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. Cait_Nostamas
    Jan 31, 2022
    9
    A new, refreshing experience for the franchise, and definitely the most fun I've had with Pokemon in years. While the technical department is certainly lacking in graphics and model optimizations, that doesn't take from the first experience of an open map Pokemon world. The characters, lore and story are solid, the level design is smart and diverse, and the combat system is fast, fun andA new, refreshing experience for the franchise, and definitely the most fun I've had with Pokemon in years. While the technical department is certainly lacking in graphics and model optimizations, that doesn't take from the first experience of an open map Pokemon world. The characters, lore and story are solid, the level design is smart and diverse, and the combat system is fast, fun and immersive.

    I pray that TPC will take this as the new direction for their games, even if it has to be a secondary series of games. With more time, work and optimization, this game could've easily been a 10    … Expand
  2. Ssuperxl
    Jan 31, 2022
    9
    I personally love the game and the premise, but the graphics tend to catch my eye most of the times when playing a video game. In this game they are not the best, the game is beautiful in its own ways, but only if you are paying attention on what is near you.
  3. arnaull06
    Jan 31, 2022
    9
    Le fallan los gráficos mucho, pero todo lo demás es una maravilla, espero que la saga siga este rumbo si te gustan los rpg y pokemon has de jugarlo, actualmente se ha vuelto mi juego de pokemon favorito
  4. Surikato
    Jan 31, 2022
    9
    Tras terminarlo y pasar un tiempo de reflexión llego a la conclusión de que estamos ante el mejor juego de Pokémon de la década. Pese a poder encontrar carencias, este título nos sorprende con nuevas mecánicas con las que Game Freak ha querido romper la fórmula actual de Pokémon. El juego pierde de cierta forma su linealidad haciendo que sea bastante adictivo. Con una historia que hace queTras terminarlo y pasar un tiempo de reflexión llego a la conclusión de que estamos ante el mejor juego de Pokémon de la década. Pese a poder encontrar carencias, este título nos sorprende con nuevas mecánicas con las que Game Freak ha querido romper la fórmula actual de Pokémon. El juego pierde de cierta forma su linealidad haciendo que sea bastante adictivo. Con una historia que hace que los personajes ganen bastante personalidad respecto a otras entregas.… Expand
  5. goopunch
    Jan 31, 2022
    9
    NOT Pokemon: Breath of The Wild, BUT a Breath of Fresh Air! This series was in need of a shakeup and this was exactly what it needed. Hoping Pokemon Legends will continue down this trend of experimental Pokemon games with RPG elements because this has been a blast so far. My only knock from giving it a 10 is the lack of polish in some areas, but it's easily overlooked. Excited for theNOT Pokemon: Breath of The Wild, BUT a Breath of Fresh Air! This series was in need of a shakeup and this was exactly what it needed. Hoping Pokemon Legends will continue down this trend of experimental Pokemon games with RPG elements because this has been a blast so far. My only knock from giving it a 10 is the lack of polish in some areas, but it's easily overlooked. Excited for the future of this franchise.… Expand
  6. SonakianPr
    Jan 31, 2022
    9
    Pretty good Game

    Only con I see, the way you catch Pokémon in the water. Im not a man of graphics, so I didn't care about it, but I think it could be better.
  7. jdhende5
    Jan 31, 2022
    9
    This is way forward for future Pokemon games. No other Pokemon game has given me the sense of wonder and excitement that PLA has. This is the closest Pokemon has ever come to being a dream game. This is the first time I felt like I was fully immersed in a Pokemon world. There is so much attention to detail and the Battle Animations have finally got reached respectable quality. The game isThis is way forward for future Pokemon games. No other Pokemon game has given me the sense of wonder and excitement that PLA has. This is the closest Pokemon has ever come to being a dream game. This is the first time I felt like I was fully immersed in a Pokemon world. There is so much attention to detail and the Battle Animations have finally got reached respectable quality. The game is rough around the edges and has the smallest lineup of Pokemon moves, but without a doubt this game should be a benchmark for all future Pokemon main series titles.… Expand
  8. Dond91
    Jan 31, 2022
    9
    Fantastic game! Honestly the entirety of the game is probably an 8.5 if only because some mechanics are janky and the graphics could be much better, BUT I'm so happy about the direction Pokemon is going with this so I'm rounding up instead of down. Make more like this please!!!
