Hello, fellow gamers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for September 2nd, 2024! While it might be a holiday in the States, it's business as usual here in Japan. That means a fresh batch of reviews for you, kicking off our week in typical fashion. I've tackled Bakeru, Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, and Mika and the Witch’s Mountain, while our friend Mikhail provides his expert insight on Peglin. Plus, we have some news from Mikhail and a massive rundown 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 action of Guilty Gear Strive to the Nintendo Switch on January 23rd! Expect 28 characters and rollback netcode for online play. While cross-play isn't included, it's still a fantastic addition for offline battles and Switch-to-Switch online matches. Having enjoyed the game on Steam Deck and PS5, I'm definitely looking forward to this version. Learn more on the official website.

Reviews & Mini-Views

Bakeru ($39.99)

Let's be clear: Bakeru isn't Goemon/Mystical Ninja, despite sharing some surface-level similarities with the classic series. It's developed by some of the same minds, but it's its own unique experience. Manage your expectations accordingly! Bakeru hails from Good-Feel, a studio known for charming, accessible platformers in the Wario, Yoshi, and Kirby universes. And that's precisely what Bakeru delivers.

The game follows Issun and his tanuki companion, Bakeru, as they traverse Japan, battling enemies, collecting cash, and uncovering secrets. 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 a delightful glimpse into Japanese culture.

The boss battles are a highlight! Good-Feel's expertise shines through in these creative and rewarding encounters. Bakeru takes some bold creative risks, and while some work better than others, the successes are truly memorable. The game's charm and likeability outweigh any minor shortcomings.

One area of concern is the Switch's performance. The framerate fluctuates, sometimes reaching 60fps but often dipping lower during intense moments. While personally, I'm not overly sensitive to framerate inconsistencies, it's worth noting for those who are.

Bakeru is a delightful 3D platformer with polished gameplay and inventive ideas. Its charm is infectious. While performance issues on Switch prevent it from reaching its full potential, and those expecting a Goemon clone will be disappointed, it's still a highly recommended title.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Star Wars: Bounty Hunter ($19.99)

The prequel trilogy era spawned a wave of 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 series of bounty hunting missions. While the story might not be groundbreaking, it offers a glimpse into Jango's life before his fateful encounter with Mace Windu.

Gameplay involves targeting and eliminating various targets across a range of levels. While initially engaging, the repetitive gameplay and dated mechanics (common for early 2000s games) can become tedious. Targeting and cover mechanics are particularly problematic.

Aspyr's updated version boasts improved visuals and performance, along with a refined control scheme. However, the frustrating save system remains unchanged. Despite its flaws, the game holds a certain nostalgic charm for those who appreciate the quirks of early 2000s gaming.

Star Wars: Bounty Hunter offers a nostalgic trip back to 2002. If you're craving a rough-around-the-edges action game with a distinct retro feel, this might be for you. Otherwise, its dated gameplay might prove too challenging.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Mika and the Witch’s Mountain ($19.99)

Inspired by Studio Ghibli's aesthetic, Mika and the Witch’s Mountain casts you as a young witch tasked with delivering packages around a vibrant town. The core gameplay loop involves flying your broom, delivering goods, and completing side quests. While the charming world and characters add to the experience, the Switch version suffers from occasional performance hiccups.

The repetitive nature of the core mechanic can become somewhat tiresome, and the performance issues are more noticeable on the Switch than on more powerful hardware. However, the game's charm and whimsical atmosphere make it a worthwhile experience for those who can overlook its flaws.

Mika and the Witch’s Mountain is a charming game with a unique premise. If the concept appeals to you, you'll likely enjoy it despite its limitations.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Peglin ($19.99)

Peglin, a pachinko-style roguelike, has received a full 1.0 release across platforms, including the Switch. This version offers a polished experience, though the aiming feels slightly less precise than on other platforms. Touch controls are a viable alternative. Load times are longer than on mobile, but overall performance is solid.

The game's strategic depth lies in aiming your orb to hit specific pegs, triggering various effects and battles. While initially challenging, the gameplay loop becomes addictive. The addition of in-game achievements is a nice touch, compensating for the Switch's lack of system-wide achievements.

The Switch port benefits from good rumble, touchscreen support, and button controls, offering flexibility in how you play. However, cross-save functionality across platforms is absent.

Peglin is a fantastic game, especially for those who enjoy the unique blend of pachinko and roguelike mechanics. Despite minor issues, it's a must-have for Switch owners. -Mikhail Madnani

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

Nintendo's Blockbuster Sale is packed with deals! I've highlighted some of the best picks below, but be sure to check out my separate article for a more comprehensive list.

Select New Sales (Images omitted for brevity, as requested. The original images would be included in the actual output.)

A large selection of games are on sale, with many titles featuring significant discounts. The list includes a wide variety of genres and popular titles. Check the original article for the complete list.

That's all for today! Join us tomorrow for more reviews, new releases, sales, and news. Thanks for reading!