Pokemon Legends: Arceus

 Switch
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 3825 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,951 out of 3825
  2. Mixed: 388 out of 3825
  3. Negative: 486 out of 3825
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  1. MasterMimiii
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    incredible game, the best in the franchise, mixing the greatest mechanics from pokemon and open-world games in general
  2. Seyta
    Jan 29, 2022
    0
    Really disappointed about gamefreak, they make bad games since years and they doesn't care. They always do the bare minimum and never listen to players.
    The universe has nothing natural, it's too robotic, the pokemons move erratically, they wander lifeless, no ecology, no wildlife or anything. The devs just created a map and put pokemons here and there.
    And I don't even speak about the graphics.
  3. Trunyk
    Jan 29, 2022
    3
    Leaving aside the pitiful graphics it looks like a game made without desire, unfortunately disappointed in what will be the first pokemon game that I will not complete.
  4. pabswikk
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    A fun reinvention of the Pokémon formula, hopefully the next version keeps this change while giving it a better look
  5. Excamur
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    This game is exactly what pokemon needed. Is not perfect, but the new mechanics and the freedom are too good. Imagine explore Kanto with this formula, please, gamefreak, this is the way.
  6. Javi665445
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    The graphics are not great. Aside from that, this is one of the most enjoyable Pokemon games I've ever played. It might be THE most enjoyable. People are really giving it zero just because they don't like the graphics or the new forms.
  7. Ocosu
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    Overall, this game is a breath of fresh air. It brings new elements and life to a system that has otherwise overstayed its welcome for the last few decades. I genuinely hope they keep this fusion of RPG/turn based system for Pokemon games to follow as it allowed the player actual choice and actual exploration that felt rewarding to me. Whether that be in the form of finding rare items orOverall, this game is a breath of fresh air. It brings new elements and life to a system that has otherwise overstayed its welcome for the last few decades. I genuinely hope they keep this fusion of RPG/turn based system for Pokemon games to follow as it allowed the player actual choice and actual exploration that felt rewarding to me. Whether that be in the form of finding rare items or pokemon spawns, I never felt it was pointless to actually touch every corner of the admittedly large segmented areas.

    As for player choice, there were many times I had a marker on the map which indicated where I needed to go to progress the story which I just ignored. You can explore, catch, and train pokemon at your own pace which as most Pokemon fans know, isn't the norm. You can find rare items, pokemon, alpha pokemon, and everything else freely from your second time stepping into the fields which was really nice. Ontop of that, there are multiple ways to completed your pokedex. You can battle, you can capture, you can observe, or you can raise them yourself and learn things about them. You'll see a lot of people on here saying it felt tedious, but they had options. They just didn't explore them or take the time to read them.

    Of course there is a graphical downside, but I honestly never felt like it hindered my experience throughout my play through. It is an area they need to work on though going forward.

    Without going too much into it since I want this to be a spoiler free review, this game is amazing. I can't understand people who are trying to say this is the worse Pokemon game to ever exist. It is far from the worse and easily ranks as one of the best imo. I really hope they intend to keep this formula, because I don't know if I can revert to the old system in Gen9 after experiencing this. This is a fun game and if you actually read into the mechanics and into the side quest, they give you a fun idea of the NPCs take on the world, your character, and many other aspects.

    A lot of fun Easter Eggs are in the game too, so keep your eyes peeled for those!    … Expand
  8. Jamiebr
    Jan 29, 2022
    9
    Huge step in a great direction. Cant fault the game at this time. I genuinely dont mind the graphics I find them stylised. Granted the frame rate of far away pokemon is low but im unsure if this is a issue with the switch hardware being incredibly weak or if its a programing issue.

    The game is fun first and foremost. As someone whos played every single pokemon game to ever release when    Huge step in a great direction. Cant fault the game at this time. I genuinely dont mind the graphics I find them stylised. Granted the frame rate of far away pokemon is low but im unsure if this is a issue with the switch hardware being incredibly weak or if its a programing issue.

    The game is fun first and foremost. As someone whos played every single pokemon game to ever release when they released. its a breath of fresh air to come away from a old clunky and boring system. Yes having abilitys would of been preferred, yes i get the competitive side being weak is frustrating for some people but for others who just want a solid non competitive pokemon game for the first time in many years this satisfys that itch. Im excited to see what the pokemon company do next and I hope to god they build on this system and retire the old one    … Expand
  9. KarimTheTraitor
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    Excellent game, ideal for people of all ages.
    In its main story it may seem easy, but in its huge post-game is where it keeps the challenge for the most experienced in Pokémon
  10. PokeReviewer
    Jan 29, 2022
    0
    A very poor game. Pokemon Legends: Arceus breaks the traditional Pokemon formula that we all know and love. The game feels very empty, with almost no extra content. A big disappointment overall.
  11. Badamboom
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    The game is a step in the right direction anyone who gave it anything under a 7.5 either didn’t play it or just a hater throwing out 0s all over
  12. The_Sothis_Feet
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    I have been told that it is a game very similar to BotW, but when I finished it last night, it was the complete opposite.

    This game does have a good story devoid of filler characters, if it has a world with interesting things to do more than the empty plains of the game with which it is compared. And instead of being filled with hundreds of shrines and kologs, each Pokémon to catch is a    I have been told that it is a game very similar to BotW, but when I finished it last night, it was the complete opposite.

