Developer – Good-Feel Co., Ltd.

Publisher – Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.

Platforms –  Nintendo Switch , PC (Reviewed)

Review copy given by Publisher

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 added in.

Disaster strikes Japan, and at the center of it all is Bakeru, a mischievous Tanuki who finds himself caught up in a whirlwind of events after meeting Sun, a member of the Issun clan, on a stormy night. In this 3D action-adventure game, BAKERU thrusts players into a beautifully vibrant world where an evil plot by Oracle Saitaro and his Festival Troops threatens to upend the tranquility of Japan’s 47 prefectures. Bakeru, alongside Sun, vows to restore peace, setting off on a journey filled with whimsical enemies, towering challenges, and transformations that harken back to the fluid versatility of FLUDD in Super Mario Sunshine.

Bakeru’s most notable ability is his Tanuki power of transformation, a playful yet powerful skill that allows him to shapeshift into different forms, aiding him in both combat and traversal. Much like FLUDD’s various modes in Super Mario Sunshine, Bakeru’s transformations are more than just flashy visuals—they’re integral to the gameplay. Need to cross a vast chasm or break through enemy lines? There’s likely a transformation that fits the task perfectly. Each new form Bakeru adopts feels as essential to the experience as FLUDD’s mechanics, with every shift providing new ways to explore and interact with the world.

The story kicks off in Tokushima, where Bakeru learns that Oracle Saitaro has used the Festival Troops and their bizarre festivals to unleash evil spirits across Japan. As Bakeru journeys from one prefecture to the next, he finds himself faced with stages that are filled with enemy troops, fairy tale heroes, giant robots, and the peculiar Festival Towers that serve as both stage finales and critical plot points. To beat a stage, Bakeru must destroy three Evil Lanterns hidden throughout each region, gradually weakening the Festival Tower’s evil barrier until it can be toppled with a rhythmic thumping, reminiscent of the taiko drum.

This journey spans all 47 prefectures of Japan, and each location is brought to life with vivid cultural details, making every stage feel distinct. Bakeru’s whimsical transformations are complemented by his mastery of the taiko drum, which he uses in combat, infusing rhythm and action into every encounter. The game’s unique blend of myth, folklore, and traditional Japanese aesthetics creates an atmosphere brimming with color, personality, and challenge.

New additions to the Western, Asian, and Steam releases elevate the gameplay even further. Not only do players encounter the formidable Lantern Boss, whose defeat is crucial to advancing through stages, but they also unlock powerful new attacks such as the Spinning Top and Hurricane. These attacks give Bakeru added versatility in battle, with the Spinning Top unleashing devastating vertical combos, while the Hurricane lets him charge through enemies in a high-speed lunge, much like a whirlwind of destruction.

BAKERU’s adventure is filled with a sense of playful danger. Enemies range from mischievous fairy tale creatures to menacing Festival Troops, but the true joy comes from mastering Bakeru’s transformations and using them in clever ways to navigate each stage. The varied landscapes of Japan, from its bustling cities to tranquil countrysides, provide a breathtaking backdrop for the action-packed journey, keeping players captivated as they move from one prefecture to the next.

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.