Pokemon Moon

 3DS
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 982 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 682 out of 982
  2. Mixed: 131 out of 982
  3. Negative: 169 out of 982
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  1. guetzalwoatl
    Nov 19, 2016
    10
    Personally moon is my favorite version. Has the better pokes. Legendary just looks cooler to me too. Has the same feel of pokemon with much needed changes. New setting really gives this series new life. Lack of gyms didnt bother me. Like the music and had fun looking at new versions of older pokes. Check this out if you can
  2. Havoc44
    Dec 24, 2016
    10
    I found Pokemon Moon a great game and not playing Pokemon since Red, Yellow, and Blue was a refreshing experience. I really like how if you had a high affection with your Pokemon they could remove poison, paralysis, etc. out of sheer will because they don't want you to worry. Very very nice touch.
    There are tons of things to do during and after you finish the main story. New people to    I found Pokemon Moon a great game and not playing Pokemon since Red, Yellow, and Blue was a refreshing experience. I really like how if you had a high affection with your Pokemon they could remove poison, paralysis, etc. out of sheer will because they don't want you to worry. Very very nice touch.
    There are tons of things to do during and after you finish the main story. New people to meet, new Pokemon to encounter. The battle system was fun and in depth. You really have to pay attention to the Pokemon you have, the abilities you use, and what consumables you carry and when to use them.

    The story was good, with some nice hidden stories and dots to connect if you really pay attention. Love the Lillie character, I would root for her any day.

    The animation for Z-moves and just regular moves were well done. Along with your Pokemon reaction when you feed and pet them. I really love the game with very few complaints. And with over 170 hours...ya it shows lol. Well, back to playing, cause you know "Gotta Catch Them All" :)    … Expand
  3. nittylimao
    Dec 15, 2016
    10
    Pokémon Sun and Moon is as perfect as a game can be. It's got the best storyline and rivals since Unova (a friend of mine has, in addition to that, commented that Hau and Gladion are like the more charismatic version of Bianca and Cheren, respectively); doesn't have HMs any longer, which is way better than having to carry a HM slave around, as it was almost mandatory in Hoenn; brought anPokémon Sun and Moon is as perfect as a game can be. It's got the best storyline and rivals since Unova (a friend of mine has, in addition to that, commented that Hau and Gladion are like the more charismatic version of Bianca and Cheren, respectively); doesn't have HMs any longer, which is way better than having to carry a HM slave around, as it was almost mandatory in Hoenn; brought an innovation regarding the local Pokémon League, with the trials and how they're so much more fun than the old Gym system (Kiawe's one was the best IMO), and the thing where you have to fight people who want to take your spot as the Champion. (I may or may not have lost purposefully to Hau.) A change is always welcome, and, for that, S/M takes the cake as one of the best Pokémon games to date.… Expand
  4. bellmo15
    Dec 20, 2022
    10
    Lusamine is such a pretty and beautiful lady, I wish Hawaiian people were real.
  5. lizthewiz
    Nov 18, 2016
    10
    Pokemon Moon shines brighter than any predecessor in the Pokemon franchise. The graphics are fresh and lush. The story is entertaining. Above all, it's the most lively Pokemon adventure yet
  6. Smashbash
    Dec 14, 2016
    10
    This game starts a bit slow but it is worth every second. The cut scene are enjoyable and the characters have tons of charm. Gamefreak got creative this time and did away with the gym system which was surprisingly great. This game was a breath of fresh air and proof that pokemon games can be different and expiremental without being bad. I do not think I would want to see another gameThis game starts a bit slow but it is worth every second. The cut scene are enjoyable and the characters have tons of charm. Gamefreak got creative this time and did away with the gym system which was surprisingly great. This game was a breath of fresh air and proof that pokemon games can be different and expiremental without being bad. I do not think I would want to see another game following this exact same formula but I am excited to see what gamefreak and the pokemon company will bring to the table next.… Expand
  7. Focaccia
    Apr 28, 2017
    10
    Finally, Nintendo have made changes to the pokemon formula, and it's sweet. this game outclasses every pokemon game since the 2nd gen. No more gyms, no more hms, and no more useless unoriginal and ugly new pokemon, instead alolan forms were added to make some cool pokemon even better! (except alolan dugtrio...). For once, there's an actual story, and it's pretty good. Most of the trialsFinally, Nintendo have made changes to the pokemon formula, and it's sweet. this game outclasses every pokemon game since the 2nd gen. No more gyms, no more hms, and no more useless unoriginal and ugly new pokemon, instead alolan forms were added to make some cool pokemon even better! (except alolan dugtrio...). For once, there's an actual story, and it's pretty good. Most of the trials that have replaced the gyms are very fun, and the online works better than ever. Once I started playing this game, I couldn't put it down until I had finished it. It's even possible to catch most of the 1st gen pokemon. The best addition in this game is that you can defend the league as pokemon champions, and that's VERY COOL. Once I started playing this game, I couldn't put it down until I had finished it. My only complaint with this game is that both the legendary pokemon of sun and moon suck! (But Necrozma is freaking cool so it sort of makes up for it).… Expand
  8. Lv36Blastoise
    Feb 12, 2017
    10
    This game was awesome! The story was great and gameplay was outstanding. It had an emotional story that impacted the game and customization is cool. -Lv36Blastoise
  9. xxxboilozxxx
    Mar 26, 2017
    10
    this game is one of the best pokemon games ever some of my favourite pokemons are decidueye and alolan raichu this is challenging especially the totem pokemon god lurantis was hard but I like a good challenge if you want a good pokemon game buy it now.
  10. ScenicSwiff
    Mar 30, 2017
    10
    I have spent almost all my life playing and enjoying Pokemon, personally I pre-ordered this game, and when I opened it up, I enjoyed it from the second I saw the title screen! This game actually has challenge, and it had many great new characters and Pokemon, the story was also amazing and had many surprising events. I give this game a 10/10, and if you want a true hard experience like me,I have spent almost all my life playing and enjoying Pokemon, personally I pre-ordered this game, and when I opened it up, I enjoyed it from the second I saw the title screen! This game actually has challenge, and it had many great new characters and Pokemon, the story was also amazing and had many surprising events. I give this game a 10/10, and if you want a true hard experience like me, play it without the Exp. Share, it's fun!… Expand
  11. TheDarkGreenPit
    Nov 30, 2017
    10
    Alola is really fresh and innovative compare to the beginning of previous generations, this is the game where they FINALLY, after so long, started to push the envelope and find ways to innovate and change old formulas while still keeping the core of the series true to itself. Like the Totems replacing the old gym leader system.
  12. Angulaureon
    Dec 14, 2017
    10
    Same I said for Sun, except in Moon you also get the twist of the changed time of the day: it's inverted, so if you like playing at night but enjoy seing the game in its day or vice-versa, pick Moon instead of Sun. Other than it, greatness everywhere. Great new pokemon each with their own lore, top-notch story etc. This game surpass ALL of your expectations and goes beyond and Team SkullSame I said for Sun, except in Moon you also get the twist of the changed time of the day: it's inverted, so if you like playing at night but enjoy seing the game in its day or vice-versa, pick Moon instead of Sun. Other than it, greatness everywhere. Great new pokemon each with their own lore, top-notch story etc. This game surpass ALL of your expectations and goes beyond and Team Skull is THE best team in the entire series, even through if you play it, you'll know the true villains are elsewhere.… Expand
  13. CreedCREEDcreed
    Jan 6, 2018
    10
    Best story of all pokemon games (+)

