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 plethora of reviews, fresh releases, and some enticing sales! Let's dive in!

Reviews & Mini-Views

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection ($39.99)

The Switch has given us second chances at classic games, and now the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection brings us Miles Edgeworth's adventures. This collection cleverly builds upon previous storylines, with the sequel enhancing the original. Shifting to Edgeworth's perspective, from the prosecution's side, offers a fresh take on the familiar gameplay. While the pacing might feel less structured than other Ace Attorney titles, the unique presentation and Edgeworth's character make it compelling. If the first game feels slow, persevere – the second is significantly better.

Bonus features are plentiful, including a gallery, a story mode, and the option to choose between original and updated graphics/soundtracks. A handy dialog history is also included. Overall, the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is a fantastic package, making every Ace Attorney game (excluding the Professor Layton crossover) available on Switch. A must-have for fans.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Gimmick! 2 ($24.99)

A sequel to Gimmick! after all these years is surprising! Developed by Bitwave Games, it stays incredibly true to the original, perhaps too much for some. Six challenging physics-based platforming levels await, with an easier mode available for those who prefer a less punishing experience. Yumetaro's star attack remains central to gameplay, acting as a weapon and puzzle-solving tool. Collectibles offer customization options.

Expect a tough challenge, similar to the original. Frequent deaths are inevitable, but generous checkpoints mitigate frustration. The charming visuals and music help maintain enjoyment, even during difficult moments. Gimmick! 2 is a successful sequel, expanding on the original without losing its identity. Platforming enthusiasts who relish a challenge should definitely check it out.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Valfaris: Mecha Therion ($19.99)

Valfaris: Mecha Therion takes a bold step, trading the original's action-platforming for a shoot 'em up style. While the Switch's hardware might struggle at times, the intense action, soundtrack, and visuals are still enjoyable. The weapon system adds depth, requiring skillful management of gun energy, melee attacks, and a rotating third weapon. Mastering this rhythm is crucial for survival.

While different from the first game, Mecha Therion maintains a similar atmosphere. It's a stylish heavy metal shoot 'em up that avoids common genre pitfalls. Performance might be better on other platforms, but the Switch version is still a worthwhile experience.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash ($44.99)

A licensed game, naturally appealing to fans. Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash delivers plenty of fan service, with strong writing and meta-systems rewarding dedicated players. However, non-fans might find limited appeal in the repetitive mini-games and a story they won't fully appreciate. Even for fans, the emphasis on fan service might overshadow the overall gameplay experience.

While the presentation is excellent, the limited number of mini-games and their lack of longevity detract from the experience. The unlockable mini-game is a highlight, but the overall package feels underwhelming.

SwitchArcade Score: 3/5

Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection ($9.99)

This collection showcases Sunsoft's lesser-known 8-bit titles. It includes Firework Thrower Kantaro’s 53 Stations of the Tokaido, Ripple Island, and The Wing of Madoola. All three games feature modern conveniences like save states and rewind. Most impressively, all three are fully localized into English for the first time.

The games themselves offer a mixed bag. 53 Stations is frustrating but charming; Ripple Island is a solid adventure game; and The Wing of Madoola is ambitious but uneven. While not top-tier NES titles, they're not bad either. Fans of Sunsoft and retro game enthusiasts will appreciate this collection.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Select New Releases

Cyborg Force ($9.95)

A challenging run-and-gun game in the style of Metal Slug and Contra, offering both solo and local multiplayer options.

Billy’s Game Show ($7.99)

A game where you explore while evading a stalker, managing generators, and avoiding traps.

Mining Mechs ($4.99)

A mech-based mining game where you collect ores, upgrade your mechs, and progress deeper underground.

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

A brief overview of sales, with notable titles highlighted below. Check the full lists in the original article for more.

Select New Sales

Several games are on sale, including Nora: The Wannabe Alchemist, Deflector, Sky Caravan, The Blind Prophet, They Know, Conjured Through Death, Dark Days, Another Bar Game, Cook Serve Delicious, Blood Will Be Spilled, and Feudal Alloy.

Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 5th

Many more sales are ending soon, including Adventure Bar Story, Akiba’s Trip: Undead & Undressed, Anomaly Agent, Avenging Spirit, Bug & Seek, Burst Hero, Cat Quest II, Corpse Party, Deadcraft, Dice Make 10!, Eldgear, Evil God Korone, F1 Manager 2024, Fairy Elements, Freedom Planet 2, Genso Chronicles, Gibbon: Beyond the Trees, Hide & Dance!, Magical Drop VI, Marchen Forest, Mom Hid My Game!, Mom Hid My Game! 2, My Brother Ate My Pudding!, Port Royale 4, SCHiM, Silent Hope, Super Toy Cars Offroad, The Sinking City, Untitled Goose Game, Wing of Darkness, WitchSpring R, and Yggdra Union: WNFA.

That's it for today! More reviews are coming, along with several new eShop releases. See you tomorrow, or check out my blog, Post Game Content, for updates. Have a great Wednesday!