Why isn’t Konami releasing more Legend of the Mystical Ninja (Goemon) games? Argh. It’s a terrific series, and every release offers something fun and unique. Not to mention goofball. I mean…PLASMA! C’mon. PLASMA! Fortunately, Goodfeel sort of remembers with its latest release, Bakeru.
It initially released in Japan earlier this year as Otogi Katsugeki Mameda no Bakeru: Oracle Saitarou no Sainan!!. Fortunately, it’s gotten a very reasonable home translation, with Japanese voices intact but easily readable English. What’s more, it’s simple and fun to play, a platformer that caters to all ages.
But it embraces the goofy spirit that we’ve come to expect from older Goemon games. With hilarious characters, fun gameplay perks and challenges galore (including hidden talking…terds?), Bakeru clearly entertains. If you’re into this sort of thing, it delivers.
Enter the Bakeru!
When it comes to story, Bakeru has little to offer. It’s simply about a hero out to stop a demonic force, featuring the most stylish hair you can think of. But, honestly, it serves as a good framework for the action you’ll find inside.
The game is a classic platformer, through and through. You’ll smack enemies using a pair of attack sticks, which also come in handy for end-of-level drums. You can unleash combo attacks or even take into the air for a mighty ground pound. This not only obliterates everything within its range, but can also unearth little surprises.
There are also awesome little transformations that come about as you defeat bosses. Though you’ll have to use them sparingly, they’re a good deal of fun. They mix things up beautifully – and comically – as they make Bakeru a true force of nature.
Controls respond beautifully within this game, and platforming is a cinch. You can also go “micro-size” in some places, getting through smaller areas or executing an adorable mid-air hover. (Think Yoshi but even cuter.) The combat mixes up nicely, especially with the new abilities. And finding little secrets – like those turd-like figures that actually provide trivia facts?! – is rad.
Spike Chunsoft handled the translation of the game fairly well, and even added small things to smooth over the experience. Alas, it failed to add any sort of New Game + to boost the game’s challenge. You’ll get through it in a matter of hours, though you can always go back and find stuff you missed. So, yeah, Dark Souls it ain’t. But entertaining, it definitely is.
It Definitely Looks and Sounds Old School
Bakeru’s visuals are splendid. The game looks like a PS2 platformer of old, but with defined touches for this generation. The enemies are cute as heck (I almost don’t want to hit them!) and the environments are great. There are some nifty puzzles as well, and the boss encounters are a joy to watch. Plus the cinemas, though lacking in story, are great too. Overall, this is a good looking game that reminds you of simpler times.
As for the music, it’s pretty good. It does get repetitive like older platforming games, but it’s got that level of goodness you expect. The sound effects are minimal, but the voice acting – all Japanese – is top notch. (No English voice actors here, but they’re not needed.)
Overall, it doesn’t go above and beyond like, say, Super Mario Odyssey. But Bakeru succeeds in challenging that classic Konami spirit.
Bakeru To Basics
If you can accept the fact the game is fairly easy and lacking in extras, Bakeru is pure platforming pleasure. It’s a good time all around, and wonderfully designed. And the English translation is solid, even without the voice acting to match. Honestly, I love the traditional Japanese voiceovers. They add to the game’s tone, making it even stronger as a result.
Goemon fans should jump in without hesitation. Heck, so should platforming fans in general. We should bear hug games such as this, as that means more will be made. And who knows, this might just inspire them to give Goemon another chance. Please?
GAMERHUB RATING: 4 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to Spike Chunsoft for the review code! Bakeru is available for Nintendo Switch and arrives on PC on September 3rd!
