SwitchArcade Round-Up: Reviews Featuring ‘Bakeru’ & ‘Peglin’, Plus Highlights From Nintendo’s Blockbuster Sale

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 tackled Bakeru, Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, and Mika and the Witch's Mountain, while our friend Mikhail offers his expert opinion on Peglin. Plus, Mikhail shares some news, and we've got 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 the fighting game Guilty Gear Strive to the Nintendo Switch on January 23rd! Expect 28 characters and rollback netcode for online play. While cross-play is unfortunately absent, offline battles and matches against other Switch players should be smooth. Having loved the game on Steam Deck and PS5, I'm eager to give the Switch version a try. Check out the official website for more details.

Reviews & Mini-Views

Bakeru ($39.99)

Let's be clear: Bakeru is not Goemon/Mystical Ninja, despite sharing some surface-level similarities with the classic series. It's a distinct title, and approaching it with Goemon expectations would be unfair to both games. Bakeru is its own creation, developed by Good-Feel, a studio known for charming, accessible platformers in the Wario, Yoshi, and Kirby universes. And that's precisely what Bakeru delivers.

The game follows Issun and Bakeru, a tanuki with shape-shifting abilities, as they traverse Japan, battling enemies, collecting cash, and uncovering secrets across sixty-plus levels. While not all levels are equally memorable, the experience remains consistently engaging. I particularly enjoyed the collectibles, often reflecting the unique characteristics of each location, offering interesting insights into Japanese culture.

The boss battles are a highlight, showcasing Good-Feel's knack for creative and rewarding encounters. Bakeru takes creative risks, with some elements working better than others – a common occurrence in this genre. Despite its flaws, the game's charm is undeniable, making it intensely likeable.

The Switch version's performance is the main drawback, with a variable framerate that occasionally dips below 60 fps, particularly during intense moments. While I'm generally not bothered by inconsistent framerates, it's worth noting for those more sensitive to such issues.

Bakeru is a delightful 3D platformer with polished design and inventive gameplay elements. Its commitment to its unique style is infectious. While performance issues and the lack of Goemon connection may disappoint some, it's still a highly recommended title.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Star Wars: Bounty Hunter ($19.99)

The prequel trilogy era spawned a plethora of Star Wars games, and Star Wars: Bounty Hunter focuses on Jango Fett, Boba Fett's father. The game chronicles Jango's adventures as he hunts a Dark Jedi for Count Dooku, picking up extra bounties along the way.

The gameplay involves tackling levels with specific targets, while optional targets offer additional challenges. A variety of weapons and gadgets, including a jetpack, are available. However, the gameplay loop becomes repetitive, and the game suffers from technical limitations typical of early 2000s titles. Targeting and cover mechanics are flawed, and level design feels cramped.

Aspyr's updated version improves visuals and performance, along with a better control scheme. However, the frustrating save system remains unchanged. Despite its age, a certain nostalgic charm persists. If you're in the mood for a janky but earnest action game from the early 2000s, this is worth considering.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Mika and the Witch's Mountain ($19.99)

This game clearly draws inspiration from Studio Ghibli films. You play as a rookie witch whose broom breaks, forcing you to take on package delivery jobs to earn money for repairs. The vibrant world and charming characters are highlights. However, the Switch version suffers from performance issues, affecting resolution and framerate.

If you enjoy the core gameplay loop and can overlook the technical limitations, you'll likely find Mika and the Witch's Mountain enjoyable.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Peglin ($19.99)

Mikhail's review highlights Peglin's 1.0 release, a complete version of the pachinko roguelike. The core gameplay involves aiming an orb at pegs to damage enemies and progress through zones. The game is challenging but rewarding, with upgrades, relics, and strategic decision-making.

The Switch port performs well, though aiming isn't as smooth as on other platforms. Touch controls are a viable alternative. Load times are longer than on mobile and Steam. The inclusion of in-game achievements is a nice touch. Cross-save functionality is absent.