Home News > SwitchArcade Round-Up: Reviews Featuring ‘Bakeru’ & ‘Peglin’, Plus Highlights From Nintendo’s Blockbuster Sale

SwitchArcade Round-Up: Reviews Featuring ‘Bakeru’ & ‘Peglin’, Plus Highlights From Nintendo’s Blockbuster Sale

by Scarlett Feb 10,2025

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 – which means a fresh batch of game reviews for you! I've penned three, and our friend Mikhail contributes one. My reviews cover Bakeru, Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, and Mika and the Witch’s Mountain. Mikhail provides his expert insight on Peglin, a game he knows better than anyone else on the TouchArcade team. 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 includes 28 characters and boasts rollback netcode for online play. While cross-play isn't included, it promises a great offline experience and online battles with other Switch players. Having loved the game on Steam Deck and PS5, I'm eager to check out the Switch version. Visit the official website for more details.

Reviews & Mini-Views

Bakeru ($39.99)

Let's be clear: Bakeru isn't Goemon/Mystical Ninja, despite being developed by some of the same team. While superficial similarities exist, they are distinct games. Managing expectations is key; Bakeru is its own entity. Developed by Good-Feel (known for Wario, Yoshi, and Kirby titles), Bakeru is a charming, accessible, and polished platformer.

The game unfolds in Japan, following Issun and his tanuki companion, Bakeru, as they thwart mischief across various prefectures. Expect plenty of action, treasure collecting, quirky encounters, and hidden secrets across over sixty levels. While not all levels are unforgettable, the experience remains consistently engaging. The collectibles are particularly noteworthy, often reflecting the unique aspects of each location – offering fascinating glimpses into Japanese culture.

The boss battles are a highlight, reminiscent of classic Good-Feel titles. They're inventive, challenging, and rewarding. Bakeru takes creative risks within its 3D platforming framework, with some experiments proving more successful than others. Despite its imperfections, the game's charm is undeniable.

The Switch version's performance is the main drawback, echoing Mikhail's Steam version review. The framerate fluctuates, sometimes reaching 60fps but often dropping significantly during intense moments. While personally unbothered by inconsistent framerates, I acknowledge this could be a deal-breaker for others. Improvements have been made since the Japanese release, but issues remain.

Bakeru is a delightful 3D platformer with polished gameplay and innovative design choices. Its charm is infectious, although performance issues on Switch hold it back slightly. Those expecting a Goemon clone will be disappointed, but overall, it's a highly recommended title.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Star Wars: Bounty Hunter ($19.99)

The prequel trilogy era spawned numerous Star Wars games, and Star Wars: Bounty Hunter focuses on Jango Fett, Boba Fett's father. This game explores Jango's life before Attack of the Clones, detailing his rise to become the galaxy's top bounty hunter.

The gameplay involves completing levels with specific targets, while optional bounties add replayability. A variety of weapons and gadgets, including the jetpack, are available. While initially engaging, repetitive gameplay and dated mechanics (typical of a 2002 game) become apparent. Targeting, cover mechanics, and level design are flawed, even by the standards of its time.

Aspyr's port improves the visuals and performance, offering a better experience than the original. However, the archaic save system remains, requiring restarts from the beginning of long stages if you falter. The inclusion of a Boba Fett skin is a nice touch.

Star Wars: Bounty Hunter possesses a nostalgic charm, reflecting the rough-edged yet earnest style of early 2000s games. If you appreciate that retro aesthetic and are willing to overlook its flaws, it's worth considering. Otherwise, its dated gameplay might prove frustrating.

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 novice witch tasked with delivering packages around a vibrant town to earn money for broom repairs. The gameplay loop of zipping around on your broom is enjoyable, and the world and characters are charming.

However, the Switch version suffers from performance issues, with resolution and framerate taking hits depending on the location. The core gameplay mechanic, while initially fun, can become repetitive.

Despite technical limitations and repetitive elements, the game's charm and whimsical setting make it enjoyable for those who appreciate its unique style and are willing to overlook its flaws.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Peglin ($19.99)

Peglin, a pachinko-roguelike, has reached its 1.0 release across platforms, including Switch. The core gameplay involves aiming an orb at pegs to damage enemies and progress through zones. Upgrades, events, shops, and bosses add depth and replayability. The game is challenging but 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 a welcome addition. Cross-save functionality is absent, but the developers have confirmed future free updates.

Despite minor performance issues, Peglin is a fantastic game, especially for fans of pachinko and roguelikes. The Switch version leverages the console's features effectively, offering multiple control schemes.