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. Cooperthewoopr
    Sep 9, 2023
    10
    This is the best pokemon game on switch when ever I think about this game though there's 1 issue they removed wooper
  2. TreasureOrTrash
    Sep 8, 2023
    10
    Treasure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  3. fnenamg
    Sep 8, 2023
    7
    It's not my taste, but the game itself is decently made.
  4. M1sfiT
    Sep 3, 2023
    8
    Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaameeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees! pla
  5. idontknow0
    Aug 31, 2023
    10
    Fantastic game, probably one of the best pokemon games. I loved the noble fights, and the post game is full of content that has you hooked, and the plot twist is crazy! Loved shiny hunting in this game and the gameplay is Great. Overall amazing game, would recommend.
  6. Jazzparagus
    Aug 31, 2023
    5
    The catching mechanic is good and what they did with battles is at the very least interesting. It's nice to see them trying out new gameplay methods.

    That's really about it for the good bits though, while I dont care for graphics it's really hard to ignore how the game looks. The worst is probably when looking out over one of the 3 lakes. The worlds also feel empty. No real landmarks,    The catching mechanic is good and what they did with battles is at the very least interesting. It's nice to see them trying out new gameplay methods.

    That's really about it for the good bits though, while I dont care for graphics it's really hard to ignore how the game looks. The worst is probably when looking out over one of the 3 lakes. The worlds also feel empty. No real landmarks, no people, empty fields upon empty fields and mysteriously it still runs like ****
    The story isnt great either, which is strange because the premise of the story is pretty interesting with God just dropping you off in a different time period and all that.

    I guess Im glad it's not on the level of SwSh but you can tell they should've kept this game in production for at least another year.    … Expand
  7. Lukart59
    Aug 30, 2023
    10
    Amazing graphics, fun gameplay, this game is just perfect. While grinding does get boring after 40 hours of gameplay, the game is still fun to play always.
  8. TTTE
    Aug 29, 2023
    8
    This is the only pokemon game that I have enjoyed for some time and while the gameplay is very refreshing and new, the graphics still look like its from a ps2 at best.
  9. Megataco2017
    Aug 28, 2023
    8
    Pretty fun.................................................................
  10. Frad
    Aug 28, 2023
    6
    Arceus no alcanza la perfección y presenta numerosas áreas de oportunidad que merecen ser evaluadas. Se destaca, en primer lugar, la extensión inusualmente prolongada del tutorial en el juego. Si bien es comprensible que el tutorial sea esencial para atraer a jugadores novatos y orientarlos en esta nueva modalidad de mundo abierto, su duración excesiva y monotonía lo hacen desfavorableArceus no alcanza la perfección y presenta numerosas áreas de oportunidad que merecen ser evaluadas. Se destaca, en primer lugar, la extensión inusualmente prolongada del tutorial en el juego. Si bien es comprensible que el tutorial sea esencial para atraer a jugadores novatos y orientarlos en esta nueva modalidad de mundo abierto, su duración excesiva y monotonía lo hacen desfavorable para la inmersión del jugador más experimentado. La ejecución del tutorial, en este sentido, parece carecer de equilibrio y eficacia.

    Otro aspecto que merece atención es el sistema de combate. En el contexto de las áreas abiertas, los encuentros con Pokémon muestran ciertas inconsistencias. Los Pokémon que se encuentran en estas áreas suelen ser de niveles considerablemente bajos en comparación con el jugador, lo que resulta en desafíos desequilibrados. La sensación de que los Pokémon salvajes son demasiado poderosos y difíciles de vencer puede ser un factor desmotivador en la experiencia de juego.

    En resumen, Pokémon Legends: Arceus se sitúa en una posición interesante dentro de la serie. Si bien presenta áreas de mejora y oportunidades para pulir aspectos clave, el juego logra transmitir el mensaje de que la franquicia Pokémon está dispuesta a explorar nuevas direcciones y experimentar con formatos diferentes. A pesar de sus imperfecciones, la inclusión de un mundo abierto demuestra un enfoque valiente y progresista que podría allanar el camino para futuros títulos de la serie. Es evidente que esta transición llevará tiempo para alcanzar su pleno potencial y coherencia, pero es un paso esencial hacia la revitalización de una franquicia icónica en el mundo de los videojuegos    … Expand
  11. Dradkol
    Aug 23, 2023
    5
    Pokémon Legends: Arceus is not a good game but not bad either. Surely it is the best chapter released in the last 10 years and this is sad, as it depicts the state of the games of "The Pokemon Company". The game tries to experiment and above all takes its cue from sagas of important games such as Monster Hunter (on some aspects of gameplay) etc. The game is fluid and fast, as you can throwPokémon Legends: Arceus is not a good game but not bad either. Surely it is the best chapter released in the last 10 years and this is sad, as it depicts the state of the games of "The Pokemon Company". The game tries to experiment and above all takes its cue from sagas of important games such as Monster Hunter (on some aspects of gameplay) etc. The game is fluid and fast, as you can throw poké balls while moving, you can also move during battles and this makes the game much more immersive than in previous chapters where the battle was static, moreover the capture of pokémon is fluid and the desire to complete the pokédex soon becomes a "drug". Unfortunately both from an artistic and technical point of view, the game is behind, far behind, we are talking about a level comparable to games released on Playstation 2, with infinitely repeated textures, polygonal models copied and pasted like the main village of the game, which features a house model repeated in a linear pattern to form the village, leaving you with the impression that the developers have done the bare minimum, the open world map itself is flat, with always the same polygonal models forming hills, rocks, rivers , trees etc. always repeated and the pop up that afflicts the title worsens this feeling of emptiness, repetitive and fake. The plot is childish, obvious and boring, if there hadn't been pokémon I would have abandoned it before the ending.
    The frame rate is decent, not perfect, as there are moments where it drops below 30fps, but nothing that spoils the gaming experience, which happens with the last two chapters (scarlet and violet ).
    To conclude, I can't give the game enough, but I can't completely reject it either, so I decided to give it a 5 as a vote. If you are a Pokémon lover, I recommend the title as it is a breath of fresh air compared to the rest of the brand. If you are not a Pokémon lover, I do not recommend it.    … Expand
  12. MrZeraora
    Aug 18, 2023
    9
    Oyun pokemon evreni ve oyunları için doruk noktası böylesine iyi bir oyun bir daha gelmez ama grafikler kötü ona diyecek bişeyim yok.
  13. JonaSCX
    Aug 17, 2023
    8
    Aunque este cambio en la saga me parece realmente un acierto en cuanto a la aventura pokemon, creo yo que siguen pecando de lo mismo que hace un par de generaciones, entiendo que el poder de la Nintendo Switch te ponga ciertas limitaciones a la hora de realizar un videojuego como Leyendas Arceus, pero seguimos sin tener ningun tipo de audio en las voces, una historia que aunque es de loAunque este cambio en la saga me parece realmente un acierto en cuanto a la aventura pokemon, creo yo que siguen pecando de lo mismo que hace un par de generaciones, entiendo que el poder de la Nintendo Switch te ponga ciertas limitaciones a la hora de realizar un videojuego como Leyendas Arceus, pero seguimos sin tener ningun tipo de audio en las voces, una historia que aunque es de lo que menos se le exige a los juegos de esta saga, al tener la trama que tiene creo yo que nos quedo a deber un poco mas de lo que es el mundo en el que nos encontramos, ya que aunque nosotros lleguemos completamente de manera externa a este mundo ni siquiera sus habitantes saben mas que nosotros como jugadores, lo cual me parece decepcionante, esperaba ver diferentes usos para los tipos de pokemos, fuera del domestico, esperaba ver mas interacciones de los habitantes con los pokemones fuera del miedo y las infantiles interacciones que ellos tienen con ellos, puedo entenderlo ya que no estan familiarizados como nosotros con estas criaturas, pero en verdad me hace sentir que todo este mundo simplemente hizo spawn un par de decadas atras, aun sabiendo que tenemos todo tipo de ruinas y jeoglificos, realmente me decepciono el no poder indagar tanto como queria en las leyendasd pokemos pero al menos se siente como un comienzo.
    Al menos mecanicamente me encanto, investigar a los pokemons y completar la pokedex es bastante divertido.    … Expand
  14. PapaDemeritus
    Aug 16, 2023
    9
    definitely the best Pokémon game on the switch. it runs without issue unlike the others, the environments are well put together. the characters talking is hilariously bad and Pokémon is long overdue for voice acting.
  15. MoonSpeir
    Aug 15, 2023
    8
    Started a new playthrough of this one after being completely let down by the latest releases and underwhelmed by the recent Presents event last week. Legends Arceus is probably fairly close to the Pokémon experience people have been dreaming of since the 90s - it has large open zones full of species suited to the biomes within each zone, the Pokémon exist entirely on the overworld and areStarted a new playthrough of this one after being completely let down by the latest releases and underwhelmed by the recent Presents event last week. Legends Arceus is probably fairly close to the Pokémon experience people have been dreaming of since the 90s - it has large open zones full of species suited to the biomes within each zone, the Pokémon exist entirely on the overworld and are interacted with entirely on the overworld, the process of tracking these Pokémon feels like a safari expedition with campsites and mounts, allowing for rest and replenishment at any time along with the ability to scale any surface and cross all terrains. The new catching mechanic no longer requires initiating battle, with Pokéballs able to be thrown from any location, and the catch no longer having its own cutscene. Battles feel smoother and faster-paced with only brief transitions between screens and move sets, with turn order being influenced by the use of new strong or agile style attack patterns.

