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. Timberx2
    Feb 1, 2022
    3
    This game has about an hour of tutorials (if you scream through them), a ton of time of useless dialogue, and the worst offense of all - MMO mechanics. Use a move X times, catch this pokemon Y times, kill this pokemon Z times. You HAVE to do this to progress in the game. If you buy this game, understand that it's a money wasting timesink with some cool mechanics sprinkled in to remind youThis game has about an hour of tutorials (if you scream through them), a ton of time of useless dialogue, and the worst offense of all - MMO mechanics. Use a move X times, catch this pokemon Y times, kill this pokemon Z times. You HAVE to do this to progress in the game. If you buy this game, understand that it's a money wasting timesink with some cool mechanics sprinkled in to remind you of what could've been.… Expand
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. josito
    Feb 1, 2022
    10
    Gente, no deis por saco con los gráficos que no son tan malos. En verdad, es un juegazo.
  6. AlexLogan2001
    Jan 31, 2022
    0
    Only good thing about this game is the new mechanics for catching Pokémon. .The world is large but completely empty so there is no reward or satisfaction from exploring it
    . The new battle system makes any Pokémon that doesn't have a high speed stat worthless
    . The gameplay is extremely repetitive and tedious, requiring you to grind the same task up to 25 times
  7. Hecamii
    Feb 1, 2022
    0
    A 7 but 0 to balance with people giving it 10.
    Fun game but boring after a few hours, bad graphics and boring music
  8. PokemonAdventur
    Feb 1, 2022
    10
    Pokémon Legends: Arceus innovates and moves the Pokémon franchise in many ways. Pokémon battle transitions seamlessly take place in the overworld, and only happen when you throw out one of your Pokémon’s Pokéball. This removes annoying random encounters, but there’s still danger to traversing the wild. Aggressive Pokémon will attack you! It’s pretty difficult. Battle animations havePokémon Legends: Arceus innovates and moves the Pokémon franchise in many ways. Pokémon battle transitions seamlessly take place in the overworld, and only happen when you throw out one of your Pokémon’s Pokéball. This removes annoying random encounters, but there’s still danger to traversing the wild. Aggressive Pokémon will attack you! It’s pretty difficult. Battle animations have received an overhaul and now look super cool and actually run over and hit each other. They are also properly sized, and wild Pokémon are now more powerful. There are side quests as well. This is a super good game that you should buy.… Expand
  9. OpenSauce04
    Feb 1, 2022
    9
    The best Pokémon game that Gamefreak had ever produced
    Would be a 10 if there were online battles
  10. Timeflies164
    Feb 1, 2022
    7
    This game had the potential to be a masterpiece. Unfortunately the lack of voice acting and polished/improved graphics prevent it. That being said this is still a good game and worth the adventure for pokemon fans. It has me so excited for the future of what pikemon games have in store. I truly hope they will give one pokemon game the time and love it deserves to make a game as good asThis game had the potential to be a masterpiece. Unfortunately the lack of voice acting and polished/improved graphics prevent it. That being said this is still a good game and worth the adventure for pokemon fans. It has me so excited for the future of what pikemon games have in store. I truly hope they will give one pokemon game the time and love it deserves to make a game as good as super mario odyssey and breath of the wild. This is the closest we have gotten to it. But there is still a long way to go.… Expand
  11. Felipevet
    Feb 1, 2022
    10
    Jogo incrível, como fã da franquia foi um grande salto de qualidade, podendo explorar o mundo de maneira livre e com novas mecânicas.
