Pokemon Sun

 3DS
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1265 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 868 out of 1265
  2. Mixed: 186 out of 1265
  3. Negative: 211 out of 1265
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  1. smf-smf
    Nov 18, 2018
    10
    - best story in the series
    - z-moves were a good idea
    - Alola has many interesting quests and the trials were way more interesting than gyms, specially the idea of a totem boss with buffs and aides
  2. W-Lights
    Dec 2, 2018
    9
    The most ambitious pokemon game ever made: every risk they could take with the formula was taken yet: 1- almost all worked and paid off and 2- still feels like playing a pokemon game from start to finish. You have the best story with amazing themes (like the context of tradition and progress) a region that feels like a real world country with background that makes sense, characters withThe most ambitious pokemon game ever made: every risk they could take with the formula was taken yet: 1- almost all worked and paid off and 2- still feels like playing a pokemon game from start to finish. You have the best story with amazing themes (like the context of tradition and progress) a region that feels like a real world country with background that makes sense, characters with layers from both good and bad side, a new system instead of just more gyms just for the sake of it, a heartwarming conclusion, and smart ideas that honestly should be implemented 20 years ago.… Expand
  3. BrawlMetaKnight
    Nov 30, 2018
    10
    By far the best installment int the main series. It did change up a lot of the formula like the bike for ride pokemon, gyms and gym badges for trials and Z-Crystals, and probably a lot more that I forgot. The graphics got better and the soundtrack is the second best imo in the Pokemon series, next to the og Mystery Dungeon.
  4. westfam4190
    Apr 22, 2019
    10
    First Pokemon game I ever played. Amazing is all I have to say. I feel that Nintendo hit it out of the park with this one.
  5. Shulknoblade
    Sep 4, 2019
    10
    Best Pokémon game so far, this is for me the best entry Game Freak has made for the franchise in 20 years. It's amazing to see how FINALLY they innovated a bit and tried to change the formula, I know it doesn't change a lot, but change the necessary and it feels so fresh. Hope Sword and Shield do something similar and tries new things too.

    Pokémon Sun and Moon also has the BEST STORY in    Best Pokémon game so far, this is for me the best entry Game Freak has made for the franchise in 20 years. It's amazing to see how FINALLY they innovated a bit and tried to change the formula, I know it doesn't change a lot, but change the necessary and it feels so fresh. Hope Sword and Shield do something similar and tries new things too.

    Pokémon Sun and Moon also has the BEST STORY in a Pokémon game ever. Black and White had good ideas, sometimes poorly executed, but Sun and Moon worked so well, developed the characters and even made some plot twists. The relationship between characters, background stories and family bonds is the best we saw in a Pokémon game so far, the mixing of every single topic the franchise has touched was excellent!

    And we can't forget about the difficulty, USUM made it harder, but Sun & Moon has some challenges with Totem Pokémon and a great Pokémon League, and well, we have even the Battle Tree, as the biggest postgame challenge we had since Emerald. Pokémon designs were excellent in this generation too!