    The story is well thought-out and greatly enjoyable; you're a stranger from a far future land, sent back to resolve a paradox following the events of Diamond & Pearl (I think you're intended to be the player character from that generation, anyway). In this timeline, you witness the process of Pokémon becoming domesticated and you actively drive that process by conducting survey and studies to help people better understand and befriend those magical creatures, all while balancing an ideological conflict between opposing cultures and clans, and navigating the suspicions of the inhabitants of this ancient world where your arrival has coincided with numerous bad omens and impending disasters.

    The main town/settlement of the game becomes much more lively and populated as you progress, offering plenty of new customisations in the form of resources, crafting recipes, hair styles, clothing etc., with plenty of quests/requests specific to each unlocked region.

    Another highlight is the presence of the wider Pokémon series within Legends; numerous characters are very clearly the ancestors of other beloved MCs, professors, gym leaders, champions and villains in the franchise ranging from Johto to Unova.

    The visuals get a lot of complaints but I personally loved the traditional Japanese watercolour direction that perfectly fit the overall presentation of its historical aesthetic, one thing I will say is it definitely doesn't look good on a bigger screen - this is something that was clearly intended for handheld mode alone.

    Another complaint I have is the lack of a more sophisticated AI all round - the Pokémon do have a fair range of interactions with you and with each other, but not necessarily with their environment; some will roam around their own small areas and occasionally change their moving pattern or fall asleep, but that's about it - they don't eat, source food or drink, they don't bathe, play or communicate with each other, nor do they really react to the presence of other species including those that are known to be a threat to a certain typing (e.g. flying/bird species in the territory of bugs), this sounds like a minor problem until you take into account the game's premise is intended to be an investigation of wildlife, compiling a Pokédex by making notes and documenting various actions and behaviours that are now implied rather than shown. Much more consideration and effort should have been placed into expanding the behaviours of each species.

    Despite the main hub of the game being the progressively developed town, the NPCs feel completely lifeless as they never move from their original positions nor do they have any interaction with you or each other outside of existing to simply trade you stuff.

    Even with those above two complaints, the gameplay experience in general is fantastic and Hisui itself is a well-designed region offering much to see and do. I had hoped the new mechanics and format of Legends would carry on to future generations especially in the wake of its highly positive reception, but unfortunately it looks like it will be standing on its own.    … Expand
  16. fflatburger
    Aug 13, 2023
    6
    Love this pokemon games coz lots of new mechanics and changes to the formular.I still miss the gym battle, and bad peformance for this pokemon game
  17. sideshownate
    Aug 13, 2023
    8
    This is a bold and fun new title in the mainline pokemon series that I can not wait to be more of. Hopefully in different regions
  18. Clownsparade
    Aug 10, 2023
    6
    While this certainly does freshen up the Pokémon formula it is still lacking as a game.
    Each Pokémon acts either completely passively, aggressively or shy towards you. There are only 3 different AIs for them.
    The game basically forces you to catch thousands of those AIs to progress the story (which is a tad bit better of what you'd expect from a Pokémon game) and ends in a few fights    While this certainly does freshen up the Pokémon formula it is still lacking as a game.
    Each Pokémon acts either completely passively, aggressively or shy towards you. There are only 3 different AIs for them.
    The game basically forces you to catch thousands of those AIs to progress the story (which is a tad bit better of what you'd expect from a Pokémon game) and ends in a few fights which otherwise get completely ignored in this game. It's certainly a step in the right direction but on the same time it feels like an incomplete tech demo    … Expand
  19. Jardanes
    Aug 8, 2023
    10
    Best Pokémon game released so far. Pokémon company was so close to making the perfect game with this one and then they screwed everything with Scarlet/Violet.

    Pokemon Legends: Arceus 10/10
    Pokemon Scarlet/Violet 0/10
  20. Eyean
    Aug 5, 2023
    7
    Gamefreak actually tied something different for once, though it feels more like a demo then an actual game. The Pokemon catching mechanic is clearly what they spent the most time on, and it carries the rest of the game very hard.
  21. Matthew2008
    Aug 5, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A great Pokemon game maybe even the best. the story and were it’s talking place is fantastic characters good writen ( except melli ) it’s a huge leep for gamefreak to make an open world pokemon game and they nailed it hope to see more games in the future in this style. Would recommend.… Expand
  22. zezimawashere
    Jul 29, 2023
    5
    This game is okay. It's a bit repetitive. Not only do you have to catch all the Pokemon, but for completion there are a ton of small tasts, like use "splash" 100 times with Magicarp...

    Also, I am a good way through the game, and so far there has only been one romantic relationship. Of course, it was an interracial relationship that they said they had to hide. I don't know why they    This game is okay. It's a bit repetitive. Not only do you have to catch all the Pokemon, but for completion there are a ton of small tasts, like use "splash" 100 times with Magicarp...

    Also, I am a good way through the game, and so far there has only been one romantic relationship. Of course, it was an interracial relationship that they said they had to hide.

    I don't know why they push this propaganda so hard recently.    … Expand
  23. Hastings91
    Jul 29, 2023
    0
    Nintendo se ríe en vuestra cara y os encanta. Por eso y fanboys, un rosco.
  24. casple
    Jul 23, 2023
    10
    The best Pokémon game, must buy. I love it and you should buy it. The art style and the gameplay is insane.
  25. voiceofreason69
    Jul 22, 2023
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. That feeling of finally being able to throw a poke ball, that rush when you catch a Pokemon, and that feeling of being able to do anything, climb anywhere, fly anywhere, swim anywhere (with basculegion), this is the best Pokemon game of all time in my humble opinion. but I have only played three mainline titles: this, sword, and violet. and since sword is text filled, and violet is an unpolished bug nest, yea, its easy to see why I rate this better. Also, If you hate bad graphics, then you might not want to step into a Pokemon game past gen 5...
    9.4/10 but since rounding 9/10, would ABSOLUTELY recommend!    … Expand
  26. edxtan
    Jul 21, 2023
    6
    Pokemon Legends: Arceus presents a huge step forward in Pokemon's catching and exploration systems, but the de-emphasizing of battles removes a lot of the incentive to engage with them.
  27. MisterWizard
    Jul 20, 2023
    7
    Although this game is the best Pokémon game I've played, I felt like it could've used a year or 2 extra of development. Adding details, make some mechanics (like swimming) more smooth and especially just making the NPC's feel more alive. They mostly just stand in 1 spot and have 2 lines of dialog without voice acting. Even BotW and TotK had minecraft villager voice acting or normal in bigAlthough this game is the best Pokémon game I've played, I felt like it could've used a year or 2 extra of development. Adding details, make some mechanics (like swimming) more smooth and especially just making the NPC's feel more alive. They mostly just stand in 1 spot and have 2 lines of dialog without voice acting. Even BotW and TotK had minecraft villager voice acting or normal in big story cutscenes.
    I did enjoy my time with this game, if you never played a Pokémon game, you should pick this one up.    … Expand
  28. Rhex98
    Jul 9, 2023
    7
    El mejor juego de Pokémon en bastante tiempo en mi opinión tiene problemas de rendimiento al igual que los otros juegos de switch que han salido y no es aceptable, pero la experiencia que te otorga es un gran paso adelante y hacia donde tiene que ir la franquicia de aquí en adelante.
  29. Miusux
    Jul 8, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is simply the best pokemon game I've ever played, a completely different proposal that caught me off guard and changed my view on pokemon, I hope Game Freak continues like this, with really challenging games that deviate from the norm… Expand
  30. Rab1219
    Jul 3, 2023
    10
    One of the best Pokemon games EVER!!!!!! Absolute masterpiece!!!!! Amazing for Shiny Hunting, too!!
  31. bobisverycool
    Jul 3, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. imo the game was amazing, i loved that the pokemon companie had the courage to take pokemon in another way, the catching feels natural and kept me for hours, i will not lie that this is my favorite pokemon game , even my fav mon is from here, i also found it suprising and was shocked for regional/past forms of the mons which let me down this rabit hole of trying to catch them all.
    the story to was good for a pokemon game, you being from the future and changing the past and the fun easter eggs of old characters having ancestors just made the cherry on top. 10/10 would recommend buy this not scarlet of violet    … Expand
  32. drseven
    Jun 30, 2023
    7
    The first 5 hours of play were unbearable for me. Once the game gives you freedom, it improves. The idea of ​​hunting pokemon and completing the Pokédex is fun, although it can be a bit repetitive. The characters are flat and the story irrelevant, artistically very poor although it has a good performance.

