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. 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
  2. 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.
  3. griv2001
    Feb 5, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I am loving it! The battle mechanics are fun. The only downside for me is the graphics. Overall, a breath of fresh air for the franchise.… Expand
  4. 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
  5. 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.
  6. Verlisify
    Jan 30, 2022
    10
    Best game ever I really love the graphics and everything about it's great this might just be my favorite game of all time
  7. 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
  8. 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.
  9. navarropa
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    Gran juego, la gente que se queja tanto es pq desde hace siglos les dejó de gustar la saga
  10. Elpolaco
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    La verdad es que este Pokémon a diferencia de muchos otros consigue cambiar la esquemática de Pokémon haciendo que las mecánicas y la historia de fondo sean mucho mas disfrutables. Sin duda una increíble mejora desde el juego pasado
  11. Lupum
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    Huge step in the right direction! With PLA as a foundation, the future of Pokémon games looks bright. It’s not perfect and I understand the qualms regarding the graphics and lack of voice acting. However, this is a MAJOR improvement over the lackluster and lazy Sword & Shield and I am having a blast. If you’re on the fence, I recommend giving it a chance. I would’ve given it an 8 or 9, butHuge step in the right direction! With PLA as a foundation, the future of Pokémon games looks bright. It’s not perfect and I understand the qualms regarding the graphics and lack of voice acting. However, this is a MAJOR improvement over the lackluster and lazy Sword & Shield and I am having a blast. If you’re on the fence, I recommend giving it a chance. I would’ve given it an 8 or 9, but since so many trolls are review bombing it, I’m bumping it to a 10 to try and balance it out. Most fun I’ve had in a Pokémon game since Red & Blue.… Expand
  12. TailsEmoh
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    el mejor juego de pokemon que he jugado, muy entretenido e historia espectacular
  13. Clloud
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    Normally I'd give this game a 8, but since everyone is giving zeros........
  14. NMaster
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    This is the best Pokémon game I’ve ever played. It’s everything I always dreamed of since I was a kid playing Red/Blue. Yes, the graphics could be better, but the game is so much fun that it makes up for it. I’m so happy that Game Freak finally left their comfort zone and tried something new. I’m in love with this game and can’t stop playing it!
  15. baohuykhoi113
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    this is the pokemon game i have looking for since a kid. despite the bad graphic this game is insanely good for me
  16. Wolfseer
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    Overall this game is a great stepping stone for the Pokémon Franchise as a whole. The mechanics and gameplay are phenomenal and I feel this is a great starting point for the games going forward. All of my friends who have picked up this game absolutely love the game and are having a blast.

    Anyone who has rated this game a 0 you are just review bombing this game. You have absolutely    Overall this game is a great stepping stone for the Pokémon Franchise as a whole. The mechanics and gameplay are phenomenal and I feel this is a great starting point for the games going forward. All of my friends who have picked up this game absolutely love the game and are having a blast.

    Anyone who has rated this game a 0 you are just review bombing this game. You have absolutely nothing to complain about, Nintendo did a great job showing off all kinds of different videos showing off gameplay.    … Expand
  17. Josecafe
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    jajajajajajajaj take this haters bueno no e comprado el juego pero de verdad quiero jugar un pokemon con buena nota asi que hare esto
  18. Snuffs
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    Best Pokémon Game in a long long time. A fresh take on Pokémon is just what was needed. Good gameplay.
  19. Mooynz
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    I really liked it, it may not be a graphic masterpiece but it's a lot of fun, the changes are positive, and because they are positive, they tend to stay and be improved in the future. Do not take seriously the opinion of those who have not played and simply say that it is not worth it because of the graphics (you can be sure that if someone said that the game is not good because of theI really liked it, it may not be a graphic masterpiece but it's a lot of fun, the changes are positive, and because they are positive, they tend to stay and be improved in the future. Do not take seriously the opinion of those who have not played and simply say that it is not worth it because of the graphics (you can be sure that if someone said that the game is not good because of the graphics that person did not play). Go play and see how fun the game is

    It's an important step for franchising. They've been trying to evolve a 25 year series and they're on the right track, thinking so Pokemon Legends Arceus can almost be called a successful draft. I highly recommend it to anyone who is a fan of the franchise, who doesn't play pokemon and doesn't have the weight of nostalgia probably won't be enchanted by the game.    … Expand
  20. goweengo
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    This game demands improvements, and it is not perfect. However, what it is is a game filled with wonder, exploration, and fun. A hope for future entries to build on top of the foundation that is Pokemon Legends: Arceus and join other A-list Nintendo games such as Breath of the Wild, Metroid Dread, Xenoblade 2, and so on. PLA steals my attention with its smooth and seamless gameplay,This game demands improvements, and it is not perfect. However, what it is is a game filled with wonder, exploration, and fun. A hope for future entries to build on top of the foundation that is Pokemon Legends: Arceus and join other A-list Nintendo games such as Breath of the Wild, Metroid Dread, Xenoblade 2, and so on. PLA steals my attention with its smooth and seamless gameplay, numerous side missions and monsters to tame, absolutely GORGEOUS music, along with a difficulty curve that is refreshing for long time players seeking a challenge. Alpha Pokemon are especially fun and quite the challenge, and had me going, "oh **** oh **** oh ****!" the first time I ran into one. Graphics are.. lacking, sure, but not nearly as bad as some may say; in fact, some areas are beautiful enough to be worthy of a screenshot. The art direction is reminiscent of ancient Japanese ink paintings (which I believe was deliberate considering the era in which PLA takes place).. anyone who has played Okami will surely recognize this style. This is a game that can prove to deniers that graphics are not solely what makes a gaming experience great or special. I am 15 hours in and still without facing the first noble, and have not felt any inkling of boredom in the slightest. I can easily see myself spending many hours exploring and discovering. Give this game a go, it is absolutely worth the price!… Expand
  21. ItsmeDavinci
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    I usually don't leave ratings.

