Pocket Rumble

 Switch
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Sep 5, 2018
    85
    Complete or not, this is one incredibly fun fighting game, and a great value for $10. [Issue #35 – September/October 2018, p. 22]
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  2. Edge Magazine
    Aug 16, 2018
    70
    Combo timings can feel a little strict - and, like so many games in this genre, could be better explained to novice players - but that's easy to forgive in a game that strips away so many common fighting-game frustrations with such an easy elegance. [Issue#323, p.118]
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  3. Switch Player
    Jul 26, 2018
    80
    Pocket Rumble is a delightful fighting game boasting tight gameplay and lovely visuals. Its brutal difficulty is a bit at odds with the simplified control scheme, but as with anything, perseverance breeds excellence.
  5. God is a Geek
    Jul 18, 2018
    80
    Pocket Rumble is a lovely bite sized fighter with great accessible gameplay, 2 player versus with single Joy-Con support on the same Switch, and a nice retro aesthetic.
  6. Vooks
    Jul 17, 2018
    80
    Pocket Rumble is a fun fighting game that has easy to learn controls, but can be hard to master for someone not familiar with fighting games. The visuals are top notch with a fun roster and as a whole, feels like it's straight from a retro console, yet made for current gen.
  7. Multiplayer.it
    Jul 17, 2018
    78
    Pocket Rumble is a fighting game suitable for the whole family, with many game modes and a delightful and recognizable artistic style.
  8. GamingTrend
    Jul 12, 2018
    50
    After a year of delays, the Switch version of Pocket Rumble unfortunately disappoints on multiple levels. While it has a distinct art style and some great multiplayer options, the overall lack of content and limited moveset hinder the game’s true potential.
  9. GameSpew
    Jul 10, 2018
    80
    It’s one of the best fighting games available on Nintendo Switch even with its issues, and it’s yours for a bargain price. If you want a fast-paced fighting game that has got huge amounts of character, you really can’t go wrong.
  10. Destructoid
    Jul 10, 2018
    65
    It’s a beautiful game, but that beauty can’t hide the fact Pocket Rumble still needs a bit of work. When playing with friends locally the game is an absolute blast. That's when it's at its best.
  11. Nintendo Insider
    Jul 9, 2018
    80
    On the whole, Pocket Rumble is a game that fits snugly on the Nintendo Switch due to its portable inspiration and simple control system. I would even go a far as to say that I would love to see it streamed as a side tournament at some of the bigger fighting game events out there. If you are in need of a competitive fighter without the complexities of the genre yet still manages to keep the mind games intact, then Pocket Rumble could very well be right up your street.
  12. Nintendo Life
    Jul 6, 2018
    80
    Working well with any controller, the game is good fun and perfectly suited for quick bursts of play, whether that be in online battles or pla ying tabletop against friends. Admittedly the Switch is not short of decent fighting games, but Pocket Rumble still provides great entertainment.
  13. NintendoWorldReport
    Jul 5, 2018
    80
    All in all, Pocket Rumble’s goal of being a fighting game for everyone was accomplished. This is great for newcomers and veterans of retro fighters as this one is easy to learn and hard to master. Just keep in mind, if you’re looking for anything to collect or any sort of progression besides just ranking yourself up, you won’t find it here. The authentic retro style and addicting gameplay, however, is still worth your time– especially if you want something that you can pick up and play in quick and insanely fun bursts.
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  1. Eurogamer
    Jul 9, 2018
    A neat little curio that channels a cult piece of hardware, and some of the fighting greats.
  2. The Verge
    Jul 6, 2018
    For those nostalgic for a particular kind of portable fighter, Pocket Rumble scratches that very specific itch. For everyone else, it’s a slick and creative game that serves as a great entry point to an often intimidating genre.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 17
  3. Negative: 1 out of 17
  1. patman1996
    Jul 5, 2018
    6
    Today I bought pocket rumble for the switch after playing it. it was one of the most unfair fighting games I have play. but they are somethingToday I bought pocket rumble for the switch after playing it. it was one of the most unfair fighting games I have play. but they are something in the game that I'll like. the games art style has a chance to it with the spite of the characters and the backgrounds of the stage. and I did play pocket rumble multiplayer at a game convention in London a couple of months ago and I thought it was fun. but game CPU will always spam the same attack and an even if you chose the easiest difficulty and it would act like you chose the hardest difficulty and the music can be forgettable.
    after that, I feel like they are much better fighting games out there than this or if you still think the pocket rumble look interesting just wait until the game is on sale.    … Full Review »
  2. fishforbrains
    Jul 7, 2018
    6
    Marketing as a " simplified fighter" couldn't be any further from the truth. 10 hours of playtime equated to zero wins against the cpu, andMarketing as a " simplified fighter" couldn't be any further from the truth. 10 hours of playtime equated to zero wins against the cpu, and zero clears of arcade mode. I'm no stranger to fighting games, but this is NOT a game you can jump into without serious hours of practice.

    The cpu is EXTREMELY difficult. The game reads your inputs so it always counters your attacks, blocks, and buffers. You get little to no recovery time so once you're down in a corner, you can be combo'd from full to 0 just trying to stand up.

    CPU aside the game COULD be very fun, but the AI in this game ruined the fun for me. No difficulty setting except in 'vs' mode but even on "easy" the game's cpu is slightly more difficult than max difficulty in street fighter.

    Nice graphics, mediocre soundtrack (many amazing chiptune artists out there could have done better), very small roster, no difficulty setting, all harm the enjoyment. I really wanted to love this game, but it leaves a bad taste in my mouth after each round.    … Full Review »
  3. globogim
    Jul 5, 2018
    9
    It's a simplified fighter with impressive depth, GGPO netcode, effective tutorials and more. It even has frame data and hitboxes in trainingIt's a simplified fighter with impressive depth, GGPO netcode, effective tutorials and more. It even has frame data and hitboxes in training mode. The style is unique and clean, with plenty of homages to classic fighting game characters. You can turn off the scanlines entirely if you don't like them. This is perfect for the Switch in particular thanks to the simple controls, great for jumping into for a couple rounds. For the price, I can't see any fighting game fan not liking this… Full Review »
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