Good-Feel, an independent Japanese game developer known for its collaborations with Nintendo, has stepped out on its own with the release of a Switch-exclusive title, "Otogi Katsugeki Mameda no Bakeru: Oracle Saitarou no Sainan!!" This game, with its close resemblance to the Mystical Ninja series, combines 3D platforming with light beat-'em-up elements to create an appealing experience, despite being solely available in Japanese.
The game's storyline seems to involve our hero, Mameda, setting out to save Japan from a demonic force, as illustrated by captivating and easily-skippable comic-style cutscenes. Once players are ready to bypass the story, they can leap straight into the gameplay. Following a structure similar to titles like Super Mario 3D Land, the game presents wide linear levels, each with a goal to find and break three rainbow lamps to unlock the level's end point. The design incorporates an allowance for player error by placing multiple lamps in the stages.
The gameplay's primary highlight is its combat system. The protagonist wields drumsticks to take on adversaries with a solid array of combos and charged attacks. The fast-paced, lock-on combat accompanied by blocking and dodging mechanics, including a satisfying parry move, delivers a thrilling experience. Players can swiftly slash through enemies, comparing the gameplay to the crowd-defeating satisfaction found in the Dynasty Warriors franchise.
As the game unfolds, Bakeru gains transformative abilities by vanquishing bosses—a rewarding feature that powers up the character but does tend to ease the already minimal difficulty level. Aside from combat, the player can also shop for helpful items with the in-game currency, further simplifying the challenges.
For gamers who love to explore and collect, "Mameda no Bakeru" doesn't disappoint. Each level contains various collectibles, which includes gachapon containers and little creatures offering journal entries, potentially less appealing without an understanding of Japanese but still enjoyable to discover.
Good-Feel also introduces diversity in gameplay with occasional unique minigame-centered levels. These range from water races to shooter segments and, while brief, offer a refreshing change of pace from the primary gameplay loop.
Visually, "Mameda no Bakeru" stands out with its bright and sharp graphics that consistently hold the player's attention. Each level showcases distinctive visuals packed with details—from an autumn mountain to a lively cruise ship. While remarkably pleasing aesthetics contribute to the game's charm, fluctuations in performance are the trade-off, particularly noticeable during more dynamic camera movements.
For Switch owners outside of Japan, the language barrier might seem like an obstacle, but the game's emphasis on gameplay over story reduces the impact of not understanding Japanese. Menus might require a bit of guesswork, but they are not insurmountable. Even though the chances of an English release are slim—fan translation efforts notwithstanding—those looking for a charming platformer might find muchof enjoyment in this title despite the language gap.
Overall, "Otogi Katsugeki Mameda no Bakeru" offers an engaging experience with its strong action-oriented gameplay and striking visuals. Even with occasional performance dips and its Japanese exclusivity, the game has much to offer fans of the genre and shows Good-Feel's ability to craft an attractive and fun solo adventure, continuing their legacy of creative game development.
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