Baldo: The Guardian Owls

 Switch
User Score
5.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 75 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 75
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 75
  3. Negative: 32 out of 75
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  1. infogabbiano
    Sep 22, 2021
    10
    This game is an absolute gem, it reminds us what a videogame should be, nothing driven, nothing linear, just simple exploration and everything you accomplish is actually YOUR accomplishment.
    Graphics and Music are absolutely gorgeous, it was more than a decade i didn't forget i had to go to sleep, of course there are many things that could have been done better, but since main bugs and    This game is an absolute gem, it reminds us what a videogame should be, nothing driven, nothing linear, just simple exploration and everything you accomplish is actually YOUR accomplishment.
    Graphics and Music are absolutely gorgeous, it was more than a decade i didn't forget i had to go to sleep, of course there are many things that could have been done better, but since main bugs and problems are already gone, make yourself a gift and play this game cause it deserves.    … Expand
  2. AndyCoaster
    Sep 15, 2021
    9
    Great graphics, music and gets easier when you get more experienced. the only thing I think could have been better is the storyline. but overall a great game with amazing puzzles.
  3. hnichol2
    Sep 21, 2021
    10
    Now that the bugs have been fixed, this game is shaping up to be one of my favorites of all time. It looks gorgeous and it's hard but that makes it all the more rewarding when you figure out a puzzle. I haven't felt this strongly about a game in years.
  4. SendyX
    Aug 29, 2021
    10
    Very nice game. Played on the switch I had no problem. The game isn't simple and does not help the player in any way. But that's part of its game design. On an artistic level it is truly astounding. I Love it.
  5. BelthazarBR
    Aug 28, 2021
    10
    If I had to use one word to describe Baldo it would be CHARM.

    This game is an absolute joy to play and you can clearly feel the passion the developers put in each and every corner of the world they created. It has some quirks and definitely doesn't hold your hand (some of the puzzles are TOUGH), but it's never unfair and the solution comes to you if you think and experiment enough.    If I had to use one word to describe Baldo it would be CHARM.

    This game is an absolute joy to play and you can clearly feel the passion the developers put in each and every corner of the world they created. It has some quirks and definitely doesn't hold your hand (some of the puzzles are TOUGH), but it's never unfair and the solution comes to you if you think and experiment enough.

    It has plenty of content, with a main quest that can last up to 50 hours and a lot of side content in the form of mini dungeons with puzzle challenges and side quests. But the real star of this game are the main dungeons, which are all huge and very clever, with puzzles that interact with each other and really make you think in order to progress. I definitely recommend this to any player that likes old school Zelda or puzzle/adventure games in general.

    And again, I can't stress enough how good this game looks in motion, it's ridiculous. It has a style that's inspired by studio Ghibli and it shows, all the environments are really detailed (the house interiors are incredible, with little details that add a bit of environmental storytelling and help flesh out the NPCs) and the characters are quirky and unique. And the music... God, the music! It's all around fantastic with tunes that will stick in your head while you're not playing and don't be surprised if you start humming some of the songs.

    And the best part: it's also pretty cheap, $24,99 for more than 50 hours of playtime is a STEAL.

