Hello discerning readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Roundup for September 2nd, 2024. While it appears to be a holiday in the US, it's business as usual here in Japan. This means a bounty of gaming goodness awaits, beginning with a trio of reviews from yours truly, complemented by one from our esteemed colleague, Mikhail. I'll be tackling Bakeru, Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, and Mika and the Witch's Mountain, while Mikhail offers his expert perspective on Peglin. Beyond the reviews, Mikhail contributes some noteworthy 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 heading to the Nintendo Switch on January 23rd, boasting a roster of 28 characters and the much-anticipated rollback netcode for smooth online play. While cross-play is unfortunately absent, the title promises engaging offline battles and online matches with fellow Switch players. Having thoroughly enjoyed the game on Steam Deck and PS5, I'm eagerly anticipating this version. For further details, visit the official website.
Reviews & Mini-Views
Bakeru ($39.99)
Let's be clear: Bakeru is not Goemon/Mystical Ninja. While developed by some of the same team, the similarities are largely superficial. Expecting a Goemon clone is a disservice to both Bakeru and your own gaming experience. Bakeru is its own unique entity. With that established, let's explore this title. Bakeru hails from Good-Feel, a studio renowned for its work on Nintendo titles in the Wario, Yoshi, and Kirby franchises, most recently Princess Peach: Showtime!. Their expertise lies in charming, accessible, and highly polished platformers. And that's precisely what Bakeru delivers.
Mischief unfolds in Japan as a young adventurer, Issun, enlists the aid of a tanuki named Bakeru. Bakeru's shape-shifting abilities and mastery of the taiko drum make him the perfect ally. Players journey across Japan, battling foes, collecting coins, engaging in whimsical conversations, and uncovering hidden secrets. The game features over sixty levels, offering a consistently engaging, if not always memorable, experience. I found the collectibles particularly rewarding, often reflecting the unique characteristics of each location, providing a wealth of fascinating insights into Japanese culture, some even surprising to a long-time resident like myself.
The boss battles truly shine! Here, comparisons to Goemon (or other Good-Feel games) are warranted. Good-Feel understands the art of a captivating boss fight, and Bakeru delivers creative and rewarding encounters. The game takes creative risks within its 3D platforming framework, with some elements succeeding more brilliantly than others. That's the nature of experimentation, and I wholeheartedly appreciated the successes while readily forgiving the occasional misstep. Despite its flaws, I found myself captivated by Bakeru's charm.
The Switch version's performance is the primary drawback, a point Mikhail touched upon in his Steam review. The framerate fluctuates, reaching 60fps at times but frequently dipping during intense action. While I'm generally tolerant of inconsistent framerates, it's worth noting for those more sensitive to such issues. Despite improvements since the Japanese release, performance inconsistencies remain.
Bakeru is a delightful 3D platformer, boasting polished design and inventive gameplay elements. Its commitment to its unique style is infectious. 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 for a fun summer send-off.
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. While the films were divisive, they undeniably expanded the franchise's narrative possibilities. Remember Boba Fett, the iconic bounty hunter unceremoniously dispatched by a blind Jedi? This game features his father! Jango Fett also boasts cool armor and suffers a similarly undignified demise. But what about his life before Attack of the Clones? Star Wars: Bounty Hunter answers that question, whether you sought the answer or not.
This is Jango Fett's story, a bounty hunter so exceptional he became the template for a clone army. The game follows Jango as he undertakes missions, including a pivotal contract to hunt a Dark Jedi for the seemingly benevolent Count Dooku. Additional bounty hunting opportunities arise along the way.
Gameplay involves tackling levels with specific targets, alongside optional objectives. A range of weapons and gadgets, including the iconic jetpack, are at your disposal. While initially engaging, the repetitive gameplay and dated mechanics (typical of early 2000s games) become apparent. Targeting is problematic, cover mechanics are flawed, and level design feels cramped and poorly signposted. Even at its release, it was a mediocre game at best, associated with one of the less-favored Star Wars films (though no longer the worst, thankfully).
