Pokemon Ultra Moon

 3DS
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 829 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 584 out of 829
  2. Mixed: 90 out of 829
  3. Negative: 155 out of 829
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  1. CaponeGANGBege
    Nov 18, 2017
    10
    If you are like me a veteran player who played all games since gen 1, you'll 100% LOVE this one. It takes everything that work on Moon, adds great post-game, a new take on the Battle Factory concept in the form of the Battle Agency, new miniquests through all the islands and one of the coolest shiny hunting methods I had experienced yet.

    Before starting the game, I feared I'd face    If you are like me a veteran player who played all games since gen 1, you'll 100% LOVE this one. It takes everything that work on Moon, adds great post-game, a new take on the Battle Factory concept in the form of the Battle Agency, new miniquests through all the islands and one of the coolest shiny hunting methods I had experienced yet.

    Before starting the game, I feared I'd face problems with the pokemon distribution since it's divided into two versions but then I 1- remembered that all solo third versions also had exclusives locked-out, as any player who truly played them can tell you (Mareep in Crystal, Glameow in Platinum etc), and 2- when I got to play the game, was faced with one of the best distributions of pokemon in the series, I'd rank the distribution alongside Black 2 and Y in how much it gives you space to mount your own teams. Add in move tutors and this may be the best game to start off if you ever plan to try out the competitive scene. You can build all kinds of teams. (as a last tidbit, it also one of the best musics in the series, won't spoil, you'll know when you get to listen to it)    … Expand
  2. TheDarkGreenPit
    Nov 30, 2017
    10
    Huge expansion of the previous entry: tons of minor overworld additions, a new beginning, ending and new, big post-game content. New characters, new z-moves, move-tutors and new quests that bring incentive to exploration.
  3. 1in1battletoadz
    Dec 3, 2017
    10
    For old players: tons of new things to do, new pokemon and activities, new areas and enough to hold me off until next gen

    For returning players: New pokemon, more different story and quest than previous gens

    For new players: easy to understand mechanics, tutorials, menus, type-system and what to do
  4. Sonicrunn3r
    Jan 4, 2018
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is the game that Sun and moon could (and should) have been. Somehow even better graphics for the 3DS, a more alive world with many more quests to do, an even better story(sun and moon's was great but this is way better), more new pokemon, more Z-moves, more returning pokemon and an actual post game for once. This is my 3rd trip through this same region and there is enough different to justify buying. Even a lot of the useless padding was cut out of the game, including some of the overly long tutorial. Finally, so much attention to detail was put in that I went in without watching many spoilers when I usually spoil the games. I was caught off guard by the different totem pokemon as well. I'd say that you should play this game blind if you want to play it.… Expand
  5. Zangiefzzzzzzzz
    Feb 1, 2018
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Expected the same game, instead its changes sufficed to feel new and different despite being a retelling. The new post-game makes it even more so, and the Giovanni plot-line was a surprising twist as I didn't spoiled myself nor watched any promotional material, his presence, him having a Mewtwo and in a Master-Ball of all things, the Rockets being back, the other team bad-guys, the puzzles.. only missed Jessie James but I believe they are non-canon.. that whole Rainbow Rocket thing sure was a highlight.… Expand
  6. vacationingRed
    Feb 11, 2018
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Fullified everything it set out to do:

    *adding new additional content you wouldn't ever dream of/predict by seing Moon (surf on the back of a Mantine, Team Rocket, ultra-beast worlds)

    *fixing Moon few shortcomings (victory road now has trainers, Mina has an actual trial, blush mountain has now an evolution area, move tutors are back at full)

    *and keeping what worked and was good from Moon (like having trials and totems instead of gyms)    … Expand
  7. EchidnaReviewer
    Dec 3, 2017
    10
    I went after this game after having played sm just for the sake of completionism, but turns out there were way more changes than I expected, even if you ignore the all new move tutors and story that third versions tend to have;

    the rotomdex was also enhanced, it can talk more or less to you depending if you choose yourself to interact with it and give you items like Mr. Bonding used to    I went after this game after having played sm just for the sake of completionism, but turns out there were way more changes than I expected, even if you ignore the all new move tutors and story that third versions tend to have;