    Go buy it now, you definitely won't regret it.    … Expand
  6. videoludico88
    Sep 3, 2021
    10
    Art design stellare, hardcore ineccepibile, longevità abnorme, musiche da produzione squaresoft,old school design, Baldo sono alcuni dei migliori 25 euro spesi nella mia carriera da videogiocatore.
  7. Deasonik
    Sep 1, 2021
    9
    Lovely and entertaining game! Very good art style!
    Something need to be fixed, but i'm optimistic, for sure the developers are going to fix all.
  8. mepphy
    Nov 24, 2021
    10
    Baldo Is the perfect of how wrong the new generations of players Is Game Is fine, a Legend of Zelda 2D inspired game with some changes to make It "modern"
    Puzzle are well balanced, graphic Is fine.
    Battle system Is ok, but people Just love to complain when games actually try to test them ... A real shame, 7/10 but i give It more because 0/10 Is stupid
  9. Falejo99
    Aug 29, 2021
    10
    wonderful adventure, in which since you enter you will not be able to leave, one of the best games that have come out this year on the switch
  10. Rooee
    Aug 29, 2021
    10
    Great game. Very challenging yes.. but if you love zelda style games and are up for puzzles and adventure then this game is for you. Really hard not to fall in love with the NPCs too, so many quirky characters. Great soundtrack. Runs perfectly fine for me on the Switch!
  11. kingofgames
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    The game plays like a zelda and looks gorgeous, a good mix of Ghibli inspired scenery with ni no kuni inspired cell shaded characters. Puzzles are not obvious and will challenge you at times, music is by far some of the best I've heard in this genre. For the price it's a no brainer if you like those kind of games.
  12. Moates86
    Aug 29, 2021
    10
    Look, two people made this game. Is there some quirks? Absolutely! Is it a bad game? Absolutely NOT. I’m enjoying it. The combat is tough, but once I got the hang of it, it wasn’t bad. Combat is no worse than an OG Zelda game. People expecting AAA stuff here, just needs to not rate it. The developers have been at this game for over 10 years and I’m digging. It feels old school andLook, two people made this game. Is there some quirks? Absolutely! Is it a bad game? Absolutely NOT. I’m enjoying it. The combat is tough, but once I got the hang of it, it wasn’t bad. Combat is no worse than an OG Zelda game. People expecting AAA stuff here, just needs to not rate it. The developers have been at this game for over 10 years and I’m digging. It feels old school and unforgiving. Honestly, I like that about a game.… Expand
  13. Ebly1
    Aug 29, 2021
    10
    Hermoso juego es cierto que el combate hay que pulirlo un poco pero es muy disfrutable tanto por su precio y su gran duracion
  14. Mickey777
    Aug 29, 2021
    9
    If you love old school zelda games and don’t mind a bit of a challenge, get this game! It’s fun and charming. For those who want a simpler game this might be a bit difficult cause the game does not hold your hands at all and it can be unclear at times what you’re supposed to do. But overall the difficulty does not seem unfair or unbalanced. Overall, a very fun experience
  15. enp27
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Very but very fun it has it hiccups but I'm really enjoying the challenge and exploration. Not made for everyone. Combat is hard but you have to learn to hit and run and parry and roll to avoid damage.
  16. toho2000
    Aug 31, 2021
    10
    C'è una parola per descrivere questo gioco: meraviglioso, semplicemente meraviglioso e non riesco a capire la follia collettiva di chi lo ha bollato come un pessimo gioco; per potermelo godere a pieno io ne ho addirittura comprate due versioni una per XBOX Series X ed una per Switch e questo la dice lunga su quanto lo sto apprezzando. Vorrei definirlo capolavoro, ed esteticamente lo èC'è una parola per descrivere questo gioco: meraviglioso, semplicemente meraviglioso e non riesco a capire la follia collettiva di chi lo ha bollato come un pessimo gioco; per potermelo godere a pieno io ne ho addirittura comprate due versioni una per XBOX Series X ed una per Switch e questo la dice lunga su quanto lo sto apprezzando. Vorrei definirlo capolavoro, ed esteticamente lo è senza ombra di dubbio, per quanto riguarda il gioco in se stesso è comunque molto apprezzabile, le meccaniche di gioco sono in alcuni casi complesse e richiedono un lento adattamento, la mappa è fin troppo precisa, per me è perfetta così, ed alcuni potrebbero trovarla stucchevole ma quella di Diablo III, tanto per dirne una, è veramente schematica e indecente, il gioco è dettagliato fino all'inverosimile entrando in un luogo qualsiasi ci si perde nell'osservare tutto quello che c'è all'interno e ci si potrebbe distrarre perdendo di vista lo scopo dell'essere lì, ma chi interessa una stanza con sole 4 pareti? Qualcuno dice che il gioco è pieno di bug, niente di più falso, non ce ne sono di bug, su Cyberpunk ce ne