Nintendo News: Bakeru and Peglin Reviews Top the Charts with SwitchArcade's Latest Roundup

Hello discerning readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for September 2nd, 2024. While it appears to be a holiday in the United States, here in Japan, it's business as usual. That means a bounty of gaming goodness awaits, kicking off the week with a trio of reviews from yours truly, and a fourth insightful perspective from our esteemed colleague, Mikhail. I'll be examining Bakeru, Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, and Mika and the Witch’s Mountain, while Mikhail offers his expert analysis of Peglin. Beyond the reviews, Mikhail shares some noteworthy news, and we’ll delve into the extensive discounts offered in Nintendo's Blockbuster Sale. Let's dive in!

News

Guilty Gear Strive Arrives on Nintendo Switch January 2025

Arc System Works has delivered! Guilty Gear Strive is coming to the Nintendo Switch on January 23rd, boasting a roster of 28 characters and the highly-anticipated rollback netcode for smooth online play. While cross-platform play is unfortunately absent, the offline experience and battles with fellow Switch players should be a treat. Having thoroughly enjoyed the game on Steam Deck and PS5, I'm eagerly anticipating this version. For more details, visit the official website.

Reviews & Mini-Views

Bakeru ($39.99)

Let's be clear: Bakeru is not Goemon/Mystical Ninja. While developed by some of the same talented individuals behind that beloved series, the similarities are largely superficial. Bakeru stands on its own merits, and approaching it with Goemon expectations is a disservice to both games. Bakeru is its own unique creation. With that clarified, let's explore this delightful title. Bakeru hails from Good-Feel, a studio renowned for its charming, accessible, and polished platformers within Nintendo franchises like Wario, Yoshi, and Kirby, most recently crafting Princess Peach: Showtime!. And Bakeru? It's precisely that type of game.

Mischief unfolds in Japan, as a charming protagonist named Issun encounters an unlikely ally—a tanuki named Bakeru. Bakeru's shape-shifting abilities and mastery of the taiko drum become invaluable in their quest. Players journey through Japan, prefecture by prefecture, engaging in lighthearted combat, collecting treasures, interacting with whimsical characters, and uncovering hidden secrets. The game features over sixty levels, and while not all are equally memorable, the overall experience maintains a captivating charm. I found the collectibles particularly engaging, often reflecting the unique aspects of each location, offering a wealth of fascinating tidbits about Japan, some even surprising to a long-time resident.

The boss battles deserve special mention. Here, comparisons to Goemon (or other Good-Feel titles) are more apt. Good-Feel clearly understands the art of crafting memorable boss encounters, and Bakeru delivers. These battles are creative spectacles that reward skillful play. Bakeru takes creative risks for a 3D platformer, with some experiments proving more successful than others. However, the triumphs far outweigh any shortcomings. I genuinely appreciated the well-designed encounters and readily forgave the less successful ones. Despite its flaws, I found myself captivated by Bakeru's infectious charm.

The Switch version's performance is the primary drawback, an issue Mikhail previously addressed in his Steam review. The framerate fluctuates, occasionally reaching 60fps but frequently dipping during intense moments. While I'm personally not overly sensitive to inconsistent framerates, it's important to note that performance issues persist despite improvements since the Japanese release. Those more sensitive to framerate inconsistencies should be aware.

Bakeru is a highly endearing 3D platformer, boasting polished design and inventive gameplay elements. Its commitment to its unique style is almost contagious. While performance issues on Switch prevent it from reaching its full potential, and those expecting a Goemon clone will be disappointed, Bakeru is a highly recommended title to cap off your summer.

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 received mixed critical reception, they undeniably expanded the Star Wars universe. Remember Boba Fett, the enigmatic bounty hunter unceremoniously dispatched by a blind Jedi? Well, meet his father, Jango Fett! Star Wars: Bounty Hunter explores Jango's story, filling in gaps in the prequel timeline.

This game follows Jango Fett, a legendary bounty hunter whose genetic material formed the basis of the clone army. The game depicts Jango's mission to hunt a Dark Jedi, orchestrated by the seemingly benevolent Count Dooku. Along the way, Jango accepts additional bounties.

