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. Orflick
    Sep 9, 2019
    6
    Cut scenes can drag on and there's no gyms just island challenges, great if you enjoy it but I prefer gyms
  2. Guizmo
    Dec 6, 2019
    5
    For a game that has 'ULTRA' on its title, it is not nearly as impressive as the adjective would mean in relation to the regular versions, in fact, it is even worse! They changed the quite good story, for one that doesn't make sense at all, and they introduced so little things that the game felt like a bad DLC. The worst in the series by far.
  3. Warbringer
    Feb 21, 2021
    7
    Gifted from a friend,the game that brought me back to Pokemon. Could have done a better job though,too much handholding,game is extremely easy
  4. x_superepico
    Jul 31, 2020
    4
    if we compare to other Pokemon games, is not as good at others, game freak is taken a dangerous direction, is bored in most parts of the game, and the only chance from moon, is a post-game mini-game to catch Pokemons, a bad version of Pokemon Cristal battle tower, and a unnecesary change to moon history.

    is unnecesary, moon was good, why make me pay again for a worst version.
  5. MaKu7
    Jan 7, 2021
    8
    My first Pokemon since Gold/Silver. In Ultra Moon I have found same nice gameplay with lots of improvements. Of course, graphic is "just OK", music is mostly "less than OK", but despite that, strolling across Alola is very relaxing and fun experience.
  6. RyGuy1
    Mar 2, 2021
    2
    There were a few changes from sun and moon, but not enough to warrant a brand new game. Still just as insultingly simple and childish as sun and moon. Also z crystals are lame
  7. VyrussReviews
    Nov 26, 2021
    0
    I went through the whole game and I have to say it is bad. The game is riddled with forced dialogue with people who you don't want to talk to. Now I do have to say that the battle mechanic is good, but what is the point of a good battle system if you cannot play the game?
  8. sathvik_
    Aug 1, 2023
    5
    OMG this game leaves a lot to be desired. The attempt at a 3D is a freaking joke
  9. ZangBang
    Oct 30, 2022
    4
    43/100
    Pokémon Ultra Moon adds a significant amount of new content to the original Moon, with a richer Pokémon selection, new areas that expand on the original lore, a surprisingly fun and polished new surfing minigame, new challenges and overall a decisively higher difficulty making for a much more engaging experience. Massive changes were made to the narrative as well, ultimately making    43/100
    Pokémon Ultra Moon adds a significant amount of new content to the original Moon, with a richer Pokémon selection, new areas that expand on the original lore, a surprisingly fun and polished new surfing minigame, new challenges and overall a decisively higher difficulty making for a much more engaging experience. Massive changes were made to the narrative as well, ultimately making it notably worse. As much as the new characters and plotpoints introduced have potential they're sorely underdeveloped and introduced quite haphazardly, and the greater scope of the new storyline often awkwardly clashes with the more intimate story told in the original game as some important scenes of character development have been entirely removed, leaving the whole narrative feeling somewhat disconnected. Nevertheless, a new grandiose story episode was added after the main campaign, which creatively builds on the new concepts introduced to craft a surprising narrative with nostalgic returns that perhaps doesn't take itself seriously enough, but still functions as an extremely fun postgame content and a nice celebration of past narratives. Decisvely better than the original, Ultramoon still greatly suffers from its terribly bland level design and the series' somewhat repetitive gameplay.    … Expand
  10. Federx
    Jan 30, 2022
    6
    just moon but worse. the "additions" are more like detriments, they ruined what good alola had without fixing any of the shortcomings
  11. Gbcrespo
    Aug 12, 2020
    9
    Pretty nice ideas, rideable Pokémon, cool setting, very good soundtrack. This game is pretty accessible for new players, and the game has a lot of quality of life improvements.
    The story is ok, not much in terms of depth, but the change in the usual gyms were quite welcoming, the Trials are well thought out.
    No a 10/10, but pretty close for how they push the 3DS hardware, and the innovations.
  12. Speedie
    Nov 24, 2019
    9
    Ultra Moon is loaded with content, most of which you may never use. Even after finishing the game there will be so much for the player to discover.

    I originally though I would dislike the new style of not having Gym Leaders, but I was happily surprised by the originality of the Island Challenges, and how much I enjoyed them. The story of this game is very engaging, and the characters    Ultra Moon is loaded with content, most of which you may never use. Even after finishing the game there will be so much for the player to discover.

    I originally though I would dislike the new style of not having Gym Leaders, but I was happily surprised by the originality of the Island Challenges, and how much I enjoyed them. The story of this game is very engaging, and the characters fulfill the definitive personalities we've come to expect from Pokemon characters. This is the most original of all Pokemon games to date, but it didn't let go of most core qualities that fans love about Pokemon.