    the rotomdex was also enhanced, it can talk more or less to you depending if you choose yourself to interact with it and give you items like Mr. Bonding used to in X version. Giving it a 10 overall as it's not only a decent pokemon game, but also a game I would recommend to both fans and non-fans, both whoever played Sun/Moon (like myself) and those who haven't yet (as then the experience is all new)    … Expand
  8. B0r0__Skywalker
    Dec 19, 2017
    10
    (review for US and UM both as they are the same set:) Tons of major differences from the previous set (as new battles, characters experiences etc were brought to the table). USUM felt like a peak to what pokemon can do on the 3ds, and will probably be revered as one of the peaks of the franchise as a whole. I played every game in the series and have many favourites so I'm hard to please(review for US and UM both as they are the same set:) Tons of major differences from the previous set (as new battles, characters experiences etc were brought to the table). USUM felt like a peak to what pokemon can do on the 3ds, and will probably be revered as one of the peaks of the franchise as a whole. I played every game in the series and have many favourites so I'm hard to please when it comes to new experiences with the franchise, but I really had a great time playing this one. While the story is very different from SM, it's still decent, I noticed changes at the start but the real bulk is in the second half and post-game.

    Because of those changes, I can recommend USUM even for experienced players like me or for who already played SM (To compare: I wouldn't recommend Platinum and Emerald just after R/S and D/P but this one changed enough that I would, since I still found tons of enjoyment from the new features, so I didn't regretted it). I'm glad pokemon is still good even after 21 years, so I can't wait for what the Switch one brings too.    … Expand
  9. DanShelley
    Feb 2, 2018
    10
    Undoubtedly the best Pokémon game in years! Alola has one of the most iconic plots of all time!
  10. starry_nite
    Dec 28, 2017
    10
    region has better trials than Moon, also more tasks to do everywhere, so I didn't had to follow a straight path. Also story of this gen was well-written with characters like Kukui, Guzma and LIllie reaching my top 10 favorite characters in the whole series.
  11. shooreanna
    Mar 1, 2018
    10
    These versions are the most exciting pokemon game I play in years, with a good story too. In the Nintendo 3ds, this is without competition the best game with the ""pokemon"" name on it
  12. 1_skydarktime
    Jan 20, 2018
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The game itself has more and better content than the already decent Sun/Moon games. Also worth saying this generation brought to the main series something I always loved in the mystery dungeons spin-offs: an exciting, beautiful story. While the first set of games focused more on Lillie and her relationship with her abusive mother, here this plot point still remains, but a new focus is given to the character of the legendary Necrozma, which really reminds me of characters from the previously mentioned mystery dungeon spin-offs, which is a very good thing. It's suffering and state as an endearing, understandable antagonist was really well written and a pleasure to see added in the pokemon games and mythos.… Expand
  13. MegacourageTak
    Feb 12, 2018
    9
    After finishing the robust main and post game stories, I keep coming back to do trades, battle tree, battle spot, hunts of shiny coloured pokemon and more. Can't recommend it enough to people who still play their 3ds/2ds
  14. IAmNotARobotto
    Nov 17, 2017
    9
    The Awesome
    -Totem Stickers. The most fun and entertaining exploration element in any Pokémon game to date. Fun to look for these even if there was no reward, but there is a pretty cool reward for every certain number of stickers. Probably the most fun I’ve had in the overworld of any Pokémon game ever.
    -Team Rainbow Rocket. For anyone who takes interest in the bad guys of the main    The Awesome
    -Totem Stickers. The most fun and entertaining exploration element in any Pokémon game to date. Fun to look for these even if there was no reward, but there is a pretty cool reward for every certain number of stickers. Probably the most fun I’ve had in the overworld of any Pokémon game ever.
    -Team Rainbow Rocket. For anyone who takes interest in the bad guys of the main games over the past 21 years.
    -Parallel universe ultra recon squad giving story elements and designs new to the series.
    -Best trainer placement of any Pokémon game to date by far. The karate guys on champion road, the golfer at hokulani, lotta laughs.
    -All legendary Pokémon. Probably the biggest sales point for fans of the series.
    -Charmander and all the other starters also available to catch so it’s pretty cool for old people with nostalgia. Same was with Rainbow Rocket.
    -Background Pokemon. Much like the trainer placement, the sense to have a Pokémon walk by the window outside or come down a chimney etc is superb. No value to find other than the satisfaction of seeing some neat Pokémon walking around. The rare chimney one was funny too.

