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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. 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
  2. Daven_Seaworthy
    Mar 4, 2018
    10
    Better dex distribution, new surprise ending, multiple new Pokemon, new moves, different beginning, all nonevent legendaries, new tracks complements previous GREAT ones, o-powers back with new name, a HUGE postgame surprise in some surprising characters and the strongest "final boss" ever in the series (and I'm talking about the story, not the champion, but that is a surprise too) Moon wasBetter dex distribution, new surprise ending, multiple new Pokemon, new moves, different beginning, all nonevent legendaries, new tracks complements previous GREAT ones, o-powers back with new name, a HUGE postgame surprise in some surprising characters and the strongest "final boss" ever in the series (and I'm talking about the story, not the champion, but that is a surprise too) Moon was good but Ultra Moon manages more in every way.… Expand
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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.
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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.
  14. mlog_herban
    Jan 1, 2018
    10
    While it's a second adventure through Alola, the differences and the new story make it stay exciting, with more pokemon to catch contributing to it. The theme of "consequence for your previous actions" is in a way added with the new characters. In my experience, the challenge would never let me grow bored of playing it, my two friends who bought the game with me feeling similarly. I gradeWhile it's a second adventure through Alola, the differences and the new story make it stay exciting, with more pokemon to catch contributing to it. The theme of "consequence for your previous actions" is in a way added with the new characters. In my experience, the challenge would never let me grow bored of playing it, my two friends who bought the game with me feeling similarly. I grade USUM a 10 and would even say it's the best pokemon superior/ultimate version to this point.… Expand
  15. CreedCREEDcreed
    Jan 6, 2018
    10
    Still a good story despite vastly diverging from the previous one (+)

    I can now have my own totem pokemon, and it seems like they can be put in the Bank (seemingly) meaning it's not like the cosplay pikachu that stays behind in ORAS (+) More changes than other games like emerald and crystal did, so I didn't get bored replaying, thankfully (+) new pokemon and forms (+) I was    Still a good story despite vastly diverging from the previous one (+)

    I can now have my own totem pokemon, and it seems like they can be put in the Bank (seemingly) meaning it's not like the cosplay pikachu that stays behind in ORAS (+)

    More changes than other games like emerald and crystal did, so I didn't get bored replaying, thankfully (+)

    new pokemon and forms (+)

    I was never into minigames but the surfing one may be the best one in the entire main series (+)

    USUM are very enjoyable overall, I'd say    … Expand
  16. 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
  17. Noobrris2021
    Jan 7, 2018
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Overworld exploration, monsters, story = all 10/10. I can recommend even for people who won't care about said story because the exploration was upped a notch too, way more organic region than before. This game will be very well remember in the future, for decades to come, as one of the superior experiences of the whole franchise.

