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. jidoc01
    Jan 31, 2022
    9
    Although there are a few drawbacks, such as graphic issue and main story shortage, this game shows a satisfiable appearance which Pokemon mainstream games can have afterwards.
  2. Love_mymom96
    Feb 14, 2022
    4
    For a person who has only played Pokémon games for their entire life, who are experiencing an open world game for the first time, this is revolutionary, this is a solid 100. If you play many franchises, or even multi platform, the game is mediocre in every way. It’s a bunch of good ideas terribly executed. The game feels poor (budget) regardless on The Pokémon Company being a 100 billionFor a person who has only played Pokémon games for their entire life, who are experiencing an open world game for the first time, this is revolutionary, this is a solid 100. If you play many franchises, or even multi platform, the game is mediocre in every way. It’s a bunch of good ideas terribly executed. The game feels poor (budget) regardless on The Pokémon Company being a 100 billion dollar empire. Their product doesn’t reflect their power at all.

    If you are just curious to try a Pokémon, this will fell just like what it is, with no fanaticism and biased thoughts, a mediocre basic and rough game.
    Get Pokémon Sword & Shield.    … Expand
  3. ZombieNinja_217
    Feb 20, 2022
    0
    not open world and kinda boring. graphics are pretty bad. the beginning of the game has a ton of dialog.
  4. Turndown4hwut
    Feb 1, 2022
    10
    Pokémon has had a rough transition to 3D. Between the games getting easier to the point of being braindead, the fact that routes feel less like places to explore and more like corridors with occasional wild Pokémon battles, and the designs that keep getting worse and worse with each new generation, the cracks in the seams became a lot more noticeable. This reached its peak when the seriesPokémon has had a rough transition to 3D. Between the games getting easier to the point of being braindead, the fact that routes feel less like places to explore and more like corridors with occasional wild Pokémon battles, and the designs that keep getting worse and worse with each new generation, the cracks in the seams became a lot more noticeable. This reached its peak when the series made its proper jump to the Nintendo Switch with Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, directed by Shigeru Ohmori, cutting about half of the Pokédex only to sell it back to you later down the line, and just generally looking like an upscaled 3DS game. And then we get the long awaited Sinnoh remakes with Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl, directed by Junichi Masuda, only if you wanted a Sinnoh remake that actually improved on Gen 4's foundation, you're never going to get one until modding gets more advanced.
    So, with Ohmori most likely working on Gen 9 and Masuda attempting to polish up BDSP, enter Kazumasa Iwao, director of Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, the first game in the 3D era to actually feel like a game. And I think it's safe to say that if anyone needs to be the director of future Pokémon games, it needs to be Iwao, as Ohmori and Masuda are holding the series back. This was the big jump that Pokémon needed, and I'd say it delivers. Yeah, the visuals aren't that great, and the game can either feel grindy, or like a collectathon, but with every Pokémon you catch, you're making progress through the game. I'm currently about to start the 5th area, and the only reason I didn't make this review sooner is that the game is too much fun. This game could very well shape up the future of Pokémon, so do you want more visual novels with occasional monster catching elements, or actual games to sink your time into? If you want the latter, then buy this game.    … Expand
  5. RetroStars19
    Feb 1, 2022
    10
    Independientemente de los graficos que son algo feos, el juego es una joyita, es atrapante y muy divertido, buenas mecanicas, buen gameplay, buena duración y una historia bastante buena, para mi es 10/10.
  6. Palkia_Presioon
    Jan 31, 2022
    10
    Una oda de nostalgia a Sinnoh, Pokémon Diamante y Perla son de mis regiones favoritas, y esta reinterpretación de las bases generales de la serie le hacen completo honor y justicia.