    Pokepelago, now my boxed mons won't just be forgotten (+)

    Unexpected quest system instead of gyms, bound with nature and the pokemon themselves (+)

    z-moves are a good spice to the battles, as I can give use to my weaker mons now (+)

    Overall Sun and Moon were both amongst the best games that came out in 2016
  14. CyanpurplFalcon
    Jan 12, 2018
    10
    The game offered me one of the best rpg experiences I had overall (and was my favorite pokemon until the Ultra version came along), and that's after playing dozens of games of the genre over the years. The world is fun and engaging and feels exotic. Anyone who actually played this game is bound to enjoy it, I can recommend it from veterans to newcomers and children alike
  15. yggSSparappRR
    Feb 14, 2018
    10
    One of the best things relating to pokemon to ever be published Period. It did away with obsolete parts while adding more, moving forward instead of more of the same. The story is on pair with great franchises known for their great stories, trials, kahunas, totems and captains are all interesting concepts that bring more and better to the table. Evil teams were the best we ever had.One of the best things relating to pokemon to ever be published Period. It did away with obsolete parts while adding more, moving forward instead of more of the same. The story is on pair with great franchises known for their great stories, trials, kahunas, totems and captains are all interesting concepts that bring more and better to the table. Evil teams were the best we ever had. Z-moves complemented the main battle system well and naturally, without overwhelming it but adding a new layer stil. Catching, breeding and training pokemon is easier and more practical while still compelling to do, even going as far as giving a way to interact with the boxed pokemon in island where they can hang out, explore and even train. And the best of all: HMs are finally gone and replaced with something better, and all that is just what I can remember from the top of my head.… Expand
  16. SSJSSKuririn
    Feb 24, 2018
    10
    Not only the pokemon game with the greatest story, but also the best for pro-players, as the training, capture and SPECIALLY breeding of pokemon is easier than ever. It's also the most revolutionary generation that changed the most of the pokemon patterns and formulas instead of just reusing previous concepts, the hm system for example being replaced by something much better, just likeNot only the pokemon game with the greatest story, but also the best for pro-players, as the training, capture and SPECIALLY breeding of pokemon is easier than ever. It's also the most revolutionary generation that changed the most of the pokemon patterns and formulas instead of just reusing previous concepts, the hm system for example being replaced by something much better, just like gyms are replaced by a refresher in its kind of boss… Expand
  17. LawsofLeftover
    Mar 3, 2018
    10
    The best writing the franchise has ever had + the best characters + best music tracks + the best evil team in Team Skull, which is better than all other teams together + overall really good batch of newer pokemon
    I give it a 10/10 and recommend it as a longtime fan of the series
  18. sans_is_Clyde__
    Mar 11, 2018
    10
    This games show that Alola has a strong sense of personality that makes you invested, even by just looking at npcs, places and routes you can feel it. Also the best story in a pokemon game.
  19. stollosoup91
    Mar 18, 2018
    10
    Best pokemon in years:
    -an immersive story full of twists like I never expected from pokemon,
    -the new pokemon are mostly creative and cool, specially the ultra beasts, a new kind of pokemon that are unique and just straight up awesome in how they add up to the pokemon world -The trials, that replaced the gyms, are both harder, more unique and way more refined as challenges.    Best pokemon in years:
    -an immersive story full of twists like I never expected from pokemon,