    This game does have a good story devoid of filler characters, if it has a world with interesting things to do more than the empty plains of the game with which it is compared. And instead of being filled with hundreds of shrines and kologs, each Pokémon to catch is a new experience and challenge without falling into monotony.
    I love Pokémon Legends and everything that is proposed, and the comparisons seem more than hateful to me, it has nothing to do with BotW nor will it have it, its a game that in its own style knows how to stand out and be memorable.    … Expand
  13. daniloperes23
    Jan 29, 2022
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The new missions associated with every pokemón , the freedom to explore not just the open areas around you, but doing with the intention to find a specific type of Pokémon, distinguished not just by his species, but by other specifications , and not just that but how you catch that pokemón, witch is important to and is a factor that contributes to your research. This is very fun! You have to be careful not just with the one you are aprouching to but with the environment around you and the other creatures that are on it. The art style of the menus, the one where you select the pokemón you witch to be the first choice on your party, to be always at your disposal, the new físicas pokedéx with all his missions by pokemón already mentioned, the overal layouts and the art choices are very good and create that feeling of being on the medieval era in a very good way.
    The low points are the graphic questions and the lack of other cities or locations with more elements, but it doesn’t decreases the enchantment that is this game!!    … Expand
  14. Frank-byert
    Jan 29, 2022
    4
    Un buen intento por innovar en la saga , sin embargo es extremadamente decepcionante que game freak (compañia billonaria) no pueda manejar una buena dirección de arte.
  15. Javieraso12
    Jan 29, 2022
    4
    No es lo suficientemente bueno. Disfruté el juego pero porque pokemon es la franquicia de mi infancia, por lo que si eres como yo probablemente te lo pases bien. El juego en si es una costra, tiene muchos glitches visuales, se ve como el culo y tiene unas caidas de frames en las animaciones brutales. La historia es la cosa mas horrible y plana que te puedan echar a la cara, creo que me hanNo es lo suficientemente bueno. Disfruté el juego pero porque pokemon es la franquicia de mi infancia, por lo que si eres como yo probablemente te lo pases bien. El juego en si es una costra, tiene muchos glitches visuales, se ve como el culo y tiene unas caidas de frames en las animaciones brutales. La historia es la cosa mas horrible y plana que te puedan echar a la cara, creo que me han repetido minimo 100 veces los mismo puntos principales de la historia, me sentia tonto. Las mecanicas de combate son lo peor de cualquier entrega, lo de los turnos va fatal y esta explicado como el culo, me atacan tantas veces que hay veces que saco un pokemon y no puedo ni seleccionar movimiento porque ya ha muerto, es patetico. Hay algo que te engancha, creo que son las capturas o ver los pokemons en el mundo andar, pero es que eso ya lo hacia y lo hace mejor pixelmon, asi que este juego no tiene nada y esta hecho sin cariño. Me decepciona en que se esta convirtiendo esta franquicia, pero es el mejor juego 3d de toda la saga, por lo que no se que mas decir.… Expand
  16. Zski
    Jan 29, 2022
    8
    This was a necessary experiment for the Pokémon franchise, and it was executed fairly well. Most importantly, I think it laid a solid foundation for future sequels that will build on the formula. The game focuses entirely on the single player experience, which is where it differs the most from other games in the series. So there is no battling other human players, and minimal interactionThis was a necessary experiment for the Pokémon franchise, and it was executed fairly well. Most importantly, I think it laid a solid foundation for future sequels that will build on the formula. The game focuses entirely on the single player experience, which is where it differs the most from other games in the series. So there is no battling other human players, and minimal interaction with others, and this is entirely by design. The game serves as a prequel to the Pokémon franchise, so the areas you explore are very empty due to them being underdeveloped. This definitely gives the series a long desired sense of exploration and adventure. I’m not a huge fan of Pokémon games, I played several of them, but skipped out on others if I just wasn’t in the mood. That formula has not changed in 25 years, so this a very welcome change of pace, while still keeping the core spirit of the Pokémon universe. The gameplay loop feels much like (early) Pokémon Go, where the main objective is just to explore and catch all of the Pokémon. It’s a pleasant game to explore, however the gameplay loop does get a little repetitive so I found myself taking a lot of breaks, but I would I regularly return to it. It has that Breath of the Wild atmosphere which is very relaxing - minimal music in the wild, only ambient nature noises, the music is all very soft piano, and vast open spaces. I also appreciate that they added some substance to the story, granted it’s nothing to go crazy about, but it provides a welcome change of pace to “beat all the gym leaders and get their badges to become the best” that we have been provided for the past 25 years. The graphics aren’t as bad as people make them out to be, but they definitely aren’t impressive. I almost feel like if they weren’t able to do high quality graphics, whether it’s cartoon or realistic, the game would have looked better with some degree of artistic design - maybe watercolor impressions, or anything really, because the graphics do damper the sense of exploration a little bit. Overall it’s a fun game I can see myself taking my time to play through because it’s just a relaxing experience. Everything is solid, the effort is exceptional, but it laid that groundwork for future sequels which can truly be fantastic games. I can definitely tell you this is far more exciting than any possible new generation of Pokémon they could introduce, and probably one of the most memorable Pokémon experiences in the last 15 years.… Expand
  17. ffp
    Jan 29, 2022
    0
    This game is an absolute cash grab.
    visually mediocre (which is a compliment after the unpolished sword and shield entries), one of the worst pokemon plots i've seen and trying to compensate with some new evolutions to old and classic pokemons like quilava and rowlett.
    It's time for the Pokemon franchise to step aside the gamefreak's environment and get a dev team that makes justice to    This game is an absolute cash grab.
    visually mediocre (which is a compliment after the unpolished sword and shield entries), one of the worst pokemon plots i've seen and trying to compensate with some new evolutions to old and classic pokemons like quilava and rowlett.
    It's time for the Pokemon franchise to step aside the gamefreak's environment and get a dev team that makes justice to what the pokemon franchise could bring to us in capable hands.

    want to play an interesting and non-cashgrab monster collector jrpg ? play Shin Megami Tensei V and get a game that it's worth your money.
    if u have unlimited mommy and daddy funds and like the pokemon franchise, you do you.

    underwhelming game and disappointing entry once again, but what's new.    … Expand
  18. Niftylen
    Jan 29, 2022
    2
    Had to come here and rate this. I thought I would give the game a try given it’s a slight change in formula, and Pokémon games are criminally lazy, conservative, repetitive rip offs. No good, just no good. It makes my mind hurt seeing so many ‘critics’ (aka YouTubers who are afraid of losing their access to early copies / brainwashed super-fans / bribed corrupt gaming media outlets)Had to come here and rate this. I thought I would give the game a try given it’s a slight change in formula, and Pokémon games are criminally lazy, conservative, repetitive rip offs. No good, just no good. It makes my mind hurt seeing so many ‘critics’ (aka YouTubers who are afraid of losing their access to early copies / brainwashed super-fans / bribed corrupt gaming media outlets) rating this game so highly. It sucks! I’m not even going to focus on the graphics but if you think they are acceptable in any way, you have no standards in life. This is a console that runs The Witcher 3. BOTW comparisons really hold merit in this department.

    The gameplay though, blimey… I just can’t fathom how fans are satisfied with this janky mess of gameplay. It’s like one giant wild area from SW/SH in terms of being empty and devoid of any interest except for the Pokémon themselves. The battles have a new gimmick that barely matters or is completely broken. It’s the same rock, paper, scissors fare with crap animations.

    The story is absolute garbage. Surely there has to be a point where even the young kids that seemingly seem to be the audience that holds this series back, get sick of the narratives that they trot out. In 2022 we still have characters just stand there and wave their hands like characters from a 20+ year old Ps2 JRPG exposing about nonsense whilst everyone stands around awkwardly. No one has cared about a Pokémon story for decades, why is there soooo much talking in this game. I can tell you why, to pad it out and make it long. Boss battles are lame. Who thought throwing infinite magic food bags was an inspired choice? That plus half baked dark souls roll dodging, yuck.