    Realmente sientes la presión en el ambiente cada vez que exploras un nuevo lugar y te encuentras con pokémon alfa, una sensación que pocos juegos dentro de la franquicia me han hecho sentir.
  7. TheSquiddy92
    Jan 31, 2022
    9
    The most fun I've had playing a Pokemon game in a long time. The graphics could have used more polish with more detail but overall it isn't as bad as the outrage over it. The ways of encountering, catching, and battling is seamless and intuitive and provide massive positive steps forward for the series. Future mainline Pokemon games should look at this game as the bare minimum and baselineThe most fun I've had playing a Pokemon game in a long time. The graphics could have used more polish with more detail but overall it isn't as bad as the outrage over it. The ways of encountering, catching, and battling is seamless and intuitive and provide massive positive steps forward for the series. Future mainline Pokemon games should look at this game as the bare minimum and baseline of what it should be.… Expand
  8. Stay_schwifty
    Feb 1, 2022
    10
    Where to start... Yes, I get why people don't like this game because of the graphics. However, for someone like me, that has grown up with Pokemon Red in the early days. It's a 7 year old child dream come true. I love this game so much. When I played it, I feel 7 years again playing Pokemon Red for the first time on my Gameboy Colour. Nostagic aside, the gameplay is super fun! EverythingWhere to start... Yes, I get why people don't like this game because of the graphics. However, for someone like me, that has grown up with Pokemon Red in the early days. It's a 7 year old child dream come true. I love this game so much. When I played it, I feel 7 years again playing Pokemon Red for the first time on my Gameboy Colour. Nostagic aside, the gameplay is super fun! Everything feels so smooth, running, throwing a Pokeball to a Shinx and immediatly after that catching another one. Its so addicitive and fun to play. I am only in the first area and spend 15 hours already! For people that not like this game. Ask yourself the question. Are you really a Pokemon fan? Because I don't get why you can hate this game graphics aside. Gamefreak finally shake some things up. And hopefully, they going to improve this concept further with more gameplay options and much better graphics. I am going back to filling my Pokedex! ;-)… Expand
  9. Perconductor
    Feb 1, 2022
    10
    Pokémon Legends: Arceus marca un nuevo inicio de la franquicia… Los jugadores que amamos Pokémon estaremos agradecidos por esta evolución que mezcla las dinámicas de los juegos como Let’s Go con exploración y un mundo semi-abierto. Las zonas son lo suficientemente grandes y con la cantidad necesaria de Pokémon salvajes que no truncan la movilidad. Estoy emocionado por ver un próximo juegoPokémon Legends: Arceus marca un nuevo inicio de la franquicia… Los jugadores que amamos Pokémon estaremos agradecidos por esta evolución que mezcla las dinámicas de los juegos como Let’s Go con exploración y un mundo semi-abierto. Las zonas son lo suficientemente grandes y con la cantidad necesaria de Pokémon salvajes que no truncan la movilidad. Estoy emocionado por ver un próximo juego con la primera liga y combates contra entrenadores. Se agradece el aumento de dificultad, ya no es suficiente tener X Pokémon 20 niveles arriba del Pokémon al que nos enfrentamos. El apartado técnico mejorará con las próximas entregas. La Fe hacia GameFreak ha regresado, ojalá hayan aprendido de los errores del pasado… ¡Y esperamos con ansias la traducción a Español Latino!, Ya es hora. ✌… Expand
  10. RazzelBR
    Feb 1, 2022
    10
    Inovador, jogo incrível na minha opinião revolucionou a mecânica de jogos do pokemon, que tenha mais jogos nesse modelo
  11. underated25
    Feb 1, 2022
    10
    ini adalah langkah yang bagus untuk seri pokemon karena mereka membuat langkah yang baru dan memperbaiki semua hal buruk di seri sebelumnya,untuk grafis mungkin bisa sedikit lebih ditingkatkan tapi overall sudah sangat memuaskan
  12. Kashiiino
    Jan 31, 2022
    9
    Fresh new direction for Pokemon, a great base for games to come. The open world, the battle system and the boss battles felt great. It certainly lacked polish in the graphics department and it was too easy to beat; I miss the puzzles and difficulty from other games. Overall its good that Nintendo are trying new things.
  13. dingusdingdong
    Feb 1, 2022
    8
    Roughly 15 hours in and loving the game so far. Obvious complaints are the graphics, some Pokemon don't exactly interact with anything, but that's about it. Story wise it's a tad more mature than the older titles, which is always nice. I love the catching mechanics, and the lack of a ton of trainers on every route is incredibly refreshing. All the characters are unique in their own littleRoughly 15 hours in and loving the game so far. Obvious complaints are the graphics, some Pokemon don't exactly interact with anything, but that's about it. Story wise it's a tad more mature than the older titles, which is always nice. I love the catching mechanics, and the lack of a ton of trainers on every route is incredibly refreshing. All the characters are unique in their own little ways, move animations are beautiful and I love the new battle system. Honestly everyone saying this is "the worst pokemon game ever" need to go back 2 years and play sword and shield.… Expand
  14. MisterBox
    Feb 1, 2022
    8
    Solid game. Very addictive gameplay. Battles are so streamlined compared to Sword and Shield they take about 1/3rd of the time to complete. This time there's actually incentive to catch them all. Graphics are a huge letdown compared to BOTW. Music is good, not as good as BDSP. Where the game shines is the gameplay. I wish the world was more open like BOTW with less hand-holding, butSolid game. Very addictive gameplay. Battles are so streamlined compared to Sword and Shield they take about 1/3rd of the time to complete. This time there's actually incentive to catch them all. Graphics are a huge letdown compared to BOTW. Music is good, not as good as BDSP. Where the game shines is the gameplay. I wish the world was more open like BOTW with less hand-holding, but compared to other pokemon games that feel like they're on rails this is a breath of fresh air.… Expand
  15. Leodw
    Feb 1, 2022
    8
    Complete reinvent of the Pokémon formula, a much needed breath of fresh air. Mechanics are smooth and fun, Pokémon feel more alive than ever, but graphics are human character animations need work. Solid 8/10.
  16. guizaum
    Feb 4, 2022
    9
    The game is ugly
    But is great fun!
    Realy interesting and envolving
    Im loving it

