Hello, readers! Welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up 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 game reviews for you – three from me, and one from our friend Mikhail. I'll be covering Bakeru, Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, and Mika and the Witch’s Mountain, while Mikhail shares his expert insights on Peglin. Plus, Mikhail has some news to share, and we've got a huge 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 Guilty Gear Strive to the Nintendo Switch on January 23rd! This version will include 28 characters and boasts rollback netcode for online play. While cross-play isn't included, it's still great news for offline and Switch-to-Switch battles. I've loved the game on Steam Deck and PS5, and I'm eager to try the Switch version. Find out more on 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 superficial. Thinking of it as a Goemon game will only lead to disappointment. Bakeru is its own unique experience. From Good-Feel, the studio behind Princess Peach: Showtime! and numerous Wario, Yoshi, and Kirby titles, Bakeru is a charming, accessible 3D platformer.

The story follows Issun and Bakeru, a tanuki with shape-shifting abilities, as they traverse Japan, battling enemies, collecting cash, and uncovering secrets across sixty-plus levels. While not all levels are equally memorable, the overall experience is engaging. The collectibles are particularly noteworthy, often reflecting the unique aspects of each Japanese location. Many are surprisingly insightful, even for a long-time resident of Japan.

The boss battles are a highlight, creative and rewarding. Good-Feel's expertise in designing fun boss fights shines through. While the game takes some creative risks in its level design, some work better than others – a common occurrence in this genre. Despite its flaws, Bakeru's charm is undeniable. It's intensely likeable.

The Switch version, however, suffers from inconsistent framerate performance, sometimes reaching 60fps but often dropping significantly during busy moments. While I'm not overly sensitive to framerate inconsistencies, this might be a concern for some players. It's worth noting that improvements have been made since the Japanese release last year, but issues remain.

Bakeru is a delightful 3D platformer with polished design and inventive gameplay elements. Its commitment to its unique style is infectious. While framerate issues hold it back slightly on Switch, and those expecting a Goemon clone will be disappointed, it's a highly recommended title.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Star Wars: Bounty Hunter ($19.99)

The prequel trilogy era brought a wave of Star Wars games, and Star Wars: Bounty Hunter is one of them. This game focuses on Jango Fett, Boba Fett's father, before his fateful encounter in Attack of the Clones. The story follows Jango as he undertakes various bounty hunting missions, eventually leading to his role in the creation of the clone army.

Gameplay involves taking on levels with specific targets, along with optional bounties. You have a variety of weapons and gadgets at your disposal, including the iconic jetpack. While initially engaging, the repetitive gameplay and dated mechanics (typical of a 2002 game) can become tiresome. Targeting, cover mechanics, and level design are all problematic, even by the standards of its time.

Aspyr's remaster improves the visuals and performance, and the controls have been updated. However, the frustrating save system remains unchanged. Despite its flaws, the game has a certain nostalgic charm, reflecting the unique style of early 2000s games.

If you're craving a blast from the past and don't mind rough edges, Star Wars: Bounty Hunter offers a taste of early 2000s action. But if you prefer smoother gameplay, this might not be for you.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Mika and the Witch’s Mountain ($19.99)

Clearly inspired by Studio Ghibli films, Mika and the Witch’s Mountain puts you in the role of a young witch who must deliver packages around town to earn money to repair her broken broom. The vibrant world and quirky characters are a highlight, but the Switch version suffers from performance issues, affecting resolution and framerate.

The core gameplay loop of delivering packages can become repetitive, and the technical limitations on the Switch are noticeable. However, the charming world and characters make it an enjoyable experience for those who can overlook the technical shortcomings.

If you enjoy the concept, you'll likely find this game enjoyable despite its flaws.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Peglin ($19.99)

Peglin, a pachinko roguelike, is now available on Switch. This 1.0 release offers a more complete experience than its early access predecessors. The core gameplay involves aiming an orb at pegs to damage enemies and progress through zones. The game is challenging but rewarding, with a unique blend of strategy and luck. Upgrades, relics, and events add depth and replayability.

The Switch port performs well, though aiming isn't as smooth as on other platforms. Touch controls are a viable alternative. Load times are longer than on mobile and Steam. Despite these minor issues, the game makes good use of the Switch's features, including rumble and touchscreen support. The addition of in-game achievement tracking is also a plus.

While cross-save functionality is missing, Peglin is still a highly recommended title for fans of pachinko and roguelike games. The developers' commitment to post-launch updates is also encouraging.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5 -Mikhail Madnani

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

Nintendo's Blockbuster Sale has a ton of games on sale. I've highlighted some of the best deals below, but be sure to check out a separate article for a more comprehensive list.

(Images of sales – Please note that due to the nature of the input, I cannot recreate the image formatting. The images would need to be manually added.)

That's all for today! We'll be back tomorrow with more reviews, new releases, sales, and news. Have a great Monday!