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. D-Ric-Mo
    Sep 4, 2021
    6
    Man, this is a tough one. How can there be so much to love about a game AND so much to hate at the same time?? On the one hand, gorgeous artstyle, a huge world to explore, plenty of challenging puzzles, quirky characters and side quests... On the other hand... Boy can this game be frustrating - in a bad way. I know that Zelda and many other games in the action/adventure RPG vein have aMan, this is a tough one. How can there be so much to love about a game AND so much to hate at the same time?? On the one hand, gorgeous artstyle, a huge world to explore, plenty of challenging puzzles, quirky characters and side quests... On the other hand... Boy can this game be frustrating - in a bad way. I know that Zelda and many other games in the action/adventure RPG vein have a tendency to over explain and handhold... Which is very annoying to seasoned gamers. But this game goes the complete opposite direction and gives you little to no help AT ALL... To the point where it feels needlessly opaque... Like they are purposefully trying to confuse you as to what to do next. I feel like there is a healthy balance to be found here, but this game misses it entirely IMO. Also, the "rules" of the world are not clearly defined... Sometimes you can jump off a small ledge onto the ground below and be just fine... Other small ledges? Instant game over... Which isn't a huge deal, since you start right back where you were. Not a huge amount of progress lost. But the frequent "game over" screens because of silly things got very irritating VERY fast. At this point, I've played just about every Zelda game, plus loads of imitators in this genre... And I can't think of another game that has gotten on my nerves this quickly. So why am I giving it a 6 and not a 2 or a 3? That's the weird thing... The parts that it does well, it does SO well that I can't stop playing … Expand
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. ProducerSK
    Aug 31, 2021
    6
    I have this game and pay for it and i like it, but here are lot of bugs and confused places...like in Prison Room with three skeletons i am not able finish this and sometimes i am not able go inside the cages, I think the problem is with the camera too and some other mechanics in game, next the main and sidequest are confused i read all but still confused where to go on map? The map isI have this game and pay for it and i like it, but here are lot of bugs and confused places...like in Prison Room with three skeletons i am not able finish this and sometimes i am not able go inside the cages, I think the problem is with the camera too and some other mechanics in game, next the main and sidequest are confused i read all but still confused where to go on map? The map is very bad the orientation there...The combat style is not good, i am not sure if this difficulty in this game is normal or is too much for players i read many comments from players about this issues, many enemies just hit you 2 times and you died, i spend in game i think 12 hours and i am stuck in that Savoca Prison...i have Nintendo Switch hope you guys release patch for us soon ...… Expand
  6. DIGPLAY
    Aug 31, 2021
    5
    This game has a beautiful art design, graphics and a enjoyable soundtrack, but unfortunately its the only things with a huge quality in this game.
    User interface is poor, complicated and weird.
    The quests is confused. You cant count with the map because we dont have it inside of dungeons and in the city, the map dont help very well and you cant choose the quest that you want to see in    This game has a beautiful art design, graphics and a enjoyable soundtrack, but unfortunately its the only things with a huge quality in this game.
    User interface is poor, complicated and weird.
    The quests is confused.
    You cant count with the map because we dont have it inside of dungeons and in the city, the map dont help very well and you cant choose the quest that you want to see in the minimap.
    The gameplay is too much punitive unnecessarily. You will be anger with the quantity of 'GAME OVER' screen that you will receive, A LOT OF TIMES because the platforms dont have a 'invisible wall' to avoid the player to fall in a hole, water or wathever.
    Lack of tutorial to learn the basic mecanics is a problem too.
    Anyway, Baldo is a beautiful game that need a HUGE polish in the UI and gameplay. I hope the NAPS team fix this problems.    … Expand
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. Garathiel
    Aug 29, 2021
    0
    Controls are laggy, gameplay is so repetitive and seems to be not playtested... Asked for a Refound after 4 hours. THIS is Not what it seems from the trailer, watch a stream on Twitch before buy.
  10. Murderous021
    Aug 29, 2021
    0
    This game was such a let down honestly I was so excited but it’s a lie! It’s not just hard it’s unforgiving you have hearts and things to heal yourself but you get one shot by pretty much everything so what’s the point. I asked for a refund from Nintendo cause it’s almost unplayable you fall from any height you die there is hidden holes in the floor you die and the first dungeon you don’tThis game was such a let down honestly I was so excited but it’s a lie! It’s not just hard it’s unforgiving you have hearts and things to heal yourself but you get one shot by pretty much everything so what’s the point. I asked for a refund from Nintendo cause it’s almost unplayable you fall from any height you die there is hidden holes in the floor you die and the first dungeon you don’t get anything to defend your self so you will die 100 times at least! It’s clunky to say the least as well and fetch questy also with no direction on story just a bad game don’t waste your time or money there is so many other games that are way better!… Expand
  11. bennett1
    Aug 29, 2021
    4
    The game runs terribly, the damage system makes zero sense, a lot of input lag, sound effects are very delayed as well, and everything blends together visually in dungeons. The only redeeming quality is the art style at points, but the models are very low poly, and the good soundtrack. Definitely not worth 25$, maybe get it on sale if they do a lot of patching.
  12. Landsalkerer
    Sep 2, 2021
    2
    Honestly, LOVE the game but it has ISSUES!