    The difficulty definitely spikes in this game, but its nothing a casual player can't manage. It's simply speed bumps that require more training of your Pokemon, which in turn cause you to explore more of the region and find all of the secrets hidden within.

    For the first time in Pokemon history, you truly feel as if the journey is yours, and not the character's on the screen. Between taking pictures with you Pokemon, petting them, exploring the region with them, and fulfilling your quest with them, its a true Pokemon journey you won't forget.    … Expand
  13. andrew31593
    Jun 28, 2019
    9
    After a 7 year departure from the series this is the game I returned to and I have to say it is the most complete so far. The reigon and trials are fresh, and there is enough of a challenge to be engaging for me as an adult. The reigon is stunning and the new pokemon are well designed - especially the aloan forms. More in depth features that were barely touched on in the first fewAfter a 7 year departure from the series this is the game I returned to and I have to say it is the most complete so far. The reigon and trials are fresh, and there is enough of a challenge to be engaging for me as an adult. The reigon is stunning and the new pokemon are well designed - especially the aloan forms. More in depth features that were barely touched on in the first few generations, such as EV training, natures and IVs are now far more included with things like the 'judge' function that lets you see your pokemons hidden values. There seems to be a feature for everything that comes together extremely well. I have no idea how I managed to rack up 300 hours on pokemon sapphire when the ingame content is so pitiful in comparison to what we have now.

    I would however like a more simple way of battling other players, much like an online version of the battle tree, with some kind of record or score system. This would give meaning to these more in depth features that as of now rely on players arranging their own competition through message boards. Also the story was WAY too dialouge heavy, the breif but charming narratives of the orignal three reigons is far more appealing from me as a returning player.    … Expand
  14. DeltaHaven
    Nov 13, 2019
    7
    Definitely and improvement from Moon in some areas but unfortunately suffers from most of the same issues and new ones.
    Positive notes include: more Pokemon variety for the regional dex, new pokemon, minimal but improved character arcs, new characters with interesting designs, few but new details added in old areas, new interesting mini games.
    Negative notes include: Same watered down    Definitely and improvement from Moon in some areas but unfortunately suffers from most of the same issues and new ones.
    Positive notes include: more Pokemon variety for the regional dex, new pokemon, minimal but improved character arcs, new characters with interesting designs, few but new details added in old areas, new interesting mini games.
    Negative notes include: Same watered down difficulty, long tutorials and cut scenes, constant hand holding and interruptions during the main story, very lineal progression, rotom dex is even more annoying in this game constantly nagging you to heal your mons or save the game and giving you advice about things you already know, new photo studio feature that is completely useless and a waste of time, new characters with knee deep back stories, new areas that are basically glorified hallways, and very little end game.

    Over all a comfortable and predictable 3D Pokemon game experience that left me with no desire to keep playing after finishing the main campaign.    … Expand
  15. Hawqer
    Jun 11, 2021
    6
    It really didn't change a lot, it's really no different from the previous games and just made the battles more harder, so it's not worth buying If you already played the sun and moon games since you're basically playing the same thing again, but this game is fine if you didn't though.
  16. tenebrarum91
    May 10, 2020
    10
    After playing Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu and Pokemon Shield on the Switch for over 200h combined, I thought to go back to the last generations on the Nintendo 3DS. I haven't played Pokemon Games on the handheld systems since Pokemon Black/White and after the rather disappointing first full mainline 3D-HD Pokemon game on the Switch, I was a bit blown away by the content of Pokemon Ultra Moon:After playing Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu and Pokemon Shield on the Switch for over 200h combined, I thought to go back to the last generations on the Nintendo 3DS. I haven't played Pokemon Games on the handheld systems since Pokemon Black/White and after the rather disappointing first full mainline 3D-HD Pokemon game on the Switch, I was a bit blown away by the content of Pokemon Ultra Moon: It had everything a Pokémon game ever had and put things on top. It was fun to catch all the Pokémon and go to the Ultra Dimension. All those little side quests and stories, which are almost totally missing in Pokemon Sh/Sw. I don't know why Gamefreak decided to go a step backwards on the Switch (probably huge feature crunch), but now the newest Generation looks even worst to me. Just the region of Aloah itself is just fun to explore. It a super relaxing setting with cool characters and it just invites you on a awesome trip to a Haiwanese style holiday with amazing Pokémons to catch, a lot of lategame content to finish and a solid good Pokémon handheld game!… Expand
  17. Trey82
    Feb 16, 2020
    8
    Good 'dex.
    MUCH improved interactions with your pokemon.
    Less cliche than MANY previous games / parts of their stories, regardless of overall game quality. (Example: Good game ~ alpha sapphire! Bad half of the game ~ EVERY WATER SECTION OMFG, weak and underleveled creatures EVERYWHERE. Bring along a grass and an electric pokemon you got from the first few routes and poof, you're fine    Good 'dex.
    MUCH improved interactions with your pokemon.
    Less cliche than MANY previous games / parts of their stories, regardless of overall game quality.
    (Example: Good game ~ alpha sapphire! Bad half of the game ~ EVERY WATER SECTION OMFG, weak and underleveled creatures EVERYWHERE. Bring along a grass and an electric pokemon you got from the first few routes and poof, you're fine for the last leg of the game.