    Also loved Necrozma story, you get a sense of what is to feel about this creature despite Necrozma being the game's 'bad guy', it was treated way better than previous third legends, even kyurem didn't get nearly half as much to do.    … Expand
  18. 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.
  19. TrismegistusKJ
    Jan 21, 2018
    10
    Just like all pokemon games, having simple to understand mechanics, lighthearted environment and fun critters makes this a perfect entry point to other jrpgs. Both Ultra versions added a lot to the previous ones, making it a justifiable replay, with also more and even better pacing, trials, story and more difficulty, in this two aspects the Ultra versions are the best of the entire series.Just like all pokemon games, having simple to understand mechanics, lighthearted environment and fun critters makes this a perfect entry point to other jrpgs. Both Ultra versions added a lot to the previous ones, making it a justifiable replay, with also more and even better pacing, trials, story and more difficulty, in this two aspects the Ultra versions are the best of the entire series. I only hope most of the major improvements this game and its predecessor brought are here to stay as this game singlehandedly brought many people I knew who were former players back to the series.… Expand
  20. JangoWoodsD
    Jan 29, 2018
    10
    One of the best pokemon games by far, that can't be argues. The mantine and ultra-wormhole transports control well and fit the region's theme and give us the best shiny hunt method ever, the post-game is now MASSIVE and bigger than before, you can still access through the menu Refresh and Pelago: among the best ways you could ever interact with your pokemon, you're able to catch the totemOne of the best pokemon games by far, that can't be argues. The mantine and ultra-wormhole transports control well and fit the region's theme and give us the best shiny hunt method ever, the post-game is now MASSIVE and bigger than before, you can still access through the menu Refresh and Pelago: among the best ways you could ever interact with your pokemon, you're able to catch the totem pokemon... even the photo club which I didn't put faith on before ended up being interesting and fun enough to spend hours in. That's how you do a definitive version of a previous game, it changed a lot the point it blows platinum and other previous third versions out of the water by making them look like carbon copies of predecessors.… Expand
  21. Scrubba-DrivE
    Jan 30, 2018
    10
    Go-to game for newcomers, old players and people who were away from the series, also very fresh, just like the previous games, gyms were replaced so I can finally have a journey about something else in such rich world as the pokemon one. This time the game gets harder too, with all the totems using better strategies and more developed trials and some changing completely. A very differentGo-to game for newcomers, old players and people who were away from the series, also very fresh, just like the previous games, gyms were replaced so I can finally have a journey about something else in such rich world as the pokemon one. This time the game gets harder too, with all the totems using better strategies and more developed trials and some changing completely. A very different experience than its predecessors, but in a positive way.… Expand
  22. MAZZEaEPELLI
    Jan 31, 2018
    10
    The Sun & Moon edition games were already awesome pokemon games in all fronts, so the Ultra editions already had a headstart in its quality, world and battles. Only thing needed was to bring enough changes from the previous ones, which they did in all fronts, and even in unexpected areas, there's even all-new pokemon.
  23. 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.
  24. DanShelley
    Feb 2, 2018
    10
    Undoubtedly the best Pokémon game in years! Alola has one of the most iconic plots of all time!
  25. baanterbox
    Feb 9, 2018
    10
    Having beaten the Elite 4 long ago, I still find myself going back to these games as there's lots to do and it's just enjoyable to play. In my point of view, they are the strongest games and generation.
  26. yggSSparappRR
    Feb 14, 2018
    10
    I commented how Sun and Moon were some of the best things relating to pokemon to ever be published, well the Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon games are said best thing with tons of additions and enhanced to its ultimate level. It has the qualities of the earlier ones obviously, but also new content, from characters to game aspects, despite being a third version, it actually bothers to change itsI commented how Sun and Moon were some of the best things relating to pokemon to ever be published, well the Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon games are said best thing with tons of additions and enhanced to its ultimate level. It has the qualities of the earlier ones obviously, but also new content, from characters to game aspects, despite being a third version, it actually bothers to change its content and add a lot on every part of it, including new pokemon even. The complete opposite of Platinum for example, which disappointed me back in the day by being an exact clone of Pearl with fixed pokedex. That's not the case here, even playing Ultra games just after the previous ones still works (again unlike pearl to platinum). It's also hard to those who seek it, through I believe it's a game anyone can start as with every pokemon. The online is very active right now, as everyday I can find something interesting in Wonder Trade or battle with trainers from all over the world.… Expand
  27. SSJSSKuririn
    Mar 1, 2018
    10
    Not only this game improve in all that Sun and Moon versions from the previous year created, but it also has a much better post-game, with a lot more (and better) to do, from catching legends, to exploring new worlds, to a whole new plotline that didn't even existed in Sun/Moon yet, to many returning characters from all previous games (not just Sun/Moon) making this one of the best pokemonNot only this game improve in all that Sun and Moon versions from the previous year created, but it also has a much better post-game, with a lot more (and better) to do, from catching legends, to exploring new worlds, to a whole new plotline that didn't even existed in Sun/Moon yet, to many returning characters from all previous games (not just Sun/Moon) making this one of the best pokemon games in the franchise many years.… Expand
  28. 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
  29. LawsofLeftover
    Mar 3, 2018
    10
    The whimsical music, characters, story, new pokemon etc of SM is back with more additions in a way more complete region, there's way more to do,explore,discover,achieve and go out of your way in Alola this time compare to before. As a long time fan who played since the first gens, I give it a 10/10 and recommend it. In fact since it's a better version of Sun and Moon, I recommend it overThe whimsical music, characters, story, new pokemon etc of SM is back with more additions in a way more complete region, there's way more to do,explore,discover,achieve and go out of your way in Alola this time compare to before. As a long time fan who played since the first gens, I give it a 10/10 and recommend it. In fact since it's a better version of Sun and Moon, I recommend it over any previous pokemon.… Expand
  30. Queen__Ivz
    Mar 4, 2018
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Can't find anything I dislike, and all that I liked in Moon was made superior here. And Team Rainbow Rocket is just spetacular, Giovani and co treated as the great chars they are, some even more than in their original games, we get to see how they would be had they won their original plans.… Expand
prev
Page:

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

All reviews »
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
See all critic reviews »