    Conclusion: If you like Pokemon one of the best they have done in recent years.
  33. GandhiLover
    Jun 26, 2023
    10
    As a long time Pokemon fan I've waited for this game for such a long time. Actually seeing Pokemon in the wild, being able to interact with them in various ways, watching their behavior,... This is what the future of Pokemon should look like, an open world full of Pokemon and tons of ways to interact with them.
  34. Skuty
    Jun 22, 2023
    10
    This is what myself and many other Pokemon fans have been waiting for such a long time. The amount of ways you can interact with Pokemon caught in the wild and those of your own is truly wonderful. While obviously not perfect graphically, as a longtime Pokemon fan I cannot give this less than a 10/10, solely because I wish Pokemon will keep on going in this direction. PLEASE DON'T LET THISThis is what myself and many other Pokemon fans have been waiting for such a long time. The amount of ways you can interact with Pokemon caught in the wild and those of your own is truly wonderful. While obviously not perfect graphically, as a longtime Pokemon fan I cannot give this less than a 10/10, solely because I wish Pokemon will keep on going in this direction. PLEASE DON'T LET THIS BE THE ONLY LEGENDS GAME, WE WANT MORE!… Expand
  35. SANTIACO
    Jun 19, 2023
    7
    Un videojuego que refresca la formula clásica de los juegos de Pokémon siendo, un buen comienzo para experimentar nuevas mecánicas para juegos a futuro. Aunque Pokémon Leyendas arceus sea algo innovador en la saga, queda a deber debido a su corta duración de juego y a la ausencia de batallas, además de que no se le agrego un multijugador que es algo indispensable para los juegos deUn videojuego que refresca la formula clásica de los juegos de Pokémon siendo, un buen comienzo para experimentar nuevas mecánicas para juegos a futuro. Aunque Pokémon Leyendas arceus sea algo innovador en la saga, queda a deber debido a su corta duración de juego y a la ausencia de batallas, además de que no se le agrego un multijugador que es algo indispensable para los juegos de Pokémon. En el apartado gráfico y técnico tienen detalles que faltan pulir y esto es debido a la falta de tiempo en el desarrollo del juego, además, de que el mapa del juego está casi vacío sin agregar, las pantallas de carga al trasladarte de un lugar a otro.… Expand
  36. SaltyMaud
    Jun 13, 2023
    2
    Core gameplay loop is running from one resource node to the next while capturing each pokemon at least half a dozen times. Sometimes after stuffing their ass with berries first, sometimes after throwing "balls of mud", sometimes doing the same, but stealthily. I don't know who this appeals to, but it's not me. The zones are also void of any landmarks or points of interest, each zone isCore gameplay loop is running from one resource node to the next while capturing each pokemon at least half a dozen times. Sometimes after stuffing their ass with berries first, sometimes after throwing "balls of mud", sometimes doing the same, but stealthily. I don't know who this appeals to, but it's not me. The zones are also void of any landmarks or points of interest, each zone is just a handful of vaguely different biomes littered with materials to gather and pokemon to catch - it's basically a few different wild area zones, and frankly the DLC wild areas in SWSH were more interesting than these. Different pokemon species behave like each other - you got hostile pokemon that seem to spot you from way further than you can even lock on tho them, you got skittish pokemon that run away and despawn when they spot you, and you got neutral pokemon that don't give a sh*t but that's the extent of variation in pokemon behavior. The "boss fights" are ridiculously easy, and the AI is so basic it can get itself stuck in level geometry. There is no way you'll get hit by the telegraphed attack patterns more than once. Side quests are mostly fetch quests. There are literal hours worth of dialogue, none of it voice acted. You'll probably mash B through most of it. Scaling through the story is a bit wonky, there isn't much of a reason to put effort into your team when whatever the next zone offers is usually stronger and higher level anyway. Or you could just bruteforce capture alphas and be way overpowered to anything you'll currently face.

    Battle mechanics have been heavily bastardized for this game. ATB turn order turn order means turns are no longer taken simultaneously, resulting in situations where you may find yourself in a unfavorable matchup against a much faster pokemon, and you don't even get the chance to switch out before the enemy takes one - or more turns. The game is missing like 70%+ of moves, and the remaining moves have been simplified to fit the battle system. The list of missing battle features continues, there are no: priority moves, abilities, held items, weather control, terrain, hazards, speed control, multitarget moves and more. Moves that alter attack or defense now affect both physical and special, stat changes are now limited to a single stage, and they only last for a few turns which is an odd change for sure. Status can also now be overridden by another. There are no pvp battles, but you wouldn't want them with these battle mechanics anyway.

    There are some good quality of life changes, like the ability to swap out learned moves on the go, instead of having to visit the move reminder. On the other hand we have lost mobile access to PC, and we can't fast travel between zones. First you must return to base camp, load into town, leave the gates again, load into the zone and then move to your location - because just flying directly to any point of interest like in any other pokemon game would have been way too convenient.

    The game is pretty poor looking on a technical level, and the artstyle is inconsistent which is a shame, if the game stuck to the artstyle it could have looked decent. Soundscape is also pretty barren and the sparse use of background music doesn't help to hide it.

    PLA is different, I can respect that. But it's also in a lot of ways just straight up worse than previous pokemon games and it doesn't stand on its own as a openworld-esque rpg either. If you want to observe pokemon, play snap. If you want to battle pokemon, play SWSH. If you want a open world RPG, play BotW. PLA has some aspects of them all, but does it very poorly.    … Expand
  37. Dudeoninternet
    Jun 7, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I love this unique game different timeline great frenzied Pokémon and spoiler alert the Arceus battle at the end is super intense but it is still fun… Expand
  38. PeterPP
    Jun 7, 2023
    10
    Fantastic game and a formula somthing i would like to see more of in the future.
  39. ScreenS
    Jun 5, 2023
    2
    If you want a great story in the Pokémon world, play anything else

    If you want rewarding gameplay and a fun loop, play anything else If you are a completionist, play anything else If you are competitively focused there’s no multiplayer, if you’re a solo player it’s still the worst main series game as there’s nothing to do beyond catching 50 of each Pokémon. A total waste of time and    If you want a great story in the Pokémon world, play anything else

    If you want rewarding gameplay and a fun loop, play anything else

    If you are a completionist, play anything else

    If you are competitively focused there’s no multiplayer, if you’re a solo player it’s still the worst main series game as there’s nothing to do beyond catching 50 of each Pokémon.