    Consistent framerate, consistent gameplay, DEFINITELY way too much one-shot-killfest. Seriously, these guys are AMPED. You really, REALLY dont need to get legendaries to be OP in this.
    In fact, the legendaries are actually pretty disappointing. Some Regi-'s, some iconic ones like Lugia, some Mew goodness... but all of them are kinda 7/10 just a few steps above normal bada$$es.

    One thing I hate: mega ultra super boring evolutions. This game doesnt require you to ever use them, because Z power works very well, like limit breaks. But with that type-matching element to it.

    Characters are so-so, but not absolute garbage like Lysandre (Pokemon Y)
    Lys: Unfotunately, there are those who show their strength by taking what is not theirs. THEY ARE FILTH.
    *A short time later*
    Lys: That's why I decided the only way to save the world was to take it all for myself!
    Pokemon Y was the WORST game in the series. 2 steps forward, 10 steps back.

    Skip and play ultra moon. Just know that you'll never enjoy any of the previous games the same way, ever again. Too many QOL improvements, too much fun. :)    … Expand
  18. tukumalu
    Oct 2, 2021
    6
    This game is overall the same as sun and moon with small changes here and there that do not make the playthrough specially refreshing. The beginning is tedious and too long, I like to refer to it as an hour+ long tutorial. Throughout the playtrough I'm constantly forced into long dialogue sections inbetween new areas/towns, it's annoying. You still can't skip cut scenes and there's way tooThis game is overall the same as sun and moon with small changes here and there that do not make the playthrough specially refreshing. The beginning is tedious and too long, I like to refer to it as an hour+ long tutorial. Throughout the playtrough I'm constantly forced into long dialogue sections inbetween new areas/towns, it's annoying. You still can't skip cut scenes and there's way too much dialogue, most of it is the same as the last game so it's really really boring to sit through. So the major con of this game is all the dialogue and cutscenes. As for the difficulty, it's an improvement over the original games.… Expand
  19. fanmadeendings
    Feb 15, 2022
    7
    The content is pretty good, but returning to the special version thing after the way superior sequel concept from gen 5 is really disappointing.
  20. yangfanhong
    Apr 2, 2023
    8
    The game is fun. But it is a pity that as an almost first party 3ds game it has no 3d feature at all.
  21. LordJazbin
    Apr 19, 2021
    8
    Great postgame and difficulty, maybe the hardest Pokémon game to date.

