Bakeru Reviews
Bakeru is a sweet, snappy, and satisfying linear 3D platformer that feels like a wonderful callback to a genre that doesn't get a ton of representation these days. It's really easy (although the Western version ups the difficulty slightly) and has some performance problems, but the gameplay variety, snappy combat, oodles of collectibles, and gorgeous art style all come together to make for an adventure that you won't want to miss out on.
BAKERU is a lovely Japan inspired action platformer, with novel drum-based combat and sensational collectables to gather.
BAKERU is an action platformer with brilliant ideas supported by charming simplicity and a great representation of Japanese culture. The variety it offers throughout the adventure is a symptom of an original familiarity that many Nintendo fans will love. A Japanese match as beautiful as it is funny!
Review in Spanish | Read full review
BAKERU is a light-hearted action game that's as vibrant and boisterous as the festival you're tasked with quelling. The combat can feel repetitive across the game's 50+ levels, but there's enough to learn and do to keep players pushing ahead in this rollicking adventure through fairy tale Japan.
BAKERU blends smooth platforming with incredible combat (and a plethora of gameplay variety) to create one of the most fun games I’ve played in a while.
Thanks to engaging combat, impressive level variety, rewarding exploration, an immersive hub area, and vibrant art, it's one of the very best games of 2024.
If you miss Goemon and the kind of off-beat Japanese humor that came with it, BAKERU delivers the fun while also being a gigantic platformer epic. This is the kind of game you used to see during the PlayStation 2 and Gamecube days but made with the dazzling veneer of modern technology and effects.
Putting that aside, Bakeru is a warm, delightful thing and one of the best non-Nintendo platformers that I’ve ever played. Admittedly I’m partial to it given that I love roaming Japan for all its little regional quirks and specialties, and I loved discovering the developer’s interpretations of them here, but even if you’re not attuned to the game’s cultural resonance, its relentless joy will surely prove infectious.
Bakeru is a cute, fun, instantly accessible game for kids of all ages - and maybe even some adults. It doesn't reinvent the genre, but it's a pleasantly comfortable platformer that provides the sort of pleasant experience you'd expect from a developer named Good-Feel. The only things potentially holding back the title are that it's a bit simple and basic for older gamers, and there's some occasionally poor performance. If you're a parent looking for a safe and comfy game for your kids, Bakeru is a great choice.
BAKERU is a whimsical game full of fun combat, great references to Japanese culture, and a huge variety of unique stages to play. This is a title to check out!
Bakeru is an enjoyable romp that consistently delivers lighthearted action with a lot of charm even if it gets a little repetitive the deeper you get into it. Good-Feel clearly learned a lot from working with Nintendo because this game deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as Nintendo's lighter fare. This isn't quite the Goemon spiritual successor I felt I was promised, but Bakeru is still a good time (especially for younger players) and I hope that Good-Feel both continues working with Nintendo and continues to work on projects like this.
This is a lengthy action platformer geared towards kids that will get mileage out of those that previously enjoyed Goemon titles back in the day. There are many similarities between Konami's sidelined franchise and BAKERU, but Good-Feel's latest release suffers from repetitive gameplay and a poor frame rate that hinders enjoyment. There is a strong appeal to the Japanese themes and setting, along with a cartoon style, child-friendly story and low difficulty that means all age groups can appreciate it. Just don't expect something quite reaching the qualities of Nintendo's top platformers.
Who knew that beating enemies with bachi sticks could be this much fun? 🥁
I already had high expectations when I saw that Good-Feel was behind the development of BAKERU, and it pleases me to say that yes, they know how to make a good action platformer that is really fun to play. Its zany references to Japanese culture may be lost to the average player, but for me, they just make the game that much more charming and appealing.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Directed by the people responsible for the Goemon series at Konami and developed by a studio that has essentially only worked on Nintendo games for the last twenty years, you can only expect great things from it. Even though it doesn't officially carry the Goemon title, I think BAKERU can already be considered a worthy successor to its legacy. Its fun themed stages, interesting collectibles, insane bosses and - above all - the lightness with which this game carries itself from start to finish guarantee an experience whose only word constantly hanging over my head was “fun”. I think that, regardless of the expectations surrounding this kind of “spiritual successor”, it's always reassuring to see that a game has the strength to carry itself, and that's one of the many skills this tanuki has at their disposal.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Bakeru stands out in the crowded action platformer genre by blending nostalgic gameplay with modern mechanics. While the story isn't groundbreaking, it excels in character design, art style, and engaging gameplay.
A platform game that's too repetitive to bring to life the colorful world and characters that deserved to be the highlight.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
There’s no other way to say it: BAKERU feels like a Japanese take on the GameCube classic Super Mario Sunshine, with some Zelda-like magic sprinkled in. The game offers a vibrant, fast-paced adventure that seamlessly fuses traditional Japanese folklore with dynamic action gameplay. Bakeru’s journey celebrates Japan’s cultural heritage while delivering a captivating experience full of surprises, shapeshifting abilities, and rhythmic taiko drumming.
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.
I recommend this game to anyone, young or old, who enjoys 3D platformers with a few twists.