    Love this game and it could really be my favourite Action/Adventure RPG of all time but it's in need of some serious reworking/re-balancing.. here's a few things I feel that needs to happen to make the game better/enjoyable for everyone.. 1. Change the game's title to.. 'Baldo and The Guardian Owls' would be better. There's just something about    Honestly, LOVE the game but it has ISSUES!

    Love this game and it could really be my favourite Action/Adventure RPG of all time but it's in need of some serious reworking/re-balancing.. here's a few things I feel that needs to happen to make the game better/enjoyable for everyone..

    1. Change the game's title to.. 'Baldo and The Guardian Owls' would be better. There's just something about the title used atm that's bugging me and I don't know what it is.

    2. The game is just ridiculously hard, all that dying just to progress anywhere in the game, it NEEDS re-balancing for every monster. It's a guessing game if your going to survive each and every room/area because all the monsters can 1 shot you, game over > restart! even with more hearts. The devs need to incorporate a system that's similar to Legend of Zelda instead with how the monsters work atm cos it's just ridiculous entering areas.. especially caves.. 100% thinking all the time if you're gonna get r.@.p.e.d by orcs is NOT a great game. I get you probably dont want your game to be easy but atm its just too damn hard.

    3. Getting knocked down, when you are getting up it takes too long which in turn allows monsters to hit and kill you instantly, game over > restart over and over yet again, especially if you die at a cave entrance that has a few orcs there waiting.

    4. Clearly you see I have issue with how tough the orcs are, if i'm experiencing this then also every other player on the planet is also. These orcs need their strength lowered and their Health too. I have a feeling you've just copy/pasted the same monster with same stats all over your game.. you need to have weaker versions of the same monster that gradually get harder as you get further into the game.. THIS is called balancing.. it like you've put end game monsters at the beginning.

    5. The 1st dungeon needs to be made easier with the monsters, EVERY monster in there can kill you instantly, the tentacles, the rats, EVERYTHING! This is meant to be your introductory into how dungeons are expected to work later in the game and well, all it did for me was pi.s.s. me off dying over and over just to progress further. I have the patience of a rock so stuck with it but I get the feeling by about the 20th death people would turn your game off, refund it, never play it again.

    6. Scrap suggestion point 1, you could just name it 'Baldo: The Gameover Caper'.. LOL!    … Expand
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. Dranea
    Aug 30, 2021
    3
    Sadly, this is a really bad game, with a lot of problem in particular in the game mechanics and maps.
    The game suffered a crippling input lag, the difficulty is really bad balance, the visual itself is bad and increase the gameplay difficulty because you can’t clear see the game map.
    A good artistic style isn’t sufficient alone. This is a game, not a art print Mi dispiace dire che questo è    Sadly, this is a really bad game, with a lot of problem in particular in the game mechanics and maps.
    The game suffered a crippling input lag, the difficulty is really bad balance, the visual itself is bad and increase the gameplay difficulty because you can’t clear see the game map.
    A good artistic style isn’t sufficient alone. This is a game, not a art print Mi dispiace dire che questo è un pessimo gioco. Purtroppo rotto nelle sue meccaniche fondamentali. L’imput lag tremendo rende il personaggio ingestibile, la difficoltà è mal calibrata con nemici capaci di ucciderti all’istante, la mappa stessa e un dedalo di cadute mortali (spesso non comprensibili, puoi morire saltando un gradino) e il posizionamento degli oggetti e della telecamera impediscono spesso di veder correttamente l’area di gioco, rendendo il titolo INCREDIBILMENTE frustrante e livellando qualunque cosa di buono abbia.    … Expand
  16. Pelas6
    Aug 30, 2021
    0
    Terrible game, saved only by its graphic style. I really think that devs should have done MUCH more.
  17. ascensoPT
    Sep 2, 2021
    0
    So much bugs that makes impossible to play it. Some events don't trigger automatically as supposed which make you to start the game all from the beginning. The Save&Load doesn't work, if you do it, all your items (non key items) get reset. The only solution is to never turn off. But that doesn't work also since sooner or latter you will get the first problem i've mentioned

    Also, worth    So much bugs that makes impossible to play it. Some events don't trigger automatically as supposed which make you to start the game all from the beginning. The Save&Load doesn't work, if you do it, all your items (non key items) get reset. The only solution is to never turn off. But that doesn't work also since sooner or latter you will get the first problem i've mentioned

