Pokemon Scarlet

 Switch
User Score
3.4

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 3197 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 755 out of 3197
  2. Mixed: 290 out of 3197
  3. Negative: 2,152 out of 3197
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  1. LunaSaotome
    Nov 19, 2022
    9
    Pokemon Scarlet is the game I dreamed of playing as a little girl. Marred by technical issues that the internet has blown out of proportion, the open world breathes new life into a franchise that had long gone stale, along with some of the best new pokemon designs in generations. On top of all that, the smaller-scope story and exploration of the theme of finding one's own meaning in lifePokemon Scarlet is the game I dreamed of playing as a little girl. Marred by technical issues that the internet has blown out of proportion, the open world breathes new life into a franchise that had long gone stale, along with some of the best new pokemon designs in generations. On top of all that, the smaller-scope story and exploration of the theme of finding one's own meaning in life gives the story staying power that Pokemon games generally don't have.

    Final recommendation: If you have ever loved a Pokemon game in the past, you will find something to love in Scarlet and Violet. Best since GSC. Highly recommend, and if they fix the technical problems easy 10/10.    … Expand
  2. GreenMenace
    Nov 20, 2022
    9
    Scarlet and Violet is an ambitious generation that mixes elements from Sword/Shield and Legends Arceus.

    Pros Open World The Strategy and Heart Gameplay and Story Cons No Difficulty Scaling Graphics Game Performance The multiplayer in this game is incredible. You can have two people (up to four) running around the world at the same time without an impact on the game’s    Scarlet and Violet is an ambitious generation that mixes elements from Sword/Shield and Legends Arceus.

    Pros
    Open World
    The Strategy and Heart
    Gameplay and Story

    Cons
    No Difficulty Scaling
    Graphics
    Game Performance

    The multiplayer in this game is incredible. You can have two people (up to four) running around the world at the same time without an impact on the game’s performance, and joining raids is a cinch while linked. Granted, to do so, you need to have two switches and two copies of the game like most switch games.

    The story actually put forward an effort. The characters actually had heart this game. Don’t expect anything huge, but it certainly made the game more enjoyable. Not to mention there were several points in the game where I lost battles (because I ran wherever I felt like).

    Weak spots in Sword/Shield such as cooking and internet connection have dramatically improved. Cooking has become a full on crafting system. And the internet connection hasn’t caused any problems for me. I’m sure I’ll run into them someday. There’s no way Game Freak’s fixed that. Even raids have improved, allowing all players to act at the same time. No longer do you sit and do nothing as you watch the AI increase their defensive stats.

    The biggest detraction from this game is the game performance. This is coming from someone who isn’t a tech genius, but at times (mostly the beginning of the game oddly enough), the screen tore. I can’t identify it in just about any other game, but in Scarlet and Violet it was obvious. And catching Pokemon is a little awkward considering where the Pokeball lands. The terrain in general is usually pretty rough as well. In summary the moves look nicer than they ever have on Switch, but everything else is lacking in the graphics department. And looking at all the bad reviews, they're dumping 0-2's purely on graphics lol.

    In conclusion, this is the best Pokemon game on Switch for the casual player. If you aren’t into collecting every species, online battling, shiny hunting, or anything usually reserved for the “postgame,” Scarlet and Violet delivers a fun experience.    … Expand
  3. Minato-Arisato
    Nov 19, 2022
    10
    De los mejores RPG's que salieron en el año compartiendo la corona con Xenoblade Chronicles 3, otro exclusivo de Nintendo.
    La gente necesita tranquilizarse y saber disfrutar un buen Pokémon, hay mucho odio en el aire.
    Muchas gracias Game Freak.
  4. Chaosblazer321
    Nov 19, 2022
    8
    I can understand why people have mixed feelings about this, on one hand we have some of the most intriguing stories and concepts to come to us since Sun and Moon, 3 in total with some new elements to try.

    That said, while this does look better than Sword and Sheild, perhaps GF wasn't ready for an open world game since I've seen the issues people have been speaking about, granted it    I can understand why people have mixed feelings about this, on one hand we have some of the most intriguing stories and concepts to come to us since Sun and Moon, 3 in total with some new elements to try.

