Developer: Good-Feel
Publisher: Spike Chunsoft
Platforms: Windows PC, Nintendo Switch
Release Date: September 3, 2024
In Japan, the Ganbare Goemon (literally, “Go for it, Goemon!”) franchise was extremely successful. With a blue-haired hero steeped in legend, Goemon would appear in 23 mainline games, 8 spin-offs, and even inspire a manga and television series. However, the rest of the world knew very little about Goemon. Konami, the publisher, decided the property was too culturally particular, resulting in only five titles being released internationally.
However, if you have ever played any of the Goemon games, you will understand why they are so popular. The property explored a wide range of genres, but features like as a humorous mood, a cartoonish depiction of feudal Japan, and references to other prominent gaming properties were common. Best of all, Goemon games were entertaining, featuring a diversity of mechanics and frequently concealing an inventory of mysteries to be discovered.
Trading the Pipe for Drumsticks
Despite this, Konami appears to have forgotten about their pipe-wielding mascot, as no new entries have been released in the last 19 years. Undoubtedly, Good-Feel president and former Goemon director Etsunobu Ebisu misses the joyful ninja just as much as we do. While Bakeru’s protagonist may be a shape-shifting tanuki rather than an outlaw hero, Good-Feel’s game has the feel of a Goemon title. Anyone with even a passing interest in action platformers should look at Bakeru.
Bakeru follows tradition by keeping the exposition pleasantly brief. Animated cutscenes depict the villainous Oracle Saitaro and his yokai crew attempting to grab control of a fairy tale-like Japan. Countering his aspirations takes you over an overworld map of the country. You’ll explore all of the prefectures, sightseeing through embellished landscapes ranging from sandcastle-filled beaches and aquatic resorts to locations that showcase the colors of Japan’s autumn foliage – all before boarding an airship for a final assault.
Regarding Hyottoko and Ninja Octopi
Fortunately, the levels are not low, frequently letting Bakeru wild in large playgrounds with plenty of exploration options. Throughout each location, there are numerous festival lights that must be smashed open before the level goal of a tower drum becomes available. But that isn’t the only thing you’ll be looking for. You’ll be searching the alcoves of each stage for a trio of capsules containing mementos, facts offered by a poop-like character, and subsequently, tanuki that are extremely well-hidden. However, there is one minor issue: the tanuki search is not available from the start, forcing players to replay levels.
But it’s difficult to be unhappy about collectible hunting when there’s so much to admire about each stage. Sure, Bakeru will have to cross an occasional expanse of emptiness. However, there are plenty of amusing visual gags. Watermelon monsters break into flawless parts when struck, whereas construction workers drop the huge guilders they carry when attacked. Bakeru’s backdrop is sporadically interrupted by a gorgeous castle, a breathtaking sky, or a sea of cobalt-colored houses, reminding viewers of Japan’s vast visual appeal.
Have Drum, Will Damage
Although Bakeru’s stages are densely populated with garbage hordes, defeating foes isn’t impossible. The skillful tanuki is equipped with a pair of taiko drumsticks that can be banged with a pat on the Joy-Con triggers. Occasionally, combos provide a feeling of rhythm, with alternating touches propelling Bakeru toward his next foe. However, when a foe is too far away, the protagonist gets relocated adjacent to the enemy, which can be perilous. On the plus side, you have a forgiving health bar. You can also utilize the currency acquired by defeating opponents to extend it farther.
While I would have preferred a consistent rhythm that dealt more damage, several of Bakeru’s other moves provide a viable option. You can charge an attack by holding down both bumpers. And if you can persuade a number of enemies to encircle you, the move is one of the most effective techniques of extermination. While you cannot block in the middle of a combo, Bakeru’s precision parries can be useful.
Do Not Forget Your Momotaro Form!
However, you can also gather tear-shaped power-ups to develop a gauge that will fuel your Henge license. Once collected, these let the Bakeru to transform into several forms. Although most are combat-oriented, with longer range or powerful area-of-effect attacks, one allows the tanuki to shrink and explore new locations. For better or worse, Good-Feel rarely forces you to assume a specific form. As a result, it’s easy to fall into a rut and neglect these abilities outside of boss battles.
Bakeru, like the traditional Ganbare Goemon games, alternates between several forms of action to deal with weariness. Occasionally, you’ll jump inside a robot dog for some Mario Kart-style racing, engage in dogfights, or face off in mecha-nized battle. Sure, none of these mini-games are smart enough to stand alone. However, they guarantee that the title’s rhythm is stirringly syncopated. As a result, Bakeru deserves to be as productive as old Goemon.
Bakeru was played on Switch with review code provided by the publisher.
Review Overview
Gameplay – 87%
Controls – 90%
Aesthetics – 92%
Content – 85%
Accessibility – 88%
Value – 90%
Overall Rating – 89%
EXCELLENT!
Summary: BAKERU: Get ready, Bakeru’s! is an outstanding game that excels in delivering an engaging and visually stunning experience. With its polished gameplay, intuitive controls, and vibrant aesthetics, it captures the player’s attention from start to finish. While there’s always room for improvement in content variety, the game offers great value and accessibility, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.