    As I said, this is for me the best Pokémon game to date!    … Expand
  6. Bernyz
    Sep 20, 2019
    9
    Es un cambio drástico en cuanto a los pokemons anteriores, pero es muy bueno
  7. FranciscoM
    Nov 23, 2018
    9
    A vibrant region, customization of your character, cool new Pokemon added and a near perfect game, apart from some minor issues with frame rates.
  8. 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
  9. Dsros96
    Oct 30, 2018
    10
    Best Pokémon game ever. Best graphics, innovation and a challenging story mode. The trials were a nice way to do something new but the gyms were better. The new Pokmeon designs are beautiful.
  10. zeffsrightleg
    Nov 17, 2018
    10
    Such a good story and so many new things added, it felt like a long time coming for this adorable game, specially loved the whole idea of ultra beasts
  11. greninjaX
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    a great pokemon game with a great story, and not a single pokemon had to be cut.
  12. KrimsonKatt
    Dec 30, 2018
    8
    This is by far the best 3DS Pokemon game. Amazing graphics for 3DS standards, best story since the original Black and White, extremely solid gameplay with some decently challenging story battles, a modest amount of legendaries, (8 of them) and game changing quality of life changes in comparison to XY and ORAS, not to mention the 60 or so new Pokemon, the removal of obnoxious HMs, fasterThis is by far the best 3DS Pokemon game. Amazing graphics for 3DS standards, best story since the original Black and White, extremely solid gameplay with some decently challenging story battles, a modest amount of legendaries, (8 of them) and game changing quality of life changes in comparison to XY and ORAS, not to mention the 60 or so new Pokemon, the removal of obnoxious HMs, faster movement speed, streamlined breeding and EV training, infinite leveling exploit, super training to max IVs for rare items, (who's collection of can be easily cheesed) and simpler ways to get shines in comparison to XY and ORAS. The only bad things I can say is the very long and slow tutorial, there being no national pokedex, and the battle tree just being another reskin of the awful battle tower from Emerald.… Expand
  13. ShawnEXE
    May 3, 2019
    8
    Music: 4/5
    Game Play: 3.5/5
    Graphics: 4/5
    Story: 4/5
    Time-Value: 5/5
    Overall: 4.0/5
  14. new2dsxl
    Sep 6, 2019
    10
    Simply put, Sun and Moon are best Pokémon games that Game Freak has ever produced. Poké Pelago, the side quests, the absolutely stunning nature of the presentation, it's all a sheer joy from start to finish. Game Freak hasn't missed a beat and has managed to carefully balance the inclusion of new mechanics without totally ruining things for the most hardcore fans. It's got content comingSimply put, Sun and Moon are best Pokémon games that Game Freak has ever produced. Poké Pelago, the side quests, the absolutely stunning nature of the presentation, it's all a sheer joy from start to finish. Game Freak hasn't missed a beat and has managed to carefully balance the inclusion of new mechanics without totally ruining things for the most hardcore fans. It's got content coming out of its ears, a much more interesting story, and rewards exploration in a way no other title in the series has. Whether you're a Pokémon fan new or old, this is an absolutely essential purchase.… Expand
  15. JasonBB
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    Some people hating on Sword and Shield is coming here to hate this game too. But let's remember and compare Sun and Moon to SWSH.

    Because Sun and Moon is far less hand holdy than Sword and Shield, because the story is the best Pokémon has made so far, because this game allowed you to turn off the exp share and enjoy a good difficulty, because this game had much more postgame, because    Some people hating on Sword and Shield is coming here to hate this game too. But let's remember and compare Sun and Moon to SWSH.

    Because Sun and Moon is far less hand holdy than Sword and Shield, because the story is the best Pokémon has made so far, because this game allowed you to turn off the exp share and enjoy a good difficulty, because this game had much more postgame, because this game had all the Pokémon...

    Well... Sun and Moon are one of the best game of this franchise, let's not forget that. This game is underrated just because is not old enough yet.    … Expand
  16. EdwardG
    Dec 3, 2018
    8
    Pokémon Sun shakes the classic Pokémon formula up with new quality of life improvements as well as through the overall theme of the game. Alola is a unique region in that it is split up over four main islands and that it takes inspiration from Hawaii. This is reflected in the great music, designs of the equally great new Pokémon, the likeable cast of characters and even the battlePokémon Sun shakes the classic Pokémon formula up with new quality of life improvements as well as through the overall theme of the game. Alola is a unique region in that it is split up over four main islands and that it takes inspiration from Hawaii. This is reflected in the great music, designs of the equally great new Pokémon, the likeable cast of characters and even the battle interface.

    Catching Pokémon is as fun as it's ever been, and catching them all is a fun challenge. As there are now over 700 Pokémon, there are countless cool and interesting designs. As for the postgame, you can catch and raise more Pokémon, trade and battle online, and there are also a few cool moments after the main story is over. However, after you're done with the story, which I enjoyed thanks to the characters as well as the decent plot, there isn't loads to keep you playing, especially if you tire of the grind of finding, catching and raising new Pokémon. In particular, finding, breeding and raising battle-ready Pokémon (including hidden abilities, natures, IVs and more) for the online side of the game can be a little overwhelming but it is completely optional and is there for people who want a deeper experience.

    On the whole, Pokémon Sun is another great entry into the series with enough new and exciting additions to set it apart from the rest of the games.    … Expand
  17. Akatito
    Nov 2, 2018
    8
    Este análisis lo hago con mucha ilusión ya que pokémon es una saga legendaria para todos aquellos niños que crecieron con ella en su día y que hoy por hoy siguen creciendo con estos juegos. Voy a decir que me ha parecido, de la manera mas especial posible...