    The Pretty Good
    -A ton of new sub events. Some of these are awesome, some not. Ditto becoming human being official stuff in the games was awesome etc.
    -The photo club was a lot more fun than I expected. Still don’t think there’s enough reason to spend a lot of time ther but it’s neat.
    -Surfing is also surprisingly a pretty fun mini game. But also not something I feel the urge to do too many times.

    The Not So Good
    -Main flow of game is pretty much the same as Sun and Moon, even though much of the story is different.
    -Some new backgrounds are pretty bland areas with some exceptions as well.
    -Some things in the game are jokes that will go over the majority of everyone’s head most likely. The new gym for example.
    -Nothing groundbreakingly innovative. But this can be said regarding almost all Pokémon games since the original. They stick by the if it’s not broke don’t fix it mind set, which does have its benefits.    … Expand
  15. NeoCortexTrophy
    Nov 17, 2017
    10
    Building up and developing further into what Sun and Moon helped create, this game takes all the freshness and innovations of the originals and expands it further into an even better experience than before, between multiple side features, bigger post-game and even being the first mid-generation game to introduce all new Pokemon to be collected and trained by players, it's a worthy sendoffBuilding up and developing further into what Sun and Moon helped create, this game takes all the freshness and innovations of the originals and expands it further into an even better experience than before, between multiple side features, bigger post-game and even being the first mid-generation game to introduce all new Pokemon to be collected and trained by players, it's a worthy sendoff to the 3ds generation of games.… Expand
  16. ShadowCat13
    Dec 15, 2017
    9
    At first I thought I was replaying the original Pokemon Moon, but it wasn't long before I started noticing the differences. There was added details that weren't in the original, but the real surprise came when the story started differing. I kept thinking "Oh wow! This is new!" The game wasn't a rehash of the original version, it was more like a new adventure. More things to do, moreAt first I thought I was replaying the original Pokemon Moon, but it wasn't long before I started noticing the differences. There was added details that weren't in the original, but the real surprise came when the story started differing. I kept thinking "Oh wow! This is new!" The game wasn't a rehash of the original version, it was more like a new adventure. More things to do, more features and more details! When it came time to summon the Legendary, the cut scene, which I will not spoil, had me gasping! I have had the game since release, but all of the post game content has kept me essentially glued to the game, I know I haven't found half of it yet! There's enough "side" content to keep any one busy with the game for a very long time, before and after completing the main game's goal of becoming the regional champion. The biggest touch I love most, and always felt was missing from previous games, was the random Pokemon moving about in the scenery, as if continuing on with their daily lives despite the trainer nearby. No longer are they just invisible entities hiding amongst the tall grass, waiting to pounce the first person they can. Now you can see them walking about on mountain cliffs or along river sides, moving around so that you catch a glimpse of them through a window or break in the trees. Even in the various cities and towns, you can catch a glimpse of them just living their lives. You are able to interact with some, which is a nice touch!

    The only thing that kept it from a solid 10 was the Rotom Dex on the bottom screen. It. Will. Not. Shut. Up. I thought it was bad in the original, basically leading you along while seeming to be a touch condescending (in my opinion) but this new one is like that one person who follows you around talking about every little thing over and over and over, despite your obvious attempts to escape. If I were able to turn off the constant "chatter" it gives, this game would be amazing.

    Overall, this game, while a second version of the Generation 7 games, still comes out to be an awesome stand alone game while still sticking to the core mechanics that has kept me playing Pokemon since the days of Red, Blue and Yellow back on the Game Boy Color. I eagerly await news on a hopeful Gen 8 game that will inevitably force me to buy a Nintendo Switch (or whatever console it comes out on) just to continue my Pokemon Addiction.    … Expand
  17. Mylabugz
    Dec 7, 2017
    10
    I don't know why moon and sun aren't one product on here, but this game is amazing. I posted on the sun review saying that you can now surf, not hm surfing, I mean on a massive wave doing tricks. Hang ten folks! Not really a spoiler since I only done the first island.
  18. Ikki
    Nov 24, 2017
    10
    USUM is maybe the BEST pokemon game ever made:
    - good, challenging difficulty
    - well written story that anyone who played it will love -way more changes from the original than Emerald, Platinum and Crystal did together I bought it like I did Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, expecting just the original with a bit more extra, but different than Deluxe I was surprised with how much was new, this is    USUM is maybe the BEST pokemon game ever made:
    - good, challenging difficulty
    - well written story that anyone who played it will love
    -way more changes from the original than Emerald, Platinum and Crystal did together

