Bakeru & Peglin Reviews | Nintendo Blockbuster Sale Highlights

Hello fellow gamers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for September 2nd, 2024! While it might be a holiday in the US, it's business as usual here in Japan, bringing you a fresh batch of reviews to kick off the week. I've penned three, and our friend Mikhail has contributed one, covering titles like Bakeru, Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, Mika and the Witch’s Mountain, and a deeper dive into Peglin. Plus, Mikhail shares some news, and we've got a massive list of deals from Nintendo's Blockbuster Sale. Let's dive in!

News

Guilty Gear Strive Arrives on Nintendo Switch in January 2025

Arc System Works is bringing the fighting game Guilty Gear Strive to the Nintendo Switch on January 23rd! Expect 28 characters and rollback netcode for online play. While cross-platform play isn't included, it promises a solid offline and Switch-to-Switch online experience. Having enjoyed it on Steam Deck and PS5, I'm eager to check out the Switch version. Visit the official website for more details.

Reviews & Mini-Views

Bakeru ($39.99)

Let's be clear: Bakeru isn't Goemon/Mystical Ninja, despite sharing some surface-level similarities with the classic series. It's developed by some of the same team, but it's its own unique experience. Managing expectations is key. Bakeru is a product of Good-Feel, a studio known for charming, accessible platformers in the Wario, Yoshi, and Kirby universes. And Bakeru fits that mold perfectly.

The game unfolds in a whimsical Japan, where a young adventurer, Issun, teams up with a shape-shifting tanuki named Bakeru. Exploring Japan region by region, you'll battle foes, collect coins, interact with unusual characters, and uncover secrets. The over sixty levels offer a consistently engaging, lighthearted adventure. I particularly enjoyed the collectibles, often reflecting the unique aspects of each location, offering interesting insights into Japanese culture.

The boss battles are a highlight, reminiscent of Good-Feel's knack for creative and rewarding encounters. Bakeru takes some bold creative risks for a 3D platformer, with some elements working better than others – a common occurrence in this genre. The successes are memorable, and the less successful attempts are easily forgiven. Despite its flaws, the game's charm is undeniable.

Performance on the Switch is the main drawback, mirroring issues Mikhail noted in his Steam review. The framerate fluctuates, occasionally reaching 60fps but often dropping significantly during intense moments. While I'm not overly sensitive to framerate inconsistencies, it's worth noting for those who are. Improvements have been made since the Japanese release, but issues persist.

Bakeru is a delightful 3D platformer, polished and brimming with fun ideas. Its commitment to its unique style is infectious. Framerate issues prevent it from reaching its full potential on Switch, and those expecting a Goemon clone will be disappointed. However, it's a highly recommended title for a fun summer send-off.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Star Wars: Bounty Hunter ($19.99)

The Star Wars prequel trilogy spawned a wave of merchandise, including numerous video games. While the films were divisive, they undeniably expanded the universe’s storytelling potential. This game focuses on Jango Fett, Boba Fett's father, filling in his backstory before Attack of the Clones.

The game follows Jango as he hunts a Dark Jedi for Count Dooku, picking up extra bounties along the way. You'll use a variety of weapons and gadgets, including the iconic jetpack. While initially engaging, the repetitive gameplay and technical limitations of a 2002 game show their age. Targeting is imprecise, cover mechanics are flawed, and level design feels cramped. Even at its release, it was merely average.

Aspyr's port improves visuals and performance, and the control scheme is enhanced. However, the archaic save system remains, potentially requiring restarts of lengthy levels. Unlocking a Boba Fett skin is a nice touch. If you're playing this game, this version is the best option.

Star Wars: Bounty Hunter possesses a nostalgic charm, showcasing the rough-edged style of early 2000s games. Its appeal lies in its nostalgic value. If you crave a trip back to 2002 and don't mind rough edges, this might appeal. Otherwise, it might be too janky.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Mika and the Witch’s Mountain ($19.99)

Following the negative reception of Nausicaa-based games, Hayao Miyazaki reportedly banned further adaptations of his works. Mika and the Witch’s Mountain clearly draws inspiration from Ghibli films.

You play as a novice witch whose flying broom breaks after being thrown off a mountain. To repair it, you take up package delivery jobs. The vibrant world and characters are charming, but the Switch struggles with performance, impacting resolution and framerate. The gameplay, while solid, can become repetitive.

If you enjoy the concept, you'll likely find enjoyment in Mika and the Witch’s Mountain. However, the technical limitations on the Switch are noticeable.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Peglin ($19.99)

Peglin, a pachinko roguelike, has reached its 1.0 release across platforms. The core gameplay involves aiming an orb at pegs to damage enemies and progress through zones. The strategic depth comes from utilizing critical and bomb pegs effectively. The game's difficulty is significant early on.

The Switch port performs well, although aiming feels less smooth than on other platforms. Touch controls mitigate this. Load times are longer than on mobile and Steam. The inclusion of in-game achievement tracking is a welcome addition. Cross-save functionality is absent.

Despite some balance issues and minor performance quirks, Peglin is a must-have for fans of the genre. The developers' use of Switch features (rumble, touchscreen, button controls) enhances the experience.