    A total waste of time and resources that tried to appeal to nobody and succeeded.    … Expand
  40. tju360
    Jun 4, 2023
    10
    Not sure if I was gonna like this, especially being a diehard Pokémon fan since the late 90’s. However, this is one of the best games in the series. The story keeps you hooked, the open world is amazing. Was really surprised at how much I liked. Definitely a must play for all Pokémon lovers.
  41. RatingRating
    May 28, 2023
    10
    This game is a 10. It switches up the formula of battling gyms to battling giant Pokemon. These were basically the Alolan Totem Pokemon done right. It also had a better post story than any other game. Also the only game where I did not immediately recognize the villain. I seriously thought that Volo was nice until he started saying weird stuff. The game even feels more open-world thanThis game is a 10. It switches up the formula of battling gyms to battling giant Pokemon. These were basically the Alolan Totem Pokemon done right. It also had a better post story than any other game. Also the only game where I did not immediately recognize the villain. I seriously thought that Volo was nice until he started saying weird stuff. The game even feels more open-world than Scarlet and Violet at some points. Specifically when you ride the Pokemon.… Expand
  42. Garde_Mystik
    May 25, 2023
    8
    leaving this as a placeholder to rate and in case i want a full review one day. tl;dr - i had a lot of fun with these games, but getting mission blocked after every boss felt like a chore to overcome. the game also had next to nothing going for it after i got arceus. you could either shiny hunt the easiest shinies ever or you could do a constant repetitive string of catching to completeleaving this as a placeholder to rate and in case i want a full review one day. tl;dr - i had a lot of fun with these games, but getting mission blocked after every boss felt like a chore to overcome. the game also had next to nothing going for it after i got arceus. you could either shiny hunt the easiest shinies ever or you could do a constant repetitive string of catching to complete 100% of everything imaginable in the regional pokedex. the eternal battle reverie was cool at first but ended up being far too easy as matches are limited to (1-6) v (1-3 with all pokemon being sent out simultaneously), and any pokemon being able to be used. you were also unable to leave without resetting your streak all over, which dwarfs the potential of customization. i really like this game personally, and am biased because it gave Sinnoh the story it truly needed. Gen 4's plots were so abysmal it's not even funny, but Legends Arceus fixes all the issues there were with it and creates something that represents Gen 4 lore well. if i factor in this bias, i'd give it a 9/10, but nah i won't here.… Expand
  43. ND-Bringer
    May 15, 2023
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Pokemon Legends Arceus is very enjoyable game, except in the long run. Out of all the core series Pokemon games on the Switch, it has the most polish, but it still carries a lot annoying moments. When you rapidly capturing Pokemon in a big, wide, open world, it gives you a sense of adrenaline. You're on a quest to capture and research all the greatest Pokemon from the past and future. And being a time traveler, you must use your modern knowledge and experience with Pokemon training to tackle all the challenges.

    It feels really good to catch Pokemon is this game. With the lack of results screens and options to choose where you want to your Pokemon go. There's more focus on the rush you get from exploring a truly alive world. Nothing will slow you down if you play your cards right. Capturing multiple Pokemon in a row on the first try. Luring powerful alphas with Razz Berries and then striking them from behind with a Gigaton Ball. Claiming airborne Pokemon from far way with far flying Feather Balls. Collecting Pokemon has never been more fun.

    But you also can't get too careless. For if your avatar takes too much damage, they will black out, and you will end up losing important items. The way Pokemon hunt you down in this game reminds me a lot of PokePark. Whenever Pokemon get angry in that game, they would randomly attack Pikachu like it was a battle. This is the nightmare version of that mechanic. The glowing red eyes on the alphas add a lot of menace. Though it also reminds me of the most disappointing arc in the Best Wishes anime.

    Speaking of disappointing, I loathe the boss fights in this game. They're not unbearable per se, whenever you get a game over, you can resume right back where you left off on the boss' health meter. But there's not a ton of breathing room in each clash. You're constantly spamming the throw button to toss treats at the enraged Pokemon to calm them down while also rapidly pressing the dodge roll command to avoid shockwaves and other attacks.

    It's not very comfortable to control. Maybe if there were way more types of dodge commands, like in Smash Bros, it wouldn't be so repetitive. Otherwise I'd prefer a stealth game where you have to avoid the boss in a sealed off labyrinth taking advantage of the premium hunting mechanics. I've studied video game boss fights for years. And what separates the epic battles from the lifeless fist fights is whether or not players would gladly take on the challenge again without regrets.

    Though my biggest gripe with this game comes down to the title itself, oddly enough. You see, during the climax of main story, you have to defeat Dialga and Palkia, the legendary Pokemon from the original generation four games, Diamond and Pearl. But after capturing them, the credits roll, even though Arceus himself stated that you must seek out all Pokemon to complete the game.

    Believe it or not, until he messaged me in the climax, I forgot Arceus was even in this game. He leaves so little impact on the story that you replace him with any other magical guide and miss nothing. It actually would make more sense to call this game "Pokemon Legends: Diamond and Pearl" and leave Arceus as a surprise for the post game.

    With most players being confused with the ending of the main game being to capture all the Pokemon, spending hours waiting for the correct exclusives to appear in the distortion zones, and collecting all the wisps, the adventure would be a lot more comfortable to play if Arceus was treated more like a secret unlock able character, rather than the answer to all questions.

    The true purpose os this journey is to not simply "Gotta Catch em' all". But rather to stop rampaging Pokemon from destroying the past by gathering all the allies you can in the wild.If your going to play this game, just focus on stopping the strongest Pokemon from rampaging, rather than complete Arceus' annoying fetch quest. It takes way too long to gather all the Pokemon with all the luck based mechanics regarding obtainment of the distortion exclusives.    … Expand
  44. MacArron23
    May 15, 2023
    7
    Fresh air that the pokemon franchise neede, had a lot of fun, did 100% and I am waiting for the sequel
  45. rockzombie
    May 14, 2023
    8
    A great refresh taste. The Japanese art style grew on me a lot. Really hope they would continue the journey tho...
  46. JustAGameGuy
    May 14, 2023
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Easily the BEST POKÉMON EXPERIENCE since Black and White 2. One of the best stories known to the series, extremely fun gameplay, what’s not to love!?


    Pokémon Legends: Arceus is home to by far one of - if not THE hardest final bosses in the series. An incredibly tough 6 Vs 8 showdown, only available after catching several legendaries. The main issue with Legends Arceus is that once you complete the post-Game storyline, catch everything, and fight Arceus, there’s very little to do besides start a new file and shiny hunt.    … Expand
  47. Danikyo-Inverso
    May 13, 2023
    10
    La manera en la que se ha revitalizado la franquicia después del fiasco de la 5ta generación es algo bastante inexplicable para mi
    Toma los conceptos que funcionaron muy bien en Espada y Escudo, anterior juego que me gusto por cierto, y lo expande a nuevos horizontes sin perder la esencia en el camino
    No noto ningún problema notorio, por lo que le doy un 10 perfecto.
  48. SgtSocks
    May 11, 2023
    7
    Pokemon is back and better then ever! The Gameplay is refreshing, but the story needs some work. that's really my only problem with this game. This is solid evidence that Graphics does not measure how good a game is.
  49. onielf
    May 11, 2023
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Pokemon Legens: Arceus é uma experiência única e imersiva no mundo de pokemon.
    Não posso descrever de forma tão simples como a chegada na região de Hisui me deixou impressionado. Os primeiros minutos, conhecendo a historia base, sendo introduzido na vila, e reconhecendo personagens que são "antepassados" dos que conhecemos em Sinnoh, são incríveis.
    Esse jogo tem muita coisa a oferecer, como uma experiencia mais estilo survivor, uma relação diferenciada com os pokemon, e uma exploração no mundo aberto desafiadora e com uma boa conexão sentimental que criamos ao jogar.
    No entanto, como o intuito do jogo é descobrir a região e os pokemon em um lugar mais "cru" e sem muita civilização, é comum sentirmos falta de que tivessem outras vilas, cidades maiores, e com diferentes estéticas e culturas (como é costume ter nos jogos principais da franquia), assim como um desfecho final da campanha do protagonista voltando a região de Sinnoh no futuro.
    Enfim, com tudo isso, Pokemon Legends: Arceus é uma experiência maravilhosa, e trata da relação entre pessoas e pokemon de uma forma mais intimista e surpresa do que fomos acostumados a ver nos jogos anteriores da franquia, então eu não poderia dar uma avaliação menos digna do que um 9/10 pra esse jogo.    … Expand
  50. proJRgamer
    May 10, 2023
    10
    Simplemente, espectacular. La historia espectacular y las nuevas mecánicas impresiónate. El tema de la búsqueda de Shinys es de lo que más emocionó, ver en la propia “superficie”. Y tener zonas de mundo abierto fue el impuso a la nueva generación.
  51. ireinert
    May 2, 2023
    10
    jogo muito, muito bem feito, esse comentario vai pros br, joguem e se divirtam
  52. LikeFahrenheit
    Apr 29, 2023
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. the catching and boss fights are the best things from this game and should be a mainstay, everything else is par the course from the series. looks ugly and animations are mediocre. missing a lot of content that would greatly improve the game. Arceus should've been the focus of the climax, not Dialga/Palkia, since that is what the game is called. good game overall.… Expand
  53. Jrsmall
    Apr 28, 2023
    10
    Never thought I’d see the day where I rank something better than Heart Gold and/or Soul Silver. I’m glad I have, and we better get an even better entry down the road in the Legends series.
  54. NazgulzLegacy
    Apr 20, 2023
    5
    The characters are not very likable, the battle system is bad i get hit immediately faint switch then immediately get hit again before i get a turn, sometimes they use strong style and hit twice in a row which means anything can easily ko your legendaries, the variety of pokemon available are few and not very popular, the idea that im expected to catch the same pokemon 25 times isThe characters are not very likable, the battle system is bad i get hit immediately faint switch then immediately get hit again before i get a turn, sometimes they use strong style and hit twice in a row which means anything can easily ko your legendaries, the variety of pokemon available are few and not very popular, the idea that im expected to catch the same pokemon 25 times is ridiculous and boring its usually hard enough to catch one of every pokemon available in these games, but this was an okay game not worth the crazy price tag though.… Expand
  55. Weidenwiesel
    Apr 20, 2023
    3
    This game is painfully mediocre and boring.
    The only innovation they had with this game is "open world" that's it.
    It's just running around and dumbly throwing pokeballs at everything that moves. There is only one town which acts like a hub and multiple maps which all play in the same way. Go in, go to the quest markers and pray'n'spay pokeballs left and right. Almost no trainer    This game is painfully mediocre and boring.
    The only innovation they had with this game is "open world" that's it.
    It's just running around and dumbly throwing pokeballs at everything that moves.
    There is only one town which acts like a hub and multiple maps which all play in the same way.
    Go in, go to the quest markers and pray'n'spay pokeballs left and right.
    Almost no trainer battles, no multi-battles, stupid search and fetch sidemissions, still no voice-overs, unskippable tedious cutscenes and talks talks talks. Like, shut the f up and let me play the game!

