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. josito
    Feb 1, 2022
    10
    Gente, no deis por saco con los gráficos que no son tan malos. En verdad, es un juegazo.
  2. Ronni_the_red
    Feb 1, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Amazing game! Love capturing all the mons, exploring, completing side quest, and more. The story is really cool, there are explonations for some of the things that are in: pokemon d p p / bd sp like why spear piller is in ruins and how the reigon got the name shino it's just wonderfull. Obviusly this is not the "perfect" pokemon game, but it's close. Some of the things i wish were a litle better are the graphis wich aren't bad just not as good as i wanted. So yeh greate game, do recommend!… Expand
  3. DaReggaeShark
    Feb 1, 2022
    10
    New Pokémon is refreshing change of pace on the franchise. Great play experience with the new catching mechanics.
  4. Padmo
    Feb 1, 2022
    10
    Everything is in place here, if only they had worked on the visuals more and added some form of voiceover it would have been 10/10. It is a pity because the next game in the series will not be that big moment for the franchise anymore, no matter what it looks like. It's like a waste of opportunity to impress everyone and sadly great gameplay is overshadowed by visual problems. For me it'sEverything is in place here, if only they had worked on the visuals more and added some form of voiceover it would have been 10/10. It is a pity because the next game in the series will not be that big moment for the franchise anymore, no matter what it looks like. It's like a waste of opportunity to impress everyone and sadly great gameplay is overshadowed by visual problems. For me it's still the best pokemon game since gen2… Expand
  5. Komplexe
    Feb 1, 2022
    10
    I absolutely adore this game. I‘ve been playing Pokemon since I was four and diacovered every single generation, but couldn‘t really enjoy anything that came out after X and Y. Legends Arceus on the other hand gives me a sense of immersion no other Game Freak game has created, the game as a whole just works perfectly within its own world. Sure, the graphics won‘t win prices, but they alsoI absolutely adore this game. I‘ve been playing Pokemon since I was four and diacovered every single generation, but couldn‘t really enjoy anything that came out after X and Y. Legends Arceus on the other hand gives me a sense of immersion no other Game Freak game has created, the game as a whole just works perfectly within its own world. Sure, the graphics won‘t win prices, but they also didn‘t bother me, and the gameplay more than makes up for it. Game Freak delivered, and I hope they learn from this game and continue to improve in every aspect!… Expand
  6. KakarottoBlack
    Feb 1, 2022
    10
    This is the best pokemon game since third generation. Cant stop playing it.
  7. retropacman
    Feb 1, 2022
    10
    I have been playing Pokémon games since X and Y. I have over 60 hours in this current title. I have to say it is the most fun I have ever had in a Pokémon game. I usually get bored after the credits roll and may play another 10 hours with previous titles. Brilliant Diamond I have 110 hours played but it is nowhere near as fun as this game. The action based catching mechanics are perfect.I have been playing Pokémon games since X and Y. I have over 60 hours in this current title. I have to say it is the most fun I have ever had in a Pokémon game. I usually get bored after the credits roll and may play another 10 hours with previous titles. Brilliant Diamond I have 110 hours played but it is nowhere near as fun as this game. The action based catching mechanics are perfect. Try to sneak up on a Pokémon and catch it and if that fails smack it with a mud ball and try to catch it again. Movement with the mounts and the freedom of movement in the game is a very welcome addition. Graphics could be better, and it could be more polished but overall, the value of entertainment of Pokémon Legends Arceus is spot on. I also enjoyed the story and side stories in the game. I hope this title is the bestselling Pokémon game ever so that we can get more Pokémon titles like this or updates and additions to this game.… Expand
  8. Bradlee1998
    Feb 1, 2022
    10
    Best Pokémon game so far ! Very addicting been playing it 4 days straight !
  9. joseabraham777
    Feb 1, 2022
    10
    The best Pokémon game. I am a fan of the main series, I always considered almost perfect the original formula but with this game GameFreak reinvented the franchise with a new combat system, a exciting gameplay, amazing music and a entertaining campaign.

