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 personally tackled Bakeru, Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, and Mika and the Witch’s Mountain, while our esteemed colleague Mikhail provides his expert take on Peglin. Plus, Mikhail shares some exciting 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

Get ready, Switch players! Arc System Works is bringing Guilty Gear Strive to the Nintendo Switch on January 23rd, 2025. This version boasts 28 characters and, crucially, rollback netcode for smooth online battles. While crossplay isn't included, offline play and online matches with other Switch users should be a treat. Having loved the game on Steam Deck and PS5, I'm eagerly anticipating this release. Visit the official website for more details.

Reviews & Mini-Views

Bakeru ($39.99)

Let's get one thing straight: Bakeru is not a Goemon/Mystical Ninja clone, despite being developed by some of the same team. While superficial similarities exist, it's a distinct entity. Expecting a Goemon experience will only shortchange both the game and your enjoyment. Bakeru stands on its own merits. Developed by Good-Feel (known for Wario, Yoshi, and Kirby titles), Bakeru is a charming, accessible, and polished 3D platformer.

The story unfolds in Japan, following Issun and his unlikely companion, the shape-shifting tanuki Bakeru. Explore Japan, region by region, battling enemies, collecting cash, interacting with (yes, even poop!), and uncovering hidden secrets. The over sixty levels offer a consistently engaging, if not always memorable, adventure. The collectibles, reflecting the unique aspects of each location, are a particular highlight. Many are genuinely insightful, even for a long-time Japan resident like myself.

The boss battles deserve special mention. Good-Feel’s expertise shines here, delivering creative and rewarding encounters. Bakeru takes creative risks, some more successful than others, but the highlights are truly memorable. Despite its flaws, the game's charm is undeniable; it's intensely likeable.

The Switch version suffers from inconsistent framerate, sometimes reaching 60fps but frequently dropping during intense action. While personally not overly bothered by this, players sensitive to framerate issues should be aware. Despite improvements since the Japanese release, performance issues persist.

Bakeru is a delightful 3D platformer with a polished design and inventive gameplay elements. Its charm is infectious. While performance issues on Switch prevent a perfect score, and those expecting Goemon might be disappointed, it's a highly recommended title for a fun summer send-off.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Star Wars: Bounty Hunter ($19.99)

The prequel trilogy era spawned numerous Star Wars games, and Star Wars: Bounty Hunter features Jango Fett, Boba Fett's father. This game chronicles Jango's adventures before his appearance in Attack of the Clones, detailing his rise to become the template for the clone army.

The gameplay involves completing levels with specific targets, while also hunting optional bounties. A variety of weapons and gadgets, including the iconic jetpack, are at your disposal. While initially engaging, the repetitive gameplay and dated mechanics (typical of a 2002 game) hinder the long-term experience. Targeting is clunky, cover mechanics are flawed, and level design feels cramped.

Aspyr's port improves visuals and performance, and the control scheme is better. However, the frustrating save system remains unchanged, requiring restarts from the beginning of long stages. A Boba Fett skin is a nice bonus.

Star Wars: Bounty Hunter possesses a nostalgic charm, capturing the feel of early 2000s action games. If you crave a retro experience with its rough edges and earnest charm, this is for you. Otherwise, the dated mechanics might prove too much.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Mika and the Witch’s Mountain ($19.99)

Clearly inspired by Ghibli films, Mika and the Witch’s Mountain puts you in the role of a rookie witch whose flying broom breaks, forcing her to take on package delivery jobs to earn money for repairs. The vibrant world and charming characters are highlights, but the Switch struggles with performance at times, impacting resolution and framerate.

The core gameplay loop, while dedicated, can become repetitive. If you enjoy the concept, you'll likely find it enjoyable despite its technical shortcomings.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Peglin ($19.99)

Peglin, a pachinko roguelike, has reached its 1.0 release across platforms, including Switch. It's a challenging game with a unique blend of aiming mechanics and roguelike progression. The Switch port offers good performance overall, although aiming feels less smooth than on other platforms, and load times are longer. Touch controls are a viable alternative.

The game includes a built-in achievement system, a welcome addition given the Switch's lack of system-wide achievements. Cross-save functionality is absent, which would have been a nice inclusion.

Despite some balance issues, Peglin is a must-have for fans of the pachinko roguelike genre. The developers have effectively utilized the Switch's features, offering rumble, touchscreen, and button controls.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5 -Mikhail Madnani

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

Nintendo's Blockbuster Sale offers a massive selection of discounted titles. I've highlighted some of the best deals below, but be sure to check out a separate article for a more comprehensive list.

(Images of sale games)

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