Bakeru and Peglin Applauded in SwitchArcade Review Roundup

Hello discerning readers, 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. That means a fresh batch of game reviews for you – three from yours truly, and one insightful piece from our esteemed colleague, Mikhail. I'll be covering Bakeru, Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, and Mika and the Witch’s Mountain, while Mikhail provides his expert analysis of Peglin. In addition, Mikhail shares some exciting news, and we've compiled a comprehensive 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 has delivered! Guilty Gear Strive is coming to the Nintendo Switch on January 23rd, boasting 28 characters and the much-anticipated rollback netcode for online play. While cross-play is unfortunately absent, offline play and battles with fellow Switch owners should be a smooth experience. Having enjoyed the game immensely on Steam Deck and PS5, I'm eagerly anticipating the Switch version. For more details, visit the official website.

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 will only shortchange both the game and your enjoyment. Bakeru is its own entity. Developed by Good-Feel, known for their charming and polished platformers in the Wario, Yoshi, and Kirby universes, Bakeru follows suit.

The game unfolds in a whimsical Japan, where a young adventurer named Issun teams up with a shape-shifting tanuki named Bakeru. Using Bakeru's unique abilities and a taiko drum, you'll journey across Japan, battling foes, collecting cash, interacting with quirky characters, and uncovering hidden secrets. While not every level is unforgettable, the overall experience is engaging and lighthearted. The collectibles are particularly noteworthy, often reflecting the unique characteristics of each location, offering fascinating insights into Japanese culture.

The boss battles are a highlight. Good-Feel consistently delivers memorable boss encounters, and Bakeru is no exception. These creative showdowns are rewarding and visually stunning. The game takes creative risks, some more successful than others, but the overall effect is delightful. The well-executed moments far outweigh any shortcomings. Despite its flaws, Bakeru is undeniably charming.

The Switch version's performance is a minor drawback, echoing Mikhail's observations on the Steam edition. The framerate fluctuates, sometimes reaching 60fps but often dropping significantly during intense action. While I'm generally not sensitive to inconsistent framerates, it's worth noting for players who are. Despite improvements since the Japanese release, performance issues remain.

Bakeru is a captivating 3D platformer with polished gameplay and inventive design elements. Its charm is infectious. While performance issues on the Switch and the lack of Goemon similarities might disappoint some, 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 saw a surge in Star Wars merchandise, including a surprising number of video games. While the movies weren't universally praised, they undeniably expanded the Star Wars universe. This game focuses on Jango Fett, Boba Fett's father, offering a glimpse into his life before Attack of the Clones.

The game follows Jango as he undertakes bounty hunting missions, culminating in a pivotal encounter with Count Dooku. While initially engaging, the gameplay becomes repetitive, suffering from common issues of early 2000s games. Targeting is imprecise, cover mechanics are flawed, and level design feels cramped. Even at its release, it was considered average.

Aspyr's remaster improves the visuals and performance, enhancing the overall experience. However, the antiquated save system remains, meaning lengthy stages might need to be restarted if you falter. The inclusion of a Boba Fett skin is a nice touch. If you're considering playing this game, this remastered version is the best option.

Star Wars: Bounty Hunter possesses a certain nostalgic charm, reflecting the rough-around-the-edges style of early 2000s games. It's recommended for those seeking a trip back in time. However, players expecting a polished modern experience might find it too janky.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Mika and the Witch’s Mountain ($19.99)

Following the negative reception of Nausicaa-based video games, Hayao Miyazaki's influence on the gaming world became limited. This game clearly draws inspiration from Ghibli's aesthetic.

You play as a young witch who must repair her broken broom and earn money by delivering packages. The gameplay is simple but enjoyable, enhanced by the vibrant world and engaging characters. However, the Switch version suffers from performance issues, particularly in terms of resolution and framerate. The game would likely run better on more powerful hardware.

Mika and the Witch’s Mountain embraces its Ghibli-inspired design, but the core gameplay mechanic can become repetitive. Performance issues on the Switch are also a concern. Despite these drawbacks, the charming world and characters make it an enjoyable experience for those who appreciate the concept.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Peglin ($19.99)

Peglin, a pachinko roguelike, has evolved significantly since its early access release. This 1.0 version offers a more complete experience, though it caters to a specific type of player. The core gameplay involves aiming an orb at pegs to damage enemies and progress through zones. The game is challenging, especially early on.

Strategic aiming is key, utilizing critical and bomb pegs effectively. Players can upgrade orbs, heal, and collect relics. The game’s complexity is initially daunting but becomes intuitive with practice.

The Switch port performs well, though aiming feels less smooth than on other platforms. Touch controls offer a viable alternative. Load times are longer than on mobile and Steam.

The Switch version lacks achievements, but Peglin incorporates its own achievement system. Cross-save functionality across platforms is absent.

Despite minor drawbacks, Peglin is a fantastic game for fans of the genre. The developers have effectively utilized the Switch's hardware features, offering rumble, touchscreen, and button controls.

Peglin is a must-have for Switch owners who appreciate the unique blend of pachinko and roguelike mechanics. - Mikhail Madnani

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

Nintendo's Blockbuster Sale offers a vast selection of discounted titles. A separate article highlighting the best deals will be published soon.

(Note: Due to space constraints, the extensive sales list has been omitted. Refer to the original article for the complete list.)

That concludes today's roundup. Join us tomorrow for more reviews, new releases, sales updates, and potential news. Until then, have a wonderful Monday!