Bakeru, developed by Good-Feel Co. and published by Spike Chunsoft, offers a charming experience that mixes traditional Japanese folklore with modern-day Japan. The game’s quirky premise, vibrant visuals, and unique transformation mechanics give it a distinct personality, but it struggles to fully capitalize on its potential due to some uneven gameplay elements. Here’s a closer look at the game on the Nintendo Switch.
Set in a whimsical version of Japan, Bakeru follows the titular hero as he embarks on a journey across 47 prefectures to free the country from evil spirits. Despite these evil spirits, the narrative is mostly lighthearted, drawing from Japanese mythology and folklore, with characters like Kintaro and Momotaro making appearances. The story is presented in a colorful and humorous way, but often feels like an afterthought, serving more as a backdrop to the gameplay than a driving force. While the game’s world is rich in cultural references, it lacks the depth needed to make the story truly memorable.
The core gameplay revolves around Bakeru’s ability to transform into various characters using Henge Licenses, each granting him unique abilities to overcome obstacles and defeat enemies. The transformation mechanic is a cool feature, allowing for some creative gameplay moments, especially when switching between different forms to tackle specific challenges. However, the simplicity of the controls can sometimes still make the gameplay feel repetitive, as many of the levels rely on similar platforming sequences and combat scenarios. The game does mix things up with variant stages that involve vehicle segments or air combat, but these moments are few and far between.
Visually, Bakeru is a lovely treat, with its colorful, hand-drawn aesthetic capturing the spirit of both modern and traditional Japan. The game’s visual design is vibrant and full of character, making each of the 47 prefectures feel distinct, even if the level design itself isn’t always as varied. The art direction is undoubtedly one of the game’s strongest aspects, and it’s clear that a lot of care went into crafting the game’s world. However, the camera can sometimes be a bit awkward, particularly in more complex platforming sections, leading to some frustrating moments.
Looking past the lovely visuals, the audio experience in Bakeru is equally enjoyable, with a soundtrack that complements the game’s tone. The music blends traditional Japanese instruments with modern sounds, creating a unique atmosphere that fits well with the game’s theme. Sound effects are well-done, adding to the overall charm, though the lack of voice acting may leave some players wanting more personality from the characters.
Despite its charm, Bakeru is not without its small flaws. The game’s biggest drawback is its pacing, which can feel sluggish due to the nature of the gameplay. While the transformation mechanic adds some variety, the level design often falls into a predictable pattern, which is mostly felt during longer play sessions. Additionally, the game’s difficulty is inconsistent, with some levels being far too easy while others spike unexpectedly, leading to a somewhat unbalanced experience. However, these are mostly minor issues, that don’t stand in the way of the game’s charm.
In conclusion, Bakeru is a game that shines in its visual and cultural presentation. The transformation mechanics and charming aesthetic offer a unique experience, despite some rough edges when it comes to pacing. For fans of Japanese folklore and lighthearted platformers, Bakeru offers a fun adventure on the Nintendo Switch.
Score: 7.9/10
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