    Hacía ya 10 años que no jugaba un pokémon, el último que jugué fue pokemon perla allá por el 2007-2008 y ahora este Pokemon sol    Este análisis lo hago con mucha ilusión ya que pokémon es una saga legendaria para todos aquellos niños que crecieron con ella en su día y que hoy por hoy siguen creciendo con estos juegos. Voy a decir que me ha parecido, de la manera mas especial posible...

    Hacía ya 10 años que no jugaba un pokémon, el último que jugué fue pokemon perla allá por el 2007-2008 y ahora este Pokemon sol que salió hace uno o dos añitos lo he jugado en 2018. Tenía mucha curiosidad por ver como había avanzado la saga ya que la había perdido muchísimo de vista. Antes de jugar pokemon sol sabía que en anteriores entregas ya estaban cambiando la perspectiva de la cámara, los gráficos, obviamente los mapas, pokemons y los legendarios. A si que pensé: Joder, voy a jugarme el ultimo pokemon de todos para ver la evolución que lleva esto a día de hoy.

    El inicio es como cualquier otro juego de pokémon, te sientes super bien recibido a esta nueva entrega ya que todo se maneja con la misma facilidad que siempre, te explican todo a la perfección para que tengas la edad que tengas no te pierdas nada de lo que debes aprender para jugar.

    Hay muchas cosas que se coservan en este pokémon y que son míticas de la saga, como elegir el pokémon entre los tres elementos principales, el compañero/rival que te acompañará durante todo el juego, los gimnasios (Aunque ahora no son gimnasios, son una especie de pruebas) y en vez de medallas son unos cristales, pero para el caso viene a ser lo mismo. Las mecánicas también son muy parecidas, incluso me atrevo a decir que las han mejorado.

    Sin duda de las cosas que mas me han gustado de Pokemon sol ha sido precisamente eso, esa cualidad de hacerte sentir como en casa, esa manera de decirte "Estas en el pokemon de tu infancia, pero con las novedades y mejoras de un pokemon actual" Es decir lo que viene a ser el "Mas y mejor" de toda la vida.

    Pero todo esto también tiene su lado malo. Como ya he dicho arriba... Pokemon te explica todo a la perfección, para que cualquier persona de cualquier edad pueda entender todo y jugarlo igual de cómodo y de bien que tú. ¿Que pasa? Que si tienes 20 años como es mi caso esto se hace un poco pesado, es decir... Para un chaval de entre 8-13 años puede ser muy bueno esto que estoy comentando, pero para la gente de 15-16 en adelante es un estorbo. Esto de que te expliquen todo al dedillo como si fueras tonto se hace muy cansino ¿Es necesario?

    La historia del juego es la misma, la típica de siempre, no esta mal... No es que sea una historia muy profunda ni que toque temas fuertes ni que te pretenda enseñar nada pero bueno, esta bien, sobretodo para los niños (Again).

    La jugabilidad sigue siendo la misma aunque han añadido algunas cosas bastante molonas como los ataques especiales que son como un "Ataque final" al uso. También han mejorado las animaciones de algunos ataques, son realmente espectaculares para ser de pokémon. Pero de nuevo esperaba algún que otro cambio, si que es cierto que aquí no creo que el problema sea la edad del público de pokemon, aquí creo que simplemente les ha dado pereza cambiar el sistema de combate de toda la vida y han tirado con el, de nuevo

    Entonces es una mezcla de sentimientos que me mata por dentro queridos amigos... Por un lado me ha gustado mucho ya que tenía completamente olvidada a la saga, pero por otro lado es que hay tantas cosas que me flaquean que me duele incluso decirlas, pero es que las tenía que soltar.

    Pero por supuesto a pesar de estos pequeños detalles de quisquilloso mental, el juego es super disfrutable, y la verdad es que la idea de Alola es bastante buena, diría que una de las mejores de todos los juegos que llevan hasta la fecha, ese estilo "Tropical" estilo Hawai, la ropa que visten los aldeanos, los pokemons con formas especiales de Alola, el tema de las distintas islas, no sé. La verdad es que la idea en si esta bastante guay y para un juego de pokemon admito que es un enfoque bastante chulo, aunque como ya he dicho sigo opinando que esta mal aprovechada y podían haberle dado mucha mas caña.

    También me ha fastidiado bastante el hecho de ir jugando al juego y ir viendo los mismos pokemons que ya conocía... Y es como: WTF, llevo 10 años sin jugar a un pokemon y conozco al 70% de los pokemons que me están apareciendo, eso es mala señal, indica que han metido muy pero que muy poquitos en esta nueva entrega, a si que lo comprobé y efectivamente es de las entregas que menos pokemon nuevos han implementado, practicamente el 60-70% de los que hay en el juego son de otras entregas y eso es una mierda.

