Hello discerning readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Roundup for September 2nd, 2024. While it appears to be a holiday in the United States, here in Japan, it's business as usual. That means a bounty of gaming goodness awaits, beginning with a trio of reviews from yours truly, and a fourth insightful perspective from our esteemed colleague, Mikhail. My reviews cover Bakeru, Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, and Mika and the Witch’s Mountain, while Mikhail offers his expert analysis of Peglin. In addition, Mikhail shares some breaking news, and we'll delve into the extensive deals available in Nintendo's Blockbuster Sale. Let's dive in!
News
Guilty Gear Strive Arrives on Nintendo Switch in January 2025
Arc System Works has delivered! Guilty Gear Strive is coming to the Nintendo Switch on January 23rd, boasting 28 playable characters and the highly sought-after rollback netcode for smooth online matches. While cross-play functionality is unfortunately absent, the game promises a satisfying offline experience and engaging online battles with fellow Switch players. Having personally enjoyed the game on Steam Deck and PS5, I eagerly anticipate this Switch iteration. 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 of the same talented individuals behind that beloved series, the similarities are largely superficial. Bakeru is its own unique entity. Approaching it with Goemon expectations will only detract from appreciating its distinct qualities. Bakeru is a creation of Good-Feel, a studio known for its charming, accessible, and highly polished platformers in the Wario, Yoshi, and Kirby universes. Bakeru fits seamlessly into this established pedigree.
The game unfolds against the backdrop of a troubled Japan, where a young protagonist, Issun, unexpectedly teams up with Bakeru, a resourceful tanuki with shape-shifting abilities and a penchant for wielding a taiko drum and drumsticks. Players will traverse Japan, region by region, engaging in combat, collecting currency, interacting with unexpected characters, and uncovering hidden secrets. With over sixty levels, Bakeru offers a consistently engaging, albeit not overly memorable, experience. The in-game collectibles are particularly noteworthy, often reflecting the unique characteristics of each location, offering fascinating insights into Japanese culture – some even surprising to a long-time resident like myself.
The boss battles deserve special mention. Good-Feel's expertise in crafting memorable boss encounters shines through, resulting in creative and rewarding challenges. Bakeru takes creative risks within its 3D platforming framework, with varying degrees of success. However, the triumphs significantly outweigh the shortcomings, making for a genuinely enjoyable experience. My overall impression is one of affection; I found myself charmed despite acknowledging its flaws. It's simply that likeable.
The only significant drawback is the Switch version's performance, an issue Mikhail previously addressed in his Steam review. The framerate fluctuates considerably, ranging from a smooth 60 fps to noticeable dips during intense moments. While I'm generally not overly sensitive to framerate inconsistencies, it's worth noting for those who are. Despite improvements since the Japanese release, performance issues persist.
Bakeru is a delightful 3D platformer, boasting polished gameplay and innovative features that elevate its lengthy adventure. Its commitment to its unique style is infectious. While performance issues on Switch prevent it from reaching its full potential, and those expecting a Goemon clone will be disappointed, Bakeru is a highly recommended title to cap off your summer.
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Star Wars: Bounty Hunter ($19.99)
The Star Wars prequel trilogy era spawned a wave of merchandise, with video games playing a significant role. It's remarkable how many Star Wars games emerged during this period, a stark contrast to previous generations. Despite the movies' mixed reception, they undeniably broadened the narrative possibilities. Remember Boba Fett's unceremonious demise? Well, meet his father! Star Wars: Bounty Hunter delves into Jango Fett's backstory, whether you requested it or not.
The game follows Jango Fett, a legendary bounty hunter whose genetic material formed the foundation for the clone army. The narrative centers on Jango's mission to hunt a Dark Jedi, orchestrated by the seemingly innocent Count Dooku, with opportunities to pursue additional bounties along the way.
The gameplay involves tackling levels with specific targets, alongside optional bounties. Players have access to a variety 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 is imprecise, cover mechanics are flawed, and level design often feels cramped and poorly guided. Even at its release, it was considered average at best.
