Game Releases & Nintendo Sale News: SwitchArcade Features 'Bakeru' & 'Peglin'

Hello discerning readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Roundup 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 plethora of gaming delights await you, beginning with a collection of reviews. Three penned by yours truly, and one courtesy of our esteemed colleague, Mikhail. I'll be examining Bakeru, Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, and Mika and the Witch’s Mountain. Mikhail, our resident expert, will once again delve into Peglin. Beyond the reviews, Mikhail has some news to share, and we'll also explore the extensive deals offered 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 online play. While cross-platform functionality is unfortunately absent, the game promises a robust offline experience and engaging battles with fellow Switch players. Having thoroughly enjoyed the game on Steam Deck and PS5, I eagerly anticipate this version. Visit the official website for more details.

Reviews & Mini-Views

Bakeru ($39.99)

Let's clarify upfront: Bakeru is not Goemon/Mystical Ninja. While developed by some of the same individuals behind that beloved series, the similarities are largely superficial. Bakeru is its own entity, and approaching it with Goemon expectations is a disservice to both games. Bakeru hails from Good-Feel, a studio renowned for its charming, accessible, and polished platformers within the Wario, Yoshi, and Kirby universes. Bakeru fits neatly within this tradition.

The game unfolds amidst unfolding events in Japan, where a young protagonist, Issun, unexpectedly teams up with Bakeru, a tanuki with shape-shifting abilities and a fondness for taiko drums. Players traverse Japan, engaging enemies, collecting cash, interacting with…unconventional characters, and uncovering hidden secrets. The adventure spans over sixty levels, offering a consistently engaging, if not entirely memorable, experience. The game's collectibles are particularly noteworthy, often reflecting the unique aspects of each location, providing charming insights into Japanese culture.

The boss battles are a highlight, showcasing Good-Feel's mastery of engaging encounters. These creative showdowns reward skillful play. Bakeru takes considerable creative risks for a 3D platformer, with some experiments proving more successful than others. However, the triumphs significantly outweigh the shortcomings, resulting in a highly enjoyable experience. Despite its flaws, Bakeru's charm is undeniable.

The Switch version's performance is the primary drawback, echoing Mikhail's observations on the Steam iteration. The framerate fluctuates, occasionally reaching 60fps but frequently dipping during intense moments. While personally unfazed by inconsistent framerates, I acknowledge this might be a significant issue for others. Despite improvements since its Japanese release, performance problems persist.

Bakeru is a delightful 3D platformer, boasting polished design and inventive gameplay elements. Its commitment to its unique style is infectious. While framerate inconsistencies detract from the overall experience on Switch, and those expecting a Goemon clone will be disappointed, Bakeru remains 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 numerous video games. While the films themselves were divisive, they undeniably expanded the Star Wars narrative. 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 Fett as he undertakes various bounty hunting missions, culminating in a pivotal encounter with a Dark Jedi. Players utilize a diverse arsenal of weapons and gadgets, including the iconic jetpack. While initially engaging, the repetitive gameplay and technical limitations (common in early 2000s games) hinder the long-term appeal. Targeting is imprecise, cover mechanics are flawed, and level design feels cramped. Even at its release, it was an average game at best.

Aspyr's updated version boasts improved visuals and performance, along with a refined control scheme. However, the archaic save system remains, potentially leading to frustrating restarts. Unlocking a Boba Fett skin adds a touch of novelty. If you're inclined to experience a game from the early 2000s, this is the best version to play.

Star Wars: Bounty Hunter possesses a certain nostalgic charm, reflecting the stylistic quirks of its era. Its recommendation hinges on a desire to revisit the gaming landscape of 2002. If you crave a rough-around-the-edges yet earnest action game, this might appeal. Otherwise, its numerous flaws might prove off-putting.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Mika and the Witch’s Mountain ($19.99)

Following negative experiences with Nausicaa-based games, Hayao Miyazaki's influence is palpable in the absence of subsequent Ghibli-related games. Mika and the Witch’s Mountain, developed by Chibig and Nukefist, clearly draws inspiration from Ghibli's aesthetic.

Players assume the role of a novice witch whose flying broom is damaged, forcing her to take on package delivery jobs to earn money for repairs. The gameplay loop involves traversing the vibrant world, delivering packages, and completing side quests. The charming world and engaging characters enhance the experience, despite occasional performance hiccups on the Switch. The game likely performs better on more powerful hardware.

Mika and the Witch’s Mountain embraces its inspiration wholeheartedly, but the repetitive core mechanic can become tedious. Performance issues on the Switch further detract from the experience. However, the overall charm and quirky characters might still make it enjoyable for those willing to overlook its technical shortcomings.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Peglin ($19.99)

Approximately a year ago, I reviewed Peglin's early access version on iOS. Now, in its 1.0 release, Peglin arrives on Switch, offering a more complete experience. This pachinko-roguelike is a niche title, appealing to a specific audience. Players aim an orb at pegs on a board, damaging enemies and progressing through zone maps. The game features events, bosses, shops, and challenging battles.

Strategic orb aiming is crucial, utilizing critical or bomb pegs effectively. Players can also refresh the board. The initial learning curve is steep, but the gameplay becomes increasingly rewarding. 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. The inclusion of in-game achievements compensates for the Switch's lack of system-wide achievements.

The absence of cross-save functionality is a minor drawback. Despite some balance issues and minor performance concerns, Peglin shines on Switch due to its intuitive control options (touchscreen, button controls), satisfying rumble, and the promise of future updates.

Even in its early access phase, Peglin was exceptional. While some balance refinements are needed, it's a must-have for Switch players who appreciate the unique blend of pachinko and roguelike mechanics. The developers' effective utilization of Switch features enhances the overall experience. -Mikhail Madnani

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

The following is a selection of the numerous sales currently available. A more comprehensive list highlighting the best deals will be published separately.

Select New Sales

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That concludes today's roundup. Join us tomorrow for more reviews, new releases, additional sales, and potentially more news. Until then, farewell!