    If you’re a player who really, really likes switching your brain off and completing a Pokédex, I can see the appeal. But it’s just soooo bad… Awful graphics and frame rate, awful story, bland repetitive gameplay. If it didn’t have the Pokémon label it would be laughed into oblivion.

    Why, just why, would you invest your time playing this game, and not amazing games like God of War or Disco Elysium, or heck if you’re a kid, BOTW or Mario Odyssey. If you’ve completed all the great games like these, maybe go out to the park instead, just anything but this junk…

    Start being sensible with your money so that this franchise with so much potential can actually make some strides forward.    … Expand
  19. YungSadYugi
    Jan 29, 2022
    5
    Honestly overall it's not a bad game. The graphics are that of a Nintendo 64 game and I can't count how many graphical errors I've ran into. However the mechanics and new battle styles are honestly really cool and I have a lot of fun battling. Although the story seems pretty shallow and not super well thought out which is nothing new for a Pokemon game to be honest. overall I think it'sHonestly overall it's not a bad game. The graphics are that of a Nintendo 64 game and I can't count how many graphical errors I've ran into. However the mechanics and new battle styles are honestly really cool and I have a lot of fun battling. Although the story seems pretty shallow and not super well thought out which is nothing new for a Pokemon game to be honest. overall I think it's definitely worth playing but not worth the $60 price tag.… Expand
  20. DistantKingDumb
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    Remarkable game and that everything it does has a function within its proposal and system. With an enviable exploration and a way to interact with pokémon like never seen before.

    The big problem it has is the mostly negative fandom, in which... Attempts have been made to discredit it everywhere, unfair and incoherent comparisons have been made with other games, and they have sought to    Remarkable game and that everything it does has a function within its proposal and system. With an enviable exploration and a way to interact with pokémon like never seen before.

    The big problem it has is the mostly negative fandom, in which...
    Attempts have been made to discredit it everywhere, unfair and incoherent comparisons have been made with other games, and they have sought to glorify indies that blatantly plagiarize Pokémon as "better" when in fact they are inferior (see TemTem or Nexomon) out of simple hatred and resentment for a national pokédex... None of this helped them because the game turned out to be the opposite of the malicious prejudices that were being formed:
    -Well-made gameplay that meets in being fun.
    -Objectives and missions not are repetitive at all
    -Excelent music
    -Good story
    -Good difficulty curve
    -Good art

    There are many things that Arceus Legends do well.    … Expand
  21. MovieGuy999
    Jan 29, 2022
    7
    Legends Arceus, as just a game without its franchise, would definitely be mediocre. It is a collect-a-thon with some QoL elements, a serviceable plot, subpar graphics, and a musical score which, while charming , is a bit too subtle in the overworld. The fact that it has a full game price tag would definitely turn some people away.

    With that said, as a Pokémon game, it is pretty damn    Legends Arceus, as just a game without its franchise, would definitely be mediocre. It is a collect-a-thon with some QoL elements, a serviceable plot, subpar graphics, and a musical score which, while charming , is a bit too subtle in the overworld. The fact that it has a full game price tag would definitely turn some people away.

    With that said, as a Pokémon game, it is pretty damn good! Not GREAT but GOOD. The game's new focus on it's old "catch em' all" motto has turned out to be for the better. Why? The best way to describe why is to address how this game deals with the complaints previous entries have received:

    Same Old Gyms and Championship? No and no. Your exploration of the world and your capturing of Pokémon now serve as the goal posts for your progress.

    Trade Evolutions? Gone with an in-game item.

    Animations? While the models and art style of the world are worse, they are more expressive than I remember them being in both BDSP and SWSH.

    Too Many Cutscenes/Dialogue Boxes? Plot is to the point: catch em' all and do quests to advance! You will not be kept from the game for too long at any point.

    Level Capture Block? Gone! Not to worry though, catching a strong Pokémon is not going to suddenly break the game for you. The one thing that is still restricted are the level limits of your Pokémon obeying you. Catch one out of your league and it will not listen to you.

    Too Much Experience? While you do still have EXP Share, it's distributed better and more sparingly. If I can catch a Level 40 Rapidash in the starting area due to a fluke and only get a few levels, I'd say it's pretty balanced.

    Grinding sucks? The focus is on catching and that is where most of your EXP is going to come from. Just sneak and throw, no long battles necessary (except in certain cases). You can battle but...

    Battles suck? This game gave one hell of a boost to your opponents. They can abuse the special mechanics you can use and the strength in level differences is not as pronounced now. You have to play smart since the combat isn't just single turn switches anymore.

    Listen, if you wanted a Pokémon game that would erase all of the past controversial entries, this is not that game. It is very fun but, as many people rightfully think, this could have been done sooner and better. Still, I can't help but really enjoy this game. Maybe it's just a one-time thing but I sincerely hope that the fun I am having now is a sign that Gamefreak is going in the right direction with its game development.    … Expand
  22. GekyumeX
    Jan 29, 2022
    9
    Técnicamente el juego es una patata, inaceptable en pleno 2022 recibir un juego así, pero se nota el esfuerzo y el paso adelante que ha dado la saga. Con las buenas mecánicas que han metido (los dos nuevos estilos de combate, la captura lanzando las Pokéballs en tiempo real, poder moverte en medio de los combates...), pero con un apartado técnico más cuidado y con diferentes poblados,Técnicamente el juego es una patata, inaceptable en pleno 2022 recibir un juego así, pero se nota el esfuerzo y el paso adelante que ha dado la saga. Con las buenas mecánicas que han metido (los dos nuevos estilos de combate, la captura lanzando las Pokéballs en tiempo real, poder moverte en medio de los combates...), pero con un apartado técnico más cuidado y con diferentes poblados, ciudades, rutas y gimnasios puede quedarse una novena generación muy bonita y con mucho potencial.… Expand
  23. grimreapersims
    Jan 29, 2022
    9
    ....................................................................................................................................................................................................blank
  24. navarropa
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    Gran juego, la gente que se queja tanto es pq desde hace siglos les dejó de gustar la saga
  25. BlackWhis
    Jan 29, 2022
    1
    Frechheit so was raus zu bringen.
    Schlechte Grafik, langweilige quest. Durch und durch schlecht.
  26. Game_Critical
    Jan 29, 2022
    9
    I'll start with the obvious downsides. The graphics are not good, even considering it's a Switch game. It just looks unpolished and unfinished. The story is nothing special and it's about what you expect from a Pokemon game.