    Also, worth to be added, the controls are weak, there is no tutorial, maps don't make sense, etc etc    … Expand
  18. hogamer33
    Sep 1, 2021
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. First of all I would like to express my good feeling for the Baldo The Guardian Owls. Love the game's puzzles, character's design and sound track. Unfortunately there were quite many bugs and errors in this game and spoiled the mood of the gamers. It's quite frustrating and disappointing in the middle of gaming. And worst you may not complete the games due to major bugs. Here are the bugs issues in my Nintendo switch for Baldo The Guardian Owls:
    Major Bug Issues: Owl Bomb Quest NOT able to complete : Major bug that lever was not correct. I have received the lever for the sewers and fixed it by the blacksmith. But it kept prompting me that I did not have the right lever. (Major bug)
    Major / Minor Bug Issues:
    Save games: Sometimes Coins and Energy Orbs will become zero: I will have to restart again to get back my original coins and energy orbs.
    Kidoge Village Side Quest : Not able to locate the 2nd Chicken at Laddina's Farm
    Savoca Prison Puzzle: There are invisible walls to lure the skeleton enter the 3 cages (Need to hold item to bypass the bugs and able to get into the cages)
    Savoca Prison Treasure: There is an invisible wall to get the treasure. (Need to hold some items to bypass the bugs and be able to get into the cages)
    Moiro's Carnival: Not able to get the treasure chest after completing the tasks.
    Bobo Temple: Invisible hole near the entrance, once Boldo falls down I have to use Song of the Wind to escape or restart the game.These were my own findings but I believe I have some more issues from the gamer's community. My personal view for Baldo The Guardian Owls is quite high potential to be the top game with awards. Sadly if not with the major and many minor bugs issues, unfriendly map viewing, and items control used experiences. Would like to suggest hiring a game tester to play the games before launching the game since it already took so long to produce, why not make it complete without major/minor bug issues. Looking forward for the new patch update for the solution. I hope it will not spoil the save games and I have to replay the whole game again : (    … Expand
  19. Jbrum03
    Sep 10, 2021
    1
    A waste of time and money. Monotonous quests. Lack of direction. Ridiculous bugs that make it hard to persevere. The charming graphics can only cover up so many blemishes. Bless the developers for taking on such an ambitious task, but I can’t sugar coat how disappointing this all was. I feel guilty for hyping it up so much to friends. No one in my circle is too stoked on what theyA waste of time and money. Monotonous quests. Lack of direction. Ridiculous bugs that make it hard to persevere. The charming graphics can only cover up so many blemishes. Bless the developers for taking on such an ambitious task, but I can’t sugar coat how disappointing this all was. I feel guilty for hyping it up so much to friends. No one in my circle is too stoked on what they purchased. We all love Ghibli and we all love Zelda, but I have no love for this game… Expand
  20. MarioBaldo
    Sep 12, 2021
    0
    Completely broken game! The worst thing is the developers who downplay bugs and blame gamers.
  21. MattMarySenn92
    Sep 12, 2021
    0
    I am disgusted with this game. Too many bugs, it's unplayable. Even Nintendo is granting refunds for too many complaints.
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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!
  25. 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.
  26. Betakarotin2
    Aug 29, 2021
    1
    This game is nothing was I thought it would be. I hoped for a zelda/ninokuni hybrid. What I got is an annoying anime dark souls.
  27. Cbogdan
    Aug 30, 2021
    1
    This game is clunky, slow-moving, full of bugs, and all around not fun to play. It plays like a beta testing game - I can’t believe they released it in this state. Literally unplayable. The only redeeming quality is the graphics.
  28. Tarrahubert
    Sep 1, 2021
    4
    This game has such potential but is a complete disaster. Starting with losing your earned heart containers & orbs upon saving and reentering the game. Things to collect are landing where you cannot reach, more specifically because there’s no jump option. Fighting is a joke when you die in one hit. Creatures should become harder throughout the game, not be nearly impossible from the start.This game has such potential but is a complete disaster. Starting with losing your earned heart containers & orbs upon saving and reentering the game. Things to collect are landing where you cannot reach, more specifically because there’s no jump option. Fighting is a joke when you die in one hit. Creatures should become harder throughout the game, not be nearly impossible from the start. I haven’t seen a way to replenish hearts. No obvious direction in this game making it difficult to navigate. What a disappointment.… Expand
  29. 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
  30. MJ3000
    Aug 31, 2021
    2
    Graphics and soundtrack are awesome, the game itself is a clunky mess. The difficulty is exaggerated, enemies are unfair and unforgiving, the game design is pretty bad. Controlling Baldo feels clunky and imprecise and there are many cheap deaths. You'll die hundreds of times that it becomes annoying. There are also game breaking bugs that you can't proceed and you have to start from theGraphics and soundtrack are awesome, the game itself is a clunky mess. The difficulty is exaggerated, enemies are unfair and unforgiving, the game design is pretty bad. Controlling Baldo feels clunky and imprecise and there are many cheap deaths. You'll die hundreds of times that it becomes annoying. There are also game breaking bugs that you can't proceed and you have to start from the beginning. In the current state, the game is not worth the money!… Expand
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Critic Reviews

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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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