  9. stayinthetrees
    Jan 31, 2022
    9
    30 hours in still in main story, fun times so far /
    Story is about as enjoyable as any other pokemon game /
    Gameplay feels smooth and if you think you can do something it's probably possible / Personally I'm not the most picky on graphics, since the switch is my only console so it wasn't really a bother and I found it quite soothing to look at even for extended runs I did, but yes it    30 hours in still in main story, fun times so far /
    Story is about as enjoyable as any other pokemon game /
    Gameplay feels smooth and if you think you can do something it's probably possible /
    Personally I'm not the most picky on graphics, since the switch is my only console so it wasn't really a bother and I found it quite soothing to look at even for extended runs I did, but yes it is nothing remarkable or groundbreaking in that department    … Expand
  10. Javsat
    Jan 31, 2022
    9
    I just can’t give it a 10/10 since the graphics are UGLY at times, its not optimized and there’s is more popping in this game than any other I’ve tried. With that out of the way (and also the rather long tutorial) this is a dream come true, the gameplay is very well designed for you to do whatever you like more … investigating/ completing the Pokédex, gather resources, train/ battle, goI just can’t give it a 10/10 since the graphics are UGLY at times, its not optimized and there’s is more popping in this game than any other I’ve tried. With that out of the way (and also the rather long tutorial) this is a dream come true, the gameplay is very well designed for you to do whatever you like more … investigating/ completing the Pokédex, gather resources, train/ battle, go for sub missions or remain attached to the main quest, all magnificently incorporated in a gameplay cycle that it’s gonna consume you. The variety of creatures and their animations are superb, the story is the best we have today (matching with B/W). Pokémon fans will love it, no doubt about it. New comers might have a hard time at the beginning but when the grinds starts y guarantee that it will not stop. Thanks Gamefreak.… Expand
  11. frostiii
    Jan 31, 2022
    9
    Story-wise, this has some of the best writing Gamefreak has done since b/w. The characters are fleshed out without the 2000 sun and moon cutscenes every second and plays very smoothly. Gameplay is definitely a hit or miss, you'll either hate it or love it since there are very few battles and most of the gameplay is just battling. This is a solid 9/10, please don't work on DLC for thisStory-wise, this has some of the best writing Gamefreak has done since b/w. The characters are fleshed out without the 2000 sun and moon cutscenes every second and plays very smoothly. Gameplay is definitely a hit or miss, you'll either hate it or love it since there are very few battles and most of the gameplay is just battling. This is a solid 9/10, please don't work on DLC for this Gamefreak and give us some nice graphics patches inside :)… Expand
  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. Ozagamer
    Feb 1, 2022
    9
    Yeah graphics arent amazing but the game is and we finally have a new pokemon direction. It’s still a grinding game like all the past pokemon games so it will still feel familiar to the past games.
  14. HuskyD0G
    Feb 1, 2022
    9
    100% a right direction for this game series to go. The release of a remastered version of Pearl and Diamond set the stage for this game really well. The game itself is honestly addicting to say the least, and your Pokémon actually feel like you interact with them compared to other games. Hopefully they stick on this track and make more games like this, you will definitely want to try this100% a right direction for this game series to go. The release of a remastered version of Pearl and Diamond set the stage for this game really well. The game itself is honestly addicting to say the least, and your Pokémon actually feel like you interact with them compared to other games. Hopefully they stick on this track and make more games like this, you will definitely want to try this game for yourself.… Expand
  15. rat15
    Jan 31, 2022
    9
    Very fun game, story was very compelling if you like the story in generation 4 games.
    Battling has changed a little and it makes the experience even more fun!

    VERY good start for the Legends spinoff series and cant wait to see more games like this from pokemon franchise! Enjoyed every single hour i put into the game.
  16. Omardihcar
    Jan 31, 2022
    9
    Just an amazing blend of all the recent features that game freak had previously added, plus the open world areas feels wicked! It is just a refreshing way to play pokemon and an enjoyable game overall.
  17. AxelPipp
    Jan 31, 2022
    9
    Juegazo. Todos estos años buscando juegos 3rd party con más mecánicas que los originales y parece que GameFreak escuchó. Tiene todo lo que esperas de un juego de Pokémon y más. No le doy el 10 porque siento que le faltan batallas con entrenadores. (sí hay, pero faltan más). Y un selector de dificultad para los veteranos de la saga.
