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Mixed or average reviews - based on 88 Critic Reviews What's this?

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  • Summary: The release of the POKÉMON Detective Pikachu movie has left fans wanting more of the famous Pokémon sleuth. Creatures, Inc., has plans to create a new entry in the Detective Pikachu video game series for Nintendo Switch. The original Detective Pikachu game for the Nintendo 3DS ended on aThe release of the POKÉMON Detective Pikachu movie has left fans wanting more of the famous Pokémon sleuth. Creatures, Inc., has plans to create a new entry in the Detective Pikachu video game series for Nintendo Switch. The original Detective Pikachu game for the Nintendo 3DS ended on a cliffhanger and this upcoming game will be a conclusion to that story. Expand
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Detective Pikachu Returns – Launch Trailer
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 88
  2. Negative: 1 out of 88
  1. Oct 4, 2023
    100
    Detective Pikachu Returns is an anomaly for both the Pokemon series and adventure games at large, but the marriage of the two makes it into something special. It’s earnest, fun, and at times downright satisfying, and even though it’s undoubtedly weird, it’s also the perfect title for introducing new players to the world of mystery games.
  2. Oct 17, 2023
    75
    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.
  3. Oct 4, 2023
    72
    As a game for Pokémon’s younger fans, it works, but everything is too simple and guided for those looking even for the smallest challenge.
  4. Oct 4, 2023
    70
    Detective Pikachu Returns serves up more of what delighted us the first time around, with an endearing and exciting story packed full of fun and light-hearted silliness. We really do enjoy this gruff, coffee-addled take on Pikachu, he never fails to raise a smile when he goes off on one, and the game successfully straddles a very thin line in giving us an adventure aimed at younger players that long-time Pokémon fans and ancient gamers such as ourselves can also enjoy. If you can handle the inherent repetitiveness of most of the core gameplay, alongside some rather drab visuals, you'll enjoy this one.
  5. Nov 10, 2023
    60
    Detective Pikachu Returns takes place in Ryme City, a place where Pokémon live alongside humans rather than being used for battles. This is a setting that every Pokémon fan has dreamed of at least once, and the Pokémon are all portrayed wonderfully. Pikachu can now collaborate with other Pokémon during the investigation, an element that was not present in the series’ first installment. However, as a detective adventure, Detective Pikachu Returns feels overly simple and lacks depth, both in its gameplay and story.
  6. Oct 8, 2023
    60
    Overall, this game is a charming mystery story that’s a little disappointing in its execution. If only looked at through the view that it is a child’s game, it is slightly better. My fear would be the conversations are possibly too drawn out for smaller children to engage with. If you absolutely love Pokémon more than anything or are between the ages of 5 and 12, it might be worth a play through.
  7. Oct 11, 2023
    40
    Apart from reading, walking around, pushing together clues that are already next to each other and sometimes completing a quick-time event that you can't lose (!), nothing happens in Detective Pikachu Returns. Part 2 now provides new partners, for example Fukano now supports you with his sniffing nose. But that doesn't change the untapped potential and doesn't take the game to a new level. Even the story is so boring and predictable that I don't want to repeat it here. The game doesn't expect anything from you, but you have to continue it again by pressing a button. In this respect, the film of the same name gives you a much better experience - and significantly cheaper. All that remains is the Pokémon skin and charm: instead of crooks, you chase Pokémon like Mewtwo. Instead of interviewing witnesses, you take the statements of Pokémon. Yes, super cute, but so is every other Pokémon game. No case is particularly memorable. Or to put it another way: If Sherlock Holmes ever runs out of narcotics, he can also play this for five minutes.

See all 92 Critic Reviews