    -the new pokemon are mostly creative and cool, specially the ultra beasts, a new kind of pokemon that are unique and just straight up awesome in how they add up to the pokemon world

    -The trials, that replaced the gyms, are both harder, more unique and way more refined as challenges.

    -zmoves really helped me make good use of weaker pokemon I avoided using in past games

    I wasn't playing pokemon games ever since black 2 came out, so when a group of friends kept recommending this to me I went with high expectations but and I was still blown away by it.    … Expand
  20. POK95
    Mar 22, 2018
    10
    With Pokémon Sun. BEST POKÉMON GAMES. Story is just the best with BW, it gets harder, great designs, characters, graphics, beautiful region, great additions, decent post game... I've been playing since Blue and Red and whoaa! this is just THE BEST. I have loved it, it has the best of every Pokémon game. I wish the new Nintendo Switch game to follow SM's way because its amazing, best wayWith Pokémon Sun. BEST POKÉMON GAMES. Story is just the best with BW, it gets harder, great designs, characters, graphics, beautiful region, great additions, decent post game... I've been playing since Blue and Red and whoaa! this is just THE BEST. I have loved it, it has the best of every Pokémon game. I wish the new Nintendo Switch game to follow SM's way because its amazing, best way they can follow.… Expand
  21. FlaffyJasmine
    Apr 22, 2018
    10
    Story - Very Good
    Online - All right
    Music - The best in pokemon
    Region - Fun
    Z-Moves - Fun
    To me it deserves a 10
  22. Kazekage
    May 9, 2018
    10
    Pokemon and characters full of personality, in fact the characters are all very memmorable this time, they also all play roles in the story instead of staying there like gym leaders used to, this gen was amazing.
  23. PrimeLightining
    May 13, 2018
    10
    gen 7 was the best gen (BY FAR even). Obsolete mechanics like Hms and gyms that dragged down the series were finally replaced by new ideas, many aspects of the series were revolutionized while still keeping the heart of the series and everything that makes pokemon what it is.
  24. MegaKyuremFlame
    May 20, 2018
    10
    It's been enough time for the reviews to this game to be fair and balanced and as such I gotta say: this is the best generation in the series and would be the games if not for its enhanced versions existing. Alolan Forms, the massive revolution that is was finally replacing gyms and hms... not to mention z-moves, both fun to look at while also balanced and helpful to the metagame in a wayIt's been enough time for the reviews to this game to be fair and balanced and as such I gotta say: this is the best generation in the series and would be the games if not for its enhanced versions existing. Alolan Forms, the massive revolution that is was finally replacing gyms and hms... not to mention z-moves, both fun to look at while also balanced and helpful to the metagame in a way you'd never expect such additions to be. I truly loved those games as a pokemon fan and a player.… Expand
  25. NarukamiyU
    May 21, 2018
    10
    The most captivating games I've ever played. After finishing Sun I then played Moon for a nuzlocke run and it was worthy.
  26. lamedonyx
    May 23, 2018
    10
    Good looking 3d and is what many would argue the best pokemon game in the franchise by far.
    Looking back no wonder me and all my friend would get so hooked up playing with each other compared to other multiplayer games, as it's filled with qualities.
  27. DRAKEDRAKSDREKE
    Jul 9, 2018
    10
    Replayed and finished S/M a couple times and it keeps feeling great every time, even after this long. As a long-time pokemon fan who played all games, this is one of the best ones in the franchise, no contest. Great region, story, and trials were way better than gyms in every way. If this is the way the series goes foward, we're in for a golden age of pokemon.
  28. Bald_Strikes
    Aug 11, 2018
    10
    The 3DS brought many great gems to the pokemon series so when I say Pokemon Moon, alongside the Sun version are the second best game pair in this whole game series, only second to it's bettered Ultra versions, its with heavy-hitter competition. I'm a fan since Pokemon Red and Blue came out in the U.S. in the late 90s but even after so long and having played all games I keep the assertionThe 3DS brought many great gems to the pokemon series so when I say Pokemon Moon, alongside the Sun version are the second best game pair in this whole game series, only second to it's bettered Ultra versions, its with heavy-hitter competition. I'm a fan since Pokemon Red and Blue came out in the U.S. in the late 90s but even after so long and having played all games I keep the assertion above: I was shocked with how much of a breath of fresh air this pair brought to the franchise. From replacing the gyms with a new boss system to new concepts like the rides, playing them feels like a mix of discovering so much new mixed with the prime pokemon trainer experience, not only many changes happened: They WORKED and they MATTERED which is something rare to say for games that change so much on old formulas.

