Bakeru - Switch Review

Alex Harding -

As a spiritual successor to the classic 3D Goemon entries, Bakeru brings the action platforming and the unabashed Japanese themes fans fondly remember to the Nintendo Switch (well, in English). You see, Bakeru already launched on Nintendo Switch last year, but for Japan only, so while this isn't exactly new, it is for us who held out for it to be localised properly.

The Good

Bakeru is bursting with style; each level is unique and memorable, which is not easy to say about a game with 63 levels in it. One level you're in a forest, the next you're riding a kart on a race track, and then you're at a water park. There's no straightforward cohesiveness to the level themes and that's a good thing, it'll keep you surprised at every turn. These levels are also quite linear, but they do encourage you to go off the beaten path now and then to explore hidden areas, find three optional souvenirs per level, and five optional trivia facts.

Speaking of the trivia facts, I just have to say that this is such a lovely inclusion! Many platformer collectibles are just an item for the sake of it needing to be something; but in Bakeru, it's literally fun trivia facts. From this game, I have learned how to cook sakura rice, that green tea is rich in antimicrobial properties so it's good to gargle when you're unwell, and that shisa lion-dog statues always come in pairs, the one with its mouth open brings in fortune and the one with its mouth closed retains it. Who ever said video games can't teach you anything?!

The combat has a surprising amount of depth, much more than I was initially expecting at first glance. Bakeru's weapon of choice are his taiko drumsticks. Having one stick in each hand allows for you to strike independently, gain a sense of rhythm in combat and unlock new moves that require different combinations from each stick. You can also dodge and parry, taking inspiration from the soulslike genre, and this all comes in a well oiled 60 frames per second on Switch. Not bad!

TL;DR

  • Wonderful level theme variation
  • Fun facts about Japan are a collectible
  • Deep combat

The Bad

The plot is incredibly thin and lacking, and this comes as a surprise as the setting and initial story beats promised much more than what they delivered. Much of it feels like it follows a rigid formula, where you need to gain three henge powers from three heroes, then save seven girls so they can sing a song to save the world. On top of that, the characters fit very basic anime tropes, and I love anime, but the tropes have been done and there was clearly no thought that went into their characters' developments.

While Bakeru can usually boast 60 frames per second, it may have been wiser to lock it at 30 as, during more chaotic moments, there can be some noticeable dips. It's never game breaking, but it is certainly worth mentioning as, considering this game has been out for a while now in Japan, I can't see a patch coming around to fix it anytime soon.

TL;DR

  • Plot is thin and lacks substance
  • Frame rate dips during chaotic moments

Final Score: 9/10

Bakeru scratches the Goemon itch that I've had for many years now. It's so charming with it's setting in a mythical alternate Japan that after I publish this review, I'm going to be checking flight prices pronto. While I do wish that some of the characters had some actual depth to them, this is easy to shrug off and bask in the wonderful gameplay and setting.

Thank you for checking out our Bakeru Switch review, thank you to Spike Chunsoft for providing the review code and thank you to our Patreon Backers for their ongoing support: