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. Irissu
    Feb 4, 2022
    10
    finally the game we have waiting so many years, freedom, tangible Pokemon, much more dynamic battles, a story that is not bad at all and many hours of fun, which reminds me of the illusion of my first Pokemon. Even so there are still people who believe that a game is only its graphics. I invite them to sell their Nintendo Switch and buy another console, because they are wrong.
  2. 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.
  3. Dwaynem
    Feb 3, 2022
    10
    Amazing game, it’s like a ninja Isekai Pokémon breath of the wild love child! Super addictive and fun!
  4. 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
  5. lunali
    Feb 3, 2022
    9
    This game is very fun whether you've played any Pokemon game before.

    This is the most important aspect for a game and it definitely delivers despite its flaws and subpar visuals that many are unhappy about.
  6. Zquaranteneuf
    Feb 3, 2022
    2
    Pokemon delivers once again a sub-par product that feels as clunky as it is uninspired. It hides itself under the veil of being open world, but in reality it's nothing more than a series of blocked entries and constant hand-holding set in a large map. Hell, it's not even possible to get out of the main village; you hit an invisible wall. You have to warp, with the map, to another point toPokemon delivers once again a sub-par product that feels as clunky as it is uninspired. It hides itself under the veil of being open world, but in reality it's nothing more than a series of blocked entries and constant hand-holding set in a large map. Hell, it's not even possible to get out of the main village; you hit an invisible wall. You have to warp, with the map, to another point to change areas. Open world my @$$.

    The player is once again treated as someone who can't grasp the simplest gameplay concepts, yet the menuing is extremely convoluted. You get interrupted constantly by instructions, directions, and obligatory tasks to perform. This is not a game; it's a tour set on rails.

    I'll end this by saying it also has the worst graphics we've seen in the last 5-6 years. It's not even worth the previous generation of Nintendo console. It would barely be acceptable for a Gamecube title.

    Pokemon must be laughing hard to have so many blind dedicated fans that will buy every kind of minimal effort they're willing to shove down their throat at full price. It's unfathomable to me that some people dare to give this game scores of 9 or 10. Don't they have any standards?    … Expand
  7. Keybol60
    Feb 3, 2022
    0
    If you like catching pokemons, This os your game, but if you like fighting, just don’t buy this game.
  8. EmoBubbleGum
    Feb 3, 2022
    2
    Graphics are awful. There is no excuse for having graphics/player animations worse than windwaker, a gamecube game (it's close, but far away things look far far worse in pokemon legends).

    Can't battle friends. This on it's own is insane. Removed hold items and abilities from pokemon. Absolutely dumbed down system. Getting rid of IVs is fine, but this is rediculous. People's    Graphics are awful. There is no excuse for having graphics/player animations worse than windwaker, a gamecube game (it's close, but far away things look far far worse in pokemon legends).

    Can't battle friends. This on it's own is insane.

    Removed hold items and abilities from pokemon. Absolutely dumbed down system. Getting rid of IVs is fine, but this is rediculous.

    People's standards for pokemon games are way too low. I don't know how you can play the game and see grass and trees not display from 30 feet away, generally look worse than gamecube-wii games, also just popping into existence when you get close, and flying animations of pokemon going at 2fps off in the distance, while looking at your character run like they pooped themselves and say it's acceptable. Remember that breath of the wild was MADE FOR THE WII U, and think of how that looks...

    I'm sure part of it is them using the ancient engine they used for pokemon x/y and sun/moon on the 3DS, but they still have responsibility for making the choice to use an abysmal in-house engine.    … Expand
  9. loamy
    Feb 3, 2022
    9
    Just amazing. Gamefreak has finally started to modernize the pokemon formula and it's incredible. Haven't had more fun with a game in a couple of years.
  10. Zehn
    Jan 29, 2022
    9
    I was looking at all of the negative reviews for this game and all of them were just complaining about the graphics or the difficulty. The game is definitely more difficult than some of the most recent games but it's not too difficult. When I faint or lose, I don't feel like it's unfair because it's mostly my own fault. And the graphics are actually a step up compared to Pokémon Sword andI was looking at all of the negative reviews for this game and all of them were just complaining about the graphics or the difficulty. The game is definitely more difficult than some of the most recent games but it's not too difficult. When I faint or lose, I don't feel like it's unfair because it's mostly my own fault. And the graphics are actually a step up compared to Pokémon Sword and Shield. Although they are a step up, they aren't too great at times. Sometimes you will see parts of hills in the distance randomly load in right in front of you or even sometimes tree or Pokémon on rare occasions. Overall, the graphics I'd give a low 7/10. But every other aspect of the game is phenomenal, and a big step up compared to previous entries of the series and is why I'm rating this game a 9 out of 10. This game truly is a great game and is a big step up compared to previous games. Especially comparing this game to Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. And anyone who thinks that this game is somehow 'worse" or 'just as bad" as the other games, is completely wrong. This game gives amazing changes and some small changes you may not recognize your first time playing through the game. You can tell they put a lot of thought and detail into so many different aspects of the game. There are some problems as far as the graphics and Nintendo Switch optimization but other than that, this game is wonderful and the best time I've had playing a Pokémon game in years.… Expand
  11. guyza123
    Feb 3, 2022
    6
    Okay, first off, I hate the hand-holding at the start.