sono, anche adesso, ma non qui, è vero si muore spesso ma che importanza ha se ricompari sempre esattamente nel luogo in cui sei morto? Non devi rifarti Km come in Dark Souls devi solo riprovare e stare più attento, il gioco non è mai ingiusto, se muori è perchè andavi di fretta e non hai visto il buco nel pavimento o non hai notato il nemico nascosto nell'angolo, se pretendete di finirlo prima degli altri solo per poter pubblicare qualcosa morirete un milione di volte, siete in un Dungeon da risolvere? Entrate in un luogo, aperto o chiuso, fermatevi un attimo a riflettere guardate cosa c'è intorno e poi muovetevi, questo gioco và giocato lentamente anche perchè è facile perdersi qualcosa e poi devi tornare a cercarlo; ricordate il primo RE? Ogni stanza un enigma, qui lo stesso, alcuni banali altri più complessi, ma tutti risolvibili, forse chi ha scritto recensioni negative è abituato a giocare solo FIFA o COD, e chi lo definisce difficile non sa di cosa parla, manovrabilità difficile? Ma quando mai, controlli lenti? Ma di che parlate? Effetti sonori ritardati? Ma che avete bevuto? Che gioco avete giocato? Le recensioni negative sono solo preconcette, è un gioco che parte lento ma dopo aver finito il primo Dungeon, il Galeone, prende immediatamente quota, io ne ho risolti 6 su 11 e 28 Torri dei Gufi su 50 e c'è sempre qualcosa da scoprire, i Boss finali sono addirittura banali nella loro semplicità, è come Zelda: si fatica molto ad arrivare lì quindi il Boss non è un massacro, filosofia corretta a mio avviso. Non è stato recensito dalle più grandi testate i geni di Multiplayer si sono giustificati dicendo che non glielo hanno mandato...compraselo no eh? Fare come facciamo tutti che spendiamo soldi per giocare è troppo per questi signori dalla puzza sotto il naso? Tirate fuori i dindini signori belli e giocatelo, e qui c'è un'altra nota dolente: questo gioco è il più venduto su tutte le Console, in testa a tutte le classifiche di vendita ed al di fuori dell'Italia è apprezzatissimo, perchè qui ci sputiamo sopra? Non parlo per campanilismo, lo ripeto, questo gioco è meraviglioso e non ha alcun difetto tra quelli segnalati, vien solo da dire che chi lo ha giocato e maltrattato capisca poco o nulla di VG o che semplicemente sia in malafede. Ho letto qui sotto un tizio che parla del primo Dingeon: è vero entri senza armi ma in ogni stanza c'è tutto quello che serve per liberarti dei nemici, vasi da lanciare, anfore per schiacciare e persino teschi da usare com corpi contundenti, e la capriola che risolve tutto? La volgiamo usare? Ma di che parli su, e comunque su fa presto a trovare la spada e se prima avete comprato lo scudo al negozio quel Dungeon diventa persino banale, quindi è ovvio che chi ha scritto queste cose non conosce i VG o non sa giocare, perciò che ne parliamo a fare? E' sicuramente da avere lo apprezzerete se lo affronterete col giusto spirito, se non avrete fretta di finirlo, se vi fermerete ad ammirare gli scenari, se farete la mille cose da fare, le innumerevoli missioni secondarie, gli straordinari personaggi che incontrerete, i mille enigmi da risolvere, mai banali e tutti diversi e, cosa più importante, l'enorme esaltazione che dà il finire un Dungeon portando con voi il giusto premio...i cuori? Li avrete non preoccupatevi ma dovete guadagnarveli, quando sono entrato nella Caverna del primo Dungeon avevo già comprato lo scudo, una filetta di pane e trovato un quarto cuore, se non sapete di cosa parlate state zitti, non straparlate di cose che non conoscete ecco cos'è Baldo: una gioia per gli occhi e non meno di 50 ora di puro divertimento, altro che le 5 o 6 necessarie per finire RE Village, che qualche poveraccio ha pagato all'uscita 80 euro… Expand
  17. WeReview4U
    Sep 7, 2021
    9
    Let me start saying people who say bad things about this game are just casual non zelda player that's it. Zelda player from Link to the past or Ocarina will love this game so much as I did in my 75 hours of gameplay. This game shines, it is not perfect, sure but it's an incredible adventure, well designed dungeons and amazing graphic. I loved so much every second of it
  18. robomartion
    Nov 13, 2021
    8
    I don't know of it's because I am playing an updated version but I have had none of the problems others are speaking of. Baldo is the first decent new game I have played in years. And I mean almost a decade. I just think it's sick and sad that a beautiful game with genuinely satisfying gameplay with challenging puzzles that is the closest thing to a real Zelda we have got in more than 10I don't know of it's because I am playing an updated version but I have had none of the problems others are speaking of. Baldo is the first decent new game I have played in years. And I mean almost a decade. I just think it's sick and sad that a beautiful game with genuinely satisfying gameplay with challenging puzzles that is the closest thing to a real Zelda we have got in more than 10 years and gets absolutely panned by critics and gamers alike.

