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MONSTER

BAKERU

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of BAKERU
Item: BAKERU
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2024

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Platformer, Single Player

AvailableSep 3, 2024

PlatformNintendo Switch, PC

DeveloperGood-Feel

Overview

A 3D action game starring taiko drum-wielding tanuki boy Bakeru, who assumes the form of a human, going on a journey to save Japan from the clutches of a festival army led by the notorious Oracle Saitaro.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The Story of BAKERU has received a mix of positive feedback from critics regarding its storytelling. CGMagazine praises the game for its quirky and fun plot that pays homage to Japanese culture through manga-style cutscenes, adding a comedic touch to the narrative. GameGrin and Impulsegamer highlight the incorporation of Japanese folklore and mythical creatures, creating an engaging and fantastical world for players to explore. Additionally, NintendoWorldReport and Worth Playing commend the simple yet engaging storyline that is suitable for a younger audience, making it accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of players. On the other hand, some critics expressed concerns about the depth and character development in the story of BAKERU. Noisy Pixel notes that the premise is straightforward and lacks complexity in character arcs, potentially leaving players wanting more emotional depth and growth from the protagonists. Nintendo Life mentions that the plot may be challenging to follow for non-Japanese speakers due to its heavy cultural references and language barriers, which could hinder the overall immersion and understanding of the narrative for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is generally positive towards the Story of BAKERU's storytelling. While there are some reservations about character depth and language accessibility, the majority of reviewers appreciate the game's whimsical and fantastical take on Japanese culture, blending folklore, mythology, and humor into an engaging narrative. Critics like Digitally Downloaded, God is a Geek, and Shacknews highlight the game's unique setting and incorporation of Japanese elements, making it a standout experience for players looking for a lighthearted adventure with a cultural twist. Despite some minor criticisms, the overall sentiment leans towards a recommendation for those interested in a charming and light-hearted journey through a fairy tale version of Japan.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics love BAKERU's quirky plot and Japanese cultural homage, with praise for its engaging world and simple storyline suitable for all players. Some critics want more character depth and point out language barriers, but overall, the game's whimsical take on Japanese culture makes it a charming and recommended adventure for those seeking a lighthearted journey through a fairy tale Japan.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

83%

Mixed (50-79)

17%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of BAKERU for its engaging and enjoyable elements. CGMagazine appreciated the non-stop, uncomplicated fun with a mix of platforming and Beat 'Em Up action reminiscent of classic games, highlighting the unique controls and diverse level design. Nintendo Life commended the wide linear 3D platformer with beat-'em-up elements, mentioning the snappy combat, combos, charge attacks, and transformations. Impulsegamer noted the mix of 3D platforming, basic brawling, platforming challenges, collectibles, and combat against various enemies, with the introduction of Henge powers to add variety to combat. The critics' positive feedback on the gameplay emphasized the fun combat mechanics, engaging exploration, and variety of challenges and abilities. On the downside, some critics expressed concerns about potential repetitiveness in the gameplay of BAKERU. NintendoWorldReport mentioned that while the beat-'em-up gameplay was fun, it could feel repetitive over time. Shacknews highlighted the light and friendly gameplay with simple combat mechanics that may lead to button-mashing, along with gimmick sections to break up monotony. These criticisms suggest that despite the overall positive reception, there may be some aspects of the gameplay that could become repetitive or lack depth in the long run. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of BAKERU. The game was praised for its engaging combat mechanics, diverse level design, exploration elements, and the mix of platforming challenges and beat-'em-up action. Critics like God is a Geek and Noisy Pixel appreciated the clever combat mechanics and addictive progression, while Worth Playing highlighted the variety of skills and transformations that keep the gameplay interesting. While there were some concerns about potential repetitiveness, the majority of critics found BAKERU's gameplay to be very good, offering a mix of fun and enjoyable experiences for players on the Nintendo Switch platform.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics laud BAKERU for its engaging gameplay, combining platforming and Beat 'Em Up action with unique controls and diverse levels. While some worry about possible repetitiveness, overall feedback is positive for the game's fun combat mechanics, exploration, and variety of challenges and abilities on the Nintendo Switch.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

