Sacre Bleu, developed by Noodlecake and Hildring Studio, hits the Nintendo Switch with a fast-paced, action-packed twist straight out of a bullet-hell platformer. Fancy embarking on a thrilling journey? Here’s my take on this dynamic game set in historical France.
The year is 1650. France, recently rescued from a mercenary invasion by the gallant musketeers, now finds these heroes wrongly accused. Your mission is clear: escape from prison, uncover the real culprits, and put an end to this chaos before it spirals further out of control. You’re the last hope for the musketeers, so honing your skills and utilizing every item in your arsenal is essential. The beauty of Sacre Bleu is that it accommodates all kinds of players, whether you’re in it for casual gameplay or aiming for a world-record speedrun.
Starting off on this daring quest, you control your character using the left analog stick. Jumping is mapped to the B button, while your trusty sword attack is executed with the Y button. The game spices things up with the Steam Blaster, activated using the A button. This powerful tool is your go-to for demolishing barriers and launching yourself across challenging gaps, demanding precise aiming with the stick and the ability to use it consecutively up to three times. The R button lets you grab foes, and the rest is up to your strategy on where to hurl them.
Holding down the Y button charges your sword for a spin attack, excellent for dealing big damage and clearing your path. Combine this with the Steam Blaster mid-air, and you’ll be performing impressive leaps over obstacles. Once your gun is back in your inventory, ZR allows for more strategic shots, though ammo is limited—making accuracy key. Grenades add another layer of tactical depth, launched with ZL, while camera adjustments via the right stick ensure you always have the perfect angle on your next challenge.
As you progress, a timer ticks away in the screen’s upper corner, marking your completion time. Fine-tuning your route through each level, trial and error is your friend, helping you shave off those precious seconds. Combos, too, can ramp up your score and trim your time further. The game rewards diversity in your attacks with a bonus, motivating you to mix things up.
Sacre Bleu is a game built for adrenaline and strategy. Bursting out of its historical backdrop, it provides both a leisurely pace or the thrill of racing the clock. The in-game leaderboards are a nifty challenge, nudging you to climb the rankings. Accessibility options ensure everyone can join in, offering font choices and the ability to tweak game speed for tailored gameplay. You can even zoom the screen for an easier time with the trickier bits.
Released on the Nintendo Switch, Sacre Bleu is priced at $14.99, with a tempting 15% launch discount available until May 1st. If you’re looking for a game that combines historical intrigue with modern action-platforming, this might just be your next adventure.
A quick disclaimer: this review is based on a Nintendo Switch copy provided by Noodlecake.
