Sacre Bleu, brought to us by Noodlecake and Hildring Studio, is a captivating bullet-hell-inspired action-platformer for the Nintendo Switch. Let me dive into why this fast-paced game might just be the next title to pique your interest.
Set in the year 1650 in France, Sacre Bleu weaves a tale during an era when the Kingdom was valiantly defended from mercenary threats by the renowned musketeers. But twist turns to intrigue as these heroes find themselves framed and imprisoned. The task falls on you, the player, to mastermind an escape, unravel the conspiracy, and restore the musketeers’ honor before chaos takes over. This adventure offers room for both casual exploration and intense speedrunning, catering to gamers of all stripes.
Once you embark on this thrilling journey, you’ll find the controls intuitive yet challenging. Navigate your character using the left analog stick, take leaps with the B button, and engage foes with a sword using the Y button. The A button unleashes the Steam Blaster, enabling barrier destruction and dynamic movement. Perfecting this will become crucial as you strive to dodge attacks and reach otherwise inaccessible platforms. Each burst sees the Steam Blaster limited to three uses, requiring careful aiming. For added chaos, grab enemies with the R button, directing them as you please with the analog stick.
Holding down the Y button charges a spin attack with your sword, an invaluable asset against foes and obstacles alike. Combine this maneuver with the Steam Blaster in mid-air to extend your jumps impressively. Later, once equipped with a gun, you’ll utilize the ZR button to dispatch enemies, remembering bullets are finite—a factor critical to strategy. Your arsenal expands further with grenades, launched using the ZL button. Importantly, manage your view using the right analog stick, which aids in tackling forthcoming challenges.
As you journey through Sacre Bleu, keep an eye on the timer located at the upper right of your screen. This clock tracks your progress, challenging you to optimize your path and improve your completion times through strategic trial and error. Combos factor into this as well, with the breadth and complexity of your attacks enhancing your score and granting time bonuses.
Intrigued yet? Sacre Bleu doesn’t just present you with a riveting narrative but also adds a competitive edge with individual level leaderboards. For those who may find the pace daunting, the game provides various accessibility options. Change the font for better readability, modify gameplay speed, or zoom in for better platforming precision—ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience. Priced at $14.99 on the Nintendo eShop and available at a discount before May 1st, it’s a deal worth considering.
Sacre Bleu not only stands as an engaging addition to the Switch’s library but also as a testament to the creativity and depth possible in modern indie games. The challenge of mastering its mechanics and the thrill of competition keep players coming back for more. With those musketeers depending on you, the adventure awaits.
This review of Sacre Bleu is based on a Nintendo Switch copy graciously provided by Noodlecake.