75%

Mixed (50-79)

25%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics praised the graphics and visual design of BAKERU, highlighting its impressive and vibrant aesthetics. CGMagazine and Digitally Downloaded both commended the game for its crisp visuals and energy-filled levels that offer a unique and memorable experience. GameGrin and God is a Geek appreciated the brightly colored and cartoony visuals, with the latter mentioning the delightful design of collectables and stages. Hobby Consolas also noted the colorful and visually appealing design that showcases different regions of Japan, becoming more impressive as the game progresses. Nintendo Life and Noisy Pixel highlighted the consistently engaging visuals with unique theming in each stage, keeping the experience fresh and memorable. However, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks in the graphics and visual design of BAKERU. Impulsegamer and Worth Playing mentioned frame rate issues during hectic moments, with the latter struggling to maintain a consistent frame rate in busy scenes. Nintendo Life also noted inconsistent performance with frame rate oscillating around 30fps, while ZTGD highlighted occasional slowdowns, especially in high activity areas or after extended play sessions. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the graphics and visual design of BAKERU. The game was praised for its vibrant colors, charming environments, and unique theming that captures the essence of Japan. Despite some performance issues like frame rate drops and occasional slowdowns, the majority of reviewers found the visuals to be engaging, memorable, and a key highlight of the game. Critics like Shacknews appreciated the kid-friendly vibe and on-brand visuals that align with the Goemon series, showcasing the game's strong visual identity and artistic direction.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

BAKERU wows critics with its stunning graphics and vibrant design, earning praise for its unique aesthetics and memorable levels. While some noted frame rate issues during intense moments, the majority lauded the game for its engaging visuals that capture the essence of Japan. Overall, critics found the colorful environments and charming theming to be a key highlight, making BAKERU a visually impressive and captivating experience.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of BAKERU have received generally positive feedback from the critics. CGMagazine praised the game for featuring a variety of great Japanese-inspired tracks with powerful Taiko Drum sounds that enhance the rhythm of attacking, creating an immersive experience. GameGrin also highlighted the energetic and upbeat music, featuring traditional string and percussion instruments that complement the visuals and contribute to a happy and whimsical atmosphere. Hobby Consolas appreciated how the sound design and music work together to enhance the cultural and fantastical elements of the game, further immersing players in the world of BAKERU. On the other hand, Worth Playing pointed out that while the music in BAKERU is pleasant and fitting for the game, consisting of a standard set of Japanese-style tunes, it may not be particularly memorable. This sentiment suggests that the music, while serving its purpose of complementing the gameplay, lacks standout tracks that leave a lasting impression on players. This critique aligns with the idea that the music, while enjoyable, may not reach the level of being truly exceptional or groundbreaking. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of BAKERU effectively contribute to the overall gaming experience. Impulsegamer's mention of the superb toe-tapping soundtrack reminiscent of classic Sega games adds to the charm of the game, while ZTGD's comparison to Wind Waker's satisfying feedback in rumble and rhythmic combat highlights the positive impact of the sound design on gameplay. While there are some critiques regarding the memorability of the music, the general sentiment is that the sound design and music successfully immerse players in the world of BAKERU, enhancing its cultural and fantastical elements.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics applaud BAKERU's sound design and music for creating an immersive experience with powerful Japanese-inspired tracks and Taiko Drum sounds. While some find the music pleasant but not particularly memorable, overall, the consensus is that the sound design effectively enhances the game's cultural and fantastical elements, contributing to the overall gaming experience.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

25%

Mixed (50-79)