    I bought it like I did Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, expecting just the original with a bit more extra, but different than Deluxe I was surprised with how much was new, this is not a "deluxe" edition in any way, it's way more. Still having fun with it and I'm only now entering post-game    … Expand
  19. jackeSAMucaa
    Dec 26, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. pokemon = 10/10 - like the previous game, all new designs are good and full of personality, but this time there's no repetition in the routes like before so it gets way better to create a team

    gameplay = 9/10 - lots of quality of life carried from the previous game, but also many new things to do and overall new aspects to the experience were added like the ultra beast worlds you can uncover by travelling in the wormhole

    story = 9/10 - same with the previous one overall but with lots of twists, I did liked the previous boss, mother beast Lusamine (as a character) and focus on lillie scenes more through, even if here it works in another way

    region = 10/10 - Alola is full of personality, it fits with previous pokemon regions but, contributes with its own feel and flavour, very beautiful game areas. Here it's expanded, feeling as such more "complete"

    music = 10/10 - pokemon music keeps being very good    … Expand
  20. ZeoN
    Oct 11, 2020
    8
    Versión mejorada de Sol y Luna.Banda sonora muy mejorada,lugares rediseñados y una historia parcialmente nueva aunque inferior a Sol y Luna .Es un juego del que no te vas a arrepentir si eres fan de la franquicia.
  21. rupeehuntress
    Dec 20, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game was good, that I already expected when I ordered it, but I had long given up in expecting pokemon games to actually offer difficulty and this one also did it. For many years it's what I wanted, at least for "pokemon" standards, not really something spine breaking, just enough to up the feeling of a quest you have with this kind of game. I wanted it not just difficult because it lacked good pokemon or movepools to use against enemies, and not just an extra mode I would unlock only after beating the main campaign. And finally I got it, almost like a christmas miracle. The totems all had actual strategies behind them, Giovanni is tough with his Mega Mewtwo, Ultra-Necrozma was tough, so were all the old bosses (specially Archie to me, but that may be team I had chosen), even Hau pulled his weight, specially when he pulls a Blue at the league.

    Now, it's still a pokemon game, so it's not like anyone would get stuck in it, it's a traditional, simple to understand rpg after all, I'd even say it could be a good first entry in the series as the lack of hms means even kids can enjoy going through the routes catching pokemon (and the pool of options is varied, comparable to XY in that regard, which helps), but compared to all previous pokemon games it had way better challenge to me (through I warn you to never use the exp share as it seems to remain as an undeclared form of an "easy-mode", thanks to the extra exp).    … Expand
  22. Ocarina_Crews
    Feb 2, 2018
    10
    The game to pick both for the best single-play but also if you want to do official online battles, tournaments, interactive games, or trade with people around the world, as it's where the active pokemon players all are now. They also brought in a new interactive facility in the pokemon agency, something I truly missed from the days of friend safari.
  23. Piantapiana
    Nov 16, 2018
    10
    Merece 10, juego con muchas adiciones en particular después de cuando vence la liga, agrega mucho para con Pokémon Sun
  24. mefzeldernx
    Feb 11, 2018
    9
    Si no jugaste Pokémon Sun/Moon adentrarse a los juegos Ultra es la mejor opción. Los juegos refinan mucho a sus predecesores y aumentan la calidad del RPG bastante, aunque si tuviste las versiones anteriores el juego va a ser decepcionante ya que es en un 90% lo mismo.
    Tener la chance de capturar todos los pokémon de la saga, poder jugar competitivamente y con una mejor interfaz y seguir    Si no jugaste Pokémon Sun/Moon adentrarse a los juegos Ultra es la mejor opción. Los juegos refinan mucho a sus predecesores y aumentan la calidad del RPG bastante, aunque si tuviste las versiones anteriores el juego va a ser decepcionante ya que es en un 90% lo mismo.
    Tener la chance de capturar todos los pokémon de la saga, poder jugar competitivamente y con una mejor interfaz y seguir encontrando personajes nostálgicos hacen de "Pokémon Ultra Moon" una buena adquisición.
    Aunque hay un gran "Pero" y es que si ya jugaste los juegos del año pasado los añadidos no hacen valer el precio de un juego totalmente nuevo ya que puede ser aburrido volver a recorrer los pasos recién realizados.    … Expand
  25. Nintenerd
    Dec 28, 2017
    9
    I just want to start off by saying that this is probably the second best video game of all time (Ocarina of Time is First). This game is truly amazing. From the moment I started, I noticed how much the interface with this game had changed from the original Sun and Moon games. Everything looks fresher and has a new layer of paint. The scenery is beautiful, and in my opinion, there is tooI just want to start off by saying that this is probably the second best video game of all time (Ocarina of Time is First). This game is truly amazing. From the moment I started, I noticed how much the interface with this game had changed from the original Sun and Moon games. Everything looks fresher and has a new layer of paint. The scenery is beautiful, and in my opinion, there is too much Post Content to be found.

