Pokemon Ultra Sun

 3DS
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 59 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 54 out of 59
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 59
  3. Negative: 0 out of 59
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  1. M3
    Dec 4, 2017
    70
    The most definitive and complete versions yet. Although we do enjoy all the enhancements and quality of life changes to the games mechanism, it’s still reuses a lot of content from the predecessors.
  2. Digitally Downloaded
    Nov 24, 2017
    70
    Releasing another version of this game doesn’t feel like it adds anything to the Pokemon franchise as a whole, and just makes me want a new Pokemon game on my Switch all the more. It’s still a very, very fine game, but as a product release, this one is quite disappointing from Nintendo.
  3. The Daily Dot
    Nov 15, 2017
    70
    Ultra Sun and Moon‘s new features are great, but nothing groundbreaking.
  5. App Trigger
    Nov 28, 2017
    65
    Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon are fine games by virtue of being Pokemon games. They have the same fun battling and collecting mechanics you’d expect and offer an opportunity to re-explore the gorgeous and lore-rich Alola region. But their butchered retelling of Sun and Moon’s story and the addition of the obnoxious RotomDex should once again have you questioning why you would pay full price for almost the same game a year later.
  6. DarkZero
    Dec 15, 2017
    60
    Personally I’m hoping this release was simply a way to hold the fanatics over until the Switch Pokémon title rears its head in a year or two. Until then, I’d recommend playing Ultra Sun/Moon in bitesize chunks because it can wear pretty thin and quickly become a grind when playing through it rapidly. It should be enjoyed a little at a time or saved exclusively to be played on the go as a fun little time killer. The challenge and fun are waiting right there at the end for those who want to power through for it. It’s just a shame there are so many little things that pile up against the experience, like the pokémon-infused pokédex that never stops asking the same questions over and over or the lack of Pokémon-worthy music.
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  1. Ars Technica
    Nov 15, 2017
    Anyone who skipped Sun and Moon has no excuse not to buy their Ultra successors. Returning players should know they're in for a slow start but should consider buying the new games anyway.
  2. Eurogamer
    Nov 17, 2017
    Pokémon returns for a 3DS victory lap in this generous, definitive retelling of the Alolan story. [Recommended]
  3. VG247
    Nov 16, 2017
    In spite of all the niggling problems, for Pokemon fans, those who skipped Sun and Moon or kids looking for their first Pokemon experience this is a fantastic package.

Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best 3DS Game of 2017
1
#1 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2017
16
#16 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2017

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1103 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 789 out of 1103
  2. Mixed: 109 out of 1103
  3. Negative: 205 out of 1103
  1. Lilkkgoog
    Dec 29, 2018
    8
    As I am writing my review for this game my first impressions are very positive. I loved Sun and Moon and was delighted to see this but onAs I am writing my review for this game my first impressions are very positive. I loved Sun and Moon and was delighted to see this but on Thursday (the day before release) I was more excited then I thought I would be. This game is what Sun and Moon were but builds off of that and makes this game a masterpiece, kinda. They're still some problems with the game so far but mostly I've only loved it so far.… Full Review »
  2. RagingKilledMe
    Nov 17, 2017
    10
    (Review in progress)

    So far, so good. Pokemon Ultra Sun (and Moon) are a love letter to long time Pokemon fans as well as to new fans just    (Review in progress)

    So far, so good. Pokemon Ultra Sun (and Moon) are a love letter to long time Pokemon fans as well as to new fans just starting their first journey.

    Pokemon Ultra Sun and Moon feel like the original Pokemon Sun and Moon games, but are refreshing in details and overall experience. It might not be the most innovative Pokemon title out there, but it's the most complete version of a Pokemon game to date.    … Full Review »
  3. 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    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.    … Full Review »
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