Pokemon Shuffle

 3DS
Metascore
56

Mixed or average reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 16
  3. Negative: 4 out of 16
  1. Cubed3
    Mar 26, 2015
    80
    Despite a few foibles, basically the 3DS has its new killer app.
  2. Multiplayer.it
    Feb 25, 2015
    75
    Pokémon Shuffle is a very fun match-3 but which sadly relies too soon on a somewhat annoying microtransaction system.
  3. FNintendo
    Mar 28, 2015
    70
    Pokémon Shuffle is a very addictive and well implemented puzzle game which is bound to be enjoyed by both fans of simple puzzle games and Pokémon fans. The micro-transactions scheme does need some work, though, and the waiting time is disproportionate compared to the overall playing time.
  5. Nintendo Life
    Mar 2, 2015
    70
    If you need something you can play for hours at a time, however, your best bet is to ignore the in-game shop altogether; take the money you'd spend on an afternoon's worth of Jewels, put it towards Pokémon Battle Trozei instead, and let the endless supply of Poké-puzzles tide you over between Shuffles.
  6. Hardcore Gamer
    Feb 27, 2015
    70
    It’s fun and challenging enough to keep Pokémon and puzzle fans entertained.
  7. Game Revolution
    Feb 24, 2015
    70
    This won’t satiate the hunger for the next full incarnation of the series, just provide an added distraction while watching old episodes of the animé.
  8. Atomix
    Feb 21, 2015
    70
    The much lighter version of Pokémon: Battle Trozei is simple and smooth. Loosely based on Bejeweled and Candy Crush, the game will certainly entertain puzzle fans, but its microtransactions might not be well received.
  9. Hobby Consolas
    Mar 2, 2015
    60
    It could be an entertaining Pokémon based puzzle, but levels are too short and microtransactions are intrusive and sometimes even frustrating.
  10. DarkZero
    Feb 23, 2015
    60
    It ended up being a fun puzzler with an interesting twist, but bad gameplay implementations.
  11. Vandal
    Feb 28, 2015
    56
    At its core, Pokémon Shuffle is a great puzzle game, but the free-to-play system makes it expensive to enjoy unless you're ok with a system that lets you play a few minutes every few hours.
  12. SpazioGames
    Apr 8, 2015
    55
    An unfair business model sucks out all the enjoyment that Pokemon Shuffle can grant if played in very short bursts.
  13. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Apr 20, 2015
    50
    If you have the patience of a saint and like the pick-up-and-play experience, Pokémon Shuffle might be perfect for you. If you don't like the idea of being nickel-and-dimed to experience puzzling at a normal pace, this game's sure to get your blood boiling. [Issue #14: Old vs. New – March/April 2015, p.24]
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  14. NZGamer
    Apr 13, 2015
    45
    Simple gameplay hamstrung by freemium features.
  15. Critical Hit
    Mar 13, 2015
    45
    There’s nothing wrong with freemium games when they’re done right, but what Pokémon Shuffle does is reward players with very few benefits when cash is handed over, and that’s just a damn shame.
  16. Metro GameCentral
    Feb 20, 2015
    40
    As match-three puzzlers go this is well above average, but the cynical microtransactions make it a horrible slog to actually play.
  17. Destructoid
    Feb 19, 2015
    35
    Anything truly enjoyable about the game is ruined by the microtransactions.

Awards & Rankings

46
#46 Best 3DS Game of 2015
6
#6 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2015
41
#41 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2015

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 143 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 49 out of 143
  2. Mixed: 56 out of 143
  3. Negative: 38 out of 143
  1. Daveisonline
    Feb 19, 2015
    1
    Encapsulates the absolute worst type of pay model found in Smartphone F2P social games, and being on the 3DS.

    You're given 5 hearts which    Encapsulates the absolute worst type of pay model found in Smartphone F2P social games, and being on the 3DS.

    You're given 5 hearts which count as turns, and each take about 1-2 minutes to burn through, after you've exhausted your 5 hearts you can either wait 30 minutes to restore ONE, hunt for Streetpass hits, or buy more hearts.

    The fact that it has the Pokemon brand slapped all over it trying to entice children to play is even more dishonest. Shame on you Nintendo for doing something like this.    … Full Review »
  2. megusta1233
    Feb 20, 2015
    7
    The game is really enjoyable, but it's unfortunate you can't play it very long due to expensive 'jewels'. I'd say that you should play thisThe game is really enjoyable, but it's unfortunate you can't play it very long due to expensive 'jewels'. I'd say that you should play this game, but mind the micro transactions.… Full Review »
  3. Devide
    Feb 20, 2015
    0
    Exploitative game that should have never been released on Nintendo hardware. Very disappointing. Mobile is where this should end up. Also toExploitative game that should have never been released on Nintendo hardware. Very disappointing. Mobile is where this should end up. Also to those playing it, if you happen to spend coins on a great ball and the capture fails press home button and restart the game, you'll keep the coins that way.… Full Review »
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