75%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance on the Nintendo Switch for BAKERU, several critics highlighted positive aspects. CGMagazine mentioned that the game works well on a technical level without any major issues, while Noisy Pixel suggested that the game's framerate is generally stable with occasional drops in crowded scenarios, indicating good overall performance. Hobby Consolas also noted that the game runs smoothly with minimal technical issues, showcasing a decent performance on the platform. On the flip side, there were notable negatives mentioned by critics regarding the technical performance on the Nintendo Switch for BAKERU. God is a Geek described the performance as a mixed bag, with framerate issues in some stages and criticized controls in kart racing stages. Nintendo Life pointed out that the game struggles to maintain a consistent 60fps target, leading to choppy performance, especially in more open areas of levels. Worth Playing echoed similar sentiments, mentioning occasional poor performance and struggles with maintaining a consistent frame rate during busy scenes, which could be a drawback for players. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of BAKERU on the Nintendo Switch leans towards a mixed reception. While some reviewers like CGMagazine and Noisy Pixel appreciated the stable performance with occasional drops, others such as God is a Geek, Nintendo Life, and Worth Playing raised concerns about framerate issues, choppy performance, and struggles with maintaining a consistent frame rate during intense moments. This mixed feedback indicates that while the game may run smoothly in some instances, there are significant technical hurdles that impact the overall experience for players on the Nintendo Switch.

TL;DR

technical performance

BAKERU on Nintendo Switch: Some critics praise its smooth technical performance, while others slam choppy frame rates and control issues. Mixed reviews suggest a bumpy ride for players due to inconsistent performance in crowded scenes.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

18%

Mixed (50-79)

73%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The critics generally agree that BAKERU offers several positive aspects contributing to its replay value. Multiple reviewers highlight the presence of collectibles, exploration, and hidden goodies as key elements that encourage players to revisit the game. For example, Impulsegamer and Nintendo Life both emphasize the appeal of collectibles and minigames for completionists, providing additional challenges and incentives for replaying levels. Additionally, GameGrin and Noisy Pixel appreciate the diverse gameplay in each stage, with boss fights teaching new abilities and varied stage design enhancing replayability. On the other hand, there are some concerns raised by critics regarding the negative aspects impacting the game's replay value. Shacknews and Worth Playing mention the low difficulty and simple combat as potential factors leading to repetitive gameplay, which may deter players from engaging in multiple playthroughs. Furthermore, ZTGD points out the lack of compelling reasons to revisit levels after initial completion, indicating a potential limitation in sustaining long-term interest for players seeking replay value. Overall, while there are differing opinions among the critics, the consensus leans towards BAKERU offering a decent level of replay value. Digitally Downloaded and Impulsegamer appreciate the game's focus on exploration and collectibles, while God is a Geek and Noisy Pixel highlight engaging combat and varied stage design as factors contributing to replayability. However, the concerns raised by critics like Shacknews and ZTGD regarding repetitive gameplay and lack of incentives for revisiting levels suggest that the game may not fully capitalize on its potential for long-lasting replay value. Despite these drawbacks, the overall sentiment suggests that BAKERU manages to provide an enjoyable experience with enough elements to entice players to return for multiple playthroughs, particularly for those interested in Japanese culture and exploration.

TL;DR

replay value

BAKERU offers replay value through collectibles and diverse gameplay, but critics mention concerns like low difficulty and lack of incentives for multiple playthroughs. While some appreciate its exploration and combat, others feel it falls short in sustaining long-term interest. Overall, the game provides an enjoyable experience with elements that may attract players back for more, especially for fans of Japanese culture and exploration.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

80%

Mixed (50-79)

