Bakeru

Bakeru (2024) is a running, jumping and fighting game where you play a drummer boy trying to stop a bizarre festival that's taking over Japan. Play involves, running, jumping and fighting through the 47 Japanese prefectures to free Japan from the grip of evil spirits. It stands out for its approachable brawling and variety that updates the classic Mystical Ninja Goemon game from back in the day.

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Bakeru takes place in a fantasy version of Japan that mixes modern and old periods across 50 stages. You use your magical drumsticks to defeat enemies, each assigned to your L and R buttons. To help you can also earn different transformations that enable you to play as different Japanese heroes like Kintaro and Momotaro each with specific skills and abilities - shrinking, growing, speed and other special attacks.

You work through the different areas, beating down enemies, collecting vials and blowing up the large lantern to open the end boss. At the end of each level, you get graded on how many Souvenirs and Trivia you have found. Along the way, there are some simple puzzles involving buttons, boxes and other platforming mechanics. Levels offer a wide variety of aesthetics and challenges, including boss battles, side-on platforming, 3D platforming and even some spaceship flying levels.

The result is a game that's bright, fun and simple to play. This combined with the variety of play and relatively low difficulty makes it a great game for youngsters not yet ready for a full-on 3D platformer. Along the way you learn about the different regions of Japan and what they are famous for.

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Our examiner, Andy Robertson, first checked Bakeru 7 weeks ago. It was re-examined by Ben Kendall and updated yesterday.