    The only “issue” with the game is the Nintendo Switch outdated hardware.
  10. aangelis
    Feb 1, 2022
    10
    As a person who played all the Pokémon games, including the spin-offs, i never enjoyed something in this universe like Legends: Arceus. Is addicting, is well made, and kinda impossible for me to stop playing. Its the kinda of game that you play until you fall to sleep. Really hope that the Pokémon Company keep going with that format and understand that this was the best step they took inAs a person who played all the Pokémon games, including the spin-offs, i never enjoyed something in this universe like Legends: Arceus. Is addicting, is well made, and kinda impossible for me to stop playing. Its the kinda of game that you play until you fall to sleep. Really hope that the Pokémon Company keep going with that format and understand that this was the best step they took in all Pokémon franchise.… Expand
  11. NinjaLama99YT
    Feb 2, 2022
    10
    Die Grafik ist nicht sehr gut aber die Story und das gameplay machen süchtig und Mann will nur noch grinden
  12. TheOneDarkling
    Feb 2, 2022
    10
    I haven't had this much fun on a pokemon game since HeartGold/SoulSilver. Please game freak continue with this system!
  13. Jorgenzjdo
    Feb 2, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I think this is the BEST Pokémon Game, is a reinvention, the graphics could be better but there are no vas, i love the new Pokémon, the music is incredible, the BEST point is all the posibilities that you can do, capture, history, pokedex. A 10. (Enamorus tótem is horrible xd)… Expand
  14. jen-paul
    Feb 2, 2022
    10
    THE BEST POKEMON GAME TO DATE..
    An amazing game that, if indulged in all aspects, can lead to countless hours!
    pokemon can't go back from this! great for new and old players alike.
  15. Magical_Mudkip
    Feb 2, 2022
    10
    Simply the best main series Pokémon game since Black & White 2. Very addicting gameplay, major improvement to Pokémon models and animations, loads of QOL improvements, seamless gameplay. Such a great step forward for the series and something Pokémon fans have been wanting for years!
  16. Oleandor
    Feb 2, 2022
    10
    Great story and controls and an amazing world. They finally progressed! It's still not how it could be, but still I hope they use this concept for more games until they found an even better concept.
  17. IHBaller
    Feb 2, 2022
    10
    Great game. Love the interactions with the pokemon in the overworld!!! The developers really worked to make them come to life!
  18. PyxyJ
    Feb 2, 2022
    10
    One of the best Pokémon games I’ve played in a long time. I’d love to see more Pokémon Legends games that look and play similarly to PLA.
  19. Jameswessimpson
    Feb 2, 2022
    10
    Honestly one of the funnest games I have ever played. Definitely not perfect, but a step in the right direction for Pokémon. An absolute must-have!
  20. CharKer709
    Feb 2, 2022
    10
    Finally a rework of the old formula to make Pokémon fun and exciting again!
  21. TeaRueful
    Feb 2, 2022
    10
    Hands down my fav Pokemon game and I've been playing since Red/Blue. The capture/battle system makes wandering the world of Pokemon feel alive. Can't wait to complete my Pokedex, then get perfect entries and shiny hunting!
  22. TheMercDeadpool
    Feb 2, 2022
    10
    Love the game. It’s a refreshing change for the Pokemon series. I haven’t had this much fun with any game in a long time.
  23. hav_ery
    Feb 2, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. As a quick resume, I’d say that the game is surprisingly good and refreshing. It’s the Pokémon game I’ve been dreaming of as a child. Despite the « hub » aspect of the open world, the regions are quite huge, the Pokemon have a whole new range of animations, they’re really alive now! The « action » part of the game is a mix of the Pokémon Let’s go and « normal » franchises. I really go for a sneaky hunt of cute monsters. (The hit sound with you catch a Pokémon from behind is insanely addictive) I really feel like they (GameFreak) tried their best to provide us a living and refreshing game. I love the idea of the village that grows up in time! I heavily recommend Pokémon Legends Arceus !… Expand
  24. FestiveBoi
    Feb 2, 2022
    10
    This is easily one of the best Pokemon games since Pokemon Black and White era.

    It's a breath of fresh air for the Pokemon series, and having the ability to be able to roam around to catch new Pokemon, experience new little details that were added to the game. The tutorial, whilst a little too long for my liking, still teaches you all the ropes of the game, and once you get over that,    This is easily one of the best Pokemon games since Pokemon Black and White era.

