Screenshots & trailers
Review sentiment over time
Weekly positive-review rate (green) and review volume (bars). Dashed lines mark significant patches; the amber line is the start of the current scoring window. Hover the dots to see what drove a dip or a jump.
How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (OpenCritic) | – | 82 | 59 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 95% | 89 | 201 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 100% | 97 | 1 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 3 reviews sampled · 3 total reviews in window · weighted 3 up / 0 down · computed 4h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (37)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 80
“BAKERU is a light-hearted action game that's as vibrant and boisterous as the festival you're tasked with quelling. The combat can feel repetitive across the game's 50+ levels, but there's enough to learn and do to keep players pushing ahead in this rollicking adventure through fairy tale Japan.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“"If you like 3D platform games and Japan, you shouldn't ignore Bakeru."”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Bakeru is a sweet, snappy, and satisfying linear 3D platformer that feels like a wonderful callback to a genre that doesn't get a ton of representation these days. It's really easy (although the Western version ups the difficulty slightly) and has some performance problems, but the gameplay variety, snappy combat, oodles of collectibles, and gorgeous art style all come together to make for an adventure that you won't want to miss out on.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“With a bunch of neat levels and charismatic themes, as well as fun boss battles that require you to parry like a champ, right down to the smooth and tight controls, Bakeru is a fun 3D throwback ride for those who yearn for a 2000s-esque style challenge and colourful ride through a fantastical & cheery-looking Japan. Some levels do feel a bit samey and can get pretty easy half the time, but Bakeru doesn't wear out its welcome with padding and will entertain you hours on end with its bright demeanour and tribute to Japan.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Thanks to engaging combat, impressive level variety, rewarding exploration, an immersive hub area, and vibrant art, it's one of the very best games of 2024.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“This is a lengthy action platformer geared towards kids that will get mileage out of those that previously enjoyed Goemon titles back in the day. There are many similarities between Konami's sidelined franchise and BAKERU, but Good-Feel's latest release suffers from repetitive gameplay and a poor frame rate that hinders enjoyment. There is a strong appeal to the Japanese themes and setting, along with a cartoon style, child-friendly story and low difficulty that means all age groups can appreciate it. Just don't expect something quite reaching the qualities of Nintendo's top platformers.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Bakeru is an enjoyable romp that consistently delivers lighthearted action with a lot of charm even if it gets a little repetitive the deeper you get into it. Good-Feel clearly learned a lot from working with Nintendo because this game deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as Nintendo's lighter fare. This isn't quite the Goemon spiritual successor I felt I was promised, but Bakeru is still a good time (especially for younger players) and I hope that Good-Feel both continues working with Nintendo and continues to work on projects like this.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Bakeru is a cute, fun, instantly accessible game for kids of all ages - and maybe even some adults. It doesn't reinvent the genre, but it's a pleasantly comfortable platformer that provides the sort of pleasant experience you'd expect from a developer named Good-Feel. The only things potentially holding back the title are that it's a bit simple and basic for older gamers, and there's some occasionally poor performance. If you're a parent looking for a safe and comfy game for your kids, Bakeru is a great choice.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“BAKERU is a slow-paced education-action-exploration mishmash that does not quite reached the heights I wanted it to, but its lively levels are a breath of fresh air I would love to see more of.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Bakeru is a rather unique title that showcases Japan and its culture in a colorful and exciting way that would appeal to anyone. If you’re a fan of Mystical Ninja Goemon, Japanese mythology, or just distinct games in general, then Bakeru is worth your time and attention.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“BAKERU is just plain ol fun, and we could always use another game like that.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“BAKERU is a whimsical game full of fun combat, great references to Japanese culture, and a huge variety of unique stages to play. This is a title to check out!”
read full review ↗
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Worth Playing
GameLuster
MonsterVine
Seafoam Gaming
GameGrin…and 25 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- BAKERU Update NoticeNov 6, 2025
- BAKERU Update NoticeOct 17, 2024
- BAKERU Update NoticeSep 26, 2024
- BAKERU Steam Version Update NoticeSep 5, 2024
- BAKERU Steam Version Now Available!Sep 3, 2024