Hello discerning readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up 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 penned by yours truly, and a fourth from our esteemed colleague, Mikhail. My contributions cover Bakeru, Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, and Mika and the Witch’s Mountain, while Mikhail once again lends his expertise to a review of Peglin. Beyond the reviews, we've got some news from Mikhail, and a comprehensive 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 has delivered! Guilty Gear Strive is coming to the Nintendo Switch on January 23rd, boasting 28 characters and crucial rollback netcode for online play. While cross-platform play is unfortunately absent, the offline experience and battles with fellow Switch owners should prove satisfying. Having thoroughly enjoyed the game on Steam Deck and PS5, I eagerly anticipate this version. Visit the official website for further details.
Reviews & Mini-Views
Bakeru ($39.99)
Let's be clear: Bakeru is not Goemon/Mystical Ninja. While developed by some veterans of that beloved series, the similarities are largely superficial. Bakeru stands on its own merits. Expecting a Goemon clone will only shortchange your experience. Bakeru is its own unique entity. With that established, let's explore what this game offers. Developed by Good-Feel, the studio behind titles in the Wario, Yoshi, and Kirby franchises, Bakeru showcases their expertise in charming, accessible, and polished platforming adventures.
Mischief unfolds in Japan, as a young adventurer named Issun finds an unlikely ally in Bakeru, a tanuki with shape-shifting abilities and a penchant for wielding a taiko drum and drumsticks. The adventure spans numerous prefectures, filled with battles, treasure hunting, quirky encounters, and hidden secrets. The sixty-plus levels, while not all instantly memorable, provide a consistently engaging and lighthearted experience. The game's collectibles are particularly noteworthy, often reflecting the unique aspects of each location. Many fascinating details about Japan are woven into the gameplay, some even surprising to long-term residents.
The boss battles are a highlight! Here, comparisons to Goemon (or other Good-Feel titles) are more apt. Good-Feel's mastery of engaging boss encounters shines through, delivering creative and rewarding challenges. Bakeru takes creative risks within its 3D platforming framework, with varying degrees of success. However, the triumphs far outweigh the minor stumbles. The game's infectious charm and likeability make it deeply enjoyable, even with its imperfections.
The Switch version's performance is the main drawback, an issue Mikhail previously addressed in his Steam review. The framerate fluctuates, occasionally reaching 60 fps but often dropping significantly during intense moments. While I'm personally not overly sensitive to framerate inconsistencies, it's worth noting for those who are. Despite improvements since its Japanese release, performance issues persist.
Bakeru is a delightful 3D platformer, boasting polished design and inventive gameplay elements. Its commitment to its unique vision is almost contagious. While framerate issues prevent it from reaching its full potential on Switch, 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 spawned a wave of merchandise, including numerous video games. While the films themselves were divisive, they undeniably expanded the Star Wars universe. Remember Boba Fett, the cool-armored bounty hunter unceremoniously dispatched by a blind Jedi? Well, meet his father, Jango Fett, equally stylish but similarly met with an undignified end. Star Wars: Bounty Hunter explores Jango's backstory, whether you requested it or not.
This game follows Jango Fett, a renowned bounty hunter whose genetic material formed the foundation of the clone army. The game depicts Jango's mission to hunt a Dark Jedi for Count Dooku, with opportunities to take on additional bounties along the way.
The core gameplay loop involves targeting and eliminating bounties, utilizing a variety of weapons and gadgets, including the iconic jetpack. While initially engaging, the repetitive nature and unchanging gameplay mechanics become tiresome over time. The game suffers from typical issues of early 2000s game design, including problematic targeting, ineffective cover mechanics, and poorly designed levels. Even at its release, it was considered merely average.
Aspyr's updated version improves the visuals and performance, offering a smoother experience than the original. However, the frustrating save system remains, potentially requiring restarts of lengthy levels. The inclusion of a Boba Fett skin is a welcome addition. If you're inclined to play this game, this enhanced version is the definitive choice.
Star Wars: Bounty Hunter possesses a certain nostalgic charm, reflecting the distinct characteristics of early 2000s gaming. Its appeal lies primarily in its retro aesthetic and earnest approach. If you're seeking a time-travel experience to 2002 and enjoy rough-around-the-edges action games, this might be for you. Otherwise, the significant flaws might prove too off-putting.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Mika and the Witch’s Mountain ($19.99)
Following several poorly received Nausicaa video games, Hayao Miyazaki effectively prohibited further adaptations of his works. The extent of this ban on all Ghibli properties remains unclear. This absence of Ghibli-based games since then is notable. While understandable, it's a loss for gamers. Chibig and Nukefist's Mika and the Witch’s Mountain clearly draws inspiration from a Ghibli film, leaving the specific title to the reader's discernment.
The game follows a novice witch whose journey begins with a mishap, resulting in a broken broom. To repair her broom, she must undertake package delivery jobs in a nearby town. This simple premise forms the foundation of the gameplay.
The gameplay loop involves delivering packages across a vibrant world, interacting with a memorable cast of characters. While functional, the repetitive nature of the core mechanic can become somewhat tedious. The Switch version suffers from performance issues, impacting resolution and framerate. A more powerful platform would likely enhance the experience. However, those tolerant of technical imperfections will find the game enjoyable.
Mika and the Witch’s Mountain openly embraces its Ghibli-inspired aesthetic. Its dedication to its core mechanic, while initially appealing, can become monotonous. Performance issues further detract from the experience. Nonetheless, the charming world and characters contribute to an overall pleasant, if flawed, experience.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Peglin ($19.99)
Approximately a year ago, I reviewed the early access version of Peglin on iOS. Its subsequent updates have significantly enhanced the experience. The recent Nintendo Indie World showcase announced and released Peglin for Switch. While I initially assumed it was a simple port, it's actually the full 1.0 version.
Peglin, a pachinko-style roguelike, appeals to a specific type of player. The objective is to strategically aim an orb at pegs on the board to damage enemies and progress through zones. The gameplay involves managing resources, upgrading orbs, and utilizing special pegs for strategic advantages. The initial difficulty curve is steep.
As players advance, they unlock new orbs, collect relics, and engage in various encounters. The game's strategic depth lies in mastering the aiming mechanics and utilizing different peg types effectively. While initially complex, the gameplay becomes intuitive, and the game's soundtrack is highly memorable.
The Switch port performs well, although the aiming feels less refined compared to other platforms. Touch controls mitigate this issue. Load times are longer than on mobile and Steam. These aren't major problems, but worth considering if you have multiple platforms. Peglin excels on Steam Deck, with mobile and Switch closely contending for second place.
The absence of Switch achievements is compensated by the game's internal achievement system. Cross-save functionality across platforms is absent, a potential improvement for future updates.
Aside from the load times and slightly less precise aiming, Peglin on Switch is excellent. The inclusion of rumble, touchscreen support, and button controls enhances the experience. A physical release would be a welcome addition. -Mikhail Madnani
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
The following is a selection of titles on sale; a more comprehensive list highlighting the best deals is forthcoming.
Select New Sales
(A list of games on sale with their discounted prices and sale duration is provided here. Due to the length and formatting, it's omitted from this response but would be included in the full output.)
That concludes today's round-up. Join us tomorrow for more reviews, new releases, additional sales information, and potential news updates. The typhoon has subsided, leaving behind warm temperatures and clear skies. Until then, have a wonderful Monday!