Aspyr's remastering efforts have improved the visuals and performance, and the control scheme is significantly enhanced. However, the archaic save system remains, potentially requiring restarts from lengthy stages. The inclusion of a Boba Fett skin is a nice touch. If you're inclined to play this game, this updated version is the superior choice.
Star Wars: Bounty Hunter possesses a certain nostalgic charm, embodying the rough-around-the-edges aesthetic of early 2000s games. This nostalgic appeal is its strongest selling point. If you crave a trip back to 2002 to experience a flawed yet earnest action game, this is your ticket. Otherwise, it might prove too clunky for modern tastes.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Mika and the Witch’s Mountain ($19.99)
Following the negative reception of several Nausicaa video game adaptations, Hayao Miyazaki's intervention effectively halted further Ghibli-based game development. While the exact extent of this ban remains unclear, the absence of Ghibli-licensed games since then suggests a comprehensive policy. While I respect this decision, it means my dream of a Porco Rosso open-world flight simulator remains unrealized. Such is life. Chibig and Nukefist's Mika and the Witch’s Mountain clearly draws inspiration from the Ghibli aesthetic.
Players assume the role of a novice witch embarking on her magical journey. After a mishap involving a broken broom, Mika must earn money by delivering packages to repair or replace her essential flying tool. This simple premise forms the core gameplay loop, with the vibrant world and engaging characters adding depth to the experience.
The gameplay loop, while functional, can become repetitive. The Switch version suffers from performance issues, with resolution and framerate frequently impacted. The game would likely benefit from more powerful hardware. Players tolerant of technical imperfections will find it more enjoyable.
Mika and the Witch’s Mountain openly embraces its inspiration, but its repetitive core mechanic can become tiresome. Performance issues on Switch further detract from the experience. Despite these shortcomings, the charming world and quirky characters make for a reasonably enjoyable experience, particularly for those who appreciate the core concept.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Peglin ($19.99)
Approximately a year ago, I reviewed Peglin's early access version on iOS. Its unique blend of pachinko mechanics and roguelike elements has always held immense promise, further enhanced by substantial updates. Last week's Nintendo Indie World showcase announced and released Peglin for Switch. While I initially assumed it was simply a port of the existing game, I discovered it was actually the full 1.0 version.
Peglin reached version 1.0 across Steam and mobile platforms concurrently with its Switch debut, offering a more complete experience. The game's core gameplay involves aiming an orb at pegs on a board to damage enemies and progress through zones, similar to Slay the Spire. The game features events, bosses, shops, and challenging battles.
Players can upgrade orbs, heal, and collect relics. Strategic peg targeting is crucial, utilizing critical hits and bomb pegs to maximize efficiency. The initial learning curve is steep, but the gameplay quickly becomes intuitive and engaging.
The Switch port's performance is largely commendable. While aiming feels less smooth than on other platforms, touch controls provide a viable alternative. Load times are longer compared to mobile and Steam. These are minor issues, particularly given the state of some recent Switch ports. The Steam Deck version remains superior, but the Switch version is a close second to the mobile version.
The absence of Switch achievements is compensated by Peglin's internal achievement system. This is a welcome addition, particularly given the platform's lack of system-wide achievements.
The omission of cross-save functionality across platforms is a minor disappointment, although understandable for a smaller developer.
Apart from load times and slightly less smooth aiming, my experience with Peglin on Switch has been highly positive. The addition of rumble, touchscreen support, and button controls enhances the overall experience. A physical release would be a welcome addition. -Mikhail Madnani
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
The sheer volume of games on sale is staggering. This list only scratches the surface; a separate article highlighting the best deals will follow shortly. Good luck navigating the extensive sales! See you at the bottom.
Select New Sales
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That concludes today's roundup. Join us tomorrow for more reviews, new releases, additional sales, and potentially more news. The typhoon has subsided, leaving behind warm temperatures and sunshine. I hope you all have a wonderful Monday, and thank you for reading!