    But is 10 yo graphics
  17. PoetAnderson44
    Feb 4, 2022
    9
    Such an amazing game. I hope Pokémon games continue in this direction in the future. You can get lost for hours in the world simply just wandering around and catching Pokémon. It’s the first time I am actually interested in completing the Pokédex. Graphics are the only let down in my opinion.
  18. ckhrist
    Feb 4, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Best game of pokemon in a long time.
    The change the formula a little an it works nicely.
    A lot of story and new mechanics makes this game perfect.
    I hope that it will be a new line of Legends games in other regions.    … Expand
  19. Oldbailey
    Feb 4, 2022
    9
    As someone who has had minimal interest in Pokémon games up to this point, yeah, this is the real deal. It's rough around the edges, with somewhat poor graphics and minor graphical glitches, but it shines at times, too, with decent character models and pretty sunsets. The gameplay itself is compulsive, the story pleasingly dark, and the soundtrack is better than it has any right to be. I'mAs someone who has had minimal interest in Pokémon games up to this point, yeah, this is the real deal. It's rough around the edges, with somewhat poor graphics and minor graphical glitches, but it shines at times, too, with decent character models and pretty sunsets. The gameplay itself is compulsive, the story pleasingly dark, and the soundtrack is better than it has any right to be. I'm impressed.… Expand
  20. Soup222
    Feb 1, 2022
    9
    Great for a Pokémon game! Much needed refresh for the franchise. Graphics could use a “few coats of paint” in the environments. Pokémon animations are solid and look good. Tons to collect and the world feels massive! Not boring if your a Pokémon fan. Game Freak really stepped up there game! (Pun intended) I would like to see all future Pokémon games, using this as a template and continuingGreat for a Pokémon game! Much needed refresh for the franchise. Graphics could use a “few coats of paint” in the environments. Pokémon animations are solid and look good. Tons to collect and the world feels massive! Not boring if your a Pokémon fan. Game Freak really stepped up there game! (Pun intended) I would like to see all future Pokémon games, using this as a template and continuing on, what was laid here. Please Game Freak, don’t go back to the old format! Move on using what you built here!