    There is nothing keeping me playing this game.
    After 10hrs, I feel like I've seen everything.
    All of my pokemon are already twice the level of anything I encounter, including the very very few trainers you have to battle. I know the past pokemon games weren't challenging, but this is ridiculously easy. I'm falling asleep. I'ts pointless to continue.

    And when you finally meet one of these new king pokemon, all you do is throw balls at them until they submit. What the f is this?
    Where are the type themed gym battles?
    Where are the puzzles?
    Where are multiplayer battles?
    Where are the dark caves and interesting mountaintops?
    Where is the actual fun?
    Seriously cannot understand all the positive reviews.

    It's so boring. I'm glad I played this on an emulator and did not give these lazy devs any money.    … Expand
  56. AAAIPLAIVIDOGAM
    Apr 19, 2023
    10
    This game is EVERYTHING you could want in a pokemon game. Outside of the graphivs but that was never an issue for me. The gameplay is great and i actually cared for a pokemon story for the first time in a while. The new pokemon are great, Kleavor, Baasculeagion, the hisuian starters are all AMAZING! And there are so many side quests. It took me so long to complete the game. This game isThis game is EVERYTHING you could want in a pokemon game. Outside of the graphivs but that was never an issue for me. The gameplay is great and i actually cared for a pokemon story for the first time in a while. The new pokemon are great, Kleavor, Baasculeagion, the hisuian starters are all AMAZING! And there are so many side quests. It took me so long to complete the game. This game is AMAZING and my favourite switch game of 2022.… Expand
  57. Oxakbal
    Mar 14, 2023
    10
    Después de aproximadamente un año de estar jugando el juego y de haber jugado la novena generación, estoy completamente convencido de que Pokémon Leyendas es mi juego favorito de Pokémon y espero con ansias una nueva entrega o DLC.
  58. Jerem8
    Apr 11, 2023
    8
    Despite the bad graphisms, Pokémon has to reinvent his gameplay to perfection. The history is good, the artistic direction is great. It's too bad the graphics couldn't have been done better.
  59. SuperSonic95
    Apr 7, 2023
    10
    It's best game pokemon for a very long time !!! The exploration is so satifying and respect 4th generation not as remake/remaster diamond and pearl !!! I'm Hope for the future of pokemon now !!!
  60. matheusfox
    Apr 7, 2023
    6
    Ok, I had a lot of fun with this game, but... I'm not able to see the money that Game Freak receive to develop this game. About graphics, in a world that there are Genshin Impact, Dragon Ball FighterZ and The Legend of Zelda Wind Waker HD, I cannot be soft to judge the Pokemon Legends: Arceus graphics. These graphics look like Nintendo Wii game, actually, worse. The Legend of Zelda SkywardOk, I had a lot of fun with this game, but... I'm not able to see the money that Game Freak receive to develop this game. About graphics, in a world that there are Genshin Impact, Dragon Ball FighterZ and The Legend of Zelda Wind Waker HD, I cannot be soft to judge the Pokemon Legends: Arceus graphics. These graphics look like Nintendo Wii game, actually, worse. The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword has better art than Legends Arceus. About songs, almost everything or is a old Pokemon song remixed or a The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild copy. The story is really silly, anything makes sense and everything are so boring. About controls, sometimes they don't work, making you being frustrated. The best things is the mechanism to catch pokemon in the forest. This game is not a open world, but is cool to catch pokemon on that place, craft items, I loved that. The game could be really good, but, i don't know, its like the money that the most rental game franchise of the world is not used in their games. Sad, because Pokemon Legends: Arceus could be the best game of all time.… Expand
  61. Gumdrop
    Apr 5, 2023
    10
    I kind of missed out on Pokemon when it started. None of my friends were really into it and my parents were never going to fund something that I needed to collect. Later, I made friends who were avid Pokemon fans. But by then 20+ years of Pokemon develoipment had happened and it was just too huge to get into.

    But I've always found it intriguing. None of the games I'd seen really seemed    I kind of missed out on Pokemon when it started. None of my friends were really into it and my parents were never going to fund something that I needed to collect. Later, I made friends who were avid Pokemon fans. But by then 20+ years of Pokemon develoipment had happened and it was just too huge to get into.

    But I've always found it intriguing. None of the games I'd seen really seemed like something I could jump into without feeling lost or overtwhelmed. For me, Arceus is that game. Jumping in, I'm not overwhelmed by Pokemon lore. I don't need to know much about Pokemon to enjoy it.

    And I'm loving it. It's a ton of fun. It feels like the perfect jumping point for someone with little to no Pokemon history. It plays great and there's plenty to do. So if you're like me and you're new to Pokemon then this is a great choice.    … Expand
  62. MetaBones
    Apr 4, 2023
    9
    Ultimately, this game is what convinced me to pick up a Nintendo Switch and while I've loved the game, I'm also grateful to it for opening the gateway to a lot of other great Switch games!

    Pokemon Legends: Arceus is the pokemon game I never quite knew I wanted. Yes, I knew I wanted a more free and "open-world" style Pokemon experience but having the time-period be so feudal and simple    Ultimately, this game is what convinced me to pick up a Nintendo Switch and while I've loved the game, I'm also grateful to it for opening the gateway to a lot of other great Switch games!

    Pokemon Legends: Arceus is the pokemon game I never quite knew I wanted. Yes, I knew I wanted a more free and "open-world" style Pokemon experience but having the time-period be so feudal and simple was something I would never think of. Yet, it now stands as one of my favorite games in the franchise.

    The premise of lawless and dangerous Pokemon expeditions is intriguing from beginning to end. You start as a helpless nobody that moves up the ranks to a respected and confident Pokemon master ready to brave the elements and enemies you'll encounter. The excitement of making the franchise fresh again cannot be understated. Arceus managed to keep the suspense up by constant discovering new Pokemon in various locations and completing the first Pokedex.

    I've heard critics complain about some clunky mechanics. Personally, I've experienced no such problems. Everything felt smooth and intuitive enough and once you understand the basics, mastering the mechanics are rather straight-forward. My only complaints come down the aesthetics and scope of the region you explore.

    First, the aesthetics, the art-style by design was a great choice in my opinion. I just think more graphical detail could've been added to enhance certain landscapes like bushes and trees. This would've furthered my immersion. Second, scope of the region. I was happy with the amount of places to explore and find Pokemon but felt a little disappointed that there weren't small villages throughout the region. The idea the Jubilife is essentially it is quite disappointing. This could've been a great opportunity for additional side-quests to help neighboring villages and their relationships with the Pokemon they'd likely be afraid of.

    I would've also liked to some kind of flash forward in time to your character's original time era to take a glance at how things have changed. I understand that's asking for a lot but it could've sent the game soaring. All the side quests and space-time glitches where strange pokemon appear are great additions enough to keep things interesting apart from the core game.

