SwitchArcade Round-Up: Reviews Featuring ‘Bakeru’ & ‘Peglin’, Plus Highlights From Nintendo’s Blockbuster Sale

Hello fellow gamers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up 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, kicking off the week in our usual style. I'll be sharing my thoughts on Bakeru, Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, and Mika and the Witch’s Mountain, while our friend Mikhail tackles Peglin – a game he knows better than anyone on the TouchArcade team. Plus, we have some news from Mikhail and a huge 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 is bringing the fighting game sensation, Guilty Gear Strive, to the Nintendo Switch on January 23rd! This version boasts 28 characters and the much-appreciated rollback netcode for smooth online play. While cross-platform play is unfortunately absent, it's still a great addition for offline matches and battles with other Switch players. Having enjoyed the game on Steam Deck and PS5, I'm eager to experience the Switch version. Check out the official website for more details.

Reviews & Mini-Views

Bakeru ($39.99)

Let's be clear: Bakeru isn't Goemon/Mystical Ninja, despite being developed by some of the same talented individuals. While there are surface-level similarities, it's crucial to approach Bakeru on its own merits. It’s a unique experience. Developed by Good-Feel, known for their charming platformers in the Wario, Yoshi, and Kirby universes, Bakeru delivers a cute, polished, and accessible platforming adventure.

The story follows Issun and his unlikely ally, the shape-shifting tanuki Bakeru, as they traverse Japan, battling enemies, collecting treasures, and uncovering secrets across over sixty levels. While not every level is instantly memorable, the gameplay remains consistently engaging. I particularly enjoyed the collectibles, often reflecting the unique aspects of each Japanese location – offering little-known facts even for long-time residents like myself.

The boss battles are a standout, showcasing Good-Feel's knack for creative and rewarding encounters. Bakeru takes creative risks within its 3D platforming framework, with some experiments working better than others. But even the less successful attempts are forgivable, overshadowed by the sheer charm and likeability of the game.

The Switch version's performance, however, is a bit of a mixed bag. The framerate fluctuates, sometimes reaching 60 fps but often dipping lower during intense moments. While I personally don't mind inconsistent framerates, those more sensitive to it should be aware of this potential issue.

Despite its flaws, Bakeru is a highly enjoyable 3D platformer with a polished design and inventive gameplay. Its infectious charm makes it a highly recommended title for a fun, lighthearted adventure.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Star Wars: Bounty Hunter ($19.99)

The prequel trilogy era brought a wave of Star Wars games, and Star Wars: Bounty Hunter focuses on Jango Fett, Boba Fett's father. This game details Jango's adventures before his appearance in Attack of the Clones, as he undertakes various bounty hunting missions for Count Dooku.

The gameplay involves targeting and eliminating targets, utilizing a range of weapons and gadgets, including the iconic jetpack. While initially engaging, the repetitive gameplay and dated mechanics (typical of a 2002 game) can become tiresome. Targeting is clunky, cover mechanics are flawed, and level design feels cramped.

Aspyr's remaster improves the visuals and performance, offering a better experience than the original. However, the saving system remains unchanged, leading to potential frustration. The addition of a Boba Fett skin is a nice touch. Ultimately, this is a game best suited for those seeking a nostalgic trip back to the early 2000s gaming era.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Mika and the Witch’s Mountain ($19.99)

Inspired by Studio Ghibli films, Mika and the Witch’s Mountain puts you in the role of a rookie witch whose broom breaks after a mishap. To earn money for repairs, you take on package delivery jobs, zipping around on your broom.

The core gameplay loop is simple but effective, enhanced by a vibrant world and charming characters. However, the Switch version struggles with performance issues, impacting resolution and framerate. The game's charm and unique concept will likely appeal to those who can overlook its technical shortcomings.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Peglin ($19.99)

Peglin, a pachinko-inspired roguelike, has reached its 1.0 release across multiple platforms, including Switch. Mikhail provides his expert perspective: The core gameplay involves aiming an orb at pegs to damage enemies and progress through zone maps. The strategy lies in utilizing critical and bomb pegs effectively, and managing board refreshes.

The Switch port generally performs well, though aiming feels less smooth than on other platforms. Touch controls are a viable alternative. Load times are longer than on mobile and Steam. The inclusion of in-game achievements is a welcome addition, and the use of rumble and touchscreen support enhances the experience. Cross-save functionality is absent, but the developers have confirmed more free updates are on the way.

Despite some minor performance issues, Peglin is a highly recommended title for fans of pachinko and roguelike mechanics. The multiple control options make it accessible to various playstyles.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5 -Mikhail Madnani

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

A massive number of games are on sale! I've compiled a separate article highlighting the best picks, so stay tuned for that.

(Images of sale banners are included here, as in the original text, but I cannot display them directly. Replace with the image URLs from the original input.)

That's it for today! Join us tomorrow for more reviews, new releases, sales, and news. Have a great Monday!