    If your on the fence, just give it a shot, it’s really fun!    … Expand
  21. Phollus
    Feb 1, 2022
    9
    Best game by far about pokemon, hope one day see pokemon red/blue on this style
  22. Dwaynem
    Feb 3, 2022
    10
    Amazing game, it’s like a ninja Isekai Pokémon breath of the wild love child! Super addictive and fun!
  23. AceTML
    Feb 4, 2022
    8
    The game is great and game freak really did a good job trying out new things. The only thing that is miserable are the graphics.
  24. Yujizenjiro
    Apr 9, 2022
    7
    Pokemon arceus es un soplo de aire fresco a la saga, hace mucho que no echaba tantas horas a un Pokemon hasta el punto de completar la pokedex, en mi opinión lo mejor que ha hecho Pokemon en años.

    Aún así también destacar el mal apartado artístico que tiene, paleta de colores muy desafortunada y texturas que a mi parecer podrían ser mejor
  25. ywbote
    Feb 12, 2022
    0
    Нет русского языка. Очень плохая графика.Нет русского языка. Очень плохая графика.Нет русского языка. Очень плохая графика.Нет русского языка. Очень плохая графика.Нет русского языка. Очень плохая графика.Нет русского языка. Очень плохая графика.Нет русского языка. Очень плохая графика.Нет русского языка. Очень плохая графика.Нет русского языка. Очень плохая графика.Нет русского языка.Нет русского языка. Очень плохая графика.Нет русского языка. Очень плохая графика.Нет русского языка. Очень плохая графика.Нет русского языка. Очень плохая графика.Нет русского языка. Очень плохая графика.Нет русского языка. Очень плохая графика.Нет русского языка. Очень плохая графика.Нет русского языка. Очень плохая графика.Нет русского языка. Очень плохая графика.Нет русского языка. Очень плохая графика.… Expand
  26. Speedyalta
    Jan 31, 2022
    8
    This is the first time since 2006 that I've really enjoyed a Pokémon game. Of course it has its negative points, the worst being the graphics and loading errors. But apart from that, the game does a lot of things right and new, and if Pokémon keeps going like this, it's on the right track for the future.
  27. Torbo70
    Jan 31, 2022
    10
    It is one of the best Pokemon Games ever! I have now over 20h playtime and are done with the main story and it was sooo funny! Yeah, the grafics aren't the best but the mechanics are so smooth and it feels so good to catch pokemon or farm resorces. I hope that the incoming games are like this!
  28. BoyEx7490et
    Jan 31, 2022
    10
    Great Pokemon Game a must have role playing game for ur Nintendo Switch the gameplay is amazing as well.
  29. Gatch55
    Jan 31, 2022
    10
    Gamefreak's first big deviation from a very successful formula, while still utilizing the parts that made Pokemon so great.

    Graphics: not stunning but they do not detract from the experience. Gameplay: The flow between battle and open world is seamless. No more waiting 10 seconds everytime you encounter a pokemon. As someone who started with 1st gen and quit playing due to pacing    Gamefreak's first big deviation from a very successful formula, while still utilizing the parts that made Pokemon so great.

    Graphics: not stunning but they do not detract from the experience.

    Gameplay: The flow between battle and open world is seamless. No more waiting 10 seconds everytime you encounter a pokemon. As someone who started with 1st gen and quit playing due to pacing issues after gen 3, to pick it up again recently the pace feels much faster than any game since gen 3.

    Setting/Design: The designs of the region/Pokemon have a old world theme to them, the rest are as you would know and love. Except Garados flying though the sky like a Boeing 747

    Story: while I have not finished the game yet. It is not the same story that has been in every Pokemon game past gen 2. No boring badge hunt. Instead we are filling out the pokedex to gain stars within the faction.

    Best Feature: everything to experience is contained in one game not two titles with Pokemon missing from each.

    Summery: I think this is the best thing that can happen to Pokemon. It feels like a step forward for a franchise that has stuck a new coat of paint on the same game for the last 20 years. I hope this sticks and become the new standard for the main line of Pokemon games    … Expand
  30. KingHades26
    Feb 1, 2022
    9
    Es algo repetitivo, tiene un inicio muy lento y unos gráficos mejorables. Pese a ello consigue engancharte de principio a fin, tanto su Gameplay revolucionario para la franquicia como el desarrollo de la historia (sanzonado con una sensación de tener que atraparlos a todos) hacen que este videojuego sea uno de los grandes títulos de este año, y por ende una experiencia muy recomendada.
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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 »