    Overall, I would've liked to see some more technical finesse to the final product but the number of risks they took and bold gameplay make this game far outweigh its admittedly many flaws. Most importantly, however, it made me fall back in love with the game franchise that made me love video games in the first place. For that, well done!    … Expand
  63. George_K
    Apr 4, 2023
    10
    when this game was supposed to release I didn't have my expectation, but when it did when i first played i was amazed I have now finished the game (I actually have more than 3 months that i finished it) and i can truly write my opinion about it, great story with great exploration and a lot of pokemon this game is sure different and no other in the genre, as i see it it a must for thewhen this game was supposed to release I didn't have my expectation, but when it did when i first played i was amazed I have now finished the game (I actually have more than 3 months that i finished it) and i can truly write my opinion about it, great story with great exploration and a lot of pokemon this game is sure different and no other in the genre, as i see it it a must for the switch and one of the best games in the console, if you don't buy it you are missing out a lot… Expand
  64. ABigFatAirAtom
    Apr 4, 2023
    10
    PLA is a masterpeice
    The artwork is absolutely astonishing
    The "new" pokemon look incredibly cool Shiny hunting is the best in the franchise and the fact you can hunt the starters without a bilingual goo ball is too good It is refreshing knowing that with ONE copy of the game you can complete the pokedex and so then you don't have to mortally sacrifice 90 Australian dollars to Japanese    PLA is a masterpeice
    The artwork is absolutely astonishing
    The "new" pokemon look incredibly cool
    Shiny hunting is the best in the franchise and the fact you can hunt the starters without a bilingual goo ball is too good
    It is refreshing knowing that with ONE copy of the game you can complete the pokedex and so then you don't have to mortally sacrifice 90 Australian dollars to Japanese mickey mouse is too good
    I love how shiny hunting takes about a minute prep time if you're unlucky and can provide for some of the best odds in the franchise.
    Shinies appearing in the over world really speeds up hunting.
    You don't have to battle a pokemon to catch it you can just catch it
    the fact it's several hundred years in the past is cool
    Alphas are a very welcome gimmik, big pokemon, better stats, rarer shiny
    Strong and Agile style moves are cool, you sacrfice turns or attack power for more attack power or moves.

    The only negatives I can think of is
    - you can die
    - you can't warp if a pokemon is aggravated at you
    - level 100 pokemon seem weaker than they should (can't OHKO unevolved lv60's with a neutral move)
    - Paras    … Expand
  65. felipegsm
    Mar 28, 2023
    8
    Até então o jogo tem sido muito divertido, apensar de não ser um mundo aberto e sim limitado em zonas, as mesmas são muito vastas e cheias de vida selvagem; claro que você vai encontrar cenários vazios, o que acontece bastante nas botas das zonas, mas ademais é tudo tem muita vida.
    Sobre a história, ainda não finalizei o jogo mas achei o conceito do seu personagem voltar no tempo e    Até então o jogo tem sido muito divertido, apensar de não ser um mundo aberto e sim limitado em zonas, as mesmas são muito vastas e cheias de vida selvagem; claro que você vai encontrar cenários vazios, o que acontece bastante nas botas das zonas, mas ademais é tudo tem muita vida.
    Sobre a história, ainda não finalizei o jogo mas achei o conceito do seu personagem voltar no tempo e participar do início dessa união homem/pokémon muito bom. O jogo é um 8 bem redondo.    … Expand
  66. Bearyunite
    Mar 26, 2023
    6
    Good but repetitive i like the new idea for the pokemon formula but it just not very good on the eyes and the pokemon and background don't match to me but definitely one of the best in the pokemon switch
  67. ChaosRex88
    Mar 22, 2023
    10
    After playing Legends for two months and more than 100 hours, I decided it was time to give this game its due for being amazing. This was the Pokémon spin-off I wanted to stay away from for a while until other reviews flew in, because Pokémon spin-offs aren't really my thing. In the past, I played spin-offs like Pokémon Snap for the N64, Gameboy's card game, Pokémon Puzzle League, andAfter playing Legends for two months and more than 100 hours, I decided it was time to give this game its due for being amazing. This was the Pokémon spin-off I wanted to stay away from for a while until other reviews flew in, because Pokémon spin-offs aren't really my thing. In the past, I played spin-offs like Pokémon Snap for the N64, Gameboy's card game, Pokémon Puzzle League, and Pokémon Pinball. Then, I stopped playing those after the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon games happened and wanted only the main entries.

    Now today, I wanted something more from Pokémon instead of what Brillant Diamond's outdated gameplay offered and Violet's annoying glitches. Especially because the whole thing about making it to the Pokémon League finally grew stale as well.

    In comes Pokémon Legends: Arceus, which starts you off with the story being about you entering the Hisui region through time and space. The game focuses on you, not just a professor who says, "Okay, pick a Pokémon, and now get going." Nope. You'll be introduced to quite a bit in the beginning, but only so you understand both gameplay and your purpose. It's not your typical Pokémon game.

    Yes, you catch Pokémon during encounters. Yes, you can also train them as usual, and the evolution system is better and more practical. Forget about needing to trade Graveler to get Golem; they have a link cable item for that. They all have unique behavior and don't immediately start a battle if you get close enough to them.  Be warned, the territorial Pokémon will attack you without engaging in battle. Also, if you like boss battles, it has those too, which are also part of the story. The game actually does something Game Freak and Nintendo have only promoted since the first games. Which is, you've Gotta Catch Them All! However, you feel like you can catch them all, always on your own time, to enjoy much more. Also, I'm glad you don't need two versions just to get most of the Pokémon. Game Freak, please, no more of that two versions stuff. You can build the Pokédex, but differently, and I don't mean that in a bad way. You'll be able to build Pokédex entries for each Pokémon and their evolutions with unique research-related tasks, but they make it fun, not a full-time job. However, there's a rank system involving stars, like receiving badges. I managed to get up to five stars in the first section of the region alone. Yes, the first section is what I said, with LOTS of Pokémon and land to explore.

    The way this game sets up multiple locations to visit in Hisui is totally how I would have wanted Paldea to do it. With Paldea, you get one big map. With Hisui, on the other hand, you get a large map with multiple sections to choose from, and each one is huge, some bigger than others, but you don't get tired of exploring just one map this way.

    So in conclusion, so I don't spoil anything entirely, everything in this game met my highest expectations and more. Even the catching system is something I wanted Violet to keep instead of sending out Pokémon to instantly fight. Also, shiny's aren't quiet like in Violet. When you see a shiny Pokémon or even hear one nearby, you'll know just by the stars flying around them and the slight jingling sounds. So enjoy shining hunting and distortion events too, which are like Pokémon catching raids with rare and shiny Pokémon sometimes appearing. Check this out as a fan and as someone who loves open-world-ish games to have plenty to do. Great job, Pokémon Company!    … Expand
  68. Androo
    Mar 18, 2023
    10
    Absolutely incredible game, the most challenging Pokemon game since Platinum. Shiny hunting is enjoyable, there is always something to do, Volo is a very challenging trainer at the end of the game, and alpha Pokemon are a great idea. If i had to complain about something, I would say that collecting all 107 wisps to get Spiritomb is unnecessary and tedious, it's annoying when you throw aAbsolutely incredible game, the most challenging Pokemon game since Platinum. Shiny hunting is enjoyable, there is always something to do, Volo is a very challenging trainer at the end of the game, and alpha Pokemon are a great idea. If i had to complain about something, I would say that collecting all 107 wisps to get Spiritomb is unnecessary and tedious, it's annoying when you throw a pokeball at something and it just bounces off because "You were too far away". All in all, one of my favorite games ever, although it has it's flaws, they are fairly minor.… Expand
  69. Vinivitorioyo
    Mar 9, 2023
    6
    Pokémon tem sido só decepção. Mas esse jogo tive um início de gameplay muito empolgante. Acho que os últimos mapas são péssimos. Mas tem uma experiência de gameplay nova e funciona bem. Joguei com gosto e achei que compensa bem o valor pago. Mas é um jogo com vários problemas que não tem como ignorar.
  70. Barny
    Mar 9, 2023
    0
    Absolute trash from beginning to nowhere. If you have the courage to pass the unskippable tutorials and dialogues (I gave up at the 3 hours mark), it is a testament to your wilful desire to endure pain.
  71. TJD2
    Mar 4, 2023
    9
    Pokemon Legends Arceus is close to being the best Pokemon game I have played. Catching Pokemon and stealthing your way through the various areas of the Hisui region is a blast, and the act of filling your "Pokedex" is fun as always. The new features and gameplay mechanics are a breath of fresh air, and the crafting is a welcome feature that SHOULD have stayed around for Scarlet andPokemon Legends Arceus is close to being the best Pokemon game I have played. Catching Pokemon and stealthing your way through the various areas of the Hisui region is a blast, and the act of filling your "Pokedex" is fun as always. The new features and gameplay mechanics are a breath of fresh air, and the crafting is a welcome feature that SHOULD have stayed around for Scarlet and Violet - as is the case with a lot of features from this game. There are a few snags - the graphics aren't all that appealing but they do their job. Some of the textures feel very dated and the environments are bland but still end up looking better than Scarlet/Violet and BDSP but worse than Sword/Shield. The world isn't truly "open" as advertised but broken up into sections within the region. I think this is to the game's benefit as Scarlet/Violet was a true open world that had to cut many corners to get it out so quickly and out on the Switch. There aren't many corners cut here and Pokemon Legends Arceus comes in right behind Heartgold/Crystal as my favorite Pokemon game of all time.… Expand
  72. TheQweast
    Mar 3, 2023
    7
    A pretty interesting side game in the Pokemon franchise experimenting with a more open world feel. I like the mechanics with stealth and catching as a whole the story overall was a bummer for me as it kept feeling samey. Also love the art style it actually makes the 3d models pop which was something they were missing in Pokemon sword. The gimmick in this game was also a bit disappointingA pretty interesting side game in the Pokemon franchise experimenting with a more open world feel. I like the mechanics with stealth and catching as a whole the story overall was a bummer for me as it kept feeling samey. Also love the art style it actually makes the 3d models pop which was something they were missing in Pokemon sword. The gimmick in this game was also a bit disappointing but all the new forms are stunning.… Expand
  73. jocariba
    Mar 2, 2023
    9
    Es la evolución que yo esperaba de pokemon, me encantó aun que tiene muchos detalles, gráficamente es muy mejorable, el rendimiento también es mejorable, arranca muy lento y tiene pocos combates con entrenadores, pero la verdad es que todo lo demás es muy bueno, mi juego favorito de 2022
  74. DanB_06
    Feb 28, 2023
    5
    I went in to this game not positive, I have a friend who hates this game big time and recommended I didn't play. I decided to play anyways. And at first, I loved it! But as I progressed, I start to dislike the game more and more. Note, I play competitive singles and VGC doubles, and adore pokemon battling, so the changes made in this game to battles and abilities just kill any interest II went in to this game not positive, I have a friend who hates this game big time and recommended I didn't play. I decided to play anyways. And at first, I loved it! But as I progressed, I start to dislike the game more and more. Note, I play competitive singles and VGC doubles, and adore pokemon battling, so the changes made in this game to battles and abilities just kill any interest I have anymore. Removing abilities? Removing turns for a BS turn order system where you randomly will get hit 2 times at the start of a battle? Getting rid of items like the life orb and choice items? I find the battle system only works in scripted fights, like fighting the boss pokemon. Even trying to fight wardens and clan leaders, I constantly find myself barraged by random wild pokemon, turning a good fight into absolute BS. I really loved the ability to catch pokemon without battling, I absolutely adore the new pokemon and am waiting patiently for them to join Scarlet / Violet. But the small changes made to battling make a huge difference for someone like me, who finds the strategy and consistency in battling to be amazing. I cannot recommend anyone buy this game now that Scarlet and Violet are released, nor can I even recommend pirating the game, as it feels incredibly sluggish and confusing.

