Reviews and News for Mobile Gamers: 'Ace Attorney Investigations' and More

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 brings a bounty of game reviews, exciting new releases, and some tempting sales. Let's dive in!

Reviews & Mini-Views

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection ($39.99)

The Nintendo Switch continues to deliver second chances at classic games. Following the successful releases of Trials of Mana and Live A Live, we now have the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection, featuring Miles Edgeworth's adventures. This collection masterfully builds upon previous storylines, especially in the second game, enhancing the overall experience. Shifting the perspective to the prosecution offers a fresh take on the familiar gameplay. While the pacing might feel less structured than other Ace Attorney titles, fans will appreciate the unique presentation and Edgeworth's compelling narrative. The inclusion of a gallery mode, story mode, graphical/soundtrack options, and a helpful dialogue history adds significant value. This collection completes the Ace Attorney library on Switch (excluding the Professor Layton crossover), a must-have for series enthusiasts.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Gimmick! 2 ($24.99)

A sequel to the obscure NES title Gimmick! is a surprising yet welcome addition. Developed by Bitwave Games, Gimmick! 2 stays true to the original's challenging physics-based platforming. Six lengthy levels will test your skills, but an easier mode is available for those seeking a less demanding experience. The familiar star mechanic returns, serving as a versatile tool for combat and puzzle-solving. Collectibles add replayability, unlocking customization options. While the game's difficulty remains high, generous checkpoints mitigate frustration. The charming visuals and music enhance the experience. For fans of the original and those who enjoy a challenging platformer, Gimmick! 2 is a must-play.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Valfaris: Mecha Therion ($19.99)

A bold departure from its predecessor, Valfaris: Mecha Therion shifts to a shoot 'em up style. Despite the genre change, the game largely succeeds, though performance on the Switch might be slightly hampered by the console's hardware limitations. The gameplay revolves around managing multiple weapons—a main gun, a melee weapon, and a rotating third weapon—requiring strategic use of energy and cooldowns. The intense action, memorable soundtrack, and distinctive visuals remain captivating. While other platforms may offer better performance, the Switch version delivers a satisfying experience.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash ($44.99)

A licensed game catering primarily to fans of the Umamusume franchise. The game excels in its fan service, offering a strong narrative and meta-systems that reward dedicated players. However, the limited number of repetitive mini-games might not appeal to non-fans. While the presentation is excellent, the gameplay lacks depth and longevity, especially for those unfamiliar with the source material. Even for fans, the focus on fan service might overshadow the overall gameplay experience.

SwitchArcade Score: 3/5

Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection ($9.99)

This collection showcases a lesser-known side of Sunsoft's Japanese library. Featuring three fully localized 8-bit titles—Firework Thrower Kantaro’s 53 Stations of the Tokaido, Ripple Island, and The Wing of Madoola—the collection offers a diverse range of gameplay experiences. The inclusion of save states, rewind, display options, and an art gallery enhances the retro gaming experience. While the games themselves vary in quality, the collection's value lies in its localization and preservation of obscure titles. Fans of retro gaming and Sunsoft's history will appreciate this offering.

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-survival game where players must hide from a pursuing antagonist while maintaining power generators.

Mining Mechs ($4.99)

A mining simulator where players use mechs to collect resources, upgrade equipment, and progress through increasingly dangerous underground levels.

Sales

Several sales are highlighted, both ending soon and new ones beginning. The list is too extensive to fully reproduce here, but notable titles are mentioned with their discounted prices and sale durations. Check the original article for the complete list.

That's all for today! More reviews are coming this week, along with new eShop releases. See you tomorrow, or check out my personal blog, Post Game Content, for further updates. Thanks for reading!