Sacre Bleu by Noodlecake and Hildring Studio is a thrilling addition to the Nintendo Switch library, expertly blending fast-paced action with bullet-hell chaos. As the game unfolds, it takes you back to 1650 in France—a time when the country was under the protection of the celebrated musketeers. The tables have turned, however, as these heroes are now framed for a crime they didn’t commit. Your mission? Break out of prison and uncover the real mastermind behind this conspiracy. With freedom on the line and time ticking away, it’s up to you to use every skill and item at your disposal. Whether you prefer a leisurely pace or you’re a speedrun enthusiast, the game caters to all styles.
As you dive into this new adventure, you’ll quickly get accustomed to the controls. The left analog stick maneuvers your character, while the B button launches a jump, and the Y button unleashes a sword attack. One of your key moves is the Steam Blaster, assigned to the A button, which can shatter barriers or give you a boost in the opposite direction. Mastery of this move is essential, as it helps dodge enemy attacks and reach otherwise inaccessible platforms. Remember, you can perform this action three times in succession; aim carefully with the left stick. The R button is your tool for grabbing enemies, allowing you to toss them where you choose.
Charging your sword by holding the Y button initiates a powerful spin attack, perfect for dealing additional damage and breaking obstacles. You can even combine the spin with a Steam Blaster jump for extra reach and altitude. Once you’ve reclaimed your gun, it’s mapped to the ZR button—you’ll aim using the left stick and fire by releasing the trigger. Be mindful, as ammo is limited and precision is key. Grenades are another option, aimed and deployed with the ZL button. Don’t forget to use the right analog stick to adjust the camera, granting a strategic view of upcoming challenges.
You’ll notice a timer ticking away in the upper right corner of the screen. This clock begins as soon as you enter a level and stops when you cross the finish line, recording your completion time. Refining your strategy through trial and error will help you shave seconds off your time. Pulling off combos not only increases your score but can also grant you a time bonus. The more varied your attacks and extended the combos, the higher your rewards.
Each level in Sacre Bleu comes with its own leaderboard, encouraging you to aim for the top spot. The game includes some thoughtful accessibility options: switch the font to Open Sans, Comic Sans, or Open Dyslexic, adjust the game speed, or zoom in to tackle challenging platform segments. Available on the Nintendo Switch for $14.99, you can snag a 15% discount if you purchase before May 1st.
As far as Switch games go, Sacre Bleu offers an exhilarating, bullet-hell experience that keeps players on their toes with its unique blend of action and strategy. Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive speedrunner, Sacre Bleu delivers on all fronts.
Please note that this review is based on a complimentary Nintendo Switch copy provided by Noodlecake.