  18. SeventhParrot
    Mar 9, 2022
    9
    This game is honestly a masterpiece! They really switched up to boring old formula of 8 gyms and an elite four drastically. They made catching Pokemon fun as well as addictive. Not to mention the new battle system, the amazing new Pokemon designs, and a very good increase in the difficulty of the game. I could honestly go on for hours about how this game keeps you hooked in with theThis game is honestly a masterpiece! They really switched up to boring old formula of 8 gyms and an elite four drastically. They made catching Pokemon fun as well as addictive. Not to mention the new battle system, the amazing new Pokemon designs, and a very good increase in the difficulty of the game. I could honestly go on for hours about how this game keeps you hooked in with the outbreaks, space-time distortions, and various legendary and normal side missions. The only two downsides of the whole game that keep this from being a 10/10 were the story being eh and the graphics being lackluster. Since it's GameFreak we can't expect the graphics to be anything exceptional though. Overall, definitely a must buy!… Expand
  19. DanielPink
    Jan 31, 2022
    9
    About 20 hours and still did not finished this game, its absolutely perfect, new contents, new mechanics, the map is really great despite lack of cities (only one), next generation can be still better doing the same.
  20. 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.
  21. H0tS0up
    Jan 31, 2022
    9
    The complaints have been made: the graphics. I don’t need to add to it. I disagree about the color palette though. I quite like the muted, watercolor feel. Besides that complaint (which does not take away from the gameplay at all, just the overall experience), the game is great. Most fun I’ve had playing a Pokémon game since the originals - I’m serious. It feels new and fresh. It’sThe complaints have been made: the graphics. I don’t need to add to it. I disagree about the color palette though. I quite like the muted, watercolor feel. Besides that complaint (which does not take away from the gameplay at all, just the overall experience), the game is great. Most fun I’ve had playing a Pokémon game since the originals - I’m serious. It feels new and fresh. It’s everything I love about Pokémon with new features and mechanics. It’s wonderful.… Expand
  22. TheAvP
    Jan 31, 2022
    9
    Graphically has quite a few issues, there's no doubt about that. There are times were pokemon will spawn and be absolutely jagged in movement and its not really fun to look at.

    That being said, this is the most fun I have had in a Pokemon games since, what, Pokemon platinum? I am a Pokemon fan. I would have fun with most Pokemon games BECAUSE they were about Pokemon. Legends: Arceus, on    Graphically has quite a few issues, there's no doubt about that. There are times were pokemon will spawn and be absolutely jagged in movement and its not really fun to look at.

    That being said, this is the most fun I have had in a Pokemon games since, what, Pokemon platinum? I am a Pokemon fan. I would have fun with most Pokemon games BECAUSE they were about Pokemon. Legends: Arceus, on the other hand, has me enjoying the game because it's genuinely just a fun experience all round. In the game, i WANT to complete the dex, I WANT to catch everything I see, i WANT to play for hours on end without any stoppages. It has completely revolutionized the Pokemon series. Really have been a breath of fresh air.

    I genuinely hope that Game Freak and the Pokemon Company pick up from here and further improve the way Pokemon games are going to be.    … Expand
  23. 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.
  24. MrDancz
    Feb 1, 2022
    9
    Well worth the money!!! Best Pokemon gaming experience to date!!! I cannot wait to see what else Gamefreak and Nintendo plans to do with the Pokemon franchise as it grows from here.