    This game is NOT fun, but it is pretty. It is worth the full price, as art, not a game.
  12. grryph
    Feb 3, 2022
    10
    Great fresh addition to the series! Some performance and graphical issues, but overall I hope to see more entries with this format!
  13. Gzen1
    Feb 3, 2022
    4
    I wanted a game, not an unpaid job

    ............... Looks average, better than sword & shield, good for kids I guess if you're desperate
  14. Juwan_45
    Feb 3, 2022
    10
    This game is like crack, best pokemon game in years! so much fun! Graphics aren't the best but it really isn't bad in handheld mode and the gameplay makes up for any shortcomings
  15. s_saudade
    Feb 3, 2022
    9
    Addicting. 9/10 because of poor graphic and missing voice acting. Dialogues are a lil bit childish but this is pokemon game soo... I thought I will be bored with all that catching stuff nad many tasks in pokedex but it's extremely addicting. The best pokemon game on switch.
  16. Mino_Reviews
    Feb 3, 2022
    9
    Pokemon Legends Arceus is an interesting new take in the Pokemon series. The game is fun, and well paced. The cast of characters are strong and interesting, and the story is satisfactory. Overall, the world feels vibrant, but some parts tend to feel empty or repetitive
  17. DouglasQuilava
    Feb 3, 2022
    9
    Pokemon Legends Arceus is an amazing new direction for this series. and honestly it's a thousand times better than Sword and Shield were in my opinion. sure, i enjoyed Sword, but Legends is amazing. it feels like Pokemon meets Breath of the Wild sort of. that or maybe Pokemon meets Monster hunter Rise with how you go to multiple massive and open areas to explore and hunt things down in.Pokemon Legends Arceus is an amazing new direction for this series. and honestly it's a thousand times better than Sword and Shield were in my opinion. sure, i enjoyed Sword, but Legends is amazing. it feels like Pokemon meets Breath of the Wild sort of. that or maybe Pokemon meets Monster hunter Rise with how you go to multiple massive and open areas to explore and hunt things down in. also, it's just so much fun. graphics look... alright, but they're leagues better than Sword and Shield. the gameplay is solid, and much more like what i was hoping for when I saw the original reveal trailer. I love this game, but it's kinda tough to avoid getting wrecked by high level Alpha pokemon if you wander too far. oh, and i would say at least make save datas for a Pokemon Let's Go game, Sword or Shield, and Brilliant Diamond or Shining Pearl for some free clothing items and two bonus quests involving mythical pokemon in the postgame. oh, and it's also fantastic that my favorite starter pokemon, Cyndaquil, is a starter in this game, but i digress. just pick up the game for yourself and find out how good it is for yourself!… Expand
  18. Drakosmick
    Feb 3, 2022
    8
    Good job, Game Freak! This game is what Pokémon deserves to be, the new formula that works and delivers (even with minor gameplay flaws and missed opportunities and with the graphics it has). Good customization options, nice plot, really great gameplay loop (I haven’t been this invested in a Pokémon game for the gameplay only since X/Y). Solid 8,5 for me.
  19. Lil_Caucasian
    Feb 3, 2022
    8
    Considering Game Freak's track record recently this is a really fun (if a bit janky) game.
  20. Bellzos
    Feb 3, 2022
    7
    While this is the shakeup that the Pokemon Franchise desperately needed, ultimately it is flawed in its execution. The game play is great, the story not so much. I found myself just getting through the story without caring much about anything or anyone. Catching Pokemon in different and unique ways is fantastic. Strong and Agile style feel like they need more time in the oven. PerformanceWhile this is the shakeup that the Pokemon Franchise desperately needed, ultimately it is flawed in its execution. The game play is great, the story not so much. I found myself just getting through the story without caring much about anything or anyone. Catching Pokemon in different and unique ways is fantastic. Strong and Agile style feel like they need more time in the oven. Performance is unacceptable for a game that looks this poor. The game feels as if it needed more time to reach excellence. I am happy that everyone is enjoying their time on the game though, however I feel it is disingenuous to give this game a 10/10 with glaring issues such as these.… Expand
  21. Calomaro
    Feb 3, 2022
    8
    He visto las críticas negativas de otros usuarios y si bien comparto algunos aspectos criticables, como lo son los gráficos, hay otros que son totalmente disparatados. Si tú, que aún no compras el juego, lees una de esas críticas negativas donde consideran a Pokemon Sword & Shield mejor que este juego, no te puedes tomar para nada en serio esa crítica. Pokemon Sword & Shield es una oda alHe visto las críticas negativas de otros usuarios y si bien comparto algunos aspectos criticables, como lo son los gráficos, hay otros que son totalmente disparatados. Si tú, que aún no compras el juego, lees una de esas críticas negativas donde consideran a Pokemon Sword & Shield mejor que este juego, no te puedes tomar para nada en serio esa crítica. Pokemon Sword & Shield es una oda al facilismo, insultantemente fácil, una de las peores entregas de la saga Pokemon y que hizo que la Nintendo Switch esté en deuda con los fans.

