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

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 and news awaits. I'll be covering Bakeru, Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, and Mika and the Witch's Mountain, with Mikhail adding his expert insights on Peglin. Plus, Mikhail has some news to share, and we've got a massive list of deals from Nintendo's Blockbuster Sale. Let's dive in!

News

Guilty Gear Strive Arrives on Nintendo Switch This January

Arc System Works is bringing Guilty Gear Strive to the Nintendo Switch on January 23rd, 2025! The Switch version will include 28 characters and boasts rollback netcode for online play. While cross-play is unfortunately absent, it's still great news for offline play and battling fellow Switch owners. Having enjoyed the game 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 get one thing straight: Bakeru isn't Goemon/Mystical Ninja. While developed by some of the same team, the similarities are largely superficial. Comparing it directly to Goemon is unfair to both games. Bakeru is its own unique entity. From 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 traverse Japan, battling enemies, collecting cash, and uncovering secrets across over sixty levels. While not all levels are equally memorable, the overall experience remains engaging. The collectibles are particularly noteworthy, often reflecting the unique aspects of each region, offering a fun glimpse into Japanese culture.

The boss battles are a highlight, showcasing Good-Feel's knack for creative and rewarding encounters. Bakeru takes several creative risks, with some paying off more than others, but the successful ones are truly memorable. Despite its flaws, the game's charm is undeniable, making it intensely likeable.

The Switch version suffers from some performance inconsistencies, with framerates fluctuating between 60fps and lower during busy moments. While this didn't significantly impact my enjoyment, those sensitive to framerate issues should be aware.

Bakeru is a delightful 3D platformer with polished design and inventive gameplay elements. Its charming personality shines through. While performance issues on Switch and the lack of Goemon similarities might disappoint some, it's still a highly recommended title.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Star Wars: Bounty Hunter ($19.99)

A product of the prequel trilogy era, Star Wars: Bounty Hunter tells the story of Jango Fett, Boba Fett's father. This action game tasks you with hunting down targets, utilizing a variety of weapons and gadgets, including the iconic jetpack. While initially engaging, the repetitive gameplay and dated mechanics show their age. Targeting is imprecise, cover mechanics are flawed, and level design can feel cramped.

Aspyr's remaster improves visuals and performance, and the control scheme is better than the original. However, the frustrating save system remains unchanged. Despite its flaws, a nostalgic charm persists, making it appealing to those seeking a retro gaming experience. Unlocking a Boba Fett skin is a nice bonus.

Star Wars: Bounty Hunter holds a certain nostalgic appeal, capturing the essence of early 2000s action games. The remaster improves the experience, but the underlying flaws remain. Recommended only for those seeking a nostalgic trip back to the PS2/GameCube era.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Mika and the Witch’s Mountain ($19.99)

Clearly inspired by Studio Ghibli, Mika and the Witch's Mountain puts you in the role of a rookie witch tasked with delivering packages around town to earn money for broom repairs. The vibrant world and quirky characters are highlights, but the Switch version suffers from performance issues, impacting resolution and framerate. The core gameplay loop, while fun initially, can become repetitive.

Despite technical shortcomings, the game's charm and unique concept make it enjoyable for those who can overlook its flaws.

Mika and the Witch's Mountain is a charming game with a distinct Ghibli aesthetic. Performance issues on Switch might deter some, but the core gameplay is engaging enough to recommend to those who appreciate its style.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Peglin ($19.99)

Peglin, a pachinko-roguelike, has reached its 1.0 release across multiple platforms, including Switch. This challenging game blends strategic aiming with roguelike progression, offering a unique and addictive experience. The Switch port performs well, though aiming feels less smooth than on other platforms, and load times are longer. Touch controls are a viable alternative. The inclusion of in-game achievement tracking is a welcome addition.

Mikhail Madnani's Review: Peglin is a fantastic game, even with some balance issues. The Switch version makes good use of the hardware features, offering rumble, touchscreen, and button controls. Load times and aiming smoothness could be improved with future updates. Cross-save functionality would be a welcome addition.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

A massive selection of games are on sale! I've highlighted some of the best deals below, but be sure to check out the full list for more options.

(A selection of games on sale - Due to space constraints, the full list cannot be included here. The original text contained many more titles.)

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