    The question is now is this game worth picking up if you've owned the original Sun and Moon? If you are not a hardcore Pokemon fan than no. I recommend this game for Hardcore fans, Competitive Players, like me, and the new people that will enjoy it. Speaking of competitive this game has made it so simple. And on top of that lots of legendaries will be available to use. That being said Smogon is a great website to use to make a team and you can do it with this. The only problem I had was the sad fact that I had to go through the Ultra Wormhole taking hours and plenty of hand cramps then. This game is phenomenal and is a must own for new 3ds owners.    … Expand
  26. IndieCrit
    Feb 1, 2018
    9
    I am very pleased. I thought this would turn out worse. It has many new features, most of which please me very much. It surpasses the originals. In my original review, I gave it a worse score. However, this expanded version is all worth it.
  27. H0000-Halves
    Jan 31, 2018
    9
    I found many pros in this game including the new side-roles you take to aid npcs, the new OST, the characters, the archipelago in which you play with the pc box pokemon and most of all: Team Skull.
  28. Billy-Goodfear
    Jan 16, 2018
    10
    interesting new pokemon combined to the already full of personality alolan dex, this game worked to me as both a time-waster I can play in my free time and also a worthy quest to be at certain points of the game. A lot of the old formula was improved or changed in good ways so I hope many of the enhancements brought here and in SM may be carried to future games.
  29. Lugia---TopFan
    Nov 29, 2017
    10
    Positives:
    -hardest pokemon game yet
    -full new pokemon that never existed before, added later in the game -new post-game full of new stuff -major differences from previous version, so it's not more of the same -overall new stuff to do here and there Negatives: -there's a specific, small part of the story amongst those that got changed that I liked more in the previous iteration,    Positives:
    -hardest pokemon game yet
    -full new pokemon that never existed before, added later in the game
    -new post-game full of new stuff
    -major differences from previous version, so it's not more of the same
    -overall new stuff to do here and there

    Negatives:

    -there's a specific, small part of the story amongst those that got changed that I liked more in the previous iteration, but other changes/additions made up for it;    … Expand
  30. Marcelinus
    Nov 16, 2018
    10
    Same as I had to say about my US scoring:
    The postgame is gigantic as a additional version should be and the main game was always exciting, with places to check and the best side games of all pokemon games. I faced the league with a team of Lycanrok, Bewear, Incineroar, Golisopod and Slowbro, was a really fun journey
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Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Best 3DS Game of 2017
3
#3 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2017
8
#8 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 55 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 50 out of 55
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 55
  3. Negative: 0 out of 55
  1. RPGamer
    Apr 2, 2018
    80
    Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon is still fantastic, especially since the original was a major shake-up to the decades-old Pokémon formula. The update may be overly samey to someone who has already played Sun & Moon, but it does improve upon the base game in several ways. The new version is a must for newcomers to either this current generation or to Pokémon in general.
    Read full review
  2. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Feb 16, 2018
    80
    Pokémons improved in a visual and gameplay way. Devs could let go the monster management, but otherwise the changes are definitely for the better. If you have a weak spot for Pokémons, this is your game. [Issue#282]
  3. Nintendojo
    Feb 15, 2018
    91
    Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon are the definitive versions of Generation VII. Fans that already made the trip to the Alola region might find that it takes a while to get to the juiciest new additions to the game, but diehard Pokémon fans and those that held off on Sun and Moon will find a lot to enjoy. The games are truly robust experiences, and the new additions help flesh out a game that was already quite strong. I could detail more about the story changes and enhancements, Mantine surfing or Team Rainbow Rocket, but not much else needs to be said. This is a terrific Pokémon experience that has only gotten better.
    Read full review
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