Ace Attorney Investigations Collection Reviewed: New Releases and Sales Highlighted

As the summer sun begins to fade, we bid farewell to the longest season of the year with a mix of nostalgia and relief. It wasn’t always perfect, but it brought its fair share of unforgettable moments. Here on the SwitchArcade, we’re reflecting on the highs and lows, and preparing for the adventures ahead. No matter what lies beyond, you’ve been the best companions a gaming community could ask for. Today, we’ve got a packed lineup of reviews, new releases, and sales to keep you entertained.

Reviews & Mini-Views

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection ($39.99)

The Nintendo Switch era has given us a second chance to revisit some of gaming’s lost gems. From Trials of Mana to Fire Emblem, and now Ace Attorney Investigations Collection, the wait was worth it. This compilation brings Miles Edgeworth’s two post-Trials & Tribulations adventures to life, deepening the series’ lore and offering a fresh perspective on the courtroom drama. While the core mechanics remain largely unchanged, the presentation and storytelling elevate the experience. The second game improves upon the first, providing clarity to some of the earlier puzzles and adding depth to the narrative.

The collection comes loaded with extras, including a gallery mode with art and music, a story mode for casual players, and the ability to toggle between classic and modern graphics. A dialogue history feature ensures you won’t miss a single clue. If you’re a fan of the series, this is a must-have. With the exception of the Professor Layton crossover, every Ace Attorney game is now available on the Switch.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Gimmick! 2 ($24.99)

Thirty years after its debut on the NES, Gimmick! has returned with a sequel that stays true to its roots while introducing subtle improvements. Developed by Bitwave Games, Gimmick! 2 retains the original’s charm while offering a slightly more forgiving difficulty curve. Six lengthy levels of physics-based platforming await, with an optional easier mode for newcomers. The star attack mechanic remains central, doubling as a weapon, vehicle, and puzzle-solving tool.

While shorter than its predecessor, Gimmick! 2 maintains the same punishing difficulty. Generous checkpointing and lively visuals keep frustration at bay, but this is not a game for the faint-hearted. Fans of the original will find plenty to love here, while newcomers will appreciate its polished design.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Valfaris: Mecha Therion ($19.99)

Valfaris: Mecha Therion takes a bold leap into shoot ’em up territory, trading the original’s platforming roots for intense gunplay inspired by Lords of Thunder. Despite some performance hiccups on the Switch, the game delivers a satisfying experience with its heavy metal soundtrack and atmospheric visuals. The weapon system is particularly clever, balancing ranged attacks, melee combat, and special abilities to keep the action engaging.

While it’s not as smooth as its PC counterpart, Mecha Therion is still enjoyable on the Switch. Fans of the genre will find plenty to like, though the hardware limitations may disappoint purists.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash ($44.99)

Licensed games often cater to fans of the source material, and Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash is no exception. While it excels at delivering fan service, the lack of depth in its mini-games may alienate casual players. The presentation is strong, but repetitive gameplay and shallow challenges make it hard to recommend outside of the target audience.

For fans of the horse-girls, the unlockables and meta-systems might keep you entertained, but the game’s longevity is questionable. Non-fans will likely tire of it quickly.

SwitchArcade Score: 3/5

Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection ($9.99)

Sunsoft’s lesser-known 8-bit gems finally receive the attention they deserve in this retro collection. Featuring Firework Thrower Kantaro’s 53 Stations of the Tokaido, Ripple Island, and The Wing of Madoola, each game comes with a host of modern conveniences like save states, rewind, and full localization. While not all titles shine, the effort put into preserving these classics is commendable.

Each game offers something unique, though none will rank among the best NES titles. Sunsoft fans and retro enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Select New Releases

Cyborg Force ($9.95)

Fans of fast-paced action will find Cyborg Force a worthy addition to the Metal Slug and Contra lineage. Local multiplayer adds to the fun, making it a solid choice for couch co-op enthusiasts.

Billy’s Game Show ($7.99)

Part horror, part survival, Billy’s eerie cat-and-mouse gameplay offers a tense experience for those who enjoy the genre. However, its derivative nature may not appeal to everyone.

Mining Mechs ($4.99)

A straightforward mining sim with a simple premise: extract resources, upgrade equipment, and delve deeper into the underworld. While not groundbreaking, it provides decent value for the price.

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

A modest selection of discounts this week, but there are some hidden gems worth exploring. Fans of indie titles and retro games will find plenty to enjoy.

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)

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)

That’s all for today, folks. Stay tuned for more reviews and updates. Until tomorrow, happy gaming!