Hello, readers! 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 reviews – three from me and one from Mikhail – covering Bakeru, Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, Mika and the Witch’s Mountain, and another look at Peglin. Plus, Mikhail shares some news, and we dive into Nintendo's massive Blockbuster Sale. Let's get started!
News
Guilty Gear Strive Arrives on Nintendo Switch in January 2025
Arc System Works is bringing Guilty Gear Strive to the Nintendo Switch on January 23rd! This version includes 28 characters and boasts rollback netcode for online play. While cross-play isn't included, offline and Switch-to-Switch battles should be smooth. Having loved the game on Steam Deck and PS5, I'm eager to try the Switch edition. Visit the official website for more details.
Reviews & Mini-Views
Bakeru ($39.99)
Let's be clear: Bakeru isn't Goemon/Mystical Ninja, despite sharing some surface similarities and being developed by some of the same team. It's its own game, and judging it against Goemon is unfair to both. Bakeru is a creation of Good-Feel, a studio known for charming, accessible platformers in the Wario, Yoshi, and Kirby universes (Princess Peach: Showtime! being their latest). And that's exactly what Bakeru is.
The game unfolds in a whimsical journey across Japan. You play as Issun, aided by the shape-shifting tanuki, Bakeru. Expect plenty of enemy-whacking, treasure-gathering, quirky dialogue, and hidden secrets across over sixty levels. While not all levels are unforgettable, the gameplay remains consistently engaging. I particularly enjoyed the collectibles; they often reflect the unique features of each location, offering interesting insights into Japanese culture.
The boss battles are a highlight, reminiscent of classic Good-Feel titles. They're creative and rewarding. Bakeru takes creative risks for a 3D platformer, with some experiments working better than others, but the successes are memorable enough to outweigh the less successful attempts. Despite its flaws, I found Bakeru intensely likable.
The Switch version's performance is the main drawback, echoing Mikhail's Steam review. The framerate fluctuates, sometimes reaching 60fps, but often dropping significantly during intense moments. While I'm usually not bothered by inconsistent framerates, it's worth noting for those more sensitive to such issues. Improvements have been made since the Japanese release, but some problems remain.
Bakeru is a delightful 3D platformer with polished design and inventive gameplay elements. Its commitment to its unique style is infectious. While performance issues on the Switch and the inevitable Goemon comparisons might deter some, it's a highly recommended title for a fun summer's end.
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. Star Wars: Bounty Hunter focuses on Jango Fett, Boba Fett's father, filling in his story before Attack of the Clones. The game sees Jango undertaking missions for Count Dooku, hunting down a Dark Jedi and collecting additional bounties along the way.
The gameplay involves targeting and eliminating enemies using various weapons and gadgets, including the iconic jetpack. While initially interesting, the repetitive gameplay and dated mechanics (common in early 2000s games) become apparent. Targeting is problematic, cover systems are flawed, and level design feels cramped. Even in its time, it was average at best.
Aspyr's porting efforts have improved visuals and performance, and the control scheme is better than the original. However, the archaic save system remains, potentially leading to frustrating restarts. A Boba Fett skin is a nice bonus, though. If you're going to play this, this version is the best option.
Star Wars: Bounty Hunter has a nostalgic charm, representing a specific era of gaming. If you enjoy experiencing games from that time, its rough edges and earnest attempt at action might appeal. Otherwise, the dated gameplay might be too much.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Mika and the Witch’s Mountain ($19.99)
Inspired by Studio Ghibli films, Mika and the Witch’s Mountain casts you as a rookie witch whose flying broom is broken after a tumble down a mountain. To earn money for repairs, you take on package delivery jobs, exploring a vibrant world and interacting with quirky characters.
The gameplay loop involves zipping around on your broom, delivering packages. While enjoyable, the repetitive nature can become somewhat tiring. The Switch struggles with the game's visuals and framerate at times, suggesting better performance on more powerful hardware. For those who can overlook technical shortcomings, it's an enjoyable experience.
Mika and the Witch’s Mountain openly embraces its Ghibli inspiration. If the core concept appeals to you, you'll likely find it enjoyable despite its limitations.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Peglin ($19.99)
Peglin, a pachinko-style roguelike, has reached its 1.0 release across platforms, including the Switch. The gameplay involves aiming an orb at pegs to damage enemies and progress through zone maps. The game features upgrades, events, shops, and challenging battles.
The Switch port performs well, though aiming isn't as smooth as on other platforms. Touch controls are a viable alternative. Load times are longer than on mobile and Steam. Despite these minor issues, the port is well-executed. The inclusion of a built-in achievement system is a nice touch, compensating for the Switch's lack of system-wide achievements.
The absence of cross-save functionality is a missed opportunity. However, Peglin is a great game, particularly for fans of the pachinko and roguelike genres. The use of Switch features, including rumble and touchscreen support, enhances the experience.
Peglin is a must-have for Switch owners who enjoy this unique blend of genres. Minor performance issues aside, it's a well-designed and enjoyable experience. -Mikhail Madnani
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
The Nintendo Blockbuster Sale is packed with deals. I've highlighted some of the best below, but check out a separate article for a more comprehensive list.
Select New Sales (Images omitted for brevity, but maintain original image order)
(List of games on sale, maintaining original formatting and order)
Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 3rd (Images omitted for brevity, but maintain original image order)
(List of games on sale, maintaining original formatting and order)
That's it for today! Join us tomorrow for more reviews, new releases, sales, and news. Have a great Monday!
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