Bakeru

The tanuki is Japan’s perfect hero vessel. You’ve got a mythical beast that’s also a real animal, but given plenty of mythical properties in lore and stories. Shapeshifting is so underrated, and giving that ability to an entire tribe of cunning bastards is the best bad decision I’ve seen since allowing polar bears to drink and wear armor. The tanuki do best as either side characters or anti-heroes...

Bakeru is a love letter to Japan and its culture, ultimately culminating in one of the best platforming experiences I've had in years. With engaging combat, vibrant visuals, and delightful levels, this is one any fan of the genre should not pass up.

Bakeru’s art style is incredibly colorful and pleasant to look at. The characters and world are filled to the brim with seemingly endless charm, while the story has plenty of silly moments as you journey across Japan. Whether you’re traveling around in a flying teapot or infiltrating a cruise ship filled with living water balloons and lanterns, there’s always a wacky new concept popping up at ever...

I love 3D platformers and haven't played anything as clever or as fun as BAKERU in a long time so let's head to Japan and see what's up.

I don’t love Bakeru like I love Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon, and that’s okay. This is very much a vibes game, and Good-Feel in 2024 isn’t Konami in 1998. There’s a lot of nostalgic evocation happening for sure, but it’s more like a collection of smiles and nods in service to a project that very much has its own identity. I appreciate it, even as I understand Bakeru isn’t entirely for me. A kid ...

BAKERU is a slow-paced education-action-exploration mishmash that does not quite reach the heights I wanted it to, but its lively levels are a breath of fresh air I would love to see more of.