    Habiendo aclarado esto, el Pokemon Arceus empieza lento por un tutorial tan extenso que nos puede tomar hasta 3 horas completar. Superado el tutorial, y conociendo las mecánicas el juego, siento que se vuelve adictivo, no solo por completar la pokedex, sino también para completar las misiones secundarias. Se vuelve repetitivo en un momento? SÍ, pero ¿qué juego de pokemon no es repetitivo? Aquí lo importante es qué tanto te dura la diversión hasta que se torne repetitivo. Personalmente me gusta el farmeo y soy seguidor antiguo de la saga. El juego a veces peca de mucho texto y el hecho que no haya voces aún es algo imperdonable en la época en la que vivimos.

    Nintendo ha dado un paso pequeño, pero un paso al fin. Para mucho este juego puede ser una beta para algo grande. Yo lo estoy disfrutando, y esperaré una futura entrega con todas las mejoras necesarias para que un juego de pokemon aspire a ser lo que realmente los fans queremos.    … Expand
  22. bualsman69
    Feb 3, 2022
    9
    This is one of the first times a Pokemon game has captured that wonder I felt playing my first game when I was young. I was astounded at how many risks GameFreak has finally taken, I genuinly hope that this type of pokemon game gets polished more and is a new template for the series moving forward. However the graphics are in fact pretty awful, while usually that doesn't mean anything toThis is one of the first times a Pokemon game has captured that wonder I felt playing my first game when I was young. I was astounded at how many risks GameFreak has finally taken, I genuinly hope that this type of pokemon game gets polished more and is a new template for the series moving forward. However the graphics are in fact pretty awful, while usually that doesn't mean anything to me personally, somehow this game makes me notice more and the pop in is pretty anoying, I don't really understand how games like breath of the wild can be a launch title and look way more amazing due to clever art style tricks to make it run flawlessly on the Switch's limited hardware but I assume that after this game's success there will be more effort put into these aspects of the next Arceus like game. unfortunately the graphics do hold it back a bit but I'd rather have annoying graphic problems and a huge rework of Pokémon than another bland mainline copy-paste Pokémon game.… Expand
  23. NaheKT
    Feb 3, 2022
    10
    It is absolutely the most beautiful and involving Pokémon game I have played in a lot of time. The change was for good.
  24. Alvgarrido
    Feb 3, 2022
    9
    De las críticas malas que he leído solo debo decir que la única que tomo en cuenta es la grafica....
    Nos encontramos frente al primer cambio en la mecánica de juego de un pokemon!!! eso si no excento de fallos.... sin embargo, para ser la primera gran incursión de la compañía fuera del típico juego simplón y sin alma que llevan haciendo desde la nintendo 3ds.... se le perdona, innovando    De las críticas malas que he leído solo debo decir que la única que tomo en cuenta es la grafica....
    Nos encontramos frente al primer cambio en la mecánica de juego de un pokemon!!! eso si no excento de fallos.... sin embargo, para ser la primera gran incursión de la compañía fuera del típico juego simplón y sin alma que llevan haciendo desde la nintendo 3ds.... se le perdona, innovando con nuevas formas de juego, trama sencilla pero mas disfrutable y algo de dificultad un poco mas elevada.

    En fin un Juego bastante entretenido, distinto y que invita a explorar su mundo... como lo eran los juegos de pokemon en un principio    … Expand
  25. llamaboy
    Feb 3, 2022
    8
    This game is very rough around the edges in terms of graphics. This game does not looks very bad, to be frank. But if you can look past that you’ll find this to be a really fun game and a definite step in the right direction for Pokémon.
  26. kairadan
    Feb 3, 2022
    5
    Honestly, i will say no to this game. I really apreciate the "zelda way" attitude, but game freak need to pratice more. Graphics is not really good, and movement physics is a little inaccurate. You cannot swim a little, you cannot check your life or stamina.
    Positive that they try to make the boss fight more fun with another way to fight, but overall it's a mediocre game,but an    Honestly, i will say no to this game. I really apreciate the "zelda way" attitude, but game freak need to pratice more. Graphics is not really good, and movement physics is a little inaccurate. You cannot swim a little, you cannot check your life or stamina.
    Positive that they try to make the boss fight more fun with another way to fight, but overall it's a mediocre game,but an improvement over the old games of the past.    … Expand
  27. GreenMenace
    Feb 3, 2022
    9
    Did Pokemon give us a story where the point wasn’t to become the best battler? Did Pokemon aim to make a game that pleases all ages? Did Pokemon revamp the battle system to take a different spin? And did they incorporate “boss” fights?

