Spike Chunsoft Announces PC and Western Release for Goemon Spiritual Successor “Mameda no Bakeru”

Spike Chunsoft has announced that the 3D action game BAKERU, known in Japan as “Otogi Katsugeki Mameda no Bakeru: Oracle Saitarou no Sainan!!”, will be released in the West on September 3rd, 2024, for the Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam.

Developed by Good-Feel, the studio behind Kirby’s Epic Yarn and Princess Peach Showtime, BAKERU follows a Tanuki protagonist on a journey across Japan’s 47 prefectures, tasked with freeing the country from the oracle Saitaro and festival troopers who are attempting to take over.

BAKERU has been available since November 30th, 2023, but its Western release was seemingly leaked ahead of schedule when a Nintendo eShop page for the game appeared in Australia before Spike Chunsoft made an official announcement.

The game is a 3D platformer that combines traditional Japanese culture and fun facts with action-packed gameplay, where the protagonist’s shape-shifting abilities introduce unique mechanics and strategies for combat and exploration, such as being able to transform into a magical fishing rod where you can defeat enemies from afar by casting a lure.

BAKERU bears a strong resemblance to the Ganbare Goemon series, particularly the 1998 release of Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon. This connection becomes even clearer when you consider that Good-Feel, the developers behind BAKERU, were founded by Etsunobu Ebisu in 2005, who previously served as a former producer of the Goemon series.

BAKERU is set to release on the Nintendo Switch in the US on September 3, 2024, and is now available for preorder, though there’s no official confirmation of a physical release.

A demo is available exclusively for Nintendo Switch users who want to try the English version before purchasing. The game is priced at $40 USD, with a 10% discount for those who preorder. Although the price may seem steep, BAKERU received positive reviews in Japan.

The game offers a straightforward, nostalgic experience, reminiscent of classic titles from a previous era, making it a fun and engaging choice for fans of simple entertainment.