Hello discerning readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Roundup for September 2nd, 2024. While it appears to be a holiday in the US, here in Japan, it's business as usual. 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. My reviews cover Bakeru, Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, and Mika and the Witch’s Mountain. Mikhail, our resident expert, once again delves into the intricacies of Peglin. Beyond the reviews, Mikhail shares some noteworthy news, and we've compiled a comprehensive list of deals from Nintendo's Blockbuster Sale. Let's dive in!
News
Guilty Gear Strive's Nintendo Switch Debut Set for January 2025
Arc System Works has delivered! Guilty Gear Strive is coming to the Nintendo Switch on January 23rd, boasting 28 characters and crucial rollback netcode for smooth online battles. While cross-play is unfortunately absent, the game promises a satisfying offline experience and engaging online matches 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 be clear: Bakeru is not Goemon/Mystical Ninja. While developed by some veterans of that beloved series, the similarities are largely superficial. Bakeru is its own entity. Approaching it with Goemon expectations is a disservice to both games. Bakeru, developed by Good-Feel (known for their work on Wario, Yoshi, and Kirby titles), is a charming, accessible, and polished 3D platformer.
The game unfolds in a whimsical Japan, where a mischievous character named Issun teams up with a tanuki named Bakeru, whose shape-shifting abilities and taiko drum skills are crucial to their adventure. Players traverse Japan, battling enemies, collecting coins, engaging in quirky interactions, and uncovering hidden secrets across sixty-plus levels. While not every level is unforgettable, the experience maintains a consistently engaging pace. The collectibles, particularly noteworthy, often reflect the unique characteristics of each location, offering a delightful glimpse into Japanese culture.
The boss battles are a highlight, showcasing Good-Feel's mastery of creative and rewarding encounters. Bakeru takes creative risks, and while some experiments are more successful than others, the overall quality is impressive. The game's endearing charm shines through, making it intensely likeable despite its minor flaws.
The Switch version's performance, however, is a minor drawback. The framerate fluctuates, sometimes reaching 60fps but often dipping lower during intense moments. While personally not overly sensitive to inconsistent framerates, I acknowledge this could be a concern for others. Despite improvements since the Japanese release, performance issues persist.
Bakeru is a delightful 3D platformer with polished gameplay and innovative design elements. Its commitment to its unique style is infectious. While framerate issues prevent a perfect score, and those expecting a Goemon clone will be disappointed, Bakeru is a highly recommended title for a fun summer finale.
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Star Wars: Bounty Hunter ($19.99)
The prequel trilogy era spawned a plethora of Star Wars merchandise, including numerous video games. While the films themselves were divisive, they undeniably expanded the franchise's narrative possibilities. This game features Jango Fett, Boba Fett's father, and his adventures before his fateful encounter in Attack of the Clones.
The game follows Jango as he undertakes various bounty hunting missions, often with optional targets. Players utilize a diverse arsenal of weapons and gadgets, including the iconic jetpack. While initially engaging, the repetitive gameplay and dated mechanics (typical of early 2000s games) become apparent. Targeting, cover mechanics, and level design are among the shortcomings. Even at its release, it was considered average at best.
Aspyr's remaster improves the visuals and performance, and the control scheme is enhanced. However, the save system remains unchanged, potentially leading to frustrating restarts. The inclusion of a Boba Fett skin is a nice touch. This version is the best way to experience the game, if you choose to do so.
Star Wars: Bounty Hunter possesses a nostalgic charm, reflecting the rough-edged yet earnest style of early 2000s games. Its appeal lies primarily in its nostalgic value. If you crave a trip back to 2002 and appreciate janky charm, this might be for you. Otherwise, it might prove too dated.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Mika and the Witch’s Mountain ($19.99)
Following the less-than-stellar video game adaptations of Nausicaa, Studio Ghibli seemingly imposed a moratorium on further game adaptations. Mika and the Witch’s Mountain, however, draws clear inspiration from the studio's aesthetic.
Players take on 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 vibrant world and quirky characters enhance the experience, though the Switch's performance struggles at times, impacting resolution and framerate. The game likely performs better on more powerful hardware.
Mika and the Witch’s Mountain embraces its Ghibli-inspired style. Its core gameplay mechanic, while initially engaging, can become repetitive. Performance issues further detract from the experience. However, the charming world and characters make it enjoyable for those who appreciate its unique style and can tolerate some technical imperfections.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Peglin ($19.99)
Peglin, a pachinko-inspired roguelike, has evolved significantly since its early access release. This 1.0 version, launched simultaneously on Steam, mobile, and Switch, offers a more complete experience. The core gameplay involves aiming an orb at pegs to damage enemies and progress through zone maps. The game is challenging, especially early on, but rewards strategic play.
Players upgrade orbs, heal, and collect relics as they advance. Strategic peg targeting is crucial for maximizing damage and board manipulation. The game is initially complex but becomes intuitive with practice.
The Switch port performs well, though aiming feels less smooth than on other platforms. Touch controls are a viable alternative. Load times are longer than on mobile. Despite these minor drawbacks, the game offers a satisfying experience. The inclusion of in-game achievement tracking is a welcome addition.
The lack of cross-save functionality is a missed opportunity. However, the use of rumble, touchscreen support, and button controls provides versatile play options.
Peglin is a fantastic game, even with minor balance issues. It's a must-have for fans of pachinko-roguelike hybrids. The developers' utilization of Switch features enhances the overall experience.
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5 -Mikhail Madnani
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
This is just a selection of the many games on sale. A more detailed list highlighting the best deals will be published separately.
(Images of sale banners are included here, as per the original input. I cannot directly display images, but the image URLs would be included in the same format as the original input.)
That's all for today! Join us tomorrow for more reviews, new releases, sales, and news. Have a wonderful Monday!