    It's a breath of fresh air for the Pokemon series, and having the ability to be able to roam around to catch new Pokemon, experience new little details that were added to the game. The tutorial, whilst a little too long for my liking, still teaches you all the ropes of the game, and once you get over that, it's no longer the hand-holding game that has been the previous games.

    Being able to ignore the main story for hours on end, just so you can explore and experience new areas, Pokemon and witness them with sentience is something else that is amazing.

    The battle system has been reworked, and it will take a little bit to get used to. However, once you get the ropes of the battle system, along with Strong and Agile style moves, lots of great strategies can be born. And, once you master the battle system, it will be extremely fun to play around with, using moves that you might've not before, and using strategies that you would have never even thought of.

    The dark theme of the game overall, with death, mauling, and having the fear of Pokemon struck into your heart when they attack you in the wild, and you must run away, and fear for your life as they chase you down. It's a step toward something great. Pokemon aren't just creatures that will do a trainers bidding, they were once wild, untamed and it shows in this era of Pokemon that they possessed a true threat to humankind.

    The graphics are a little off... but who plays Pokemon for the graphics? It's all about the creatures, and catching them all, which is desperately needed in this game to actually complete it.

    Overall, Pokemon Legends Arceus is a very fun, and addicting game. The music in the background as you explore is something that can easily be enjoyed. The gameplay loop is incredibily enjoyable for those that are completionists, and want to 100% complete a game. It certainly is a step in the right direction for the Pokemon company, and this is a great, solid baseline for future games.    … Expand
  25. JDenn
    Feb 2, 2022
    10
    What a Pokémon game a fantastic step in the right direction for the series in my opinion anyway I’ve enjoyed it so much with a much more enjoyable story then previous games with certain great characters and great moments throughout the story as well as a neat connection to other games with familiar ancestors of characters which feels good when you spot the connection the gameplay can beWhat a Pokémon game a fantastic step in the right direction for the series in my opinion anyway I’ve enjoyed it so much with a much more enjoyable story then previous games with certain great characters and great moments throughout the story as well as a neat connection to other games with familiar ancestors of characters which feels good when you spot the connection the gameplay can be consistently fun just stick to whatever you feel like doing and definitely don’t play with a guide it’s so much more fun on your own experience and of course the Pokémon are great and there’s a good amount of variety in them and as well shiny hunting is actually possible and not incredibly time consuming but still a good challenge and most importantly it’s just fun and sure what Pokémon game before have you been able to be tackled off a mountain by a Gligar… Expand
  26. Lunarchaos
    Feb 2, 2022
    10
    This is the best new way to play a Pokémon game. It’s not for little kids anymore, and the content is solid. Needs some more Ui enhancements and more Pokémon, but all in all a perfect game
  27. sphyyr
    Feb 2, 2022
    10
    This game is awesome. I look forward to Nintendo pushing a new design for Pokémon, and am excited to see the future of Pokémon games based on it.
  28. Moondrala
    Feb 2, 2022
    10
    This is the type of Pokemon game we've been waiting for for decades. I love the open world and getting to see and interact with Pokemon in such a fluid way. I love that the Pokedex goes beyond "Obtain X" to complete, but includes much more than just catching one Pokemon and It's satisfying to complete tasks and to explore.

    Is the game percect? Definitely not, but it is absolutely a    This is the type of Pokemon game we've been waiting for for decades. I love the open world and getting to see and interact with Pokemon in such a fluid way. I love that the Pokedex goes beyond "Obtain X" to complete, but includes much more than just catching one Pokemon and It's satisfying to complete tasks and to explore.

    Is the game percect? Definitely not, but it is absolutely a step in the right direction and I hope the Pokemon crew take this success and runs with it. Please continue to build & improve upon this type of open world game and don't let it be a one-off; with a little more artistic polish and in depth story, it would be an amazing game.    … Expand
  29. BrettFoot
    Feb 2, 2022
    10
    What you imagine pokemon should be like if you watched the show its an amazing game with so much to catch and it makes you really want to catch them all .
  30. Nooney15
    Feb 2, 2022
    10
    Loving it. There’s never a boring moment, there’s tons of stuff to do. The act of throwing the ball at the Pokémon and the target system is a lot of fun. Crafting the things you need (poke balls, potions, etc) was a great idea for this game.
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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 »