    The answer to all of these questions is a resounding yes. I wasn’t in love with the game at the start because my expectations were low and the story is    Did Pokemon give us a story where the point wasn’t to become the best battler? Did Pokemon aim to make a game that pleases all ages? Did Pokemon revamp the battle system to take a different spin? And did they incorporate “boss” fights?

    The answer to all of these questions is a resounding yes. I wasn’t in love with the game at the start because my expectations were low and the story is straightforward and simple, but while this game won’t earn any awards, it’ll be a hidden gem that I can confidently recommend to any player who has ever had any interest in Pokemon. The game blends Pokemon Snap with a standard Pokemon game, adding strategic elements to catching Pokemon.

    Pros
    Opportunities for strategy
    Wide arsenal of things to do
    Smooth gameplay

    Cons
    The graphics aren’t just below average, it can get in the way
    Late game gets redundant

    When I was playing BOTW, I couldn’t help but wish it were a Pokemon game. I had little interest in sneaking up on monsters to kill them, but the thought of using the environment to catch Pokemon was thrilling. I had no clue that a game like Legends Arceus would come to fruition, or that it’d actually be a lot of fun. There’s always something to do—earn money, complete sidequests, work on the dex, catch new Pokemon, strengthen your Pokemon, collect rare items, and shiny hunt. It cannot be stressed enough that you can switch activities at a whim. That level 39 cherrim my trainer fought for literally 24 in-game hours as I threw every kind of ball in the game at it? I got so annoyed I ran, caught 4 other Pokemon is succession, and switched areas to earn some money. It takes a bit for you to unlock every area, but you can always return to areas you’ve unlocked.

    Strategy-wise, I had the most fun playing this game than any other in a long time when I went to encounter a flock of Ursaring. Each one was ten levels higher than my strongest Pokemon, so I had to try to lure them out one at a time. Problem was, luring them out too far lead to interruptions from other Pokemon like Luxio/Luxray. When I finally managed to isolate one, they could still wipe my team easily so I had to develop a strategy to consistently defeat them. It was an absolute blast, and an unexpected challenge.

    Fifty hours in, and the strategy remains. However, it does get to the point where you’re just chucking balls at everything you see to fill the dex. It minimizes the strategy of the game and eliminates challenge, and that impacts the fun. I love the font, but the graphics really need attention. It’s not just rough around the edges, there’s missed potential. And there should be more ways to interact with the Pokemon you’ve caught. Literally, work on the graphics in every department and you’ve got something really special.
    What makes this entry so exciting is the idea that Pokemon might consider evolving from its roots to something bigger, and in many people’s opinions, including my own, something better. Definitely a game worth reviewing.    … Expand
  28. moonlight3000
    Feb 3, 2022
    10
    This is the best Pokémon game since Soul Silver. Pokemon games should have had this type of gameplay since the switch to 3D graphics. This spin off is better than most of the previous Pokémon games and Gamefreak should focus all their attention on making Pokémon games in this style from now on.
  29. XBOXOfficial
    Feb 3, 2022
    0
    I have played every pokemon game that exists, but I cannot support this title or gamefreak any longer. Despite being a crazy profitable franchise, GF once again hires a random 8th grader to write a not-new story full of contradictions, incorrect lore, and just awful dialogue. Despite being wildly profitable and a huge game developer, GF once again spends 0 resources or time on graphics,I have played every pokemon game that exists, but I cannot support this title or gamefreak any longer. Despite being a crazy profitable franchise, GF once again hires a random 8th grader to write a not-new story full of contradictions, incorrect lore, and just awful dialogue. Despite being wildly profitable and a huge game developer, GF once again spends 0 resources or time on graphics, piecing together a bare-bones world patched together with meshes from microsoft paint and copy-pasted features with little to no detail.

    The concept is awesome, and the potential here is really high and good, but GF themselves spend little to no effort in developing good games and instead just throw out garbage wrapped in a nice pokemon wrapping paper and people buy it up because of the franchise power. This is honestly insulting to people who play video games and offensive to sell for $60. It looks like it was made by someone who has 0 experience in coding, artwork, or story writing, and greenlit by a greedy executive just looking for a paycheck.    … Expand
  30. Segyl
    Feb 3, 2022
    5
    One step ahead, two behind. They could have done just a little more and this could have been the new standard for pokemon game, gameplay wise.
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 »