Game: BAKERU
Genre: Action, Adventure, Platformer
System: Nintendo Switch (also available on Steam (Windows))
Developer|Publisher: Good-Feel | Spike Chunsoft
Age Rating: EU 3+ | US Everyone
Price: US $39.99 | UK £34.99 | EU € 39,99
Release Date: September 3rd, 2024
A review code was provided with many thanks to Spike Chunsoft
BAKERU: A Whimsical Journey Through Fairy Tale Japan
BAKERU, developed by Good-Feel known for the adorable Yoshi’s Woolly World, is an enchanting adventure that seamlessly blends whimsical charm with easy-to-pick-up gameplay. Set in a vibrant, fairy tale version of Japan, this game’s family-friendly graphics, expansive levels, and fun combat mechanics make it a good fit for players of all ages. Whether you’re looking to explore every nook and cranny of its colourful world or just have some fun with its simple, responsive combat, BAKERU delivers a feel-good experience from start to finish.
Large Levels Full of Secrets and Exploration
The levels in BAKERU are expansive playgrounds that practically beg to be explored. The main objective in each level is simple: find three lanterns to unlock the final level goal. Sometimes, these lanterns are hidden away in the environment, encouraging you to search every corner, while other times, they’re awarded after defeating larger enemies. There are more than enough lanterns in each stage, so if you miss one, don’t worry. You’ll never be too far from another opportunity to progress.
Exploration feels rewarding, with hidden collectables to find should you want to explore off the beaten path. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, the game throws in fun driving segments to mix up the pace. These short but sweet breaks provide a welcome reprieve from the platforming and combat, keeping things fresh as you move through the various stages.
Satisfying Combat with a Rhythmic Twist
One of the most enjoyable parts of BAKERU is its unique and rhythmic combat system, which is simple enough for younger players to grasp but engaging enough for older players to enjoy as well. Armed with two enchanted drumsticks, you’ll engage enemies by rhythmically attacking with the left and right shoulder buttons. The controls are tight and responsive, giving the combat a satisfying flow as you swing your drumsticks in time with the action.
You also have the ability to block and dodge incoming attacks and, with precise timing, execute a deadly parry that allows for a powerful counterattack. It’s something quite easy to pull off. Even if you’re not great with rhythm, you can still get through most encounters by button-mashing, making the combat accessible to players of all skill levels. As you progress, you’ll unlock additional moves that add depth to the combat without making it overly complicated or frustrating. Furthermore, as you advance, you gain new transformations that enhance both platforming and combat, though these are limited by a meter that gradually fills over time.
That said, the combat leans toward the easier side. While you can collect coins and visit a vendor to unlock power-ups and consumable items, it often feels unnecessary, as you can manage without much outside assistance. The difficulty curve isn’t steep, and most players will breeze through battles without too much trouble. But that’s not necessarily a drawback. Sometimes, a lighthearted and fun experience is exactly what you need. BAKERU offers a satisfying combat system that perfectly suits the game’s tone: simple, fun, and just challenging enough to keep you engaged without overwhelming you.
Smooth Performance with a Few Minor Hiccups
Whether you’re playing on the big screen or in handheld mode, BAKERU runs smoothly for the most part, maintaining a consistent performance that keeps the game enjoyable. The vibrant visuals pop on the Switch’s display and the game’s colourful art style is a perfect match for the whimsical tone. The only minor dips in performance come when you whip the camera around too quickly, but these moments are rare and hardly detract from the overall experience.
Given how well the game runs in both modes, it’s a great option for players who like to switch between docked and handheld play. Whether you’re kicking back on the couch or playing on the go, BAKERU looks and plays just as good either way.
A Whimsical Plot That Doesn’t Take Itself Too Seriously
The plot of BAKERU is delightfully silly, adding another layer of charm to the game. You play as a tanuki named Bakeru, a magical shapeshifter tasked with escorting a small, blue-haired character named Sun across the fairy tale version of Japan. Together, they must defeat the evil Oracle Saitaro, who has brainwashed the land’s inhabitants. It’s a classic good-versus-evil setup but told through a lighthearted, whimsical lens that’s impossible not to love. There’s something refreshingly wholesome about the whole thing as you go about saving the world from an evil brainwashing scheme while surrounded by magical creatures and stunning scenery. It’s simple, silly, and fun, a perfect fit for a game that emphasizes feel-good vibes.
A Fairy Tale Adventure Rooted in Real Japan
One of the game’s strongest features is its delightful blend of fantasy and reality. As you travel across the beautiful levels, you’ll explore a fairy-tale Japan filled with colourful Autumn forests, bustling city areas, beautiful beaches, and more. There’s a storybook quality to the game’s world, where every location feels like it’s been pulled straight from Japanese folklore, and yet, it’s also deeply rooted in real-world culture. Collectables throughout the game offer genuine facts about Japan’s history and traditions. These little touches ground the fantasy elements, adding an extra layer of immersion for anyone keen to learn while they play.
Each level is large and inviting, offering plenty of opportunities to explore and discover hidden secrets. Good-Feel’s knack for environmental design shines through as you wander through vibrant towns and mystical forests, hunting for lanterns, treasures, and quirky enemy interactions. You’ll see enemies waiting in line at vendors, sweeping the floors of shrines, or just interacting with the environment in unexpected ways. These details add life to the world, making it feel lived-in and genuinely charming.
A Tad Easy, But Packed with Charm
If there’s one downside to BAKERU, it’s the difficulty or lack thereof. For more experienced players, the game might feel a bit too easy, as the combat and platforming never pose much of a challenge. Defeat simply comes at the cost of some of your collected coins. However, this simplicity is part of the game’s appeal. It’s designed to be a relaxed, enjoyable experience that players of all ages can pick up and enjoy without frustration.
The ease of gameplay makes BAKERU an excellent choice for families or those looking for a more laid-back adventure. Younger players will appreciate the forgiving mechanics, while older players can still find joy in the game’s charming world and fun combat. It’s not about proving your skills. It’s about enjoying the journey and immersing yourself in a colourful, magical adventure.
Conclusion: A Journey Full of Fun and Charm
In the end, BAKERU is a delightful adventure packed with charm, offering a whimsical journey through a beautifully crafted world. The expansive levels, rhythmic combat, and fun driving segments keep things varied and engaging, while the game’s attention to detail and love for Japanese culture makes it feel like a heartfelt tribute to the country’s folklore.
Although it may be on the easier side, the game’s feel-good vibes, family-friendly graphics, and enchanting world more than make up for it, whether you’re exploring the large 3D levels, collecting tidbits of real-world history, or engaging in tight, fun combat, BAKERU is a game that’s easy to love. For those looking to unwind and enjoy a whimsical adventure, especially on sadder days, this one’s an absolute treat. A free demo is available on the Nintendo Switch eShop.
Final Verdict: Two Thumbs Up
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