Hello fellow gamers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Roundup for September 4th, 2024! Summer's over, but the memories remain. I'm feeling refreshed and ready for autumn, and grateful for your company throughout the season. Let's dive into today's gaming goodness: a plethora of reviews, fresh releases, and some enticing sales!
Reviews & Mini-Views
Ace Attorney Investigations Collection ($39.99)
The Switch has given us second chances at many classic titles, and now the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection brings us Miles Edgeworth's previously unlocalized adventures. This collection builds brilliantly on previous storylines, with the sequel enhancing the original. The games offer a unique perspective from the prosecution's standpoint, maintaining the core gameplay while adding fresh elements. While the pacing can feel uneven at times, fans of the main series will find this sub-series highly enjoyable. The second game, in particular, is a significant improvement.
Bonus features include an art and music gallery, a story mode, and the option to switch between original and updated graphics/soundtracks. A handy dialog history feature is also included. Overall, the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is a fantastic package, finally making every Ace Attorney game (excluding the Professor Layton crossover) available on the Switch.
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Gimmick! 2 ($24.99)
A sequel to the obscure NES title Gimmick! is a surprising but welcome addition. Developed by Bitwave Games, this faithful sequel delivers six challenging physics-based platforming levels. A new easier mode caters to a wider audience, while the standard difficulty retains the original's demanding nature. The familiar star mechanic returns, serving as a weapon and puzzle-solving tool. Collectibles unlock customization options, adding replay value.
Expect a tough but rewarding experience. The charming visuals and music help mitigate the frustration of frequent deaths, and generous checkpoints prevent overwhelming difficulty. Gimmick! 2 successfully builds upon its predecessor while forging its own identity. A must-have for fans of the original and challenging platformers alike.
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Valfaris: Mecha Therion ($19.99)
Valfaris: Mecha Therion boldly shifts gears from its predecessor's action-platforming to a shoot 'em up style. While the Switch's performance might be slightly hampered, the intense action, rocking soundtrack, and distinctive visuals still shine. The weapon system adds strategic depth, requiring players to manage gun energy, melee attacks, and a rotating third weapon. Mastering this rhythm is crucial for survival.
While different from the original, Mecha Therion maintains a similar aesthetic and avoids common genre pitfalls. Although other platforms may offer better performance, the Switch version delivers a satisfying shoot 'em up experience.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash ($44.99)
A licensed game primarily aimed at fans of the Umamusume franchise. While it delivers ample fan service with strong writing and meta-systems, the limited number of repetitive mini-games may disappoint those unfamiliar with the source material. The unlockable mini-game is a highlight, but the overall experience lacks longevity.
Even for fans, the game's focus on fan service might overshadow its gameplay. The presentation is strong, but the limited content might not justify the price for casual players.
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 titles. Firework Thrower Kantaro’s 53 Stations of the Tokaido, Ripple Island, and The Wing of Madoola offer a diverse range of gameplay experiences. All three games are fully localized for the first time, a significant achievement. The package includes save states, rewind, display options, and art galleries.
While not all games are top-tier, they possess a unique charm and historical significance. Fans of Sunsoft and retro gaming enthusiasts will appreciate this collection, offering a glimpse into a lesser-known part of the publisher's history.
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, featuring both solo and local multiplayer options.
Billy’s Game Show ($7.99)
A stealth-focused game where players must evade a stalker while maintaining power and avoiding traps.
Mining Mechs ($4.99)
A mech-based mining game where players explore increasingly dangerous depths to collect resources.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
A selection of sales are listed below, with a focus on notable titles. Please refer to the original article for the complete list.
Select New Sales
(List of games on sale)
Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 5th
(List of games on sale)
That's all for today! More reviews are on the way, and plenty of new releases are expected. See you tomorrow, or check out my blog, Post Game Content, for updates. Have a great Wednesday!
