Hello fellow gamers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Roundup for September 4th, 2024! Summer's over, but the memories remain. I'm feeling a bit wiser after a fantastic summer with all of you – truly the best gaming companions anyone could ask for. Let's dive into today's update: a plethora of reviews, some fresh releases, and a handful of sales!
The Switch has given us second chances at some classic titles, and now the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection brings us Miles Edgeworth's adventures. This collection masterfully builds upon previous storylines, particularly the second game, which significantly enhances the first. Experiencing the prosecution's perspective offers a fresh take on familiar mechanics: clue-finding, witness questioning, and case-solving. While the pacing can sometimes feel less structured than other Ace Attorney games, 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 generous, including an art and music gallery, a story mode, and the option to switch between original and updated visuals/soundtracks. A handy dialog history is also included. Overall, the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is a must-have for fans, offering a complete and satisfying experience. With this release, almost every Ace Attorney title is now available on Switch.
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
A sequel to the obscure NES classic Gimmick! is a surprising yet welcome addition. Developed by Bitwave Games, Gimmick! 2 stays true to its predecessor, offering six challenging physics-based platforming levels. While the difficulty remains high, an easier mode is available. Yumetaro's star attack returns, serving as a versatile tool for combat and puzzle-solving. Collectibles add replay value, unlocking customization options.
The game's length is comparable to the original, but generous checkpoints prevent frustration. The charming visuals and music help maintain engagement despite the difficulty. Gimmick! 2 is a solid sequel that successfully builds upon the original's challenging gameplay. Fans of the first game and challenging platformers should definitely check it out.
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Valfaris: Mecha Therion takes a bold step, shifting from the original's action-platformer style to a shoot 'em up experience. While the Switch's performance might not be perfect, the intense action, rocking soundtrack, and creepy visuals still deliver a fun experience. The weapon system adds depth, requiring players to manage gun energy, melee attacks, and a rotating third weapon. Mastering this rhythm is key to survival.
While different from its predecessor, Mecha Therion maintains a similar atmosphere. It's a stylish, heavy metal-infused shoot 'em up that avoids common genre pitfalls. While other platforms may offer better performance, the Switch version remains enjoyable.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
A licensed game, naturally appealing to fans of the Umamusume franchise. The game excels in fan service, with good writing and meta-systems rewarding dedicated players. However, for non-fans, the limited number of repetitive mini-games and a weak story make it less appealing. Even for fans, the emphasis on fan service over gameplay might lead to short-term enjoyment.
While the presentation is excellent, and unlockables might keep fans engaged for a while, the overall experience lacks longevity.
SwitchArcade Score: 3/5
This collection showcases Sunsoft's lesser-known 8-bit games, offering three fully localized titles: Firework Thrower Kantaro’s 53 Stations of the Tokaido, Ripple Island, and The Wing of Madoola. The package includes save states, rewind, display options, and art galleries. The full localization is a significant achievement.
The games themselves are a mixed bag, with varying levels of challenge and appeal. 53 Stations can be frustrating, while Ripple Island is a solid adventure game, and The Wing of Madoola is ambitious but uneven. Despite their flaws, they offer a unique glimpse into Sunsoft's history. Fans of retro games and Sunsoft will appreciate this collection.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
A challenging run-and-gun game similar to Metal Slug and Contra, featuring both solo and local multiplayer options.
A stealth-focused game where you must evade a stalker while managing generators and avoiding traps.
A mech-based mining game with progressive story elements and increasing difficulty.
A brief overview of sales, highlighting some notable titles. (Check the original article for the full list).
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Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 5th
That's it for today! More reviews are coming this week, and plenty of new releases are expected in the coming days. See you tomorrow, or check out my blog, Post Game Content, for updates! Thanks for reading!