Detective Pikachu

A simple puzzle adventure in a magnificent game world, representing a refreshing new way for the series.

A brand new world crammed with pokemon from seven generations who share their lives in harmony with humans. Pity that the lack of proper challenges leaves the impression that only true fans of Pokemon and family kids will fully enjoy the title.

This brand new entry to the Pokémon franchise feels fresh and captivating, but overall doesn't highlight anything in particular, making the general feeling just good and not as great as it could have been if the developer would have put more effort into its mechanics and gameplay.

Mainly geared to young and true fans of the franchise, Detective Pikachu is a neat and beautiful fresh take on the Pokémon universe.

Although Detective Pikachu unequivocally has a charming lead, it's ultimately a few sparks short of being a true bolt of brilliance.

An enjoyable interactive movie for kids. It‘s fun, just don‘t expect a proper adventure game out of this.

A great story for both Pokémon fans and mystery fans – of all ages! [Issue #33 – May/June 2018, p. 73]

While it may feel too simple at moments and its gameplay not as varied as it would be expected, it's a good departure from the Pokémon world for one of its most recognizable characters and one which will be a pleasant surprise for many.

Détective Pikachu has a cool concept and a truly great title character. That being said, the game is way too easy for most players. But it can make a fun first Adventure game for young kids.

Detective Pikachu is a good game, friendly and entertaining, mainly focused for the little fans of Pokémon. It has a good sense of humor, but beyond that we are facing a very easy adventure that is not challenging.

A different approach to a Pokémon game in which Pikachu acts as the lead character. Puzzles and investigation in the same adventure.

A charming detective game that's perhaps a little too simplistic for its own good. Fans of Pokémon's fiction will lap it up, however, and in Detective Pikachu himself we have a new breakout star.

The game is packed full of humour, challenging puzzles, and an amusing pair of lead characters. It isn't without its faults, but there's enough here for an ultimately rewarding tale and the potential to develop the formula further in the future.

Though it may be short on depth, Detective Pikachu makes up for its lack of difficulty with a ton of personality and charm.

Detective Pikachu is a weird entry in the Pokémon franchise, especially because it somehow works: this crazy noir version of Pikachu is brilliant, however we can't tell the same about the game itself.

A fresh Pokémon spin-off with an engaging story and simple gameplay mechanics. Maybe too simple and easy for seasoned players.

How anyone came up with the idea, let alone made it work, is baffling but this charming little mystery game is the most entertaining Pokémon spin-off in a long time.

The quirkiness, presentation, strong voice acting, and characters help push past the simplistic gameplay and the narrative the game tells is surprisingly engaging.

For kids and Pokemon fans, this game is sure to be a delight, but anyone wanting to get into the franchise should start with Sun and Moon.

Detective Pikachu ranks as one of the most interesting Pokémon spin-offs we’ve seen in years, and does an wonderful job of offering a fresh perspective on a world we’ve become almost uncomfortably familiar with in recent years. The lack of any real challenge is an issue – and one that seasoned gamers might find hard to stomach – but while it lasts, Detective Pikachu is quality entertainment that’s well written, brilliantly presented and sets the scene nicely for the upcoming Hollywood movie.

Detective Pikachu is a simple game. There's not much variety to the way you solve cases; the story follows a standard detective formula, and as long as you're thorough, you won't have too much trouble connecting the dots. But it's full of heart, and its silly characters and intentionally campy tone are what make it fun.

Detective Pikachu is an above average point-and-click style game wrapped with a great lead character in Detective Pikachu. The heart and the humour of the story more than make up for any clunkiness in the game’s mechanics and a slow start. Fun for everyone, let’s bring on the movie.

The attempt to tell a more mature story in the Pokémon universe is commendable and Pikachu is really cool as a bitter, hoarse-voiced detective, but the game itself is mediocre and despite its genre never treated me as an intelligent being. [06/2018, p.65]

Having no interest whatsoever for a seasoned gamer due to an absolute lack of challenge, Detective Pikachu is a rather pleasing game for kids that are taking their first steps into the world of videogames.

Detective Pikachu, as a character, is really quite special - but the game itself is unfortunately just not very much fun to play.

The investigation of our electric rodent turned out to be rather "elementary".

Detective Pikachu is a mystery game built for kids, and that is clear throughout, though adult gamers can still have fun with the mysteries and world of Pokémon. Simple, charming, though certainly far from essential.

Detective Pikachu had a lot of potential, but failed to deliver an awesome Pokémon experience. This game might be enjoyable if you are searching for a short game meant for the younger players. Otherwise this game is way too simplistic.

Detective Pikachu is a cute and fun little game but it only offers enough challenge to satisfy an elementary school student.

It’s a real shame the game’s intriguing cast of characters and witty scripting isn’t paired with inviting, challenging gameplay.

Its lead's epiphanies - or 'bolts of brilliance' - are his most underwhelming moments. [June 2018, p.122]

Ultimately, I like the concept of Detective Pikachu and will likely see the movie when it releases, but hopefully the developers choose to challenge their audience a bit more with any potential sequel.

Detective Pikachu is a deceptively small game with simple cases and not a heck of a lot else. As someone whose detective itch is usually scratched by the Phoenix Wright games, this felt like solving the really easy introduction cases in each, rather than challenging logic and reason. It certainly has the presentation chops, but the people who’ll get the most out of Detective Pikachu are diehard Pokémon fans and younger gamers.

Detective Pikachu takes several steps away from the traditional Pokémon experience, with only a handful paying off. The beautiful imagery and distinct world-building will please any Pokémon fan, but the gameplay might leave them wanting more. While the point-and-click-style experience is a novel idea for the gameplay, it never manages to fully grab the player’s attention.

I wish the makers of Detective Pikachu made more bold choices, especially early on. I wish they would have infused every scene with even more personality. But when the plot works, it works. Reading-age kids will probably enjoy it, as will Pokémon diehards. But for everyone else, other games offer more pleasures more quickly and more often. Sorry, Detective. Maybe your story will turn out better on the big screen.

I want to see a lot more of Detective Pikachu despite my misgivings with his 3DS debut.

A simplified spin-off that misses the mark. [Issue#199, p.79]