    TLDR; I loved the changes made to the core gameplay loop, but the changes to the battle system feel like reinventing the wheel while the wheel is in motion. Just buy Scarlet / Violet and ask a friend to share some HIsuian pokemon with you when Pokemon HOME compatibility is released for SV. Don't waste your time.    … Expand
  75. Prizmeta57
    Feb 19, 2023
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game got each member of my family pregnant including me buy if you want pregnant… Expand
  76. sebseb08
    Feb 19, 2023
    10
    One of, if not the best Pokémon game in the entire series - been a fan since Diamond and Pear came out, have played every game since then.
  77. OGWNT
    Feb 17, 2023
    10
    WTF is this game?? This game was gonna be the best pokemon game ever and now i want to stick my head through a piton. **** THIS GAME AND YOU, GAMFREAK. 0/10
  78. briiiz
    Feb 15, 2023
    7
    在体验玩朱紫后才回来玩的阿尔宙斯，很大程度上阿尔宙斯该有的优点都继承去了朱紫那边，因此对我而言阿尔宙斯的自由捕捉并没有那么的有吸引力，而游戏流程中又是多段硬性需要玩家提升捕捉的队员星级，反复刷等级确实不是很舒服。另一方面在游戏系统上大幅度简化并改用行动条的机制，算是有好有坏吧，虽然本身pve没多少深度但是还是有点过于简化了。另一方面游戏里还有大量支线，但是我的评价是做不好的支线可以不做，几乎所有任务都是水到不行，实在没有做完的想法。在体验玩朱紫后才回来玩的阿尔宙斯，很大程度上阿尔宙斯该有的优点都继承去了朱紫那边，因此对我而言阿尔宙斯的自由捕捉并没有那么的有吸引力，而游戏流程中又是多段硬性需要玩家提升捕捉的队员星级，反复刷等级确实不是很舒服。另一方面在游戏系统上大幅度简化并改用行动条的机制，算是有好有坏吧，虽然本身pve没多少深度但是还是有点过于简化了。另一方面游戏里还有大量支线，但是我的评价是做不好的支线可以不做，几乎所有任务都是水到不行，实在没有做完的想法。
  79. AshuraZoro
    Feb 13, 2023
    8
    bad looking, and no voice actors. this 2 things was anoying at the start, but its a great game
  80. Nordmansk
    Feb 12, 2023
    10
    Juegazo! Los gráficos son como los de una dreamcast, pero por lo menos han hecho algo diferente y no como siempre. Gracias Game Freak, pero ojalá Nintendo os compre la saga al 100% y se la den a Level 5 o Monolith Soft.
  81. Rockyford
    Feb 9, 2023
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It’s good until you get to a point where you have to battle the leader of the galaxy clan which is rigged everything and move is in their favor. For example they use a move of strong style and he gets to go twice when I get to go twice it’s canceled and they go. Another example is their moves keep changing powers even against Pokémon their type is super weak too . So therefore rigged at the end… Expand
  82. Yallahs9
    Feb 2, 2023
    10
    Es adictivo querer llenar la Pokédex y atraparlos. Los shinys son más sencillos de atrapar y eso ayuda a darle vida al juego
  83. PotatoePink
    Jan 31, 2023
    10
    A great Pokémon game that is very different from every other Pokémon game. Wile the open world isn't much it is still great and it is fun seeing all the Pokémon walking around in the world. All of the new regional forms are also great.
  84. MetaChar
    Jan 31, 2023
    10
    JUST FUN. NOTHING. BUT. FUN. If this kind of game comes out for another region, it will be a must buy. The shiny sparkle, the pokeballs you can just throw in the overworld to catch the pokemon, the new forms, everything is great.
  85. ProfesorAbeto
    Jan 31, 2023
    7
    Tiene mecanicas que aunque mejorables sinceramente espero ver en futuros juegos, la historia interesante sin más, creo que aun falta por explorar mucho del mundo del pasado que espero que se haga en futuros leyendas, se va evolucionando este es el camino sin duda
  86. Henny887
    Jan 22, 2023
    10
    After SwSh, became the most hated Pokémon games of all time Gamefreak needed to do something. So, they released Legends Arceus. Changing a lot of elements of Pokémon was amazing I mean you can die to Pokémon now you can't do that any other game. While it's story and graphics may not be the best, Legends Arceus does so much for Pokémon that you can not deny that it's one of the most amazingAfter SwSh, became the most hated Pokémon games of all time Gamefreak needed to do something. So, they released Legends Arceus. Changing a lot of elements of Pokémon was amazing I mean you can die to Pokémon now you can't do that any other game. While it's story and graphics may not be the best, Legends Arceus does so much for Pokémon that you can not deny that it's one of the most amazing Pokémon games.… Expand
  87. empowell
    Jan 17, 2023
    8
    The story starts off slow but I love the new way to catch Pokemon. This game made me interested in playing pokemon again.
  88. ACI378
    Jan 16, 2023
    9
    Un juego que revitaliza por completo la franquicia. En lo jugable no puedo reprocharle nada, es uno de los que más he disfrutado en muchos años. Con un postgame bueno, muy bueno. Lo único que le ha faltado y por lo que no pude ponerle un 10, es por el apartado técnico, que como viene siendo costumbre con pokemon últimamente, es uno de sus puntos más débiles.
  89. JNTHN13
    Jan 15, 2023
    8
    O que posso dizer... assim, o jogo tem uma ótima jogabilidade, porém, os gráficos são ruins (nada que deixe injogável, mas ainda sim são um pouco ruins). O jogo tem um sistema de RPG de turno ao mesmo tempo que tem um de RPG de ação (quando está fora das batalhas ou nas batalhas contra os "Pokémon Royal" o jogo vai ser em RPG de ação, mas se entrar numa batalha jogando sua pokebola emO que posso dizer... assim, o jogo tem uma ótima jogabilidade, porém, os gráficos são ruins (nada que deixe injogável, mas ainda sim são um pouco ruins). O jogo tem um sistema de RPG de turno ao mesmo tempo que tem um de RPG de ação (quando está fora das batalhas ou nas batalhas contra os "Pokémon Royal" o jogo vai ser em RPG de ação, mas se entrar numa batalha jogando sua pokebola em algum pokémon na área o jogo vira RPG de turno) mas, a ação não é nada difícil, nem mesmo as batalhas de turno, então, se você procura um jogo um pouco mais difícil, com gráficos melhores, esse jogo não é para ti. Mas se procura um com uma jogabilidade legal e poder lançar sua pokebola em todo pokémon em volta, pode ir que você vai gostar kk.… Expand
  90. irai16
    Jan 6, 2023
    8
    An unexpectedly good and underrated gem from Gamefreak! The open world is great and feels even better than the world in Scarlet and Violet, with better Pokemon battles too. I'd recommend this to any Pokemon fan looking for a change of pace.
  91. Black_Mullet
    Jan 3, 2023
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Negatives:
    1. Generally bad graphics for a 2022 game, especially the water texture.
    2. Only 1 city and load screens and talking to ppl to get in and out of areas instead of open world
    3. No online battling
    4. No breeding, no abilities, no held items
    5. Trainer battles were rare, somewhere around 20-30 I think.
    6. Non existent post game.
    7. Battling at training grounds is underwhelming and why am I fighting 1 vs 3?
    8. New combat system is 1 step forward 2 steps backwards, and we don't even know exactly how it works. I was able to attack at least 9 TIMES in a row with Staraptor and Quick Attack against a slower opponent at my own level.
    9. Not many Pokemon, no national dex.
    10. Your Pokemon don't follow you, that's a big disappointment.
    11. You can feed any other Pokemon except your own lol.
    12. The Effort Levels mechanics, plain and unintuitive.
    13. A bit too many cutscenes, although no voice acting. At least cutscenes don't look disgusting. (cough cough SW/SH)
    14. No minimap.
    15. Button layout is straight up bad, 100+ hours on and every time I need to get used to them.
    16. In Noble fights game turned into Dark Souls for no reason.
    Positives:
    The most innovative game in the series so far, is also the best Pokemon game ever in terms of mechanics and sheer gameplay. It's an action RPG Pokemon game, you can throw stuff, get hit, ROLL!!, straight up catch anything you want by throwing pokeballs. Way better gameplay than S/V, the fluidity is just incomparable. Pokemon look amazing when you take them out of their balls, I'd like them to follow you around , interact with items you throw or automatically get into fights etc, but still, they really look awesome just standing there when you take them out (and you can actually take great pics unlike SV where they are constantly moving). UI looks clean moreso than SV, the story is great, the side quests are cool, new forms are dope too, alphas as well, they nailed them. Shiny hunting is the best and easiest it's ever been. Overall a very intuitive approach to Pokemon games

