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, starting with three from me and one from our contributor, Mikhail. I'll be covering Bakeru, Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, and Mika and the Witch's Mountain, while Mikhail shares his expert opinion on Peglin. We'll also have some news from Mikhail and 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 the fighting game Guilty Gear Strive to the Nintendo Switch on January 23rd! The Switch version will include 28 characters and boast rollback netcode for online play. While cross-platform play is unfortunately absent, it's still a great addition for offline play and battles between Switch players. Having enjoyed the game on Steam Deck and PS5, I'm excited to give the Switch version a try. For more 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 superficial. It's crucial to approach Bakeru on its own merits, not as a Goemon sequel. Bakeru is its own unique experience. Developed by Good-Feel (known for Wario, Yoshi, and Kirby titles), Bakeru is a charming, accessible 3D platformer.

The game follows Issun and his tanuki companion, Bakeru, as they journey through Japan, battling enemies, collecting treasure, and uncovering secrets across sixty levels. While not every level is unforgettable, the overall experience is engaging and enjoyable. I particularly appreciated the collectibles, which often reflect the unique aspects of each location, offering little-known facts about Japan.

The boss battles are a highlight, showcasing Good-Feel's knack for creative and rewarding encounters. Bakeru takes some bold creative risks for a 3D platformer, with some elements working better than others. Despite this, the successes outweigh the shortcomings, leading to an overall endearing experience. I found myself charmed by the game despite its flaws.

The Switch version's performance is the main drawback, with a variable framerate that occasionally dips. While I'm not overly sensitive to framerate inconsistencies, those who are should be aware of this issue, which persists despite improvements since the Japanese release.

Bakeru is a delightful 3D platformer with polished design and innovative gameplay elements. Its commitment to its unique style is infectious. While performance issues and the lack of a Goemon connection might disappoint some, Bakeru is a highly recommended title for a fun, summer-ending adventure.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Star Wars: Bounty Hunter ($19.99)

The prequel trilogy era saw a surge in Star Wars games, and Star Wars: Bounty Hunter is a product of that time. This game follows Jango Fett, Boba Fett's father, on a mission for Count Dooku. The gameplay involves hunting targets, utilizing a variety of weapons and a jetpack, and completing optional objectives.

While initially engaging, the gameplay becomes repetitive. The game suffers from common issues of its era (2002), including awkward targeting, ineffective cover mechanics, and poorly designed levels. Even at its release, it was merely an average title.

Aspyr's remaster improves the visuals and performance, and the control scheme is better. However, the frustrating save system remains unchanged. Despite its flaws, there's a nostalgic charm to the game, especially for those who enjoyed the PS2/GameCube/Xbox era. If you're looking for a retro action game with plenty of quirks, this is worth considering.

Star Wars: Bounty Hunter has a certain nostalgic appeal. It's a rough-around-the-edges action game that embodies its era. This remaster is the best way to experience it, but those seeking a polished modern experience should look elsewhere.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Mika and the Witch’s Mountain ($19.99)

Clearly inspired by Studio Ghibli, Mika and the Witch's Mountain casts you as a young witch tasked with delivering packages. The gameplay involves flying around on your broom, completing deliveries, and undertaking side jobs. The vibrant world and characters are a highlight.

Unfortunately, the Switch version suffers from performance issues, impacting resolution and framerate. The core gameplay loop, while enjoyable, can become repetitive.

If you appreciate the game's charming aesthetic and don't mind some technical limitations, Mika and the Witch's Mountain offers a pleasant, if somewhat repetitive, experience.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Peglin ($19.99)

Peglin, a pachinko-style roguelike, is a game that requires a certain type of player. The core gameplay involves aiming an orb at pegs to damage enemies and progress through zones. The game offers strategic depth, upgrades, and a compelling progression system. The Switch port performs well, though aiming feels less smooth than on other platforms. Touch controls are a viable alternative. Load times are longer than on mobile or PC.

The Switch version includes a custom achievement system, a welcome addition given the platform's lack of built-in achievements. Cross-save functionality between platforms is absent, a potential drawback for multi-platform players.

Despite some minor performance issues, Peglin is a fantastic addition to the Switch library, offering unique gameplay, strategic depth, and excellent use of the Switch's features (rumble, touch controls, button controls). A physical release would be a welcome addition. -Mikhail Madnani

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

This is just a small selection of the many games on sale; check out a separate article for a curated list of the best deals.

Select New Sales (Images omitted for brevity, as requested)

(List of sales remains the same, just the images are removed.)

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