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. Andrelin
    Mar 11, 2022
    9
    I haven't played any Pokemon games for a long time. Last time I played it was back ten years ago with Emerald. Pokemon was such a fascinated game IP when I was addicted to playing GameBoy in my childhood, and I don't get a chance to play Sword and Shield given how many ppl are complaining about it. Then Arceus came out and I decided to give it a try. I am usually not a big fan of openI haven't played any Pokemon games for a long time. Last time I played it was back ten years ago with Emerald. Pokemon was such a fascinated game IP when I was addicted to playing GameBoy in my childhood, and I don't get a chance to play Sword and Shield given how many ppl are complaining about it. Then Arceus came out and I decided to give it a try. I am usually not a big fan of open world game, I don't enjoy Breath of Wild because I often don't know what to do in the game, but Arceus is a different game. The half open world game style gives you a main story and also lots of quests to complete. I don't feel lost in the game. Instead, I am constantly looking for new Pokemons and enjoy to catch them or fight with them. This game brings back my childhood memory and ignite my passion for Pokemon games again!… Expand
  2. DinisourDoom
    Apr 10, 2022
    9
    This is an amazing game, the characters had LOTS of development, the graphics weren't that great but the gameplay is the best out of any pokemon game I have ever played, I loved the wild area in sword and shield and this game is basically that but bigger, and the music is amazing. I had tons of fun playing this game, you should get it.
  3. kennydog
    Mar 22, 2022
    9
    This is the best Pokémon game so far. I loved exploring the world, filling up the Pokédex, and battling tough foes! Although the environment graphics are mediocre, the gameplay loop is addicting and enjoyable. Overall, this is a refreshing change to the series. I'm excited to see where Pokémon goes next!
  4. BrueBear
    Mar 23, 2022
    9
    Much-needed breath of fresh air. Would have been a 10 from me if it weren’t for the graphics. I usually don’t care about that, but this looked like an early PS3 title.
  5. LwestGG
    Apr 1, 2022
    9
    This easily became my favorite pokemon game and is the game I wish gamefreak took the step to making years ago.. Hopefully every gen going forward adds on to this experience. The biggest downside of this game is the lack of pvp, small chance it will come with update or PVP, but there is an endless sort of battle tower mode that is satisfying for the most part.
  6. MaxRh1608
    Jun 16, 2022
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Ich gebe 10 punkte weil die Grafik nicht wirklich das gelbe vom Ei war und das Ziel allen pokémon zu begegnen dann doch sehr schwer zu erreichen war aber trozdem macht es dieses Spiel nicht wirklich schlechter außerdem war es wirklich mal was anderes im Gegensatz zu allen anderen pokémon Teilen (im positiven Sinne). Z. B das Kampf system oder die einzigartigen boss Kämpfe (Die Pokémon in rage) Außerdem fände ich den Kampf gegen Volo unglaublich gut gemacht weil obwohl man die perfekten pokémon zuvor für diesen Kampf bekommen hat war es trotzdem unglaublich schwer und hat Sehr viel Spaß gemacht es war auf jedenfalls ein einziges artiges Erlebnis und ich hoffe das die nicht so gute Grafik den Käufer erschreckt und sie es sich deswegen nicht kaufen.… Expand
  7. Christian_TV
    Aug 27, 2022
    9
    a breath of fresh air in the Pokémon brand. a game that I enjoyed so much. Perhaps one of the best Pokemon games, along with Black and White.
  8. ThePatheticOne3
    Jun 3, 2022
    9
    This was an extremely enjoyable game, its a breath of fresh air for anyone feeling burnout from the more traditional Pokémon games.
  9. SMG31
    Jun 6, 2022
    9
    Asides from the fact that the titular Arceus appears very little in the game this is without a doubt one of the best Pokémon games of all time, I really mean it, I love Pokémon and this is just fantastic
  10. MATOUTOU
    Jun 22, 2022
    9
    9.1 Beautiful game and has a similar vibe to BOTW. And thank goodness for alpha pokemon, now i can have a team full of alpha gardevoir and lopuny to gangbang me in my stunning player room. Thanks Nintendo :)))
  11. xSpOokie
    Nov 28, 2022
    9
    Incredible game , a huge improvemet and the future of the franchise , great mechanics and gameplay , this game is the perfect game for that player who likes to complete the pokedex and who likes to plat games , 27 main quests and 122 side quests and pokedex objectives for each pokemon that is in the game , the side quests aren't boring and thats a very good thing cause it makes moreIncredible game , a huge improvemet and the future of the franchise , great mechanics and gameplay , this game is the perfect game for that player who likes to complete the pokedex and who likes to plat games , 27 main quests and 122 side quests and pokedex objectives for each pokemon that is in the game , the side quests aren't boring and thats a very good thing cause it makes more interesting , its more based on catching a pokemon for them or showing your pokedex entries , i recommend every pokemon fan to buy this game , however buy first pokemon brilliant diamond/shining pearl and pokemon shield/sword, because you will get two side missions that can get you darkrai and shaymin , isee a lot of people that are complaining about the lack of battles but the game tells you that the objective of the game and the story will develop arround "completing the pokedex" and solving mysteries about the legendarys.… Expand
  12. L-B0X
    Jul 31, 2022
    9
    Pokemon legends arceus is the best Pokemon games in years it has great gameplay an interesting world and story that tells the origin of the sinnoh reigion there's aton of little Easter eggs but the main thing putting this game back is the technical issues such as the ugly textures and atrocious pop in seen throughout the game but over all as a game it's super fun and it's a very good gamePokemon legends arceus is the best Pokemon games in years it has great gameplay an interesting world and story that tells the origin of the sinnoh reigion there's aton of little Easter eggs but the main thing putting this game back is the technical issues such as the ugly textures and atrocious pop in seen throughout the game but over all as a game it's super fun and it's a very good game I can recommend to any pokemon fan that's been waiting for pokemons formula to evolve… Expand
  13. sasashimi
    Aug 13, 2022
    9
    I always gave Pokemon franchised game 10/10, but plz reconsider the so called open-world mode next time...
  14. Bigman82
    Aug 19, 2022
    9
    this game is really good one of the best pokemon games the only bad thing is that the graphics arent great
  15. TrainerGoose
    Sep 12, 2022
    9
    The game was great but it had some flaws. Invisible barriers next to trees that would kick pokeballs in different directions. Could have had more pokemon too. I mean Ratatta wasn't in the game. Surely there were rats in the past. xD But overall I loved the game and have spent many hours playing. Shiny odds were broken though. Too easy to get a shiny.
  16. AngryNoivern
    Oct 11, 2022
    9
    the only problems I have are the graphics can be a bit spotty here and there and at distance pop in and frame rate issues on wild Pokémon and the lack of voice acting which at this point in the whole franchise is long overdue.

