SwitchArcade评测：“Bakeru”和“Peglin”评测，以及任天堂重磅促销的亮点

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 – meaning a Monday brimming with game reviews! Three from me, and one from our esteemed colleague, Mikhail. I'll be covering Bakeru, Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, and Mika and the Witch’s Mountain, while Mikhail offers his expert insights on Peglin. Plus, we have 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 Guilty Gear Strive to the Nintendo Switch on January 23rd! This version includes 28 characters and boasts rollback netcode for online play. While crossplay isn't included, it promises a solid offline experience and 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 is not Goemon/Mystical Ninja, despite sharing some superficial similarities with the series created by some of the same team members. It's crucial to approach Bakeru on its own merits, not as a Goemon sequel. Bakeru is its own unique entity. With that said, let's explore this game from Good-Feel, a studio known for charming, accessible platformers in the Wario, Yoshi, and Kirby universes (most recently, Princess Peach: Showtime!).

The game unfolds in Japan, where a young boy, Issun, teams up with a tanuki named Bakeru, who possesses shape-shifting abilities and wields a taiko drum. Players traverse Japan, battling enemies, collecting cash, interacting with unexpected characters, and uncovering secrets across sixty levels. While not all levels are exceptionally memorable, the overall experience is consistently engaging. I particularly enjoyed the collectibles, often reflecting the unique aspects of each location, offering interesting tidbits about Japan, some even surprising for a long-time resident.

The boss battles are a highlight, reminiscent of classic Goemon or other Good-Feel titles. The team clearly understands the importance of well-designed boss fights, and these are truly creative and rewarding. Bakeru takes numerous creative risks for a 3D platformer, with varying degrees of success. However, the successes far outweigh the shortcomings, and the overall charm of the game makes it highly enjoyable.

The main drawback is the Switch's performance; the framerate fluctuates, sometimes reaching 60fps but often dropping significantly during intense moments. While I'm not overly sensitive to framerate inconsistencies, it's worth noting for those who are. Despite this, the game's charm and engaging gameplay make it highly enjoyable.

Bakeru is a delightful 3D platformer with polished design and inventive gameplay elements. Its charm is infectious. While some framerate issues and the lack of Goemon comparisons hold it back slightly, it's a highly recommended title to wrap up your summer.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Star Wars: Bounty Hunter ($19.99)

The Star Wars prequel trilogy spawned a wave of video games, and Star Wars: Bounty Hunter focuses on Jango Fett, Boba Fett's father. This game fills in Jango's backstory, depicting his rise as a bounty hunter and his involvement with Count Dooku. Players take on missions, targeting primary and optional bounties. The game features a variety of weapons and the iconic jetpack.

While initially engaging, the gameplay becomes repetitive, hampered by issues common in early 2000s games, such as poor targeting and level design. Even at its release, it was an average game at best.

Aspyr's port improves the visuals and performance, and the control scheme is better than the original. However, the saving system remains unchanged, potentially leading to frustrating restarts. Unlocking a Boba Fett skin is a nice touch.

Star Wars: Bounty Hunter holds a nostalgic charm for those who remember the PlayStation 2/GameCube/Xbox era. This updated version is the best way to experience it, but it's mainly recommended for those seeking a nostalgic trip back to 2002.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Mika and the Witch’s Mountain ($19.99)

Mika and the Witch’s Mountain, developed by Chibig and Nukefist, draws clear inspiration from Studio Ghibli films. Players control a young witch who must repair her broken broom and deliver packages to earn money. The vibrant world and characters enhance the experience.

The Switch version suffers from performance issues, impacting resolution and framerate. The core gameplay mechanic, while central, can become somewhat repetitive.

Despite these issues, the charming world and characters make for an enjoyable experience. If the concept appeals, you'll likely find it enjoyable despite its flaws.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Peglin ($19.99)

Peglin, a pachinko roguelike, has reached its 1.0 release across multiple platforms, including the Switch. Players aim an orb at pegs to damage enemies and progress through zones. The game features upgrades, shops, and challenging battles.

The Switch port performs well, though aiming isn't as smooth as on other platforms, and load times are longer. Touch controls mitigate the aiming issue. The addition of in-game achievements is a welcome feature.

The lack of cross-save functionality is a minor drawback. Despite these minor issues, Peglin is a fantastic game for those who appreciate its unique blend of pachinko and roguelike mechanics. The developers' use of Switch features, including rumble and touchscreen support, enhances the experience.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5 -Mikhail Madnani

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

The Nintendo Blockbuster Sale offers a vast selection of games on sale. A separate article will highlight the best deals. Good luck shopping!

(Images of sale games follow, same as original input)

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