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 your perusal – three from me, and one from our insightful contributor, Mikhail. I'll be tackling Bakeru, Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, and Mika and the Witch’s Mountain, while Mikhail offers his expert opinion on Peglin. Plus, we've got some news from Mikhail and a massive 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 acclaimed fighting game, Guilty Gear Strive, to the Nintendo Switch on January 23rd! The Switch version will include 28 characters and boast rollback netcode for smoother online battles. While cross-play isn't included, it's still fantastic news for offline play and battles between 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 be clear: Bakeru is not a Goemon/Mystical Ninja sequel. While developed by some of the same team, the similarities are largely superficial. Expecting a Goemon experience will only shortchange both you and Bakeru. Bakeru is its own unique entity. With that said, Bakeru hails from Good-Feel, a studio known for charming, accessible platformers in the Wario, Yoshi, and Kirby universes. And Bakeru fits that mold perfectly.

The game unfolds in a whimsical Japan, where a mischievous tanuki named Bakeru assists the hapless Issun. Bakeru's shape-shifting abilities and taiko drum mastery are key to overcoming challenges. Across over sixty levels, you'll battle enemies, collect cash, interact with… well, let’s just say there’s poop involved, and uncover hidden secrets. While not every level is unforgettable, the gameplay remains consistently engaging. The collectibles, in particular, are a highlight, often reflecting the unique aspects of each Japanese location.

The boss battles are exceptional! Here, comparisons to Goemon (or other Good-Feel titles) are fair. Good-Feel understands the art of the boss fight, and Bakeru's bosses are creative and rewarding. The game takes several creative risks for a 3D platformer, and while some succeed more than others, the overall effect is positive. The game’s charm outweighs its minor flaws.

The only significant drawback is the Switch's performance. The framerate fluctuates, sometimes reaching 60fps but often dipping lower during intense moments. While I'm 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 with polished gameplay and inventive design elements. Its charm is infectious. While framerate issues prevent a perfect score, and those expecting a Goemon clone will be disappointed, Bakeru is a highly recommended title for a fun summer send-off.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Star Wars: Bounty Hunter ($19.99)

The prequel trilogy era saw a surge in Star Wars video games. Star Wars: Bounty Hunter focuses on Jango Fett, Boba Fett's father. The game fills in Jango's backstory, detailing his rise as a bounty hunter and his connection to Count Dooku. You'll tackle levels with primary targets and optional bounties, utilizing a variety of weapons and the iconic jetpack.

While initially engaging, the gameplay becomes repetitive. The game suffers from common issues of its 2002 release era, including clunky targeting and poorly implemented cover mechanics. Even for its time, it was merely average.

Aspyr's remaster improves visuals and performance, and the control scheme is better. However, the archaic save system remains, potentially leading to frustrating restarts. The inclusion of a Boba Fett skin is a nice touch. If you're interested in playing this game, this version is the best option.

Star Wars: Bounty Hunter possesses a nostalgic charm, reflecting the rough-around-the-edges style of early 2000s games. If you crave a trip back to 2002 and enjoy janky but earnest action games, give it a shot. Otherwise, the numerous flaws might outweigh the nostalgic appeal.

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 novice witch whose flying broom is destroyed. You'll take on package delivery jobs to earn money for repairs and upgrades. The vibrant world and quirky characters are highlights, but the Switch struggles with performance at times, impacting resolution and framerate. Better performance could be expected on more powerful hardware.

The core gameplay loop, while dedicated, can become somewhat repetitive. If the concept appeals to you, you'll likely enjoy the experience despite the technical limitations.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Peglin ($19.99)

Peglin, a pachinko-style roguelike, has reached its 1.0 release across multiple platforms, including Switch. The core gameplay involves aiming an orb at pegs to damage enemies and progress through zones. The game features upgrades, shops, and challenging battles. While initially difficult, the strategic depth is rewarding.

The Switch port performs well, although aiming feels less smooth than on other platforms. Touch controls mitigate this issue. Load times are longer than on mobile and Steam. The inclusion of in-game achievements is appreciated, compensating for the Switch's lack of system-wide achievements. Cross-save functionality is absent.

Despite some minor performance issues, Peglin is a fantastic game for fans of the genre. The developers' use of Switch features (rumble, touchscreen, button controls) enhances the experience.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5 -Mikhail Madnani

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

The Nintendo Blockbuster Sale is massive! I've highlighted some key titles below, but a more comprehensive list will follow in a separate article.

(Images of sale games are included here, matching the original input's image placement and format.)

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