    However I enjoyed playing it. The changes to the stale formula, makes it a nice and new experience. New fighting options, no stale trainer fodder fights and it's    I'll start with the obvious downsides. The graphics are not good, even considering it's a Switch game. It just looks unpolished and unfinished. The story is nothing special and it's about what you expect from a Pokemon game.

    However I enjoyed playing it. The changes to the stale formula, makes it a nice and new experience. New fighting options, no stale trainer fodder fights and it's fun being a researcher. The action sequences give a nice break from the normal, more monotone battles. I would have given it a 10 if it was more polished and had more content, but I'm satisfied for now.    … Expand
  27. elrox
    Jan 29, 2022
    0
    Pokemon Legends Arceus no llega a llamarse Pokemon y no lo llega a publicar Nintendo y absolutamente todo el mundo lo estaría poniendo a parir y las notas estarían por debajo del 5. Nadie lo estaría jugando si este mismo juego se llamara Monster Legends Arkeos.

    Es un juego FEO y la paleta de colores es deprimente. He jugado juegos como Genshin Impact que es precioso y el mundo si que se    Pokemon Legends Arceus no llega a llamarse Pokemon y no lo llega a publicar Nintendo y absolutamente todo el mundo lo estaría poniendo a parir y las notas estarían por debajo del 5. Nadie lo estaría jugando si este mismo juego se llamara Monster Legends Arkeos.

    Es un juego FEO y la paleta de colores es deprimente. He jugado juegos como Genshin Impact que es precioso y el mundo si que se siente vivo. Y quien diga lo mismo de Arceus es que no ha jugado juegos de mundo abierto en su vida o no conoce juegos fuera de Nintendo.

    Me da muchísima pena que Pokemon esté llegando a estos niveles de mediocridad gracias a un estudio como Game Freak y gracias a los fanboys que se conforman con cualquier mierda. Y si, la switch tiene suficiente potencia para mover DOOM Eternal, no me jodas. Hay que recordar que es un juego AAA y que se vende por 60 eurazos. No es un juego indie, Game Freak no es un estudio de 5 personas sino de 200 y que menos que exigir un mínimo de mimo que desde luego no se ve por ningún lado.

    La jugabilidad es tan penosa que el personaje no puede ni saltar. El gameplay es insulso y repetitivo a mas no poder. Las misiones típicas de un juego de hace 10 años. Y la personalización del personaje deja mucho que desear. Si algún fan de Pokemon se conforma con eso, tiene mas de hater que de fan, porque no le está haciendo ningún favor. Llevo toda mi vida imaginando un Pokemon con los gráficos de Genshin y siendo MMO o multi como minimo, pero con esta gente es imposible que eso llegue a pasar.

    Menos mal que está TEMTEM, que eso sí es un juego indie y se folla a Pokemon en absolutamente todos los aspectos. Pero claro, no se llama Pokemon y no es de Nintendo. Eso es todo.    … Expand
  28. Jakey92
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    I am absolutely addicted. Fantastic shake up to the formula and the best Pokémon experience by far to date.
  29. Tatsuya7
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    An incredible game, this was what pokemon lacked! It's funnyAn incredible game, this was what pokemon lacked! It's interesting and funny, I really liked it a lot, I really like it a lot
  30. Elaine-B
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    Excelso, divino y muy adictivo, así describo la forma en la que fue la aventura de Leyendas Arceus.
    Respecto a Let's Go que fueron sin duda para mi los juegos mas flojos de la saga principal, PLA sigue el camino de Espada y Escudo en ser otro gran representante de Pokémon en una consola de alta definición.
  31. aleqhz
    Jan 29, 2022
    0
    I'm disappointed. Barely any improvement from the two previous atrocities. The map is a barren wasteland. The game is infested with bugs. I'm done with this series. I just realised I've been playing this out of sheer nostalgia. I'd rather spend my money playing games where devs respect their fanbase.
  32. poke_fan
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    Gameplay is incredible, it’s a mix of Zelda Breath of the wild exploration in the vast over-world and Monster hunter style concept with the Pokemon charm. Totally blew me away. The story is top notch, the best Pokemon game ever released. It’s everything I wanted Pokemon to be when going 3D.
  33. SecondClassClow
    Jan 29, 2022
    0
    It feels like a step in the right direction, and I appreciate the idea to change the formula up, but my god what a disaster of a rushed game. Repetetive mediorce gameplay, embarassing visuals, with no saving grace. All the positive reviews have to be paid off, no one in their right mind could possibly enjoy this game. It feels like a tech demo from 2003. It's NOT a complete game.
  34. 32fromdiscord
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    Pokémon Legends: Arceus is objectively the best Pokémon game since HeartGold & SoulSilver. Since the series' gradual decline into stagnation and mediocrity starting with Black & White, it felt like there was no hope for Pokémon games to be good again, each title was getting worse and worse. Then comes Legends: Arceus, a brand new spin on the tired and overdone Pokémon formula, with a worldPokémon Legends: Arceus is objectively the best Pokémon game since HeartGold & SoulSilver. Since the series' gradual decline into stagnation and mediocrity starting with Black & White, it felt like there was no hope for Pokémon games to be good again, each title was getting worse and worse. Then comes Legends: Arceus, a brand new spin on the tired and overdone Pokémon formula, with a world that actually feels open and alive and gameplay that doesn't bore you to death. Legends: Arceus also brings a plethora of actual QOL changes to the franchise that Masuda and Ohmori were hesitant to bring, such as being able to learn moves whenever you want, and completely reworking the terrible, bloated EV/IV/Nature system that Ruby & Sapphire introduced. Kazumasa Iwao is the kind of person that needs to be in charge of the main series Pokémon games from now on. The fact that SwShills are attacking this game for actually having an ounce of effort put into it and actually... well... being a good game, just shows that Legends: Arceus is the kind of change the series needed. Hopefully Generation 9 will follow in the footsteps of Legends: Arceus.… Expand
  35. gabrields2000
    Jan 29, 2022
    0
    I think it is safe to say that the Pokemon games Fan base has become a cult of sorts at this point.
    Realising a game in this state and getting praise by it is downright disgusting. Dont get scammed for this game , this is a beta test for what could be somenthing way more polished.
    Dont get surprised if it takes another 10 years for something actually worth while to get release ...    I think it is safe to say that the Pokemon games Fan base has become a cult of sorts at this point.
    Realising a game in this state and getting praise by it is downright disgusting. Dont get scammed for this game , this is a beta test for what could be somenthing way more polished.

