Welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for September 2nd, 2024. Today marks a holiday in the United States, but here in Japan, it’s just another Monday. That means it’s time for some gaming goodness, starting with a batch of reviews. I’ve got three titles to share, all penned by yours truly, plus one insightful piece from our friend Mikhail. This week, I dive into *Bakeru*, *Star Wars: Bounty Hunter*, and *Mika and the Witch’s Mountain*. Mikhail returns to his favorite stomping ground with *Peglin*, offering insights that no one else can match. Elsewhere, there’s a snippet of news from Mikhail and a comprehensive list of deals from Nintendo’s ongoing Blockbuster Sale. Let’s dig in!
News
Guilty Gear Strive Nintendo Switch Edition Coming January 2025
Arc System Works has officially announced Guilty Gear Strive for Nintendo Switch, launching on January 23rd. Players will enjoy 28 characters and rollback netcode for online battles. Unfortunately, crossplay won’t be available, but it’s perfect for local multiplayer or offline play. Fans of the game on Steam Deck and PS5 will surely want to check this out. Head to the official website for more details.
Reviews & Mini-Views
Bakeru ($39.99)
Bakeru is often compared to Goemon/Mystical Ninja, but it’s important to remember that it stands on its own. Developed by Good-Feel, the studio behind Wario, Yoshi, and Kirby series games, Bakeru delivers a polished platforming experience. Think of it as a lovable raccoon version of those franchises. You play as Issun, a tiny wanderer who teams up with a mischievous tanuki named Bakeru. Together, they traverse Japan’s prefectures, fighting foes, solving puzzles, and collecting treasures. The game boasts over sixty levels, each with distinct challenges and secrets. While not every level is a standout, the overall experience remains consistently engaging.
Boss battles deserve special mention. Good-Feel knows how to craft memorable showdowns, and Bakeru is no exception. Creative encounters reward players handsomely. However, some ideas work better than others, but that’s par for the course in this genre. Despite its quirks, Bakeru is a delightful romp that grows on you. Performance on Switch leaves something to be desired, with varying frame rates, particularly during intense moments. Still, it’s hard not to fall for its charm.
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Star Wars: Bounty Hunter ($19.99)
Released in 2002, Star Wars: Bounty Hunter fills in the backstory of Jango Fett, the legendary bounty hunter whose DNA spawned the Republic’s clone army. Set during the Clone Wars, the game follows Jango as he takes on dangerous missions for Count Dooku. You’ll encounter classic Star Wars elements like jetpacks, blasters, and Dark Jedi duels. While ambitious for its time, the game struggles with dated mechanics, including clunky targeting and poorly designed levels.
Despite its age, Aspyr has done a commendable job polishing the game for modern audiences. Controls are vastly improved, and the graphics shine brighter than ever. Unfortunately, save systems remain unchanged, meaning you might need to restart lengthy stages if you falter. Still, the addition of a Boba Fett skin is a nice touch. For nostalgic gamers, this is the definitive version of a flawed classic.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Mika and the Witch’s Mountain ($19.99)
Developed by Chibig and Nukefist, Mika and the Witch’s Mountain draws heavy inspiration from Studio Ghibli’s aesthetic. As a rookie witch, you’ll explore a charmingly crafted world, delivering packages on your broken broomstick. Along the way, you’ll meet quirky townsfolk and uncover secrets. While the core gameplay is straightforward, the game’s dedication to its premise occasionally feels repetitive. Technical hiccups on Switch, such as frame rate drops and poor resolution, detract from the experience.
Still, there’s undeniable charm in zipping around on your broom, interacting with eccentric characters. If the idea of a whimsical delivery sim appeals to you, you’ll likely enjoy it. Just be prepared for occasional performance hiccups.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Peglin ($19.99)
A year ago, I reviewed Peglin in its early access phase. Since then, the game has evolved significantly, culminating in version 1.0. Now available on Steam, mobile, and Switch, Peglin combines pachinko mechanics with roguelike elements. Your goal is simple: aim your orb to knock pegs and defeat enemies. As you progress, you’ll unlock upgrades, relics, and new orbs. The game’s difficulty curve is steep, but rewards persistence.
Performance-wise, the Switch handles Peglin well, though aiming feels slightly less precise than on other platforms. Touch controls help mitigate this issue. Load times are slightly longer, but not enough to detract from the overall experience. Achievements are missing on Switch, but the developer’s custom tracking system is a thoughtful substitute. Updates promise to address remaining issues like cross-save functionality.
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
Nintendo’s Blockbuster Sale continues to offer incredible discounts. Below are some highlights, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. Keep an eye out for my follow-up article featuring the best picks from the sale.
Avenging Spirit ($2.99 from $5.99 until 9/5)
NOISZ re:||COLLECTION G ($19.99 from $24.99 until 9/7)
Fur Squadron ($2.79 from $6.99 until 9/8)
Agnostiko Origins ($13.74 from $24.99 until 9/9)
Sonic Mania ($7.99 from $19.99 until 9/10)
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle ($13.99 from $39.99 until 9/10)
Puyo Puyo Tetris ($3.99 from $19.99 until 9/10)
Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap ($5.99 from $19.99 until 9/10)
Super Bomberman R ($19.99 from $39.99 until 9/10)
The Red Strings Club ($2.99 from $14.99 until 9/10)
Goat Simulator The GOATY ($5.99 from $29.99 until 9/10)
Downwell ($2.00 from $2.99 until 9/10)
Sayonara Wild Hearts ($7.79 from $12.99 until 9/10)
Ghostbusters: The Video Game ($7.49 from $29.99 until 9/10)
Hotline Miami Collection ($6.24 from $24.99 until 9/10)
Torchlight II ($3.99 from $19.99 until 9/10)
Huntdown ($3.99 from $19.99 until 9/10)
Captain Tsubasa: Rise of New Champions ($7.99 from $39.99 until 9/10)
Streets of Rage 4 ($11.24 from $24.99 until 9/10)
Disc Room ($3.74 from $14.99 until 9/10)
Kathy Rain: Director’s Cut ($4.94