  12. JaidenReviews
    Feb 1, 2022
    8
    Simultaneously the best and most embarassing thing Gamefreak has ever released. A fantastic 10/10 game bundled in a very obviously underdeveloped package. The Pokémon models and animations look great, but the world itself looks like an early progress shot I would see an indie game dev share on twitter. It's laughable how bad the game looks in some areas, especially most caves and in darkSimultaneously the best and most embarassing thing Gamefreak has ever released. A fantastic 10/10 game bundled in a very obviously underdeveloped package. The Pokémon models and animations look great, but the world itself looks like an early progress shot I would see an indie game dev share on twitter. It's laughable how bad the game looks in some areas, especially most caves and in dark areas (where the background will literally warp around your character like you're poorly greenscreened in). I have many other gripes, such as the story pacing (a lot of dialogue scenes either need to be cut shorter or be more interesting. Voice acting would've helped). But otherwise the game is honestly fantastic. My favourite Pokémon experience to date. I just wish it came out like a year later so it would have all the development time it needed. I would love this style of game to continue and be iterated on, it's a major improvement over the old formula; having a game like this with more settlememts to explore and more complex side quests, etc would be a dream. Also thank god that they only released one version.… Expand
  13. Padmo
    Feb 1, 2022
    10
    Everything is in place here, if only they had worked on the visuals more and added some form of voiceover it would have been 10/10. It is a pity because the next game in the series will not be that big moment for the franchise anymore, no matter what it looks like. It's like a waste of opportunity to impress everyone and sadly great gameplay is overshadowed by visual problems. For me it'sEverything is in place here, if only they had worked on the visuals more and added some form of voiceover it would have been 10/10. It is a pity because the next game in the series will not be that big moment for the franchise anymore, no matter what it looks like. It's like a waste of opportunity to impress everyone and sadly great gameplay is overshadowed by visual problems. For me it's still the best pokemon game since gen2… Expand
  14. LunLun
    Feb 1, 2022
    6
    The game is an over all breath of fresh air and i truly like the direction it is going. The story is decent, the controls nice and the pokémon don't seem AS bland as they were in previous Pokémon Titles. It is fun! BUT as a fan of the series for 20+ years i can not ignore the many inconsistencies (NPCs sometimes moving their mouth while talking, and sometimes not for e.g.), the uninspiredThe game is an over all breath of fresh air and i truly like the direction it is going. The story is decent, the controls nice and the pokémon don't seem AS bland as they were in previous Pokémon Titles. It is fun! BUT as a fan of the series for 20+ years i can not ignore the many inconsistencies (NPCs sometimes moving their mouth while talking, and sometimes not for e.g.), the uninspired landscapes (and caves specifically), the horrific graphics (especially light and shadow work and lilac shimmer on the ground for no apparent reason) and framerate, the annoying repetitive dialogue, the pokémon glitching up trees and the jokingly bad render distances of a MULTI BILLION DOLLAR COMPANY in the year 2022. The Gameplay however is really fun, not perfect but fun and i really hope the next legends game will improve the things it clearly lacks as off right now. Great potential… Expand
  15. 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
  16. RazzelBR
    Feb 1, 2022
    10
    Inovador, jogo incrível na minha opinião revolucionou a mecânica de jogos do pokemon, que tenha mais jogos nesse modelo
  17. DaReggaeShark
    Feb 1, 2022
    10
    New Pokémon is refreshing change of pace on the franchise. Great play experience with the new catching mechanics.
  18. TheRealBando
    Feb 1, 2022
    9
    Really amazing game overall! Love the new mechanics and it would be amazing to see these implemented in mainline Pokémon games if not have the spin off with “Legends” and keep it going! It has to be said the graphics aren’t up to par which is a real shame and It could have really done with voice actors I feel like it’s something they need to invest in going forward… but more than makes upReally amazing game overall! Love the new mechanics and it would be amazing to see these implemented in mainline Pokémon games if not have the spin off with “Legends” and keep it going! It has to be said the graphics aren’t up to par which is a real shame and It could have really done with voice actors I feel like it’s something they need to invest in going forward… but more than makes up for them with its sheer amazing gameplay. Overall they done an amazing job.… Expand
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 8888so
    Feb 1, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Honestly, I love the game, its mechanics are dynamic and realistic and there is so many quality of life improvements. The story is really nice and for the first time, I'm really excited to complete the dex. The bosses are challenging and the game, in general, is incredible in my opinion. I don't find the graphics to be bad they are a natural progression. It's a top game a must-have.… Expand
  22. rhyaken
    Feb 1, 2022
    8
    Regardless of my initial skepticism, I believe this is a really nice / fun game. I wasn't really sure I would enjoy this entry since I have always been more focused on pokemon battles with gyms and the pokemon league, rather than completing the pokedex. This game is solely related to completing the first pokedex. There aren't many trainer battles, which are made up for by introducing newRegardless of my initial skepticism, I believe this is a really nice / fun game. I wasn't really sure I would enjoy this entry since I have always been more focused on pokemon battles with gyms and the pokemon league, rather than completing the pokedex. This game is solely related to completing the first pokedex. There aren't many trainer battles, which are made up for by introducing new challenges: for example alpha pokemon.

