BAKERU is a wild adventure action game that immerses you into a fantastical Japanese landscape where you play Bakeru, an upbeat and energetic tanuki.

Bakeru joins forces with Sun of the Issun clan to thwart the disastrous Oracle Saitaro and his Festival Troops, who are disguising their sinister scheme to conquer Japan under the illusion of a bizarre and colorful festival. However, in order to do that, Bakeru and Sun must save Momotaro, a fairytale hero. Through his promise to free Japan, experience Bakeru’s adventure through over 45 different stages based on the regions of Japan like never experienced before!

Explosive Adventure at Every Turn

BAKERU brings a nostalgic, vintage gaming feel to the table with cartoon-like 3D visuals, toony plants, and scenery in the game world. The game features animations and cutscenes that unfold across the screen in a manner akin to cartoons or comics, complete with character panels and dialogue. Each level is compact on a wide linear 3D platformer crafted with a distinctive beauty that evokes memories of classic Nintendo games. Maintaining a traditional vibe, players navigate through stages on a 3D map that showcases Bakeru’s Japan. Hovering over each Level reveals whether it has been completed and displays the count of Trivia and Souvenirs collected.

To advance through the levels, you must destroy three Evil Energy Emitters to unlock the Fesital Tower. The number of Evil Energy Emitters left on the stage can be found on the upper right of the screen, positioned above the sections for Souvenirs and Trivia.

The controls for BAKERU are straightforward but will make you feel unstoppable. Take on malevolent spirits by striking the Haradaiko drum. The game introduces essential actions such as jumping, rolling, dodging, and deflecting attacks through precise timing, counterstrikes, and quick dashes. Offensive maneuvers encompass executing combination moves, aerial assaults, dual strikes, powered-up dual Strikes, and dash-based attacks. Players will quickly adapt to the controls and these combos. After all, you are embodying the might of a formidable Tanuki.

One of the early abilities Bakeru gains is the Issun Henge Power. This allows Bakeru to shrink in size, allowing access to tight spaces where coins can be collected and secrets can be discovered. However, while utilizing this power, combat is not an option. Switching between this minimized form and Bakeru’s regular human form requires Bakeru Energy. Running out of this energy automatically reverts Bakeru into his adorable tanuki form.

“There’s no harm in having knowledge”

In Bakeru’s journey, collecting coins is essential to shop at Uriko’s Traveling Store. She will pop up from time to time throughout levels. You can purchase Instant Items and Stock Items at her shop. Among the items available are those helpful for tackling stages, such as the Li’l Decoy, which absorbs damage, and the Uriko, a unique item that permanently increases your health gauge. 

Along the way, defeated foes may drop nourishment and Bakeru Energy to keep your health and energy tip-top.

Additionally, the stages are filled with collectibles, including Scoop’s Trivia and Souvenirs. Keep an eye out for Scoop hidden throughout the game, encouraging exploring every possible area, or backtracking. A convenient indicator on the screen will be handy while you Souvenir hunt. There are 3 per level!

In classic N64 style, falling off a stage or hitting the end of the health gauge means restarting the stage from its start unless you’ve crossed a Checkpoint. However, the souvenirs and trivia points you collected remain with you. Each death costs and will chip away at the coins from your stash, so it’s wise to stay alert and dodge effectively.

Verdict

Playing BAKERU was an absolute blast and really reminded me of the fun I felt playing Super Mario and Banjo-Kazooie during my childhood. I played it on Steam using an Xbox controller, and it is quite a laid-back and enjoyable game. The character Bakeru brings such a vibrant energy to the gameplay; his expressions and silly dialogue are a treat. Some of my highlights were the racing stages with Browsby, which unlocked from Stage 3.

The soundtrack and voices are energetic, and the game is visually stunning. This is my second Spike Chunsoft Co. game, and I’ve been impressed each time. BAKERU has a full Japanese voice cast with an interface in English, Japanese, Simplified, and Traditional Chinese.

BAKERU will be available September 3, 2024, for Nintendo Switch and Steam.

Reviewed on Steam. Review code provided by the publisher.