  25. Jonself
    Feb 1, 2022
    9
    This is the best Pokémon game out of the entire series and I hope they take all the features from the old games and merge them into this one. I’m not upset that they didn’t have all the older games features in this one since they are clearly testing the waters for moving the franchise forward. I really would like to see mystery trades more than anything and I’m not sure if it’s in the gameThis is the best Pokémon game out of the entire series and I hope they take all the features from the old games and merge them into this one. I’m not upset that they didn’t have all the older games features in this one since they are clearly testing the waters for moving the franchise forward. I really would like to see mystery trades more than anything and I’m not sure if it’s in the game yet because maybe I haven’t unlocked them yet. I suppose it’s possible that GF could add features later on, but I’d rather just have them in the next game that has this same gameplay loop and includes the features of old games like held items, TMs and HMs, and abilities. Please for the love of god make a game that has the complete Pokédex and fight animations. Just hire extra people to make the models and animations for christs sake please!!!… Expand
  26. OpenSauce04
    Feb 1, 2022
    9
    The best Pokémon game that Gamefreak had ever produced
    Would be a 10 if there were online battles
  27. Xaboss
    Feb 1, 2022
    9
    Amazing game, very unexpected. If you don't really care about graphics and you are a Pokémon fan you need to try it
  28. Phenomeno
    Feb 1, 2022
    9
    Game mechanics are really good and something really refreshing in comparison to the stale main series. It really feels a little like 'Pokemon: Breath of the Wild'. Gameplay is smooth and engaging, dynamic at tomes, character controls feel responsive. Pokemon variety is somewhat lacking but the sheer number of research requirements to complete each mon differs from known 'catch and forget'.Game mechanics are really good and something really refreshing in comparison to the stale main series. It really feels a little like 'Pokemon: Breath of the Wild'. Gameplay is smooth and engaging, dynamic at tomes, character controls feel responsive. Pokemon variety is somewhat lacking but the sheer number of research requirements to complete each mon differs from known 'catch and forget'. The world is not as good looking as I hoped it to be but good enough to traverse with pleasure. Plot is a little meh, but hey! There is one not limited to catch them all/ beat team (place random word here) / beat the league, this is good enough for me! In conclusion, despite it's shortcomings I really, really love this game. I'm getting bored easly playing games and this one after 20+ hours keeps me entertained and I can't wait to play some more … Expand
  29. HarcosRunner
    Feb 1, 2022
    9
    A welcome change from the series long running formula. With a mostly open world exploring, added non-combat catching, and main quest / side quest journal. While there is plenty of room for improvement. What is given is a very enjoyable experience. Grinding for exp game loop is replaced with research tasks, giving you a reason to fight and catch various pokemon, with a different set ofA welcome change from the series long running formula. With a mostly open world exploring, added non-combat catching, and main quest / side quest journal. While there is plenty of room for improvement. What is given is a very enjoyable experience. Grinding for exp game loop is replaced with research tasks, giving you a reason to fight and catch various pokemon, with a different set of goals for each pokemon species. This also plays into a ranking system that replace gym badges.
    10 hours in, and I suspect I will enjoy 30 hours more.
    (Score based on enjoyment from title as it is. And not what I think should have been included or improved.)    … Expand
  30. xavier14
    Feb 1, 2022
    9
    Pokémon Legends Arceus is a breath of fresh air for the franchise after playing 8 generations of game that all feel like the last one. The new catching mechanic makes catching Pokémon fun again and not some long and annoying prosses to catch the Pokémon you want on your team or if your trying to fill the pokedex. The more open game makes it feel like you a have more freedom the in pastPokémon Legends Arceus is a breath of fresh air for the franchise after playing 8 generations of game that all feel like the last one. The new catching mechanic makes catching Pokémon fun again and not some long and annoying prosses to catch the Pokémon you want on your team or if your trying to fill the pokedex. The more open game makes it feel like you a have more freedom the in past games and that's a huge plus for me even if its not completely open world like BOTW. The difficulty in this game is also something to love because not only is battling regular wild Pokémon a bit of a challenge but the new alpha and noble Pokémon can 1 to 2 shot almost any member of your team if you are not crazy over leveled. Also dodging Pokémon in the game is also a challenge I blacked out 3 times from Pokémon attacking me. I promise you if you are not paying attention to make sure Pokémon don't see you and if multiple Pokémon are attacking in mass you will have problems. I'm 24 hours in and I still haven't beaten the 3 noble boss fight but so far the story is ok it actually feels like a story compared to SWSH but those games were still good to me. I could go on all day about everything I love about this game but I still have to say that this game is not perfect. The graphics could be a LOT better but they are not God awful like others say and the framerate of pokemon from far away is just bad but nothing bad when in battle or up close to them. Also wish that we could skip cutscenes like in SWSH cuz there is a LOT of dialog so if want to replay this game get ready to mash A through of the talking in the game. But even though the game has its problems they don't out weigh all of the good things in this game and I hope Game Freak takes the base of this game and expand on in it with good graphical features because this game to me is the best Pokémon game so far.… Expand
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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 »