    This is a solid 8/10

    Very addictive.

    Obviously, there are some issues, including the lackluster graphics, the barren landscapes, etc...

    Giving it a 10 to counteract the 0-3 scores given.
  22. DaPlant
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    Pokémon Legends: Arceus manages to re-work the stale formula of the mainline Pokémon series which hasn't been well received in nearly two decades. The game finds a way to blend more Pokémon Go-esc mechanics with the traditional Pokémon battle system almost seamlessly into open environments to the point where I never got tired of trying to catch everything I could find.

    Unfortunately,    Pokémon Legends: Arceus manages to re-work the stale formula of the mainline Pokémon series which hasn't been well received in nearly two decades. The game finds a way to blend more Pokémon Go-esc mechanics with the traditional Pokémon battle system almost seamlessly into open environments to the point where I never got tired of trying to catch everything I could find.

    Unfortunately, the game does have to make some sacrifices to allow for its likely short development time due to the Pokémon Company's eagerness to get games out quickly. This is most apparent when judging the game from a graphical perspective which, for a game that feels like it should like nice due to its attempts at BOTW-esc environments, it absolutely fails... look at it more as if BOTW were for the Wii (although do keep in mind that footage of the game likely looks far worse than the game itself since for example Youtube compression hardcore messes up the grass) . Additionally, there are only about 240 or so Pokémon which is seems a little disappointing but considering they actually gave them new animations and worked them into the game's world that much more would just feel impossible to implement in only a few years.

    Regardless of its flaws, the game still comes out to be a ton of fun with its new gameplay loop and intriguing story and still earns a high rating in my book.    … Expand
  23. Marcos1996
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Pokémon Legends Arceus is a great game amazing open world feels like a true RPG catching Pokémon is better than ever Pokémon models are great the Pokémon battles are amazing This game is a new positive direction to the Pokémon franchise also the Exploration is amazing and is very rewarding the ranks are nice. Arceus is a great visual game with the mechanics of the game not being repetitive at all. The story is great and the unique pokemon to the game are the most coolest things you ever saw Overall Pokémon Legends Arceus is one of the best Pokémon games ever that I recommend buying.… Expand
  24. Infamouswolf
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    The fans can never be happy. This game is fun and can bring new fans. This game doesnt repeat what the last previous games has done. Only problem is that it doesnt have good draw distance. However, this game is fun better then other games and will always be criticized because fans arent happy to get what they want. Sword and shield wasnt that bad of a game. People who dont play these gamesThe fans can never be happy. This game is fun and can bring new fans. This game doesnt repeat what the last previous games has done. Only problem is that it doesnt have good draw distance. However, this game is fun better then other games and will always be criticized because fans arent happy to get what they want. Sword and shield wasnt that bad of a game. People who dont play these games also criticized without proof (angry joe is definitely one of them because he claimed this is for kids yet he played animal crossing) so rating 9.5 but definitely a 10 because of its good story… Expand
  25. butter_k
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    The new system gives very new fun. The fun of collecting has doubled than before. Difficulty levels bring interest to the game.
  26. Red345
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    Best Pokemon game in a decade. This is what fans have been wanting for years. The catching and battling mechanics feels so good!
  27. Oliver45
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    Esta muy bueno y es la dirección correcta que debe seguir la franquicia. Ojalá para el próximo juego puedan arreglar las carencias gráficas, pero manteniendo todas las mecánicas de este titulo y profundisarlas.
  28. Gabrielchess
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    What an amazing game, the gameplay is just so fluid, it is the first pokemon game that makes you want to complete the pokedex. This game is a wonderful step forward to this franchise, the difficulty level is just perfect, you can get over-levelled, but the wild pokemon constantly tag team you, making it a 2v1 or maybe a 3v1.

    The greatest flaw of this game is its graphics, some textures    What an amazing game, the gameplay is just so fluid, it is the first pokemon game that makes you want to complete the pokedex. This game is a wonderful step forward to this franchise, the difficulty level is just perfect, you can get over-levelled, but the wild pokemon constantly tag team you, making it a 2v1 or maybe a 3v1.

    The greatest flaw of this game is its graphics, some textures are actually really ugly, the moves are actually pretty beautiful, but sometimes the trees, or even the pokemon are not that good looking. Besides, the fps constantly decreases, but not in a way that bothers you a lot.

    Since the game changes a lot the core mechanics, this game is easily the most noob-friendly game of the franchise, making the player learn about pokemon as they play.

    Overall, pokemon legends arceus is a fantastic game with fantastic mechanics, it's the closest we ever got to the dream pokemon game. It's not a 10/10 because we know the graphics can be better, but every single aspect of this game makes me want to play it even more.

    Update: What a fantastic ending arc, now this game is indeed a 10/10    … Expand
  29. Krg3000
    Jan 30, 2022
    10
    Excellent game! Visuals do not distract from the incredible gameplay flow. The best story and gameplay loop the series has ever had.
  30. Vaishnenth
    Jan 30, 2022
    10
    A new world to experience. Love the new features. It's worth my time. I really enjoyed it.
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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 »