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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. ZakaryJNicholls
    Oct 9, 2022
    10
    As an old school pokemon master, I initially disliked the mechanics of this game.
    But when you learn the mechanics, this game is everything the original pokemon could have been if the technology had been stronger at the time.
    After about 100 hours I've come to absolutely love this game. The gameplay is excellent, the story is quite dense, and it's just a very successful game. If you    As an old school pokemon master, I initially disliked the mechanics of this game.
    But when you learn the mechanics, this game is everything the original pokemon could have been if the technology had been stronger at the time.
    After about 100 hours I've come to absolutely love this game. The gameplay is excellent, the story is quite dense, and it's just a very successful game.
    If you like pokemon, you should give this a go.    … Expand
  2. 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 !!!
  3. Taaseen
    Nov 18, 2022
    10
    Absolutely love the catching in this game it's so fun, I came back to it after being disappointed by pokemon S/V and damn was this game good, its honestly do disappointing that S/V took out so many of the good things in pokemon legends
  4. 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
  5. bapp
    Nov 18, 2022
    10
    Best pokemon game I've ever played... super fun for anyone that grew up with the games
  6. hoodrew
    Nov 19, 2022
    10
    Probably one of my favorite Pokemon games, it isnt the prettiest game ever made but some areas still look nice and imo its very fun
  7. GameMultiverse
    Nov 20, 2022
    10
    Awesome game mechanics, definitely a must-stay formula for future games. You've got the canvas here, just panit over it with new games and improve it but this game is a solid base for future pokemkn games
  8. MIDAS3000
    Nov 21, 2022
    10
    Beautiful game, I appreciated all the innovation and the effort they put to make the brand coherent with new era of jrpgs
  9. Edalynnx
    Nov 22, 2022
    10
    This is my favorite Pokémon game! Graphics might not be perfect but in my opinion the game play is.
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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
  15. 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.
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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.
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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.
  24. 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.
  25. 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.
  26. 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
  27. 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.
  28. PeterPP
    Jun 7, 2023
    10
    Fantastic game and a formula somthing i would like to see more of in the future.
  29. 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
  30. 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.
Page:

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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 »