    exploring and catching are incredible, the battles feel a lot nicer than they have in the past (although it would be nice to use more than one in multi battles),    the only problems I have are the graphics can be a bit spotty here and there and at distance pop in and frame rate issues on wild Pokémon and the lack of voice acting which at this point in the whole franchise is long overdue.

    exploring and catching are incredible, the battles feel a lot nicer than they have in the past (although it would be nice to use more than one in multi battles), and the fact that wild Pokémon can and do go after you while exploring adds just that bit more excitement to this cake.

    and great news to shiny hunters its definitely more fun and easy to catch a shiny Pokémon with how the pokedex works in this game. once you catch a new Pokémon you need to fill out the whole entry to unlock all it info and if you get to level 10 research it bosts the shiny odds of that Pokémon.

    so if you haven't played this game yet id say go at and enjoy this new yet familiar region    … Expand
  17. BloodShadow
    Oct 27, 2022
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Its very refreshing to see a new direction to the franchise, i love the open zone and the catching mechanic. The concept of every character being an ancestor to characters from other games was a cool touch and allowed for cool easter eggs. Love the side missions, some of them being very interesting, and the fact that you can leave pokemon on the base that are then standing there makes it fell like your base is very unique to your pokemon likings.
    The fighting mechanic was also a great change, which made it very fun and suprisingly challenging sometimes, the levels of the pokemon dont matter as much as previous games, where pokemon 30 level below you can easily one-shot you.
    My biggest gripe whit the game is the fact that both shaymin and darkray are locked behind buying sword or shield and diamond or pearl remake respectivly, which makes it so you cant actually get arceus (the pokemon whos name is on the title )unless you buy both those games or play pokemon go until they show up.
    Finally the Volo fight was one of the most awesome boss fights i ever played, from the new version of Cinthyas theme, to the Cinthyas pokemon team, the giratina fight and origin form, and 6v8 concept, all of it was amazing.    … Expand
  18. Jonragels1987
    Nov 13, 2022
    9
    Finally, an open world pokemon will action in it.

    The Good: New formula, Open world, Pokemon living ( and defending) in their homes in the wild. Gameplay feels nice and smooth. Lots of content after the main plot. not the same old reused formula over and over. We got something new and it worked fantastic. The Bad: I feel as of the main plot was short-lived. Vast world feels empty at    Finally, an open world pokemon will action in it.

    The Good: New formula, Open world, Pokemon living ( and defending) in their homes in the wild. Gameplay feels nice and smooth. Lots of content after the main plot. not the same old reused formula over and over. We got something new and it worked fantastic. The Bad: I feel as of the main plot was short-lived. Vast world feels empty at times. No voice acting. Overall it's a great way to revamp the pokemon series. It feels good and I hope to see more of this formula continue in the next installation.    … Expand
  19. Cesarantony
    Nov 14, 2022
    9
    This game is very important for the franchise with the mitologic explanation about arceus, but have some problems with the graphics that so many times make the game looks kinda weird
  20. Super_Oshawott
    Nov 17, 2022
    9
    Recent Pokémon games have NOT been the best as of late. Since X and Y's release, the series has started to be very decisive between gamers. While i think that Pokémon Legends: Arceus is not perfect with its visual style, it is very much my new favorite Pokémon game.