The gameplay involves completing levels with specific targets, while optional bounties add replayability. Players utilize a variety of weapons and gadgets, including the iconic jetpack. While initially engaging, the repetitive gameplay and dated mechanics (common for early 2000s games) become apparent. Targeting is imprecise, cover mechanics are flawed, and level design feels cramped. Even at its release, it was an average game at best, associated with a then-controversial Star Wars film.

Aspyr's remaster improves the visuals and performance, and the control scheme is significantly enhanced. However, the archaic save system remains, potentially requiring restarts of lengthy levels. The inclusion of a Boba Fett skin is a welcome addition. If you’re considering this game, this remastered version is the preferable choice.

Star Wars: Bounty Hunter possesses a nostalgic charm, reflecting the stylistic quirks of early 2000s gaming. Its appeal lies primarily in its nostalgic value. If you're seeking a retro action game with rough edges and earnest charm, this may appeal. Otherwise, the dated gameplay might prove frustrating.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Mika and the Witch’s Mountain ($19.99)

Following negative experiences with Nausicaa-based games, Hayao Miyazaki reportedly prohibited further video game adaptations of his works. This absence of Ghibli-based games is notable, but it does mean we'll never get that epic Porco Rosso open-world flying game. Chibig and Nukefist's Mika and the Witch’s Mountain clearly draws inspiration from Ghibli's aesthetic.

Players assume the role of a novice witch whose flying broom is damaged after being flung from a mountaintop by her instructor. To repair her broom, she must earn money by delivering packages around town. This simple premise forms the core gameplay loop.

The gameplay involves delivering packages, with optional side jobs adding variety. The vibrant world and engaging characters enhance the experience. However, performance issues on the Switch, including resolution and framerate drops, detract from the experience. The game likely performs better on more powerful hardware. Players tolerant of technical imperfections will likely enjoy the game.

Mika and the Witch’s Mountain openly embraces its Ghibli influences. Its repetitive core mechanic may wear thin, and performance issues on the Switch are present. However, the charming world and quirky characters make it an enjoyable experience for those who appreciate its unique style.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Peglin ($19.99)

Approximately a year ago, I reviewed Peglin's early access version on iOS. This pachinko-roguelike title has consistently shown promise, significantly improving through updates. Its recent Switch release marks a major milestone. While I initially assumed it was simply a port of the current version, it's actually the full 1.0 release.

Peglin reached version 1.0 across Steam and mobile platforms alongside its Switch debut. The game's core gameplay involves aiming an orb at pegs on a board to damage enemies and progress through zones, similar to Slay the Spire. The game offers events, bosses, shops, and challenging battles.

Players can upgrade orbs, heal, and collect relics. Strategic peg targeting is crucial, utilizing critical or bomb pegs effectively. The initial learning curve is steep, but the gameplay becomes intuitive, and the soundtrack is incredibly catchy.

The Switch port performs well, although aiming feels less precise than on other platforms. Touch controls offer a viable alternative. Load times are longer than on mobile and Steam. While not major issues, they're worth noting. Peglin shines on Steam Deck, with Switch and mobile closely vying for second place.

The Switch version lacks achievements, but Peglin incorporates its own achievement system. Cross-save functionality across platforms is absent, which is understandable for a smaller developer.

Aside from load times and aiming, Peglin on Switch is excellent. The developers have fully utilized the Switch's features, including rumble, touchscreen support, and button controls. A physical release would be a welcome addition. -Mikhail Madnani

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

This is a substantial sale! While this list is extensive, it only covers a fraction of the available deals. A separate article highlighting the best deals will be published soon.

Select New Sales

(List of games on sale – too numerous to reproduce here. The original text contains a long list of games and their sale prices.)

That concludes today's round-up. Join us tomorrow for more reviews, new releases, additional sales, and potentially more news. The typhoon has subsided, leaving behind warm temperatures and clear skies. I hope you all have a wonderful Monday, and thank you for reading!