Aspyr's remaster improves the visuals and performance, and the control scheme is enhanced. However, the archaic 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 version is the definitive edition.
Star Wars: Bounty Hunter holds a certain nostalgic appeal, embodying the characteristics of early 2000s games despite Aspyr's improvements. Its recommendation depends on your preference for retro gaming experiences. If you crave a nostalgic journey back to 2002 and a somewhat rough-around-the-edges action game, this might be for you. Otherwise, the considerable jank might prove overwhelming.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Mika and the Witch's Mountain ($19.99)
Following the disastrous video game adaptations of Nausicaa, Hayao Miyazaki effectively banned further game adaptations of his works. The extent of this ban on all Ghibli properties remains unclear, but the lack of subsequent Ghibli-based games suggests a broad prohibition. While I respect Miyazaki's decision, it leaves me yearning for a Porco Rosso open-world flying game. Alas, such is life. Chibig and Nukefist's Mika and the Witch's Mountain clearly draws inspiration from a different Ghibli film—I'll leave the identification to your astute deduction skills.
Players assume the role of a novice witch embarking on her magical journey. Her instructor unceremoniously throws her off a mountain, damaging her broom. Repairing her broom requires a trip to a nearby town, where she takes on package delivery jobs to earn the necessary funds. The vibrant world and engaging characters enhance the experience. However, the Switch struggles with the game's demands, resulting in occasional resolution and framerate drops. A more powerful system would likely improve performance. Players tolerant of technical imperfections will likely find the game enjoyable.
Mika and the Witch's Mountain openly embraces its inspiration, but its core mechanic can feel repetitive. Performance issues on the Switch further detract from the experience. Nevertheless, the fun of flying on a broom and interacting with quirky characters is undeniable. If the concept appeals, you'll likely find the game enjoyable.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Peglin ($19.99)
Approximately a year ago, I reviewed Peglin's early access version on iOS, and it was subsequently featured as our Game of the Week. This pachinko roguelike has always shown great promise, and significant updates have only enhanced its appeal. 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 1.0 version.
Peglin reached version 1.0 across Steam and mobile platforms alongside its Switch debut, offering a more complete experience. However, it caters to a specific type of player. Gameplay involves aiming an orb at pegs on a board, damaging enemies and progressing through zones. The game features events, bosses, shops, and challenging battles.
Progress involves upgrading orbs, healing, and collecting relics. Strategic peg targeting is crucial, utilizing critical or bomb pegs effectively. The board can also be refreshed. While initially complex, the gameplay becomes intuitive, and the game's soundtrack is quite catchy.
The Switch port's performance is mostly commendable. Aiming feels less smooth than on other platforms, but touch controls mitigate this. Load times are longer than on mobile and Steam. These issues are minor compared to some recent poorly optimized Switch ports, but worth considering if you own multiple platforms. I'd rate Peglin highest on Steam Deck, with mobile and Switch closely competing for second place.
The absence of Switch achievements is offset by Peglin's internal achievement system. I appreciate developers implementing their own achievement systems given the Switch's lack of system-wide achievements. The option to ignore these remains, but I found the addition enjoyable.
Cross-save functionality across platforms is absent, which is understandable for a smaller developer, but would have been a welcome addition.
Beyond the load times and less-smooth aiming, my concerns are minor. Further updates are planned, as confirmed by Red Nexus Games.
Even in early access, Peglin was exceptional. While some balance issues persist, it's an essential Switch title for fans of pachinko roguelikes. The developers effectively utilize Switch features, offering rumble, touchscreen, and button controls. 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 sales is astounding. This selection only scratches the surface. A separate article highlighting the best deals is forthcoming. Good luck with your shopping!
Select New Sales
(Images of sale games would be inserted here, as in the original article)
That concludes today's roundup. Join us tomorrow for more reviews, new releases, additional sales, and possibly some news. The typhoon has subsided, leaving behind sunny skies and high temperatures. I hope you all have a wonderful Monday, and thank you for reading!