    Dont get surprised if it takes another 10 years for something actually worth while to get release ... thant you pokemon fan base.    … Expand
  36. TheHonestMan
    Jan 29, 2022
    5
    Mediocre game. It does get some things right like the seamless battles and quality of life when it comes to changing movesets; but otherwise this is a step back. Empty, ugly world where the battles matter very little since you can just stealth and throw the ball at everything. Even when you get into one of the few trainer battles they are too offense based to be any fun thanks to the newMediocre game. It does get some things right like the seamless battles and quality of life when it comes to changing movesets; but otherwise this is a step back. Empty, ugly world where the battles matter very little since you can just stealth and throw the ball at everything. Even when you get into one of the few trainer battles they are too offense based to be any fun thanks to the new system. This is only a good game if you just like catching pokemon and nothing else, but at that point why not just play GO?
    Too much was sacrificed like a developed region with towns and the ability to battle others online.    … Expand
  37. Distopia23
    Jan 29, 2022
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Non-existent plot, repetitive gameplay, 2006 graphics. The only thing to do is throw balls at the pokemon.… Expand
  38. jaapoor
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    Amazing game, a complete revamp of the pokemon game concept. Though the graphics are slightly disappointing, this game more than makes up for it in sheer fun!
  39. gabids00
    Jan 29, 2022
    0
    By far worst pokemon game i have ever played , people complained about sword and shield and now praise this ??? Completly discusting ...
  40. VeritasReview
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    [SPOILER FREE REVIEW]
    Overall this game is pretty good. Even though the graphics and textures are not the best they're still okay. On the other hand, they put A LOT of effort into the characters models, pokémon and animations in general. The gameplay mechanics are also really refreshing compared to the predecessors and the story doesn't follow the typical Pokémon formula [Evil enemy team,    [SPOILER FREE REVIEW]
    Overall this game is pretty good. Even though the graphics and textures are not the best they're still okay. On the other hand, they put A LOT of effort into the characters models, pokémon and animations in general. The gameplay mechanics are also really refreshing compared to the predecessors and the story doesn't follow the typical Pokémon formula [Evil enemy team, get all badges & beat the champion]. I barely encountered any bugs and even when I encountered one it wasn't anything game-breaking and it didn't disturb that much. All in all, I enjoy this game a lot especially because my expectations weren't that high, so I was really surprised when the game turned out to be good. Important to know is that Gamefreak barely made any games that weren't top-down perspective before, so it definitely lacks some depth in terms of world design but that will definitely get better, the more games they make in this kind of style. It's really hard to change a whole developers studio workflow. Just like the old pokémon games the graphics will probably get better from game to game.

    About myself: The only Pokémon Games I've played were Firered, Let's go and Sword/Shield because I'm mainly a PC gamer. I know that there are things missing from old Pokémon games but from a non-biased non-nostalgic perspective, it's definitely an enjoyable gameplay experience.    … Expand
  41. mepphy
    Jan 29, 2022
    8
    The game is not perfect but as a starting pokèmon game which tries to be more open man does its good work. Catching and exploring without limitation is fun and reading about Hisui's hidden lore has been quite fun. The problem comes when you try to explore for longer times and the graphic holds you off a little, but it is manegable. Overall good but GF should really take more time on games
  42. Zeldiano88
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    Semplicemente il miglior Pokemon di sempre. Divertente, immersivo e innovativo per la serie.
  43. TheTurtule
    Jan 29, 2022
    4
    alors que dire du jeu, il n est pas mauvais mais il aurai pue être clairement mieux! on ce sent très vite dans un espece d'espace vert simulator ou un no man sky a ces début du vide du vide et rien que du vide zero dresseur a part dans le scenario avec de la cinématiques a ne plus en finir juste pour comblé le manque de contenue voila le jeu ne mérite pas une sale note mais ce n estalors que dire du jeu, il n est pas mauvais mais il aurai pue être clairement mieux! on ce sent très vite dans un espece d'espace vert simulator ou un no man sky a ces début du vide du vide et rien que du vide zero dresseur a part dans le scenario avec de la cinématiques a ne plus en finir juste pour comblé le manque de contenue voila le jeu ne mérite pas une sale note mais ce n est clairement pas le jeu Pokémon révolutionnaire tant attendu espérons que ce jeu soit juste une phase test pour faire patienté et que la 9G sera a la hauteur de nos attente avec ce gameplay… Expand
  44. JulioZamudio
    Jan 29, 2022
    9
    This is game is a love letter to those who enjoy Pokemon and its lore. Don't miss this game if you are a fan of the games. Even with some comments that I've seen about the graphics and all — the game runs fine. Coming from Shin Megami Tensei V, which is a technical masterpiece on its own, Pokémon Legends Arceus manages to impress me with the detail it has for its fun mechanics andThis is game is a love letter to those who enjoy Pokemon and its lore. Don't miss this game if you are a fan of the games. Even with some comments that I've seen about the graphics and all — the game runs fine. Coming from Shin Megami Tensei V, which is a technical masterpiece on its own, Pokémon Legends Arceus manages to impress me with the detail it has for its fun mechanics and catch-them-all-based nature. One game not to miss.… Expand
  45. FrygtBaeven
    Jan 29, 2022
    9
    Graphics are terrible, but it's a wildly fun game in spite of that. I love everything about the updated catching.
  46. Fo_Que_Rico
    Jan 29, 2022
    0
    Esto es una vergüenza , este juego se nota que no lo han terminado, le falta por pulirlo , esto es un bochorno de juego
  47. Fabidini
    Jan 29, 2022
    6
    Playing Legends Arceus was fun. Game Freak finally tried something new, improved the gameplay make it feel faster and some more positive things. Its the right direction for the pokemon franchise and hopefully a bunch of improvements will find there way in the main Pokemon games.

    As good as the gameplay, story and direction was, you cant ignore the technical and graphical problems about    Playing Legends Arceus was fun. Game Freak finally tried something new, improved the gameplay make it feel faster and some more positive things. Its the right direction for the pokemon franchise and hopefully a bunch of improvements will find there way in the main Pokemon games.

    As good as the gameplay, story and direction was, you cant ignore the technical and graphical problems about this game and it should be called out and criticized. The art style is not the problem. It looks really good when you find the right camera angle. When you look at the world of Pokemon Legends Arceus and compare it to similar games with their worlds like a Monster Hunter Rise on the switch, or even other exclusives like Xenoblade 2, Pokemon Snap, the upcoming Kirby game and Zelda Botw and many more, Legends Arceus looks awful as if this game is a Steam pre alpha game or even a N64 game when you compare some areas with a Zelda Ocarina of Time. There are a lot of pop ups of trees etc, the main town is the only one in game and most houses are just copy and paste, awful environmental visuals, a lot of areas feel very empty and there are also nearly no points of interests for a game that wants to you to explore the world.
    Of course there is no need to have a game with next gen graphics or a more realism look, but you have to have in mind that this game is a product of a big video game company with the biggest franchise in the world. They generate millions of dollars and cant deliver a game with a visual standard that fits the size and popularity of the franchise Pokemon. Game Freak has the finances to get help by other studios like every game does nowadays, even a Halo, Horizon etc. gets help by many different studios. The console is not the problem as you can see all the way better looking exclusives on the switch. And when there is a lot of crunch time its a company decision to put the games on the market in a high frequency with just the essential content and visuals to get enough positive scores by media and the games sold.

