BAKERU is a new action platformer game releasing this week for the Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam, developed by Good-Feel—a company well-known for the Ganbare Goemon series and the more recent Yoshi’s Woolly World. BAKERU serves as a spiritual successor to Ganbare Goemon, as the developer has since parted ways with Konami. The game reflects the whimsical and culturally rich atmosphere of the late series, which fans will undoubtedly recognize. Fans of the previous series have long awaited something that could capture a similar essence, setting the stage for this title’s release last year in Japan and now this week in the West.
The Spiritual Successor to Ganbare Goemon
Ganbare Goemon was a beloved action-adventure platformer franchise from Konami. The series began in the late 1980s with two different games—Mr. Goemon for the arcades and Ganbare Goemon! Karakuri Dōchū for the Famicom. These quickly became staples in Japanese gaming culture.
The games were famous for their blend of humor and rich depictions of Japanese folklore and historical themes. The main character is loosely based on Ishikawa Goemon, the noble thief of Japanese legend. While the earlier titles emphasized him as a noble thief, he eventually became more of a standard video game hero. The series endured for many years, with the last mainline entry being Ganbare Goemon: Tōkaidōchū Ōedo Tengurikaeshi no Maki, released for the Nintendo DS in 2005—almost twenty years ago.
The setting of BAKERU is within a fantastical Japan, where ancient spirits and folklore figures come to life. Our hero is a tanuki with the ability to transform into a human form and various mythical entities, each granting him different powers useful for his quest—to fight an ancient evil threatening to plunge Japan into darkness. Throughout his journey, he ventures into various lands within Japan, coming into contact with the depths of its culture.
While BAKERU pays homage to the classic Goemon series, its modest launch raises questions. It faces the daunting task of living up to a legacy that defined a genre—within a genre that has been as humble as its release. Can BAKERU successfully capture the magic of its spiritual predecessor while standing on its own in today’s gaming landscape?
The Richest Platformer You Can Find
The gameplay initially appears straightforward, closely resembling the classic 3D platformers we all know and love, such as Super Mario Odyssey and Kirby’s Forgotten Land. This familiarity is especially evident in the platforming aspects, where you can perform somersaults, dashes, and jumps while exploring various regions of Japan. These movements create a seamless and enjoyable experience as you traverse the different, spacious maps. From the serene beaches of southern Japan to the vibrant festival streets of Kyoto, BAKERU offers an incredibly vast and diverse adventure within one of the most beautiful and charming game worlds I’ve ever encountered.
The combat here has a special twist, which is BAKERU’s taiko set. This drum and sticks combo allows players to tackle opponents with ease—using the L button to attack with the left stick and the R button to attack with the right. As you progress through the game, you unlock new combos and drum-based movements that deliver area damage. The sound feedback from these attacks is immensely satisfying, adding a rhythm game element to what is already an engaging action-adventure experience.
As diversified as the rest of the game, one of the most enjoyable aspects is the variety of enemies and their distinct abilities. Kendo-practicing swordsmen, for example, parry your attacks with their shinai while attempting to counterattack, and traditional floor-mopping enemies sweep you away if they catch you acting unwisely. Each section of the expansive map introduces new and interesting foes, not to mention the amazingly fun boss fights this game has to offer.
Technically, the gameplay is near perfect, though there are a few points worth mentioning. Although the camera allows you to look everywhere, its movement is a bit limited on the vertical axis. A less rigid option would be preferred, especially in locations where appreciating the view is the best part! Another point, though almost irrelevant due to the nature of the title, is the lack of a lock-on feature for enemies. While this might be a convenience for some, it didn’t stop us from having tons of fun!
The game also features an airship hub area that adds layers to the exploration, allowing players to travel between regions, access stores, and manage their collectibles. This provides a better sense of progression than simply going from level to level. And yes, you read that correctly—the game is also a collect-a-thon!
Given the huge number of references to Japanese culture, the game offers hidden omiyage (regional souvenirs) that you can collect. These provide insights into the culture of the places you are visiting, making the game not just an adventure but also an educational experience. The more you explore, the more you learn.
As previously mentioned, BAKERU also excels in its art and sound design, contributing significantly to the main experience and its overall appeal. With its vibrant art style, architecture, and character/level designs, it effectively captures the essence of both traditional and modern Japanese culture. The visuals stand out as one of the most beautiful games themed around Japan, with detailed yet cartoony (or anime-like) environments and character models that bring this world to life.
The soundtrack complements the visuals perfectly, with a mix of traditional Japanese music and modern compositions that enhance the immersion within the experience. The game’s audio design is crisp and adds depth to every single thing you do, from action to exploration, matching the game’s rhythm and tone.
However, some issues with performance slightly detract from the experience. Occasional frame rate drops compromise the smoothness, although very minimally. This, together with the camera issues, can impact the enjoyment of those who are more demanding, though they are relatively minor compared to the overall quality of the game.
Bakeru is a charming, beautiful, and ambitious game that successfully pays homage to the Ganbare Goemon series while celebrating Japan’s rich culture. It carves out its own niche in the action-platformer genre with vibrant visuals, engaging combat, and deep cultural references that combine to create an incredibly immersive experience. In my opinion, it’s the best platformer since Super Mario Odyssey and easily one of the best games I’ve played this year—a delightful surprise that stands out in recent memory.
Disclaimer: Good-Feel provided Final Weapon with a Nintendo Switch copy of Bakeru for review purposes.
