Otogi Katsugeki Mameda no Bakeru: Oracle Saitarou no Sainan!! Review

Nintendo enthusiasts may recognize Good-Feel, a Japanese developer known for collaborations with Nintendo on titles like Wario Land: Shake It!, Kirby’s Epic Yarn, and Yoshi’s Woolly and Crafted Worlds. Despite its association with Nintendo, Good Feel remains an independent studio, occasionally releasing games with its IP. In late November 2023, the studio launched the Switch-exclusive Otogi Katsugeki Mameda no Bakeru: Oracle Saitarou no Sainan!! This article provides insights into the game, emphasizing its exclusive availability in Japan and detailing its gameplay elements, story, combat, transformations, and visual aspects.

Otogi Katsugeki Mameda no Bakeru: Oracle Saitarou no Sainan!! Review:

Nintendo fans might be familiar with Good-Feel, a Japanese developer renowned for collaborating with Nintendo on titles like Wario Land: Shake It!, Kirby’s Epic Yarn, and Yoshi’s Woolly and Crafted Worlds. Despite these collaborations, Good Feel remains an independent entity, occasionally venturing into new games with its intellectual property. In late November 2023, the studio unveiled the Switch-exclusive Otogi Katsugeki Mameda no Bakeru: Oracle Saitarou no Sainan!! This article serves as a review, shedding light on the game’s exclusive release in Japan, along with insights into its gameplay, story, combat, transformations, and visual presentation.

Game Overview:

Otogi Katsugeki Mameda no Bakeru: Oracle Saitarou no Sainan!! is reminiscent of the Ganbare Goemon games, blending 3D platforming with light beat-’em-up elements. While the narrative details may be inaccessible to non-Japanese speakers, the game compensates with visually appealing, comic book-style cutscenes. Players can skip these cutscenes to dive straight into the action, showcasing a linear 3D platformer structure akin to titles like Super Mario 3D Land and Kirby and the Forgotten Land. The primary objective involves finding and breaking three rainbow lamps in each level to unlock the end-of-level drum.

Combat Dynamics:

Combat in the game is dynamic, with the protagonist, Bakeru, equipped with drumsticks for beating foes and engaging in snappy encounters. The inclusion of dodge rolls, blocking for parrying attacks, and a variety of combos and charge attacks add depth to the combat experience. Transformations, earned by defeating bosses, enhance Bakeru’s abilities, introducing cooldown mechanics for strategic use. While the transformations may seem overpowered, catering to the game’s accessibility, they contribute to a satisfying combat feel akin to Dynasty Warriors.

Collectibles and Mini-Games:

The game encourages exploration with collectibles like gachapon containers and hidden critters, adding depth for completionists. Additionally, Good-Feel introduces diverse gameplay elements, incorporating mini-games like waterski races and Space Harrier-style 3D shooters. These variations provide enjoyable breaks between standard levels.

Visuals and Performance:

Mameda no Bakeru boasts a visually striking and colorful art style, creating visually engaging stages with unique theming. However, the impressive visuals come at the cost of consistent performance, occasionally fluctuating around the 30fps mark, impacting the game’s otherwise low difficulty.

Language Barrier and Playability:

Despite being entirely in Japanese, Mameda no Bakeru remains playable for English-speaking audiences. While the absence of English language support may pose initial challenges in navigating menus, the gameplay-centric nature makes it enjoyable even without understanding the story.

Conclusion:

Otogi Katsugeki Mameda no Bakeru: Oracle Saitarou no Sainan!! offers Nintendo Switch players a unique and enjoyable experience with its blend of platforming, combat, and engaging visuals. While the language barrier may limit narrative understanding, the game’s emphasis on gameplay ensures accessibility for players seeking an entertaining experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Otogi Katsugeki Mameda no Bakeru: Oracle Saitarou no Sainan!!

1. What kind of game is Otogi Katsugeki Mameda no Bakeru: Oracle Saitarou no Sainan!!?

• Otogi Katsugeki Mameda no Bakeru is a Nintendo Switch-exclusive game developed by Good-Feel, featuring a blend of 3D platforming and light beat-’em-up elements with a unique visual style.

1. Is the game available outside of Japan?

• As of now, the game is exclusively available in Japan. There is no official confirmation regarding its release in other regions.

1. Who developed Otogi Katsugeki Mameda no Bakeru?

• The game was developed by Good-Feel, a Japanese game development studio known for collaborating with Nintendo on various titles.

1. Can non-Japanese speakers enjoy the game despite the language barrier?

• Yes, the game is still playable for non-Japanese speakers. While the narrative is presented in Japanese, the gameplay is designed to be accessible, allowing players to enjoy the experience even without understanding the story.

1. What is the story of Otogi Katsugeki Mameda no Bakeru about?

• The exact details of the story may be challenging for non-Japanese speakers to grasp. However, it involves the titular hero, Bakeru, embarking on a journey to save Japan from a demonic Yokai force. The narrative is primarily conveyed through animated cutscenes.

1. How does the combat system work in the game?

• Combat involves Bakeru, the protagonist, using drumsticks to engage in dynamic battles. There are various combos, charge attacks, and defensive maneuvers, providing a satisfying combat experience. Bakeru can also transform after defeating bosses, introducing cooldown-based power-ups.

1. Are there collectibles in the game?

• Yes, each stage hides collectibles such as gachapon containers holding snacks and trinkets. There are also five hidden critters in each stage that provide journal entries when found.

1. How does the game handle difficulty?

• The game is designed with a low difficulty level, making it accessible for a broad audience, including younger players. The introduction of transformations and items from an in-game shop further assists in making the game approachable.

1. What are the performance considerations for Otogi Katsugeki Mameda no Bakeru?

• While the game boasts visually striking and colorful graphics, the performance may fluctuate around the 30fps mark, impacting the consistent frame rate. Despite this, the difficulty level ensures that such fluctuations do not lead to unfair errors.

1. Is there any indication of an English language localization for the game?
   • As of now, there is no official confirmation regarding an English language localization for Otogi Katsugeki Mameda no Bakeru. However, there is an ongoing fan translation effort for those interested in understanding the story.

These FAQs provide essential information about Otogi Katsugeki Mameda no Bakeru: Oracle Saitarou no Sainan!!, offering insights into its gameplay, availability, language considerations, and performance aspects.