Bakeru & Peglin Reviews Surface in SwitchArcade Update

Hello fellow gamers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Roundup for September 2nd, 2024! While it might be a holiday in the US, it's business as usual here in Japan, meaning a fresh batch of reviews awaits. I've penned three myself, and our friend Mikhail contributes one. We'll explore Bakeru, Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, and Mika and the Witch’s Mountain, with Mikhail offering his expert insights on Peglin once more. Plus, some news from Mikhail, and a huge 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 Guilty Gear Strive to the Nintendo Switch on January 23rd! Expect 28 characters and rollback netcode for online play. While crossplay isn't included, offline and Switch-to-Switch battles should be a blast. Having loved it on Steam Deck and PS5, I'm eager to give the Switch version a try. Find the official website here.

Reviews & Mini-Views

Bakeru ($39.99)

Let's be clear: Bakeru isn't Goemon/Mystical Ninja, though some of its creators worked on that series. While there are surface similarities, it's a distinct experience. Approaching it with Goemon expectations is unfair to both games. Bakeru is its own creation. Good-Feel, known for charming platformers like Princess Peach: Showtime! and titles in the Wario, Yoshi, and Kirby franchises, delivers a delightful, accessible, and polished 3D platformer.

Mischief unfolds in Japan, with a young adventurer, Issun, aided by the shapeshifting tanuki, Bakeru. Bakeru’s taiko drum skills are key to battling foes, collecting cash, interacting with…well, let's just say some unusual characters, and uncovering secrets. Over sixty levels await, and while not all are unforgettable, the journey is consistently engaging. The collectibles, often reflecting the local area, are particularly enjoyable, offering little-known facts about Japan even for long-time residents.

The boss battles are a highlight! Good-Feel’s expertise shines through in these creative and rewarding encounters. Bakeru takes creative risks within its 3D platforming framework, with varying degrees of success. However, the well-executed battles easily outweigh any shortcomings. Despite its flaws, Bakeru is undeniably charming.

The Switch version's performance, as Mikhail noted in his Steam review, is the main drawback. The framerate fluctuates, sometimes reaching 60fps but often dropping significantly during intense action. While I'm generally tolerant of inconsistent framerates, it's worth noting for those more sensitive to such issues. Despite improvements since its Japanese release, performance problems persist.

Bakeru is a captivating 3D platformer with polished design and inventive gameplay elements. Its charm is infectious. While framerate issues detract slightly on Switch, and those expecting a Goemon clone will be disappointed, it’s a highly recommended title for a summer send-off.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Star Wars: Bounty Hunter ($19.99)

The Star Wars prequel trilogy spawned a wave of video games, and Star Wars: Bounty Hunter is a product of that era. It tells the story of Jango Fett, Boba Fett’s father, before his fateful encounter in Attack of the Clones. Jango, a top bounty hunter, undertakes a mission for Count Dooku, accumulating extra bounties along the way.

The gameplay involves targeting and eliminating various targets, utilizing a range of weapons and a jetpack. While initially engaging, the repetitive gameplay and dated mechanics (common in early 2000s games) become apparent. Targeting is imprecise, cover mechanics are flawed, and level design feels cramped. Even at its release, it was merely average.

Aspyr's remaster improves visuals and performance, and the control scheme is enhanced. However, the frustrating save system remains unchanged. A Boba Fett skin is a nice addition. If you're interested in a nostalgic trip back to 2002 action games, this is the best way to experience it.

Star Wars: Bounty Hunter possesses a certain nostalgic appeal, characteristic of its era. The remaster improves the experience, but the dated gameplay might not appeal to everyone. If you crave a nostalgic, rough-around-the-edges action game, give it a try. Otherwise, it might be too much "Jank-o Fett" for you.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Mika and the Witch’s Mountain ($19.99)

Inspired by Studio Ghibli films, Mika and the Witch’s Mountain casts you as a novice witch whose flying broom breaks after a mishap. To repair it, you take on package delivery jobs in a nearby town. The gameplay involves zipping around on your broom, delivering items and completing side quests.

The vibrant world and engaging characters enhance the experience, but the Switch version suffers from performance issues, impacting resolution and framerate. It likely runs better on more powerful hardware. Despite these technical flaws, the core gameplay loop is enjoyable.

Mika and the Witch’s Mountain is clearly influenced by Ghibli, but its repetitive core mechanic can become tiresome. Performance issues on the Switch are also a concern. If the concept appeals to you, you'll likely enjoy it despite its limitations.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Peglin ($19.99)

Peglin, a pachinko roguelike, has reached its 1.0 release across all platforms. The core gameplay involves aiming an orb at pegs to damage enemies and progress through zone maps. The game features various upgrades, events, shops, and challenging battles. It's a game that clicks once you get the hang of it.

The Switch port performs well, though aiming feels slightly less smooth than on other platforms. Touch controls are a viable alternative. Load times are longer compared to mobile and Steam. The developers have implemented a custom achievement system to compensate for the Switch's lack of built-in achievements.

Cross-save functionality is absent, but the developers have confirmed future free updates. Despite some minor issues with load times and aiming, Peglin is a fantastic addition to the Switch library, especially for fans of pachinko and roguelike mechanics. The use of rumble, touchscreen, and button controls adds to the experience. A physical release would be welcome. -Mikhail Madnani

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

This is just a small selection of the many games on sale. Check out a separate article for a curated list of top picks.

Select New Sales (Images follow as in original text)

That's all for today! Join us tomorrow for more reviews, new releases, sales, and potentially more news. Have a great Monday!