    I suck at RPG's, with one of the only Pokémon games I have ever beaten was base Sword and Shield (And we know how everyone    Recent Pokémon games have NOT been the best as of late. Since X and Y's release, the series has started to be very decisive between gamers. While i think that Pokémon Legends: Arceus is not perfect with its visual style, it is very much my new favorite Pokémon game.

    I suck at RPG's, with one of the only Pokémon games I have ever beaten was base Sword and Shield (And we know how everyone feels about that game). However, Legends' gameplay loop was very simple to pick up and play and the story, as basic as it was, kept me engaged the entire way through. Top it off with some of the series best starters returning to be your starting pokemon in this game (Who were also my three favorite starters of all time, so I'm a bit biased here), and the game is fun enough to get a recommendation for anyone that has a switch.    … Expand
  21. arlatius
    Nov 19, 2022
    9
    Far and away the best pokemon game in years. The open world is rudimentary and it's obvious that it's the series' first time with it but with a bit of polish it could be perfected. The integration of battling within the open world is also wonderfully smooth, when I began playing pokemon violet i lamented the loss of the legends arceus mechanics. If gamefreak knows what's good for them,Far and away the best pokemon game in years. The open world is rudimentary and it's obvious that it's the series' first time with it but with a bit of polish it could be perfected. The integration of battling within the open world is also wonderfully smooth, when I began playing pokemon violet i lamented the loss of the legends arceus mechanics. If gamefreak knows what's good for them, they'll draw from the strongest elements from legends arceus when making gen 10s game… Expand
  22. Alex12345o
    Nov 25, 2022
    9
    A mi parecer es el mejor juego de pokemon hasta el momento, la mecánica y movimientos son increíbles
  23. Azura485
    Nov 20, 2022
    9
    A step in the right direction. I enjoyed this game from start to finish. Catching mechanics where amazing, and the difficulty once thought to be forgotten by the franchise, came back.
  24. eye-zitt
    Nov 23, 2022
    9
    The art kinda sucks, but this is the definitive Pokemon experience. The gameplay loop is very smooth and addictive, the story is decent enough, and there is a lot of personality in this game. If you like Pokemon, this is the game to play. The only problem with this game is that it doesn’t have any sort of multiplayer experience.
  25. Sammyjsif
    Dec 9, 2022
    9
    Pokemon Legends Arceus is a fresh take for a series that had been in dire need of one. It does almost everything differently and succeeds in almost everything it tries to do. The open-world gameplay mechanism is something greatly appreciated and refreshing in a Pokemon series. It, of course, is not without its faults but it still stands strong even past those tropes. If you gave up onPokemon Legends Arceus is a fresh take for a series that had been in dire need of one. It does almost everything differently and succeeds in almost everything it tries to do. The open-world gameplay mechanism is something greatly appreciated and refreshing in a Pokemon series. It, of course, is not without its faults but it still stands strong even past those tropes. If you gave up on Pokemon because of how repetitive the series was then now is your time to hop back on.… Expand
  26. Alebernard
    Dec 8, 2022
    9
    Excellent game, with mobility with the rides, battles with movement in the attacks, bigger map to explore, capture with the pokeball with the option of not entering the battle. More challenging bosses than 1st to 8th gen games. Little fps drop compared to Sword and Shield. Best Pokemon game since Heartgold and Soulsilver also Sun and Moon.
  27. Scilence2392
    Dec 8, 2022
    9
    this series needs to not only continue but "blast off at the speed of light"
  28. Riiika
    Dec 11, 2022
    9
    Genuinely really enjoyed this game.
    I love the concept of Pokemon. But the games always felt a bit too restrictive with how you could move & how you would get pokemon! The whole sneaking up on Pokémon is interesting! And then being wary/aggressive to humans - makes sense to me! I love being able to explore this much!
    The graphics could have been a bit better, but honestly? They didn't    Genuinely really enjoyed this game.
    I love the concept of Pokemon. But the games always felt a bit too restrictive with how you could move & how you would get pokemon! The whole sneaking up on Pokémon is interesting! And then being wary/aggressive to humans - makes sense to me! I love being able to explore this much!
    The graphics could have been a bit better, but honestly? They didn't bother me.
    I'm currently almost finished with my Pokédex and research - but, even though I've already had so much fun with the game - i'm not worried about losing interest. Because the reward for completing the Pokédex & research - the shiny charm will only make me more eager to play & hunt down some shines (even though the game has already been quite generous with them even without it!).
    Though - the biggest thing I love about this game, is that you don't have to have 2 versions of it yourself/have to trade with anyone - you can complete the whole Pokédex with your own single copy! Since there is only one version of the game!    … Expand
  29. Jelqing_king
    Dec 12, 2022
    9
    I really enjoyed the formula shake up. Dialogue was tedious but world exploration was fun and post game shiny hunting is really nice.
  30. ACI378
    Jan 16, 2023
    9
    Un juego que revitaliza por completo la franquicia. En lo jugable no puedo reprocharle nada, es uno de los que más he disfrutado en muchos años. Con un postgame bueno, muy bueno. Lo único que le ha faltado y por lo que no pude ponerle un 10, es por el apartado técnico, que como viene siendo costumbre con pokemon últimamente, es uno de sus puntos más débiles.
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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]
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