20%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The majority of critics praised BAKERU for its positive aspects, highlighting its engaging gameplay, charming Japanese theme, and enjoyable combat mechanics. CGMagazine commended the game for its simple yet nuanced combat, wide variety of gameplay, and lighthearted story that appeals to gamers of all ages and skills. GameGrin appreciated the whimsical nature of the game, with fun combat and references to Japanese culture, catering to players interested in Japanese mythology. God is a Geek lauded the exciting action platformer gameplay, engaging combat, and charming Japan-focused theme, drawing comparisons to the beloved Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon. However, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks of BAKERU that impacted their overall experience. Hobby Consolas noted issues with game balance and camera control, as well as the lack of language options beyond English, which could hinder player immersion. Worth Playing mentioned technical performance issues and deemed the game may be too simple for older gamers, though it was considered a suitable choice for children due to its accessibility and pleasant experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive, with many praising BAKERU as a delightful and enjoyable 3D platformer that offers a unique blend of engaging gameplay, charming aesthetics, and cultural resonance. Critics like Nintendo Life and Noisy Pixel highlighted the game's addictive gameplay, varied stage design, and satisfying combat, solidifying its position as one of the best 3D platformers in recent memory. While some critics pointed out minor shortcomings in terms of technical issues and gameplay balance, the general sentiment is that BAKERU is a standout title that successfully captures the essence of classic platformers while adding its own distinct charm.

TL;DR

Critics rave about BAKERU, praising its engaging gameplay, charming Japanese theme, and enjoyable combat mechanics. Some highlight its simple yet nuanced combat, wide variety of gameplay, and lighthearted story appealing to all ages. However, drawbacks like game balance issues and technical performance were noted. Overall, BAKERU is hailed as a delightful 3D platformer with addictive gameplay and cultural resonance, making it a standout title in the genre.

MONSTER

Reviews

40 reviews found

Digitally Downloaded

Nintendo Switch

Aug 27, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Bakeru is praised as a warm and delightful non-Nintendo platformer, with a strong focus on cultural resonance and joyous exploration. The game's core platforming experience is compared favorably to Nintendo platformers, making it a highly recommended experience.

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CGMagazine

Nintendo Switch

Aug 23, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

BAKERU may be one of the best games to play this year, appealing to gamers of all ages and skills with its simple yet nuanced combat, impeccable controls, wide variety of gameplay, and lighthearted story that never slows down.

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Noisy Pixel

Nintendo Switch

Aug 23, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Bakeru is praised as one of the best 3D platformers in modern memory, with addictive gameplay, varied stage design, and engaging combat, despite minor shortcomings in combat mechanics and narrative depth.

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GameGrin

Nintendo Switch

Aug 30, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

BAKERU is a whimsical game with fun combat, references to Japanese culture, and unique stages. It is recommended for players interested in Japanese mythology and culture.

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Hobby Consolas

Nintendo Switch

Aug 25, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Bakeru is praised for its variety in levels, visual and sound design, and deep Japanese identity, offering a charming and enjoyable experience for fans of Nintendo-style platformers. However, issues with game balance and camera control are noted, along with the lack of language options beyond English.

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Impulsegamer

Nintendo Switch

Aug 28, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Bakeru is praised as a snappy, slap-happy 3D platform brawler reminiscent of classic GameCube games, offering frenetic combat and old-school silliness that is enjoyable.

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Worth Playing

Nintendo Switch

Aug 26, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Bakeru is a cute and fun platformer suitable for kids of all ages, offering an instantly accessible and pleasant experience. It may be too simple for older gamers and has some technical performance issues, but it's a great choice for parents looking for a safe and comfy game for their children.

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ZTGD

Nintendo Switch

Sep 10, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Bakeru is a really good 3D platformer for $40, offering fantastic gameplay, satisfying combat, and diverse level designs, despite some technical issues and limited replay value.

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Nintendo Life

Nintendo Switch

Aug 23, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

BAKERU is a sweet, snappy, and satisfying 3D platformer with a wonderful art style and engaging gameplay. Despite performance issues and ease of difficulty, the game offers a variety of content that makes it an adventure worth experiencing.

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God is a Geek

Nintendo Switch

Aug 29, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

BAKERU is praised for its exciting action platformer gameplay, charming Japan-focused theme, engaging combat, and enjoyable collectables. Despite some technical and gameplay issues, the game offers a lovely experience inspired by Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon.

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