Nintendo Games Galore: SwitchArcade Reviews 'Bakeru' and 'Peglin'

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 insights on Peglin. Mikhail also brings us some noteworthy news, and we'll delve into the massive 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 announced the Nintendo Switch release of Guilty Gear Strive on January 23rd, 2025! The Switch version boasts 28 characters and critically acclaimed rollback netcode for online play. While cross-play is unfortunately absent, it promises a solid offline experience and engaging battles between Switch players. Having enjoyed the game extensively on Steam Deck and PS5, I'm eagerly anticipating this port. Visit 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 crucial to approach Bakeru on its own merits, not as a Goemon sequel. Developed by Good-Feel, the studio behind Princess Peach: Showtime! and various Wario, Yoshi, and Kirby titles, Bakeru is a charming, accessible 3D platformer.

The game follows Issun and his tanuki companion, Bakeru, as they journey across Japan, battling enemies, collecting treasures, and uncovering secrets. The over sixty levels offer a consistently engaging, albeit not overly memorable, experience. The collectibles are particularly noteworthy, often reflecting the unique aspects of each Japanese location, offering educational tidbits even for long-time residents.

The boss battles are a standout element, 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 such endeavors. Despite its imperfections, the game's charm and likeability shine through.

The Switch version suffers from inconsistent framerates, occasionally reaching 60fps but often dipping lower during intense moments. While personally not overly bothered by this, those sensitive to framerate inconsistencies should be aware.

Bakeru is a delightful 3D platformer with polished gameplay and innovative ideas. While performance issues on Switch prevent a perfect score, its charm and lengthy adventure make it a highly recommended title.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Star Wars: Bounty Hunter ($19.99)

Released amidst the prequel trilogy hype, Star Wars: Bounty Hunter tells the story of Jango Fett, Boba Fett's father. The game tasks you with hunting down targets, utilizing various weapons and gadgets, including the iconic jetpack. While initially engaging, the repetitive gameplay and dated mechanics (a product of its 2002 release) hinder the overall experience.

Aspyr's updated version boasts improved visuals and performance, along with a refined control scheme. However, the frustrating save system remains unchanged, potentially leading to repeated playthroughs of lengthy levels. The inclusion of a Boba Fett skin is a nice touch.

Star Wars: Bounty Hunter holds a certain nostalgic appeal, embodying the quirks of early 2000s gaming. If you appreciate retro charm and are willing to overlook its flaws, this updated version is the best way to experience this piece of Star Wars gaming history. Otherwise, it might prove too rough around the edges.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Mika and the Witch’s Mountain ($19.99)

Clearly inspired by Studio Ghibli films, Mika and the Witch’s Mountain casts you as a rookie witch tasked with delivering packages across a vibrant world. The core gameplay loop, while initially fun, can become repetitive. The game's charming world and characters help compensate, but performance issues on the Switch, affecting both resolution and framerate, detract from the experience. A more powerful platform might offer a smoother playthrough.

Mika and the Witch’s Mountain wears its inspiration proudly. If the concept appeals, you'll likely enjoy the game despite its flaws.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Peglin ($19.99)

Peglin, a pachinko-roguelike, has reached its 1.0 release across multiple platforms, including Switch. The game involves aiming an orb at pegs to damage enemies and progress through zones. The strategic depth and addictive gameplay loop make it a compelling title, though it presents a significant challenge early on.

The Switch port performs well, although aiming feels less smooth 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 is a welcome addition, compensating for the Switch's lack of system-wide achievements.

While cross-save functionality is absent, Peglin on Switch offers excellent rumble, touchscreen support, and button controls. Minor performance issues aside, it's a highly recommended title for fans of the genre. -Mikhail Madnani

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

Nintendo's Blockbuster Sale offers a massive selection of discounted titles. A separate article will highlight the best deals, so stay tuned!

(Images of sale banners are omitted here as they are not textual content and the prompt requested maintaining original image formatting.)

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