    I see no connection to Dark Souls whatsoever here and have played every single one of them. If you think this game is even remotely difficult you are just bad at video games. The only glaring flaw in the game is the user interface which looks very placeholderish. Other than that the music is superb, the graphics are sharp and have a very strong aesthetic and the dungeon gameplay is better even than Link's Awakening with puzzles actually being difficult and don't just feel like going through the motions. That Is an achievement in itself that shows this developer actually has an eye for gameplay and game design which is something that seems to have been forgotten in this day and age.

    I think you all need to take a look at yourselves in the mirror and wonder why all you get today is remake after remake when you absolutely trash a brand new 3D adventure like this from a new developer because of some bugs (which now seem to have been fixed) or because you failed to pick up on obvious game cues and kept dying. "I died because I ran off the edge of a cliff "(what did you expect morons?)

    Speaking of remakes why did you all absolutely **** on the Diablo II remake after begging for it for 10 years? You guys are so terminally allergic to the slightest hiccup in a game that you have the knee jerk reaction of laying a great big turd on the whole thing in its entirety and then would rather polish and play that turd instead of dealing with a glitch or a bug in an otherwise brilliant game. This is the same reason Prey failed and the developer quit the studio he founded altogether. I just have to shake my head at you people. Since you couldn't possibly play this absolute train wreck of a game I can recommend Hot Wheels Unleashed. That might be more your speed.    … Expand
  19. pgerhard
    Oct 26, 2021
    9
    I give it a 9 because no game is ever perfect and I understand some of the frustrations people are having. For me this is the best game I have played in 2021, It's so immersive, I have put 35 hours into the game so far. The Dungeons and puzzles are some of the best I have played. Reminding me of my first playthrough of Link's Awakening. The game is vast and interesting. The challenge isI give it a 9 because no game is ever perfect and I understand some of the frustrations people are having. For me this is the best game I have played in 2021, It's so immersive, I have put 35 hours into the game so far. The Dungeons and puzzles are some of the best I have played. Reminding me of my first playthrough of Link's Awakening. The game is vast and interesting. The challenge is real but if you learn the patterns and pay attention to them, there is a way to beat every single creature in the game.

    There is no hand-holding? There is! But not as much as what we are used to maybe, for instance, I did not know what the orbs are used for, but since I collected a lot I never found myself unable to use fast teleport.

    The game has opted for realism. You are an underpowered, weak young boy BUT brave and bold (baldo in Italian), and use these qualities to compensate for the lack of stamina and strength. So the pots are heavy and walking through a pond is difficult and you are slowed down: Either you embrace the philosophy of the game, or you don't (and you then have all the nasty reviews I really don't understand).

    If you give the game a chance there is really an amazing game here. The developers have fixed the bugs and have introduced quality of life improvements. Maybe in a few years, people will open their hearts/eyes? In the meantime, I am enjoying and dread (pun intended) the moment it will be the end, and I'll have nothing to play.    … Expand
  20. Mikogami
    Sep 21, 2021
    10
    The game is absolutely amazing and very magical and the developers are awesome. I can’t wait for a second game. ^..^
  21. Donny85
    Sep 22, 2021
    10
    Very nice game. I've been spending hours and hours and I'm still have al lot of things to do. Most of the bugs have been solved.
  22. Pizarrator
    May 14, 2022
    10
    En mi humilde opinión, este juego es una obra maestra. No entiendo muy bien por qué tiene tan mala nota. El juego no es perfecto, pero poco a poco con los parches lo va siendo. Es una joya oculta y es una pena que tan poca gente lo pruebe por tener malas críticas.
  23. Striptofaner
    Sep 23, 2021
    10
    This is the kind of game that you will hate or will love. I truly love it. I understand negative reviews, i was skeptic too at the beginning, seeing that i already died a lot in the first hour of play. Then you get the grasp of the tricky point of view, game mechanics and everything. Suddenly dieing isn't a problem anymore, in fact you often use it to regain some hearts. And you start toThis is the kind of game that you will hate or will love. I truly love it. I understand negative reviews, i was skeptic too at the beginning, seeing that i already died a lot in the first hour of play. Then you get the grasp of the tricky point of view, game mechanics and everything. Suddenly dieing isn't a problem anymore, in fact you often use it to regain some hearts. And you start to enjoy this beatiful looking game. It's a difficult game, without any tip or help except the research you can do at the library. In this recent years of gaming, where you are walked through a game almost by hand, it's a breath of fresh air. You have to really struggle to solve puzzles, monster don't get too much easy when you "level up". It's a game i don't hurry to finish, though i play every time i get the chance.… Expand
  24. sjmartian
    Sep 30, 2021
    9
    Despite its few flaws at the beginning (glitches etc) this game is visually stunning and has a really interesting storyline

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 4 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 4
  3. Negative: 1 out of 4
  1. Hey Poor Player
    Feb 14, 2022
    70
    Baldo: The Guardian Owls may have had a rocky launch, but the issues have been cleaned up to such a degree that the low scores earned months prior don’t necessarily apply anymore. I’d recommend caution before jumping into it, however — even in a perfectly playable state, Baldo: The Guardian Owls is still a polarizing title. If you love cozy aesthetics with design choices that feel more suited for the 90s – 00s, Baldo: The Guardian Owls should definitely be on your Wishlist. If not, well… in the worst case, I’ve found it to be a fantastic cure for my insomnia.
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  2. Switch Player
    Oct 4, 2021
    70
    Baldo is a mixed bag of delights and disappointments. I don’t think it will ever become the game it should have been, but for those willing to overlook or approach with an open mind, there’s a decent game here.
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  3. Everyeye.it
    Sep 14, 2021
    55
    Ultimately it is difficult to promote Baldo, his flaws are obvious and even assuming that all the technical problems are solved by future patches, it would remain the heart of a frustrating and badly balanced experience.
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