    That said, while this does look better than Sword and Sheild, perhaps GF wasn't ready for an open world game since I've seen the issues people have been speaking about, granted it hasn't effected me all that much, then again my current switch is the OLED model, but even so I do hope that GF releases a patch to fix things hopefully soon, as these entries are definitely more engaging than the past 2 were, being able to go wherever you want is nice and I do like several of the new pokemon designs and mechanics as it more enjoyable than Sword and Sheild were.    … Expand
  5. SushiMess
    Nov 19, 2022
    8
    The game itself is fun. The world is very lovey and nice and the freedom the game gives you is great. The characters are amazing as well and I can say that this is a good pokémon game. However the fact that it runs absolutely horrible compared to other more demanding games on the switch is really absurd. If the game released without the stuttering, lags, and frame drops, I can say this isThe game itself is fun. The world is very lovey and nice and the freedom the game gives you is great. The characters are amazing as well and I can say that this is a good pokémon game. However the fact that it runs absolutely horrible compared to other more demanding games on the switch is really absurd. If the game released without the stuttering, lags, and frame drops, I can say this is one of the best pokémon games out there.… Expand
  6. SweetKairi
    Nov 19, 2022
    10
    When I said that Legends Arceus would be nominated for best RPG of the year, I was not wrong.
    Many people doubt Game Freak when they have always done their job with passion and dedication to maintaining consistency.
    Scarlet and Violet are no exception, tremendously fun games and full of things to do.
    The simplified RPG par excellence and that should be an example to follow.
  7. Djinn
    Nov 19, 2022
    8
    For context: I bought the game physically. I have barely experienced any real significant framerate drops. I would say as of writing I am halfway through the game. I haven't encountered much in the way of glitches. I have been playing with friends using the union circle.

    I would say this game, with some patches to clean up some stability and glitches that others might be experiencing, a    For context: I bought the game physically. I have barely experienced any real significant framerate drops. I would say as of writing I am halfway through the game. I haven't encountered much in the way of glitches. I have been playing with friends using the union circle.

    I would say this game, with some patches to clean up some stability and glitches that others might be experiencing, a solid 8 out of 10. Maybe with some DLC it might even become higher.    … Expand
  8. SixersFan
    Nov 19, 2022
    9
    The performance issues are well documented and for the most part valid. I won’t make any excuses for the frame rate drops and general bugs the game has on release. However, the gameplay and storyline are excellent. I can’t stop playing the game and just exploring what is a truly vast and open world. I love so many of the characters and the new Pokémon are some of the best in recentThe performance issues are well documented and for the most part valid. I won’t make any excuses for the frame rate drops and general bugs the game has on release. However, the gameplay and storyline are excellent. I can’t stop playing the game and just exploring what is a truly vast and open world. I love so many of the characters and the new Pokémon are some of the best in recent generations. I do hope they can patch as many of the technical issues as possible, but it’s nonsensical for this game to have a lower score than Sword and Shield. This game is my favorite of a new generation since Gen 5 and I hope everyone gives it a shot!… Expand
  9. akumalinoone
    Nov 19, 2022
    10
    My Experience with this game so far is Amazing yes there some problems with the game but That doesn't Let me have so much fun with Pokemon Scarlet and Violet I love this New open World Pokemon game and cant wait to see Where this games goes foward
  10. nam_1932002
    Nov 19, 2022
    10
    Despite the performance issue I think it is the Pokemon game we have been dream up to 25 years. It has wonderful world- building, very fun and quality of life feature update like camping and the camera app. It has the most interesting characters and story- telling and some how the best gameplay in the franchise. The three path contain so much joy and discovers.
  11. hoodrew
    Nov 19, 2022
    8
    i think its fun but holy crap its buggy also aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa thats all i just needed it to be 75 characters long
  12. spinx225
    Nov 19, 2022
    10
    Loving it so far. Love the open world. Can’t wait for the DLC. It does have some issues, but I’m sure they can probably fix that with an update.
  13. Timenick
    Nov 19, 2022
    8
    This game would be great if it wouldnt have poor graphics and performance issues.

    The open world exploration is fantastic. The world is huge and vertical and it has actual level design like Botw or Elden Ring. Not just a flat round area like Horizon or Witcher or Assassins Creed, this style of open world design is outdated in 2022. Speaking of outdated, yeah the graphics are still    This game would be great if it wouldnt have poor graphics and performance issues.

