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. That means a fresh batch of reviews for you, kicking off the week in style. I've penned three, and our friend Mikhail has contributed one. We'll explore Bakeru, Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, and Mika and the Witch’s Mountain, while Mikhail offers his expert insights on Peglin. Plus, Mikhail shares some news, and we've got 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 will include 28 characters and crucial rollback netcode for online play. While cross-play isn't included, it's a welcome addition for offline and Switch-to-Switch battles. Having loved it on Steam Deck and PS5, I'm eager to give the Switch version a try. 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 sharing some surface-level similarities with the classic series. It's developed by some of the same talented individuals, but it carves its own unique path. Expecting Goemon will only shortchange both you and Bakeru. This is a completely different beast. Good-Feel, known for their work on Wario, Yoshi, and Kirby titles (most recently Princess Peach: Showtime!), delivers a charming, accessible, and polished platforming experience.
In Bakeru, you play as Issun, who teams up with the shape-shifting tanuki, Bakeru, to tackle a crisis unfolding across Japan. Explore various prefectures, battle enemies using a taiko drum, collect cash, chat with… well, poop, and uncover hidden secrets. With over sixty levels, the adventure is engaging and enjoyable, even if not every level is particularly memorable. The collectibles are a highlight, reflecting the unique charm of each location and offering intriguing tidbits about Japan, some even surprising to a long-time resident like myself.
The boss battles are another standout element. Good-Feel’s knack for designing creative and rewarding boss encounters shines here. Bakeru takes some bold creative risks, and while some work better than others, the successful ones are truly spectacular. The game's infectious charm makes up for any shortcomings.
The only significant drawback is the Switch version's performance. As Mikhail noted in his Steam review, the framerate fluctuates, sometimes reaching 60fps but often dipping lower during intense moments. While I'm personally not overly sensitive to framerate inconsistencies, it's worth noting that issues persist despite improvements since the Japanese release last year. Those sensitive to framerate drops should be aware.
Bakeru is a delightful 3D platformer with polished gameplay and innovative ideas. Its commitment to its unique style is infectious. While performance issues on Switch and the lack of any Goemon connection might disappoint some, it's still a highly recommended title to end your summer.
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Star Wars: Bounty Hunter ($19.99)
The Star Wars prequel trilogy spawned a wave of merchandise, including a surprising number of video games. This is the story of Jango Fett, Boba Fett's father, before his untimely demise in Attack of the Clones. You'll embark on various bounty hunting missions, utilizing a range of weapons and gadgets, including the iconic jetpack.
While initially engaging, the gameplay becomes repetitive, suffering from issues common in early 2000s games. Targeting is inaccurate, cover mechanics are flawed, and level design feels cramped. Even at its release, it was a mediocre game at best.
Aspyr's remaster improves visuals and performance, and the control scheme is better than the original. However, the unforgiving save system remains, potentially leading to frustrating restarts. You can unlock a Boba Fett skin though, which is a nice bonus.
Star Wars: Bounty Hunter holds a certain nostalgic charm, reflecting the rough-around-the-edges style of early 2000s games. If you crave a trip back to 2002 and appreciate earnest action games with their quirks, this might appeal. Otherwise, the janky gameplay might be a turn-off.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Mika and the Witch’s Mountain ($19.99)
Following some less-than-stellar Nausicaa games, Miyazaki’s stance on video game adaptations of his work is well-known. Mika and the Witch’s Mountain clearly draws inspiration from Ghibli films.
You play as a novice witch whose broom breaks after a rather unorthodox lesson. To get it fixed, you take on package delivery jobs. The vibrant world and quirky characters are highlights, but performance issues on Switch impact the resolution and framerate.
The game’s core gameplay loop, while dedicated, can become somewhat repetitive. If you’re tolerant of technical imperfections and appreciate the core concept, you’ll likely enjoy the experience.
Mika and the Witch’s Mountain is a charming game with a unique style, but the technical limitations on Switch hold it back. If the premise appeals, it's worth considering despite its flaws.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Peglin ($19.99)
Peglin, a pachinko roguelike, is a game that has steadily improved since its early access release. Now hitting 1.0 across all platforms, including the recently released Switch version, it offers a more complete experience. The core gameplay involves aiming an orb at pegs to damage enemies and progress through zones. The strategic depth comes from utilizing critical and bomb pegs effectively.
The Switch port performs well, although aiming isn't as smooth as on other platforms, and load times are longer. Touch controls are a viable alternative. The addition of in-game achievements compensates for the lack of system-wide achievements on Switch.
While cross-save functionality is absent, Peglin leverages Switch features like rumble and touchscreen support well. Some balance issues remain, but it's a highly recommended title for fans of the pachinko roguelike genre. -Mikhail Madnani
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
This is just a small selection of the many games on sale. Check out a separate article for more detailed recommendations.
Select New Sales (Images omitted as requested, but descriptions remain)
(List of sales remains unchanged)
That's all for today! Join us tomorrow for more reviews, new releases, sales, and news. Have a great day!