    I think they nailed the gameplay loop quite well, Arceus introduces an open world game where collecting and training pokemon is a lot of fun and engaging. I haven't enjoyed the latest main line games that much (Sword and Shield / Diamon and Pearl remake) and Arceus really feels like a much needed breath of fresh air for the series.

    This is not the best pokemon game ever made, nor is it going to satisfy everyone. If you are interested in a new take on the Pokemon series, where you can freely explore a world full of pokemon in an engaging setting: then this game could be right up your ally.    … Expand
  23. XopZ
    Feb 1, 2022
    0
    It doesn't have SQUIRTLE, how can a POKEMON game be launched without simply having the best pokemon in the game. This is disrespectful.
  24. hkjhkjh
    Feb 1, 2022
    10
    I was really dissapointed with every mainline Pokemon game on Switch so far. Let's Go and BDSP were inferior versions of FRLG/Platinum imo and SwSh really lacked when it came to exploring and content over all. Therefore I can't believe it that GameFreak finally did it again, they finally made an awesome Pokemon game again. The new catching mechanics, huge areas to explore, an interestingI was really dissapointed with every mainline Pokemon game on Switch so far. Let's Go and BDSP were inferior versions of FRLG/Platinum imo and SwSh really lacked when it came to exploring and content over all. Therefore I can't believe it that GameFreak finally did it again, they finally made an awesome Pokemon game again. The new catching mechanics, huge areas to explore, an interesting story (in terms of a Pokemon game), a lot of side stuff to do etc. Now that's what I call a next level Pokemon game. Graphics could be better but they aren't bad either, up close they can look really nice but it's the draw/render distance that could be better.

    Overall it's the best Pokemon game since ORAS imo and every Pokemon should definitely pick this game up, you won't regret it    … Expand
  25. 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.
  26. rikgmr
    Feb 1, 2022
    3
    the score above 7 are pure fanboy, the textures are terrible, the tutorial is very long, you have to be 2 meters from a pokemon to see why, if not it doesn't load, the sound is broken, you can beat the game without fighting, except for 4 fights. you can beat pokemons that take 20 levels out of you effortlessly...the intention was good, but they have made a low budget Breath of the wildthe score above 7 are pure fanboy, the textures are terrible, the tutorial is very long, you have to be 2 meters from a pokemon to see why, if not it doesn't load, the sound is broken, you can beat the game without fighting, except for 4 fights. you can beat pokemons that take 20 levels out of you effortlessly...the intention was good, but they have made a low budget Breath of the wild impact, sad on the part of nintendo… Expand
  27. shadowpuppy
    Feb 1, 2022
    10
    Loving the game!! Not the best graphics but a step in the right direction I love being able to roll off mountains I do wish there was a jump button but I am enjoying the game right now and I can’t wait for a future versions
  28. 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.
  29. 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.
  30. Quilly89
    Feb 1, 2022
    9
    I love it. This game is a step in the right direction and any pokemon fan will love it. While I think the people complaining about graphics generally are being a bit dramatic, the game is poorly optimized and does feel like it needs some tuning up. Pokemon can clip through the environment, and certain textures (I’m looking at you, water and shadows) cause crazy pixelation ofI love it. This game is a step in the right direction and any pokemon fan will love it. While I think the people complaining about graphics generally are being a bit dramatic, the game is poorly optimized and does feel like it needs some tuning up. Pokemon can clip through the environment, and certain textures (I’m looking at you, water and shadows) cause crazy pixelation of everything around it. Like, horrible pixelation. But, don’t focus on that. The game has heart. So much heart. It is literally breath of the wild meets pokemon. With a little bit of animal crossing crafting, and Fire emblem’s garach Mach monestary. It’s worth your time and money and I sure as hell hope we get another Pokemon Legends game. Mew perhaps? Celebi? :)… 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 »