Detective Pikachu Returns

Detective Pikachu Returns is a heartwarming follow-up to the first game, though it does fall short in terms of depth and originality. Still, the overall experience is worth it for fans of the first game, and the movie, and for Pokémon fans in general.

Detective Pikachu Returns is, for the most part, a delight. You’re naturally going to get the most out of this game if you’re a Pokémon fan, but even if you’re not, it provides a fun entry point to the world where monsters and humans co-exist. If you’re a seasoned mystery game player, the pace might be a little too slow for you: it’s more about enjoying the story than putting your investigation chops to the test. But if you’re willing to accept that, there’s a great deal of fun to be had here.

Detective Pikachu Returns is a lovely, charming sequel to the 3DS game, unfortunately let down by inexplicable graphical shortcomings. Where the first game was one of the best-looking games on its platform, Returns ends up looking rushed and unfinished for a significant amount of the game’s 15-hour runtime. If you can overlook a total lack of lighting, the core game in Detective Pikachu Returns is a charming experience that gives the best sense of how Pokémon exist alongside humans in Pokémon’s history. It’s not difficult or challenging, but it is fun, and sometimes that’s close enough.

Detective Pikachu Returns is not only a game that has much charm thanks to the world where it takes place or because its protagonist has all the personality in the world. The exercise of research seems very simple, even essential. However, it is still challenging. Each of the mysteries to be solved becomes more complex, and the challenge is always there.

Detective Pikachu Returns is a fantastic mix of cases to solve, Pokémon and Pikachu's charismatic figure. Although it is quite an enjoyable experience, it has two major flaws: low difficulty and too short a duration. Those who enjoyed the first entry will definitely have a great time with this sequel, even if it is not the masterpiece some were looking for.

While overtly silly and over-the-top at times, Detective Pikachu Returns effectively balances its light with its extreme darks, wielding its cuteness as a tool to tell an impactful and fairly relevant tale about corruption, felt throughout various cases.

Detective Pikachu Returns is just what we expected: a satisfying conclusion to the story that began with the original Nintendo 3DS game. Despite its simplicity and not too attractive graphics, we found its plot to be entertaining, and the wide variety of Pokémon present in the game will make many fans happy.

Detective Pikachu Returns is a charming Pokemon mystery adventure that is anchored by a heartfelt story.

If you’re looking for a simple, fun, family-friendly Pokémon spin-off game, Detective Pikachu Returns is a fair option. However, among all Pokémon games available on the Nintendo Switch, I would recommend virtually any other game in the Switch library over this one for any player desiring for some level of challenge.

Detective Pikachu: The Return is a definite step forward from the first installment, but it still lacks that quality leap that could make this subseries a must for franchise fans. The main charm of the adventure lies in the charisma of its two protagonists and the opportunity to experience the Pokémon world in a different way compared to what the main series offers. However, the game's extreme simplicity, driven by the choice to make it accessible to a wide audience, may not satisfy all fans of the saga.

Perhaps the most pressing question that presents itself as you play Detective Pikachu Returns, is… who is this game meant for? Obviously, adults and teens aren’t the target audience and the amount of reading required means it’s not really for little kids either. That said, I do believe there’s a niche for this game. I think older elementary school kids who can read and love the Pokémon universe may really go for this game in the same way so many have fallen for the Pokémon anime series over the years. Not every game needs to be universally appealing and I feel like this one serves its specific audience well. And hey, if you do dig Detective Pikachu Returns, there’s a fair amount of chew threw here, with a solid 12-hour campaign (which you can stretch longer if you tackle all the game’s side missions). Given the game’s budget price tag, hopefully “the case of the wasted money” won’t be a mystery that weighs on you.

For me Detective Pikachu Returns was very easy, but I could see the appeal to a younger audience, looking for more different Pokémon content. I would like to play in this world of Pokémon again, and if they improve on what they have now, I can see this franchise could have some longevity.

It can be difficult to recommend Detective Pikachu Returns, unless you are a Pokémon fan who buys absolutely everything they put in front of them. On the other hand, if you like it more casually, I would say save your money.

If you are looking for a Pokémon game without combat but with atmospheric staged mystery cases and a humorously presentation, Detective Pikachu Returns could be exactly your cup of tea. Well, if it's not a problem for you, that the gameplay is mostly totally unchallenging.

Like its predecessor, The Return of Detective Pikachu is a kind of visual novel that tells us a story, with the difference that this time it offers us greater freedom of movement and side activities in addition to the main adventure. It's a pity that no progression system has been implemented, but the scenario is a priority here, and it's not for nothing that it was easily adapted for the cinema. The title's Japanese and English dubbing has been very well done, encouraging us to leave the cinematics behind. In short, Returns may seem a little empty, but it's a breath of fresh air that does the license a world of good.

With a relaxed mood and an atmosphere clearly aimed at the most loyal Pokémon fans, Detective Pikachu Returns packs a gentle but interesting narrative experience that delves into the bonds between Pokémons without being boring.