    The side content is some of the best the series ever had, the hunt for Zygarde cells, Pokepelago, Refresh, etc, you feel like the pokemon is your pal instead of just a sprite in the team screen

    It has the best characters and best and most interesting story in the series, I'm yet to find a single pokemon fan who haven't gushed about how interesting and engaging the plot surrounding your journey was this time. Also decent pacing throughout your journey as to let you explore each section as the trials come by. The story actually managing to pull iconic and emotional moments like I've never seen in the series. And don't let the bright tropical looks and colorful people full of personality trick you: the story can get dark at points, with uncharted themes to pokemon

    The designs of new pokemon were ALL unique. You can feel a higher focus in creativity in each new pokemon, with ideas that feel iconic yet unexpected, including the regional forms, which bring new life to old pokemon like Raichu by putting them into new concepts based on how they'd adapt into a tropical setting.

    Team Skull is the best "evil team" pokemon has had and will be remembered fondly 20 years from now as one of the highest points in the series (but I can say that about a lot of things Alola region brought us)

    Z-Crystals are a neat way to make a weaker mon stay relevant, while working to all pokemon and having special effects if you combine it with effect/status moves. Speaking of the Meta, it's really well balanced in recent years, making going online a joy.

    All accounted, don't let online trolls who diss nintendo games everywhere convince you otherwise: It is a Must to play this game or the Ultras if you enjoy pokemon, as any longtime fan ( of which many I have befriended by playing it with) will most certainly tell you, this pair and its follow up are love letters to any pokemon fan, from the pleasure that it is to make runs in it, to how easy it is to breed, trains and battle online, to the beautiful and interesting places to explore, to even multiple references and old characters from every gen coming back.    … Expand
  29. Eduppzzs
    Aug 23, 2018
    10
    Best games + best story + best characters. Masterpiece Id say and I don't say it to any game, specially not any pokemon.
  30. Yorkishimitsu
    Oct 1, 2018
    10
    Incredible, good story, the kind I expected from other jrpgs but for pokemon was a first as previous games never got there. Gameplay dynamic and full of places to discover, quests to figure out and pokemon to find, anything that other pokemon games did, was done again as well or better here.
    Fully recomend playing it to the very end, it has some unforgettable bits
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Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Best 3DS Game of 2016
2
#2 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2016
4
#4 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2016

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 84 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 82 out of 84
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 84
  3. Negative: 0 out of 84
  1. Vooks
    Apr 8, 2017
    100
    Pokémon Sun and Moon make terrific changes the twenty-year-old formula, allowing new fans and returning ones back into the series with a wonderful lively and colourful world. It's just a little too easy for us who have been here from the start - but it's easy to forgot that when you're having such a blast.
    Read full review
  2. Easy Allies
    Mar 19, 2017
    90
    If you’re a newcomer to the series, this is an excellent opportunity to learn the fundamentals in a laid-back setting. If you’re a pro, you’ll relish the new options in place for making your Pokémon all they can be. Sun & Moon is a Pokémon vacation we’d gladly take again.
    Read full review
  3. Vgames
    Mar 8, 2017
    90
    These games exceeded my expectations by a mile. Pokemon Sun and Moon are games that every Pokemon fan and every 3DS owner needs to own. Nintendo and Gamefreak did an awesome job creating a great story and the changes they made for the format make the game feel fresh and exciting more so than ever before. The game has its minor issues like the end game and some performance issues on Old 3DS models but the soundtrack, the story and the new features more than make up for it, to make an unforgettable experience.
    Read full review
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