    This game could be 9/10 if it was fully open world and had a tad better graphics, and a 10/10 had they included the things I mentioned, which I don't think it's too difficult to do for the next Legends title. I want Legends to be the new mainline and get all the mechanics it's missing. Buy this game people, it really is different in an awesome way.    … Expand
  92. Elevas
    Dec 30, 2022
    10
    Genuinely the best pokemon game I’ve ever played. Only thing it’s missing is a new-game+ so I can play the story again without needing to complete the dex all over.
  93. Derpcat
    Sep 24, 2022
    10
    When this Pokémon presents happened, everyone thought the remakes would be the thing to talk about. And this happened.

    Open world Pokémon. How about that? If you don’t know what that means, then it means the world is much more open and explorable. It feels much more immersive and personalized. This is much better than the old Pokémon formula. Not to say that the old formula is bad, but    When this Pokémon presents happened, everyone thought the remakes would be the thing to talk about. And this happened.

    Open world Pokémon. How about that? If you don’t know what that means, then it means the world is much more open and explorable. It feels much more immersive and personalized. This is much better than the old Pokémon formula. Not to say that the old formula is bad, but it’s leagues behind the new one. The game also looks gorgeous in a hand-drawn sort of way. The music is quite good, and reminds me of Diamond & Pearl.

    The story is that you are teleported by some diety to when Sinnoh, or Hisui as it was called, and stop the powered-up Pokémon terrorizing the region, whilst filling up that Pokédex. I won’t go into further detail, but the story is quite intricate.

    There is more content then Mario Odyssey. There are tons of side quests and a post game. This is hours and if you want the true ending, you need all the Pokémon.

    This game is what the new Pokémon formula is. I’m excited for Scarlet and Violet already.    … Expand
  94. AleRommy
    Dec 28, 2022
    7
    This game is hard to rate, on one side if compared to the previous pokemon games is just way more fresh and innovative, a beginning for something very good; but in the other side if compared to modern games is just way too antiquated in the graphics and the mechanics.
    I really loved this game but se as pokemon fans deserve better quality and not 2 games in a year One of witch could be    This game is hard to rate, on one side if compared to the previous pokemon games is just way more fresh and innovative, a beginning for something very good; but in the other side if compared to modern games is just way too antiquated in the graphics and the mechanics.
    I really loved this game but se as pokemon fans deserve better quality and not 2 games in a year One of witch could be good and the other One is a total disaster.    … Expand
  95. thompsonmelo
    Dec 28, 2022
    7
    best pokemon game implements all of the previous ones with map quality and good story with the best pokemons in the playable franchise and an evolution of the small fight system but that improves playing considered graphics compared to others in the series and stable fps
  96. gian_pkr
    Dec 28, 2022
    8
    One of the best pokemon games so far. Graphic could be better (it would be a 10 with good graphic) but it has an amazing gameplay and performance are pretty stable and everything works fine. Hope for the future of pokemon games!
  97. ZXSth
    Dec 16, 2022
    7
    In his YouTube video on the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Arin Hanson comedically rants at a metaphorical representation of one of the franchise's successive instalments, Skyward Sword, is lauded with praise entirely because it rides the coattails of its predecessors. Similarly, I believe that much of Pokemon Legends: Arceus' praise has been heaped upon it simply due to the fact thatIn his YouTube video on the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Arin Hanson comedically rants at a metaphorical representation of one of the franchise's successive instalments, Skyward Sword, is lauded with praise entirely because it rides the coattails of its predecessors. Similarly, I believe that much of Pokemon Legends: Arceus' praise has been heaped upon it simply due to the fact that it is not the same abhorrently mundane, head-bashing, mind-numbingly repetitive slog that most Pokemon games have become. While Pokemon Legends: Arceus is a solid open-world adventure RPG, this game has come about 10 years too late, in my opinion, and lacks the nuance needed to stand on its own two feet in a world populated with games that not only outshine it, but also came out almost ten years ago.

    Arceus has some strengths: Its open world is fun to explore, and speeding up Pokemon battles streamlines the combat in a really positive way. Additionally, the core experience of the Pokemon games is here, which will likely please series veterans craving more of the same. And of course, needless to say, shaking up the Pokemon formula after so long is an incredibly desirable and long overdue change of pace.

    Despite the game being a rather pleasant experience, this game seems, at its core, to be a moderately successful hodgepodge of Pokemon Go and Breath of the Wild. At its best, the game is a streamlined Pokemon experience; at its worst, it is a slog through a somewhat lifeless and archaic-looking semi-open world, where the same tired, outdated turn-based battle system is used. Somehow, after 25 years, Pokemon games are still managing to survive using what is almost exactly the same simplistic, turn-based combat that arguably does little to differentiate itself from the first Dragon Quest game on the NES - a game made in 1986.

    While many may see this game as a step in the right direction for Pokemon games to go, I cannot help but think that the game is not a big enough step. As nice as it is to see that Nintendo is willing to bend a bit regarding one of their flagship franchises, not enough risks were taken - risks that would likely elevate this good-enough experience to heights only hit by the original Red and Blue games.    … Expand
  98. Caliban_Dornan
    Dec 16, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Just fantastic! eldich a further development, just a bit too grindy and the graphics of the upper world is to be complained about. otherwise the best pokemon since Heart Gold.
    because it can not be higher for my standards by "gamefreak" it is for me a 10/10.    … Expand
  99. AlexMakesToast
    Dec 16, 2022
    7
    Arceus = 7/10
    .............................................................
  100. Elwoodwrap
    Dec 15, 2022
    2
    I gave this game a solid 15 hours before giving up from boredom. I just found the story to be boring and was not a fan of the controls or lay out. I like that Pokémon tried something new, but this did not do it for me.
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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]
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