Bakeru, Peglin Reviewed; Nintendo Sale Headliners

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 bounty of gaming goodness awaits, starting with a trio of reviews penned by yours truly, and a fourth from our esteemed colleague, Mikhail. I'll be delving into Bakeru, Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, and Mika and the Witch's Mountain, while Mikhail offers his expert insights on Peglin. Beyond the reviews, Mikhail shares some noteworthy news, and we'll explore the extensive deals in 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 rollback netcode for smooth online combat. While crossplay is unfortunately absent, the title promises a robust offline experience and engaging battles with fellow Switch players. Having enjoyed the game extensively 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, the similarities are largely superficial. Expecting a Goemon clone is a disservice to both Bakeru and your own enjoyment. Bakeru stands on its own merits. With that said, let's explore this unique title from Good-Feel, a studio renowned for its charming, accessible platformers in the Wario, Yoshi, and Kirby universes.

Mischief unfolds in Japan as Issun, a charming protagonist, enlists the aid of Bakeru, a shape-shifting tanuki wielding a taiko drum. Across over sixty levels, you'll traverse Japan, battling foes, collecting coins, engaging in quirky conversations, and uncovering hidden secrets. While not every level is unforgettable, the experience is consistently engaging. The collectibles, in particular, are a highlight, often reflecting the unique aspects of each location, offering fascinating glimpses into Japanese culture.

The boss battles are exceptional! Good-Feel's mastery of boss design shines here, creating inventive encounters that reward skillful play. Bakeru takes creative risks within its 3D platforming framework, with some experiments proving more successful than others. However, the triumphs far outweigh the minor stumbles, resulting in an overall delightful experience. I found myself genuinely charmed by the game, flaws and all. Its infectious likeability is undeniable.

The Switch version's performance is the only significant drawback, echoing Mikhail's observations on the Steam edition. The framerate fluctuates, occasionally reaching 60 fps but frequently dipping during intense moments. While I'm generally tolerant of inconsistent framerates, it's worth noting for those with higher sensitivity. Despite improvements since the Japanese release, performance issues remain.

Bakeru is a captivating 3D platformer, boasting polished gameplay and innovative design elements. Its commitment to its unique concept is infectious. While framerate inconsistencies detract slightly on Switch, and those expecting a Goemon clone will be disappointed, Bakeru is a highly recommended title for a fun summer send-off.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Star Wars: Bounty Hunter ($19.99)

The Star Wars prequel trilogy spawned a wave of merchandise, including a surprising number of video games. While the films themselves were divisive, they undeniably broadened the franchise's narrative possibilities. Remember Boba Fett, the iconic bounty hunter unceremoniously dispatched into a Sarlacc pit? This game features his equally cool, yet similarly ill-fated father, Jango Fett.

Star Wars: Bounty Hunter chronicles Jango's adventures before his appearance in Attack of the Clones. The game follows Jango as he undertakes missions for the seemingly benevolent Count Dooku, hunting down a Dark Jedi and accumulating additional bounties along the way.

Gameplay involves navigating levels with specific targets, alongside optional bounties. A range of weapons and gadgets, including the iconic jetpack, enhances the experience. While initially engaging, the repetitive gameplay and dated mechanics (common for 2002 games) become apparent. Targeting is imprecise, cover mechanics are flawed, and level design feels cramped. Even in its time, it was a middling title.

Aspyr's efforts to enhance the game are commendable, improving visuals and performance. The control scheme has also been refined. However, the archaic save system remains, potentially leading to frustrating restarts. Despite its flaws, the Boba Fett skin unlock is a nice touch. If you're inclined to play, this updated version is the best option.

Star Wars: Bounty Hunter possesses a certain nostalgic charm, embodying the rough-around-the-edges aesthetic of early 2000s games. This nostalgic appeal is its strongest selling point. If you crave a time warp back to 2002 and enjoy janky yet earnest action games, this might be for you. Otherwise, the dated mechanics might prove too much.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Mika and the Witch's Mountain ($19.99)

Following the underwhelming video game adaptations of Nausicaa, Hayao Miyazaki's stance on video game adaptations of his work became clear. The lack of Ghibli-based games since then speaks volumes. While this absence is understandable, it's a shame for fans who dream of Porco Rosso flight simulators. Mika and the Witch's Mountain, developed by Chibig and Nukefist, clearly draws inspiration from Ghibli's enchanting world.

You play as a novice witch, whose flying broom is destroyed upon arrival at her training grounds. To earn repairs, you take on package delivery jobs, zipping around on your broom. The town offers a variety of delivery tasks, and side jobs enhance the experience.

The core gameplay loop is simple yet effective, enhanced by the vibrant world and memorable characters. However, the Switch version struggles at times, with resolution and framerate dips depending on the location. The game likely performs better on more powerful hardware. Players tolerant of technical imperfections will find it enjoyable.

Mika and the Witch's Mountain openly embraces its inspiration, yet its repetitive core mechanic can become tiresome. Performance issues further detract from the experience. Despite these shortcomings, the charming world and quirky characters make for a pleasant, if not perfect, adventure.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Peglin ($19.99)

Approximately a year ago, I reviewed Peglin's early access version on iOS. Its blend of pachinko mechanics and roguelike elements showed immense promise, and subsequent updates have only enhanced the experience. The Switch version, released alongside the 1.0 update for other platforms, represents a more complete and polished game.

Peglin is a niche title, appealing to players who appreciate its unique gameplay. The objective is to strategically aim an orb at pegs to damage enemies and progress through zone maps. Events, bosses, shops, and battles are integral to the experience. The early game is particularly challenging.

Upgrades, healing, and relic collection enhance your capabilities. Mastering the art of aiming and utilizing critical pegs and bombs is crucial. The initial learning curve is steep, but the gameplay quickly becomes intuitive and rewarding.

The Switch port performs admirably, although aiming feels less fluid than on other platforms. Touch controls mitigate this issue. Load times are longer than on mobile and Steam. While not game-breaking, it's a point to consider. The Steam Deck version remains superior, but the Switch version is a strong contender.

The inclusion of a built-in achievement system compensates for the Switch's lack of native achievements. Cross-save functionality across platforms would have been a welcome addition.

Aside from load times and slightly less smooth aiming, Peglin on Switch is a fantastic experience. The use of rumble, touchscreen, and button controls enhances accessibility. A physical release would be a welcome addition. -Mikhail Madnani

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

The sheer volume of games on sale is staggering. This list merely scratches the surface; a separate article highlighting the best deals is forthcoming.

Select New Sales

(List of games on sale, formatted for readability)

That concludes today's roundup. Join us tomorrow for more reviews, new releases, sales updates, and potential news. The typhoon has subsided, leaving behind sunny skies and warm temperatures. Until then, have a wonderful Monday!