    But the story is ruined, the original story in the Sun and Moon games was better by far. Not just the story, some parts in the gameplay were better in the original games too like less mandatory tutorials.
  22. JannyKilla
    May 23, 2021
    8
    I played Ultra Moon a while back, yeah. I bought it because I felt like it, and it looked good to me. Keep in mind that the only other Pokemon game that I played was Pokemon Black, and it had been a long long time ago. Ya know what happened when I played the game? I really liked it! It was fun and engaging, even if it felt short sometimes. I liked the story, and Necrozma's bit stood out toI played Ultra Moon a while back, yeah. I bought it because I felt like it, and it looked good to me. Keep in mind that the only other Pokemon game that I played was Pokemon Black, and it had been a long long time ago. Ya know what happened when I played the game? I really liked it! It was fun and engaging, even if it felt short sometimes. I liked the story, and Necrozma's bit stood out to me. Even if in retrospect I realize that it's "borrowing" from Sonic Adventure's story, I still like it. I liked the Pokemon and the Postgame stuff, like the Neo Team Rocket stuff. That was really cool! I think a lot of fans overhate this game, but it's actually pretty good if they give a fair, open chance. My only notable gripe, and it's a big one, is that THEY CUT OUT THE NATIONAL POKEDEX HERE! I don't know everyone blubbered on about it for Sword and Shield when Gen. 7 already did it, and I still haven't forgiven them for when I finally finished my pokedex, talked to the developer, and he just gave me a robe and a shiny charm instead of the national dex, which I had been waiting for this whole time. Rants aside, Pokemon Ultra Sun and Moon are really good games that expanded upon the originals and may have some flaws, but are still really good and definitely credit the Pokemon series far more than hurt it.… Expand
  23. nahobino5_
    Jun 22, 2021
    4
    An enhanced and better version of Sun & Moon. It's so similar to the first set of games that it makes them redundant. Considering the content, it's just like a remake with slight changes, some new additions. It's basically fixing a pretty mid Pokemon release and making it a little more interesting.
  24. NiNtEnDoFaN97
    Jul 15, 2021
    9
    From my point of view the pokemon series gets better with each entry, this might sound rude but I really do think the ds titles are heavily carried by nostalgia there not bad games in fact I think they're good games but the games just keep getting better, Sometimes. while people really dislike sword and shield, I do like them I just think gamefreak got screwed by working with new hardwareFrom my point of view the pokemon series gets better with each entry, this might sound rude but I really do think the ds titles are heavily carried by nostalgia there not bad games in fact I think they're good games but the games just keep getting better, Sometimes. while people really dislike sword and shield, I do like them I just think gamefreak got screwed by working with new hardware not having a real vision and the terrible story. They're good games with big problems. But! Pokemon ultra moon/ultra sun are in my opinion the best games in the series. They take everything that was great about pokemon and does it again while adding a bunch of great new stuff that really freshen up the expirence. mantine surfing is super fun while not bieng super in depth so its not disappointing that it probaly won't return but it's still fun. Z moves are a little dumb and mega evolution are just better. The story is epic and interesting as well as the characters bieng interesting and likable unlike sword and shield. The smaller pokedex actually gives you motivation to complete it instead of a pokedex of 800 taunting you. While the smaller pokedex is something people hate about sword and shield I see it as nothing but a good thing as I've explained before. Trials instead of gyms this is a tricky one while I like the uniqueness of trials I think I like gyms just a little more but I think the unique challenges of trials is something gyms could benefit from. This game has so much content if you're a kid you could easily spend 200 or even 300 hours for a older folk you can probally get 100-200 hours



    t games in the series.    … Expand
  25. Skyplayer1507
    Sep 3, 2021
    8
    very good..................................................................
  26. Fireyoshi779
    Jan 25, 2022
    8
    Has all pokemon from gen 1 to 7,ineresting theme and is pretty amazing how they tried something new with places like the gyms and how you earn these z crystles that can be used in battle unlike badages and has more content than modern pokemon games like gen 8 which is on the switch.
  27. sensatolo
    Feb 21, 2022
    0
    Endless dialogues. You don't have a game, instead you have a movie where you play sometimes a little bit. 80% cut scenes 20% game play.
  28. bartoldzik
    Jun 14, 2022
    9
    This game is in my opinion one of the best games for 3ds. I have around 500 hours. I got this game in 2018 and i still play it. Recommend it to everyone!
  29. DarthJ
    Aug 28, 2022
    9
    I can easily spent in-game hours after fnishing main plot. This game has so many inner mechanics that I can bearly call it for children.
  30. theboywholived
    Jun 17, 2023
    10
    this is just such a good game i honestly don't belive i would have gotten back into pokemon without this game
  31. Albeirito
    Aug 25, 2023
    8
    Mucha gente se ha quejado de que la dificultad de este juego no es la mas alta de toda la saga, de que el hecho de que los pokémon, al cogerte cariño automáticamente, obtengan habilidades como asestar mas golpes críticos, resistir algunos golpes mortales con 1 PS o incluso esquivar algunos ataques sean cosas que bajen la dificultad, sea algo infantil, pero fuera de todo esto... El juego esMucha gente se ha quejado de que la dificultad de este juego no es la mas alta de toda la saga, de que el hecho de que los pokémon, al cogerte cariño automáticamente, obtengan habilidades como asestar mas golpes críticos, resistir algunos golpes mortales con 1 PS o incluso esquivar algunos ataques sean cosas que bajen la dificultad, sea algo infantil, pero fuera de todo esto... El juego es muy divertido y disfrutable.
    La historia está bien pero es algo mejorable y lo de los cristales Z no se siente una mecánica tan buena como lo fueron las megaevoluciones en la anterior generación. Eso ya me queda claro, lo que no me queda para nada claro es el porque hay mucha gente que opina que esta versión es inferior siendo que añade cosas muy buenas como el team rocket en el postgame entre muchas otras cosas que también me parecen puntos positivos para el juego.
    En conclusión, está claro que este no es el mejor juego de pokémon, pero igualmente es una muy buena y disfrutable opción para jugar.

    7.9/10    … Expand
  32. MrZeraora
    Aug 18, 2023
    10
    For pokemon games this game is summit Even if the console it came out on is lower than the switch, its graphics are better than many switch pokemon games
  33. TreasureOrTrash
    Sep 8, 2023
    0
    Trash!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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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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