Review of Sacre Bleu for Nintendo Switch

Step into the world of "Sacre Bleu," an exhilarating action-platformer from Noodlecake and Hildring Studio, now available on the Nintendo Switch. Set against the backdrop of 1650s France, this fast-paced, bullet-hell-inspired game tasks you with uncovering the truth behind a sinister plot against the mighty musketeers. Wrongly accused, these historic heroes need you to escape confinement and vanquish the shadows threatening the kingdom.

From the drop, you’re thrust into an adventure where precision and quick reflexes are your best allies. Control your character using the left analog stick while jumping with the B button and wielding your sword via the Y button. The powerful Steam Blaster, mapped to the A button, is essential for overcoming obstacles and reaching high platforms by blasting you in the opposite direction. A master of this tool can deftly evade attacks and navigate challenging terrains. Remember, it’s got limited usage; three quick bursts, so aim wisely using the left analog stick.

Charging up your sword for a spin attack by holding down Y allows you to inflict significant damage on enemies or shatter barriers blocking your path. This move, when combined with a well-timed Steam Blaster jump, offers extra vertical distance. Once armed with your gun, utilize the ZR button to fire at foes, taking careful aim with the left analog stick, and make every bullet count since they’re a finite resource. Grenades add another explosive option; simply press ZL, aim, and watch the fireworks. With the right analog stick, adjust the camera for the best view of what lies ahead.

Every level presents a race against the timer, displayed prominently in the upper right corner of your screen. Refining your strategies and discovering optimal routes through trial and error will improve your times. Whether it’s dispatching foes with flair or executing complex combos, your performance directly affects your score and time bonuses.

"Sacre Bleu" offers more than just pulse-pounding gameplay. It features leaderboards for every level, letting you aspire to top the ranks. Accessibility options cater to different needs, from font choice (Open Sans, Comic Sans, or Open Dyslexic) to adjusting game speed for optimum comfort. Additionally, a zoom feature aids in tackling intricate platforming challenges.

At $14.99, with a tempting 15% discount before May 1st, "Sacre Bleu" proves to be a thrilling addition to the Nintendo Switch lineup. It’s an experience that resonates with both casual players and speedrunners, delivering a blend of historical intrigue and modern gaming flair.

Disclaimer: This review of "Sacre Bleu" is based on a Nintendo Switch copy provided by Noodlecake.