal soundtrack, eerie visuals, and gripping gameplay still shine through.

The game's weapon mechanics create an engaging juggling act. Your primary gun loses power over time, weakening until you recharge it with a melee attack that can also slice through bullets and enemies. A rotating third weapon or item adds variety, starting with a lock-on missile and evolving as you progress. Mastering the rhythm of weapon management and defensive maneuvers is key to success.

While Valfaris: Mecha Therion diverges significantly from its predecessor in gameplay, it retains the same atmospheric vibe. It avoids common pitfalls of genre shifts, offering a unique heavy metal shoot 'em up experience. For the best performance, consider other platforms, but the Switch version still delivers a thrilling experience.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash ($44.99)

Licensed games are often geared toward fans, and Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash is no exception. It excels in fan service, delivering solid writing and meta-systems that reward fans with a variety of unlockables. However, for non-fans, the game falls short, offering a limited selection of repetitive mini-games and a story that only resonates with dedicated followers of the franchise.

The mini-games lack depth and variety, with one barely qualifying as interactive. While the presentation is commendable, the gameplay doesn't hold up for those not invested in the Umamusume universe. Even for fans, the game's focus on the wrong elements might lead to a fleeting experience. An unlockable mini-game offers some excitement, but it's not enough to sustain long-term interest.

Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash may appeal to dedicated fans with its strong connection to the Umamusume world, but it fails to deliver a robust party game experience for others. The game's charm and unlockables might keep fans engaged for a while, but its limitations could leave others wanting more.

SwitchArcade Score: 3/5

Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection ($9.99)

Sunsoft is a name many Western gamers associate with classics like Blaster Master and Batman, but in Japan, the company is known for its charming 8-bit games. Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection brings three of these lesser-known titles to the West, offering a delightful package at a budget-friendly price.

The collection includes Firework Thrower Kantaro’s 53 Stations of the Tokaido, Ripple Island, and The Wing of Madoola. Each game comes with essential features like save states, rewind, display options, and an art gallery. Remarkably, all three games have been fully localized, with Ripple Island receiving a particularly impressive translation.

The games vary in quality. 53 Stations is challenging due to its unwieldy weapon, but its unique theme adds charm. Ripple Island is a solid adventure game worth exploring, while The Wing of Madoola is ambitious but inconsistent. None will rank among the best NES games, but they offer a fascinating glimpse into Sunsoft's lesser-known catalog.

Fans of Sunsoft and retro gaming will appreciate this collection's thoughtful curation and the chance to experience previously unreleased titles. It's a promising start to what could be a series of such collections, celebrating the diverse legacy of this iconic publisher.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Select New Releases

Cyborg Force ($9.95)

If you're a fan of run-and-gun action games like Metal Slug and Contra, Cyborg Force might be your next obsession. This challenging title supports both solo and local multiplayer modes. Already available on other platforms, including the NEOGEO, it's garnered positive feedback that should pique your interest.

Billy’s Game Show ($7.99)

At first glance, Billy’s Game Show might seem like a Five Nights clone, but it's more about survival and evasion. You'll need to navigate the environment, avoid a stalking antagonist, dodge traps, and keep generators running to prevent a blackout. It's not for everyone, but if you enjoy tense, atmospheric gameplay, give it a try.

Mining Mechs ($4.99)

Mining Mechs does exactly what it says on the tin. Use your mech to mine for ores and treasures, sell them to buy upgrades, and delve deeper into increasingly dangerous territories. As you hit profit milestones, the story progresses. It's straightforward but offers good value for a budget price.

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

Today's sales list is modest, but the outbox contains some gems worth exploring. Learning to find these deals on your own is part of the fun, after all.

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, and we've got plenty of new releases hitting the eShop in the coming days. Let's plan to meet again tomorrow, but if we get separated, you can always find me at my personal blog, Post Game Content. Though it's rarely updated, I feel a resurgence coming soon. Wishing you all a fantastic Wednesday, and as always, thank you for reading!