    Estoy seguro, pero muy que muy seguro, de que los chavales que jueguen a Pokemon sol hoy en día sentirán lo mismo que yo sentía cuando jugaba los pokemon de años anteriores, esa "Magía" y por eso le doy esta nota buena, porque objetivamente pokemon siempre será pokemon.    … Expand
  18. Gloglo23
    Jan 1, 2020
    10
    Metacritic should not allow people to review bombing games like this, last week this game had a 8.3 score and now it's just 7.7 because of Sword and Shield haters. STOP.
  19. VariaVbux
    Jan 2, 2020
    10
    Got the game upon release, very excited since I wasn't invested in Y or Omega Ruby. It truly did not disappoint, the Pokemon, the music, the story, I had a much better time than previous titles. While the game did lag out offline, it wasn't too much of an issue. Easily one of the best 3DS Pokemon titles.
  20. GenkiYokota
    Jan 27, 2022
    10
    One of the best generations by far, it has a spectacular story and an excellent competitive scene.
  21. Mutty99
    Feb 4, 2020
    10
    Wow, what an adventure! This game brought a lot of fresh hair into the Pokémon franchise; interesting story, memorable characters and awesome new features. Still enjoying it nowadays :)
  22. Jrson
    May 5, 2020
    8
    The character models have been improved from X&Y and ORAS. the new pokemons are great and the Alolan versions are a nice addition. There is a good amount of post game content in the form of catching all of the Ultra Beasts.
  23. ZeroBacon
    Oct 7, 2020
    9
    I think this is a very good Pokemon game. Not as great as some of the other ones, but it’s one of the best ones in years. The removal of gyms is fine, but it has some great music. I think this game’s worth a shot, even if its dead easy.
  24. Oreun
    Apr 15, 2021
    7
    Decent game that changes the Pokemon formula. Definetely recommended.

    Juego decente que cambia la formula de Pokemon. Recomendado.
  25. Pyronick
    Jul 5, 2021
    10
    Gran juego, buena historia, buenos personajes y una gran variedad de Pokémons a elegir, un título refrescante para la saga.
  26. Federx
    Jan 30, 2022
    9
    very underappreciated entry, pushing more into jrpg territory with proper story and characters was a good direction for the franchise.
  27. jakandjoe
    Apr 14, 2021
    8
    pretty good game i enjoyed it but i wish their was more gym leaders but still great game.
  28. LordJazbin
    Apr 19, 2021
    10
    The best Pokémon game in the franchise for now. Story is good (the best one for now, with even some little interesting plot twists for the first time), difficulty and level curve is great (and even kinda hard in some parts!), characters are charismatic and less flat than previous generations, music is outstanding (as always), Pokémon designs are great, there are kind of boss battles, realThe best Pokémon game in the franchise for now. Story is good (the best one for now, with even some little interesting plot twists for the first time), difficulty and level curve is great (and even kinda hard in some parts!), characters are charismatic and less flat than previous generations, music is outstanding (as always), Pokémon designs are great, there are kind of boss battles, real side-quest, is a bit innovative for the first time in forever...

    This has to be the best Pokémon game to date. It was definitely the step in the right direction, but then they came with Sword and Shield...    … Expand
  29. albegres
    Feb 9, 2022
    8
    75/100
    Very good Pokémon game. It's somehow overlooked these days because it hasn't Gyms, but it can make you feel like in a journey anyway.
    PS: Alola is a stunning region
  30. PikiAkaSelen
    May 20, 2022
    10
    One of the most original and brave entries in the Pokemon franchise, I see why some fans dont like it since its not a traditional pokemon game. Its game decisions are brave and work surprisingly well, its a unique twist from a pokemon mainline game almost being like a more developed spinoff. With all of that in mind I think its by far the best one from the 3DS era and also one of theOne of the most original and brave entries in the Pokemon franchise, I see why some fans dont like it since its not a traditional pokemon game. Its game decisions are brave and work surprisingly well, its a unique twist from a pokemon mainline game almost being like a more developed spinoff. With all of that in mind I think its by far the best one from the 3DS era and also one of the better pokemon games.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best 3DS Game of 2016
1
#1 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2016
1
#1 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2016

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 87 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 85 out of 87
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 87
  3. Negative: 0 out of 87
  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.
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  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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