Bakeru Review – Action Platforming With Nostalgic Charm

by Ali Haider

Bakeru is a new action platformer developed by Good Feel, a studio known for its work on many Nintendo games. The game was first released in Japan earlier this year. After some time spent on localization, it is now available in English. Bakeru features an engaging art style and a delightful cast of characters. The controls are excellent, using a two-button combat system that allows players to perform various moves.

While Good Feel is often seen as a studio focused on Nintendo titles, they have also created some exclusive games, and Bakeru is one of them. This game serves as a spiritual successor to the Goemon series but introduces the unique elements that help it stand out. Rather than following the latest trends, Bakeru feels like a traditional old-school platformer, making it a pleasure to play. The game combines 3D platforming sections with beat-em-up gameplay.

The story is not the main focus of the game. It takes place in a world filled with magical beings, where the main character, Bakeru, must save a Fairy Tale Japan from the evil Oracle Saitaro. The game is divided into several levels that represent different Japanese prefectures. Bakeru can use his drums to purify the world from the evil influence of Oracle Saitaro and his Festival Troops, who appear in each level. At the end of a level, Bakeru can use his drums to free the people from the evil spell by playing them.

The controls in Bakeru are quite simple. The right and left triggers control Bakeru’s hands, and players can press them at the same time or hold them down for charged attacks. Bakeru gains the ability to transform into famous Japanese heroes when he obtains the Henge License. While some of these heroes may be unfamiliar to those who are not well-versed in Japanese folklore, they include well-known names like Kintaro and Momotaro. The game also features new enhancements to combat, allowing for additional attack options.

The stages are relatively short and not too difficult to complete. There are nearly 47 stages to explore, with most taking about 10 to 20 minutes to finish. It is a decently sized platformer, and players can replay stages to find hidden collectibles. Each level contains collectibles similar to those in Mario games, and revisiting levels to discover missing items adds to the game’s charm. Some of the Henge abilities allow for further exploration, making it beneficial to backtrack if you are missing any collectibles.

The collectibles in each level are called Scoop, which provides information about various Japanese folklore tales. I was also pleased to discover a parry feature, which adds an extra layer of gameplay alongside the standard dodge and block mechanics. In terms of performance, the game looks good on the Nintendo Switch, but this comes at the cost of lower overall performance. It runs at 30 FPS, and while the frame rate feels stable, I noticed a slight judder when moving the camera quickly.

Bakeru is a fun game that does not overstay its welcome. In a sea of platformers, it stands out and feels very capable. Although the story may have limited appeal, the character design, art style, and overall gameplay are excellent. Completing each level to achieve 100% adds to the game’s enjoyment and overall appeal.

  • Price: $39.99
  • Publisher: Spike Chunsoft
  • Developer: Good Feel
  • Platform: Nintendo Switch (Reviewed)
  • Disclaimer: A review code was given by the publisher

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