WayForward is known for their acclaimed Shantae series, but they have another franchise that is also high quality. Mighty Switch Force has had a few entries since its launch and now has received an excellent compilation of four titles in one. Well I say four titles, but it is three titles and one enhanced remake.
Mighty Switch Force is a series of puzzle platformers that star Officer Patricia Wagon, who must recapture escaped crooks and stop crime. It sounds simple but quickly delves into devious design. All that said though, I should probably get to the games.
The first Mighty Switch Force game and Mighty Switch Force Hyperdrive Edition are the same game, just that the latter has better visuals and some minor tweaks. You must run, gun and jump to recapture escaped criminals, while phasing blocks in and out in order to advance. The puzzles range from easy to hair pulling, but there is a sense of satisfaction when completing them. You will soon learn that the world itself can become a weapon and phasing blocks into where an enemy is moving is a very valid way of killing them. The puzzles get harder as you progress, but the awesome music remains. In HD edition, you can unlock Pixel Patricia and other goodies as you progress and it feels overall smoother.
Mighty Switch Force 2 is the best game in the series as far as I am concerned. More run n gun elements have been added via the altered hose Patricia now wields for putting out fires, and the puzzles are more involving. The visuals are improved somewhat. but its the music that stands out, as these are some of the best tunes I have ever heard. I do feel that the puzzles are a bit easier at times here, but that might just be because they are designed with the benefit of more insight. Devices to hurl Patricia and enemies across areas are some of the most fun once you get the hang of them, and you will kick yourself for not realizing the pattern sooner.
Mighty Switch Force Academy is the last game on the collection and is very different from the others. The levels are single screen puzzle platformers, and are the most involved puzzles so far. Some require split second movement, while others are just brain teasers, but while some gave satisfaction, some just felt bland. It is not a bad game, but it is not on the level of the first two entries, especially the second game.
Overall, the collection is excellent and I fully recommend checking it out. It contains some amazing puzzle platformers and you will not regret playing these.
Disclaimer: A review key was provided