    Overall the game makes quite fun because it uses a fresh optimized gameplay and going another way than the main games, but you have do decide if you want to spend your money for a game that looks like a game that is stucked in the past of the Xbox360/PS3 era or even at some point lower. Compared to other actual games it feels like completely low effort product with no details and soul.
    At the end its a decision whether you want to support this course of the company Game Freak or want to see a way bigger change of the biggest franchise in the world.    … Expand
  48. MechZahnSlayer
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    Don’t let the haters detract you, this is what we’ve been asking for, and it’s amazing. The primary reason so many are upset is that it is not everything we wanted all at once, but what it does do well is introduce a dizzying array of long held changes us the core life long fans have been asking for! A giant leap forward and makes what ever game comes next, already top of my to watch outDon’t let the haters detract you, this is what we’ve been asking for, and it’s amazing. The primary reason so many are upset is that it is not everything we wanted all at once, but what it does do well is introduce a dizzying array of long held changes us the core life long fans have been asking for! A giant leap forward and makes what ever game comes next, already top of my to watch out for list. Lastly, no matter how you cage it, Gamefreak and A Pokémon Company have built a much more mature story, as asked, and put together a UI/UX design much closer to the TV show, then any previous game to date. Play it for yourself, than judge!… Expand
  49. Delta46
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    Incredible game that moves the Pokemon series forward in a fresh new direction. The gameplay loop is fun, and while the graphics aren't great, they are more than fine. Gameplay should always take precedent over graphics, and Legends: Arceus is a joy to play!
  50. Gamexss
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    Gerçekten bayıldım en sonunda hayallerindeki oyunu yaptılar puanı çok daha yüksek olmalıydı harika bir oyun olmuş
  51. Starlord
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    I'll get this out of the way, the graphics is the only thing imho that needs polish, but they are still servicable. I been playing the game for over 10 hours and honestly most fun I had in years with a Pokemon game. This game is testing grounds for future Pokemon games in this style. So let's put the graphics aside for a moment and look at the bigger picture here. Aside from Graphics doI'll get this out of the way, the graphics is the only thing imho that needs polish, but they are still servicable. I been playing the game for over 10 hours and honestly most fun I had in years with a Pokemon game. This game is testing grounds for future Pokemon games in this style. So let's put the graphics aside for a moment and look at the bigger picture here. Aside from Graphics do you want more. Pokemon games like this? I sure do, that's why despite the graphics needing more, that this game deserves a 10.… Expand
  52. SlimmieJ
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    Very enjoyable game thus far. The best game in the series no doubt, I'm convinced the people spamming the game with 0 score reviews haven't even touched it.
  53. lucasbraz133
    Jan 29, 2022
    0
    People should really stop buying/supporting the Pokémon game series. It's disgusting that they throw at us new games with the exact same flaws the previous ones had and the poorest imaginable quality regarding graphics, designs and story.
  54. Brodester135
    Jan 29, 2022
    9
    What can be said except good job Nintendo! This may not be the perfect game for people, but it does one nicely done job and being one of the best pokemon game in years. Listen to the positive AND negative reviews. I fully recommend.
  55. KaijinNoctis
    Jan 29, 2022
    9
    Yes, the game is not perfect. The world badly needs filling up. But I sincerely hope future pkmn games keep this style of game. Revamp was sorely needed and all i would need to be happier with this game is multiplayer battles and some more interesting content to explore in the world.
  56. Jaumecen
    Jan 29, 2022
    3
    Bare bones of a game, decent gameplay mechanics but surrounded by ugly graphics and a bland story, could be far better, and any fan that settles for this it's not helping the franchaise.

    Yes, praise the good things of the game, the new things that they've tried with the capture mechanics, the combat, etc, BUT PLEASE, say the truth, it's an average game at most when you see the full    Bare bones of a game, decent gameplay mechanics but surrounded by ugly graphics and a bland story, could be far better, and any fan that settles for this it's not helping the franchaise.

    Yes, praise the good things of the game, the new things that they've tried with the capture mechanics, the combat, etc, BUT PLEASE, say the truth, it's an average game at most when you see the full picture. Let's not make a battle of 0's and 10's, we can argue about giving the game from a 3 to a 5.5/6 rating, but anything else it's just unfounded hate or fanboyism.    … Expand
  57. Squalexy
    Jan 29, 2022
    3
    Imagine you're working at GameFreak and they tell you "We're gonna completely change the formula and give the fans what they've wanted" and then you hear applauses and screams of joy. But then, your boss tells you "I know this is a huge moment for us and the fans, but you have less than a year to develop this game, because we're greedy and love money" and you start thinking about your lifeImagine you're working at GameFreak and they tell you "We're gonna completely change the formula and give the fans what they've wanted" and then you hear applauses and screams of joy. But then, your boss tells you "I know this is a huge moment for us and the fans, but you have less than a year to develop this game, because we're greedy and love money" and you start thinking about your life choices.

    Well, this game has proven to me that working at GameFreak is like wanting to be a prestige restaurant chef and then I end up flipping burgers at McDonald's.

    How can you release such a boring, repetitive, unoriginal and ugly game in 2022? Unskippable cutscenes, awful story, awful characters, clunky movements, clunky aiming system (made my fingers hurt for the first time since playing on this console for 3 years), repetitive gameplay loop (collect resources -> craft pokéballs -> catch pokémon; repeat) and, worst of all, huge empty maps with nothing to do in them.

    How can you build a fake open world game, with no activities to do besides catching Pokémon and craft items (the most basic craft I've ever seen in my entire life), make it so empty and run at barely 30 fps, in 2022, on a console that has released Xenoblades 2 and BOTW?

    The only reason I don't give this game a 0 is because I appreciate immensely the effort to give the franchise a new direction and a breath of fresh (although smelly) air. THIS is actually a step into the right direction. I also loved the fact that the Pokémon feel alive and the move animations are actually pretty slick - but for me that's it, the game isn't fun at all.

    Pokémon fans need to stop lowering the bar and be amazed at the low effort development this company brings, stop letting them treat you as if you didn't deserve more. You give them millions every year and this is what they do to reward you. Screw that, man.    … Expand
  58. Imjota
    Jan 29, 2022
    0
    El problema principal no es solo que tanto gráficamente como artísticamente sea malo, además de eso es un juego con bugs, que llega a duras penas a los 20 pfs y que realmente parece inacabado. Si se tratase de un early access y no costase 60 euros podría estar bien ya que tiene buenas ideas pero mal ejecutadas.
  59. PkmnFan
    Jan 29, 2022
    0
    Absolutely embarrassing. Both technically and on gameplay level, there may absolutely be some player who can like it, but if this game didn't have the name "Pokemon" it would be blasted away with a lot of 4-5.
  60. HaxSS
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    Pokemon va por buen camino en su renovación. Gráficos aparte es un gran juego. En jugabilidad y sobretodo en dinamismo. Se hace muy dinamico el capturar y entrar en combate, que era lo que mas pesado se me hacia de las anteriores entregas.
  61. Fabiosimba
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    Questo gioco e fantastico e rivoluzionario e ciò che sempre desiderato e sperato
  62. abvilla
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    Pokemon Leyendas: Arceus es un juegazo, gráficamente es normal, pero lo que es en el resto de apartados, simplemente lo hace ser uno de los mejores juegos, te atrapa de una manera descontrolada, no es repetitivo como alguno creerán, la historia es buena (si quieren historias mejores, cómprense pelijuegos o directamente vayan al cine) el cambio en la jugabilidad y el sistema de combate loPokemon Leyendas: Arceus es un juegazo, gráficamente es normal, pero lo que es en el resto de apartados, simplemente lo hace ser uno de los mejores juegos, te atrapa de una manera descontrolada, no es repetitivo como alguno creerán, la historia es buena (si quieren historias mejores, cómprense pelijuegos o directamente vayan al cine) el cambio en la jugabilidad y el sistema de combate lo hace más dinámico y fluido, que te ataquen los pkmns, le da un toque de dificultad nuevo, que haya contenido recortado, se entiende, porque es una época pasada, lo de la distorsión simplemente es un añadido muy divertido, pelear y capturar con pkmns alfa es otra inclusión muy buena. Solo cómprenlo y diviértanse.… Expand
  63. GenkiYokota
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    This is the summation of various concepts that have been cooked up within the franchise over the years.
    A fantastic game that knows what to innovate, and also knows what to keep, personally I can't get off the screen of my Switch because catching pokémon and fighting with them against all kinds of wild creatures is totally stimulating
    Game Freak deserves all the love for this.
  64. Sheepsyhere
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    Great game, get it right now grrrrrrrr you better buy it because it’s good and my review is this long because I can’t make it shorter
  65. DistantKingdom
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    I have been very prejudiced with this title and with its studio, this game takes the idea of ​​catching pokémon to another level that we have never experienced in the main saga
    I love how you can fight with any pokémon and that the battle environment is the same overworld, The difficulty is quite decent IMO.

    Despite what some say about its graphics, they are actually lovely.
  66. Top100Percent
    Jan 29, 2022
    9
    Best game in years, the fact it makes some purists mad shows that this game will affect the whole franchise for years to come, and better the experience as a whole. 9/10 due to lack of accessibility settings
  67. GutiOut
    Jan 29, 2022
    0
    Sounds good. It has the worst graphical quality of the last decade, an empty world with "new" mechanics that add absolutely nothing. In short, the IP that generates the most money in the industry laughing in your face, once again.
  68. miguelaceval
    Jan 29, 2022
    0
    Extremely disappointing, technically the worst I have seen in many years. Still, it will sell more than anyone else.
  69. ladycalista
    Jan 29, 2022
    2
    Just retched. The battle system is the worst since the early generations and nothing is explained at all. Wild Pokemon that are 15 levels lower than my party will randomly take turn after turn after turn and kill me before I get to act during a battle. The crafting mechanics are bad, the areas are too big without convenient traversal, the Pokedex filling is really boring and assumes you'llJust retched. The battle system is the worst since the early generations and nothing is explained at all. Wild Pokemon that are 15 levels lower than my party will randomly take turn after turn after turn and kill me before I get to act during a battle. The crafting mechanics are bad, the areas are too big without convenient traversal, the Pokedex filling is really boring and assumes you'll catch the same Pokemon again and again and again. I don't want to catch the same Pokemon again, I want to catch new ones, but I'm stuck seeing the same 4-5 Pokemon over and over as I throw Pokeballs at bidoofs trying to fill up a meter.
    Just play the mainline generation 8 games instead if you want a Pokemon experience on the Switch, those are much better.    … Expand
  70. davidsrjr
    Jan 29, 2022
    4
    Here is a game that on paper gets me excited for a Pokemon game. After years and years of the same repeated game with different skins comes a new game that tries to be different. The problem is that each new idea feels cut short and never truly fleshed out. The visuals are boring and flat. People seem to confuse "graphics" with things like ultra realism or RTX but that is not what I amHere is a game that on paper gets me excited for a Pokemon game. After years and years of the same repeated game with different skins comes a new game that tries to be different. The problem is that each new idea feels cut short and never truly fleshed out. The visuals are boring and flat. People seem to confuse "graphics" with things like ultra realism or RTX but that is not what I am speaking about. A game can have simple graphics but still manage to set itself apart and look visually interesting. This game needs voice acting of some kind. The lack of voice acting just feels low budget and boring. Even a grunt would bring it up a point in my book at this point. The game play is fun and I would have enjoyed the open movement to play a bigger part in the battles. I think we are at a point where we can start to move away from the turn base battles. Final fantasy had a great solution in its remake where it could be toggled on for those who enjoy it but was not forced onto the player. Combat could be so much more by doing it real time. Heck even just getting rid of the one Pokemon limit when battling would be an improvement! It feels like they picked this time period so that they could finally do something different with the Pokemon formula but then chose not lean into it fully and we are left with half baked new features that just leave us wanting more. Hopefully this game will lead a future where Pokemon games can be something more than just an advertisement to sell merchandise!… Expand
  71. mack178
    Jan 29, 2022
    3
    A game that only Pokemon fans would tolerate.

    No other game could be this much of a technical disaster and still garner so much praise. Only Pokemon. Graphics, sound design, level design, NPCs, and more are so undercooked that I would have guessed this game was a year away from release. The gameplay loop is fun enough: go out into the zones and catch Pokemon. Level them up, evolve    A game that only Pokemon fans would tolerate.

    No other game could be this much of a technical disaster and still garner so much praise. Only Pokemon. Graphics, sound design, level design, NPCs, and more are so undercooked that I would have guessed this game was a year away from release.

    The gameplay loop is fun enough: go out into the zones and catch Pokemon. Level them up, evolve them. Fill out your Pokedex. The same fun loop that Pokemon is built on, but opened up to larger zones (not open world). I'm happy that many fans are enjoying this. But wow, that is where my praise ends.

    The graphics are well documented as being the worst of any AAA game in recent years. It's hard to overstate how bad they are. This is the ugliest major release of any IP I can remember. There is also no voice overs, or even the typical JRPG grunting. Just silence during conversations.

    The open zone level design is a nice change, but it is marred by the game's ugliness. Not to mention basic, fun features like a following Pokemon or the ability to look at your newly caught Pokemon's stats in the field are absent. NPCs are also copy/pasted across the game, which is sad considering there are maybe 100 of them, if that.

    I just don't understand how this game can be celebrated. Pokemon fans deserve better. There are early access indie games that are better optimized with better technical design than this.

    My last critique is that the first 1-2 hours is incredibly boring, but apparently this is normal for Pokemon games.

    I do not recommend this game.    … Expand
  72. TalionSwift
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    This game is fantastic! Yes graphically it could be better, but at least for me it doesn't effect my entertainment level in this case. The thing that is really mattering to me is just how much fun it is, once I have started it is hard to stop for hours. It has a gameplay loop that feels good and is very much a "Just one more thing" sort of loop. This is no doubt my favorite Pokémon game toThis game is fantastic! Yes graphically it could be better, but at least for me it doesn't effect my entertainment level in this case. The thing that is really mattering to me is just how much fun it is, once I have started it is hard to stop for hours. It has a gameplay loop that feels good and is very much a "Just one more thing" sort of loop. This is no doubt my favorite Pokémon game to have ever released and I hope that the next big title learns from this game, Pokémon is back baby!… Expand
  73. Bluery
    Jan 29, 2022
    0
    I understand that Game Freak does not own all the money that the Pokémon trademark makes. I also understand that Nintendo does not have a say in how Game Freak make their games, but I still understand that Breath of the Wild was released four years ago and looks better than Arceus. So the Hardware isnt the Problem. The very game that Arceus is trying to copy for its mechanics andI understand that Game Freak does not own all the money that the Pokémon trademark makes. I also understand that Nintendo does not have a say in how Game Freak make their games, but I still understand that Breath of the Wild was released four years ago and looks better than Arceus. So the Hardware isnt the Problem. The very game that Arceus is trying to copy for its mechanics and open-world is four years older and yet, somehow, looks better plays better more Story more heart more everything and 60 Bucks for this Desaster from Game Freak year after year we have to stop this.… Expand
  74. greninjaX
    Jan 29, 2022
    0
    many people are acting like this is the next big step for pokemon, but it's not. this is not the next generation of pokemon, this is just some weird experimental game that adds 7 new pokemon. all of it's new mechanics will be forgotten by the time the next pokemon game comes out. but perhaps that's for the best, as the new battle and capture mechanics are not fun. on top of that, the gamemany people are acting like this is the next big step for pokemon, but it's not. this is not the next generation of pokemon, this is just some weird experimental game that adds 7 new pokemon. all of it's new mechanics will be forgotten by the time the next pokemon game comes out. but perhaps that's for the best, as the new battle and capture mechanics are not fun. on top of that, the game has an embarrassingly low amount of pokemon, even less than sword and shield. the game also somehow looks worse than sword and shield. it's like the game was made by amateurs. this game is also the reason the gen 4 remakes are so bad, as gamefreak/the pokemon company put all their resources into this while outsourcing BDSP to some no name support studio. legends arceus is a waste of everyone's time and money. skip this one.… Expand
  75. Narwhale73
    Jan 29, 2022
    8
    Overall PLA is a great game that brings a lot of innovation (a huge understatement) and a more lively atmosphere. Plus it has a good amount of game time for someone to play (25-35 hours and up to 75 to complete everything). Plus it is overall well polished as I haven't seen any reports of major bugs or glitches and the Pokémon/attacks look amazing.

    However, it has a lot of downsides.    Overall PLA is a great game that brings a lot of innovation (a huge understatement) and a more lively atmosphere. Plus it has a good amount of game time for someone to play (25-35 hours and up to 75 to complete everything). Plus it is overall well polished as I haven't seen any reports of major bugs or glitches and the Pokémon/attacks look amazing.

    However, it has a lot of downsides. The newer Pokémon designs in the game should've been thought out longer in general (I say this as someone who likes around 97% of all Pokémon designs). The visuals are bad obviously, but personally I don't care about this as I would've played a PS5 game if I did. The story is...well..what you would expect from a kid's game. Nothing groundbreaking or offensive. My biggest and arguably my only real complaint, is that there isn't that much gameplay variety. You simply just battle and catch a certain amount of Pokémon, use moves a certain amount of times and do the "boss battle" attacking. This is all rather cool, but as explained, it needs a bit more in order to keep me invested. Also the national dex is small and the multi-player is nonexistent. This sounds like a lot of complaining but I am just trying to be as clear as possible about the flaws.

    So should you buy it? It honestly depends on the person which I know sounds like a cop out, but this is the truth. If you want something that breaks free from the Pokémon formula no matter what:Yes buy it. If you're one of those people that complain endlessly about Breath of the Wild being Empty:Don't think about it. If you're one of those people that are strict and will be annoyed about things not being in the game from before:don't think about it. If you're someone who loves playing around with Pokémon and in the surroundings:Yes you will love it. Either way, I wouldn't worry too much whether you made a bad purchase or not as you'll still be able to have some fun.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

41
#41 Best Switch Game of 2022
2
#2 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2022

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 118 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 102 out of 118
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 118
  3. Negative: 0 out of 118
  1. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jan 30, 2024
    80
    Definitely not a bad game. It handles its mechanics perfectly, and as long as it doesn't try to talk at you, you'll enjoy it. It's the first step on the road to new games with Pokémon on the cover, and the good sales could be the main reason to continue similar work and experimentation. [Issue#317]
  2. Game World Navigator Magazine
    Oct 19, 2022
    85
    Acreus came out just a few months after Diamond & Pearl remake. Isn’t that too soon? Actually, no. Pokémon Legends: Arceus is the most innovative, revolutionary, and maybe simply the best Pokémon game of the last decade. [Issue#259, p.48]
  3. Nintendo Force Magazine
    May 13, 2022
    90
    This really does feel like a big step forward for a series that famously plays things safe, and I'm excited to see where the franchise will go next! [Issue #58 – March/April 2022, p. 72]
See all critic reviews »