    The open world exploration is fantastic. The world is huge and vertical and it has actual level design like Botw or Elden Ring. Not just a flat round area like Horizon or Witcher or Assassins Creed, this style of open world design is outdated in 2022.

    Speaking of outdated, yeah the graphics are still like a 3DS game and the performance is bad. Pop ins are terrible and the framerate is very unstable. This might be better in handheld mode but its still not acceptable for a 60$ game. At least the game doesnt crash or has broken quests.

    This is absolutely the right formula for the main series but Game Freak needs to hire better programmers asap.    … Expand
  14. DistantKingdom
    Nov 19, 2022
    10
    The best of the best, and one of the most entertaining games of the year.
    I don't understand the commotion that is being talked about on Twitter, as soon as I started with it, I can't stop catching Pokémon.
    Seriously, they have put a lot of care into the animations in this installment.
  15. Leo189
    Nov 19, 2022
    8
    The Game si amazing, great liberty and hours of fun, but the frame rate, camera glitches, visual errors and memory leak convert this fun Game in something difficult to enjoy
  16. Nymble
    Nov 19, 2022
    10
    Have you ever wondered what it would be like to shove a Nymble 'down there' and lay back in repose as she bucks her way out?

    Well after playing this game, I have. And that's why this game is a Perfect 10. It's a Nymble-bucking-good game.
  17. DLC_22
    Nov 20, 2022
    10
    Despite lacking visuals and frame rate, I think this is a game well worth the money, the free open world is fun to explore and the pokemon that roam the world fill it with charm. The story is also something to write home about, being near black and white level story telling. Overall its a good game, but please fix the graphics GameFreak!
  18. Scavio
    Nov 19, 2022
    10
    Pretty good actually. There are some graphical issues but the gameplay, characters, and Pokemon were really fun this time around.
  19. Aurora_Lemuria
    Nov 19, 2022
    10
    It joins to the best Game Freak games along with titles like: Crystal, Emerald, Platinum, Ultra Moon, Sword&Shield+Expansion and Legends Arceus"".

    The anger and fury that many are showing here with the red 0s seems honestly immature to me. Playable is fun and has an ideal progression system. Over the days, people who played the game authentically and legally will give their positive    It joins to the best Game Freak games along with titles like: Crystal, Emerald, Platinum, Ultra Moon, Sword&Shield+Expansion and Legends Arceus"".

    The anger and fury that many are showing here with the red 0s seems honestly immature to me.
    Playable is fun and has an ideal progression system. Over the days, people who played the game authentically and legally will give their positive ratings to the game (because its a good game despite some glitches), reversing the bad scores of those who played it illegally before it came out and dont like Pokémon really.    … Expand
  20. SaveGalar-Hisui
    Nov 19, 2022
    10
    Just excellent, there aren't many other words to describe how well Game Freak and TPCI has managed to deal with an open world game. After polishing and improving the current system for years.
    Its a game that everyone has to play, only playing it is understood because despite the average graphics, one falls in love and plays endlessly.
  21. Gabo15050
    Nov 19, 2022
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Very good game, only have some bugs. The game is too much interesting with a great story.… Expand
  22. ATodoGas
    Nov 19, 2022
    10
    Si tuviera que elegir entre los dos monster catchers del mercado, Pokémon con Escarlata y Púrpura, o Digimon Survive, me quedo de calle con Pokémon el cual es un RPG de captura con exploración mientras el otro es una novela visual.
    Realmente me gusto la historia y los combates en este nuevo Pokémon
  23. Elena_E_Patata
    Nov 19, 2022
    10
    Meraviglioso mondo aperto, pieno di pokémon con interazioni in base al loro ambiente e con un ottimo sistema di combattimento che migliora con ogni titolo.
  24. jvviersvndovvl
    Nov 19, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Fuera del rendimiento, lo demás va todo muy bien y te mantiene ocupado mucho tiempo… Expand
  25. VeteranAnon
    Nov 19, 2022
    10
    Amazing game, highly recommend it, worth every penny

    Pokémon in its maximum expression.
  26. MightyBerry
    Nov 19, 2022
    9
    This game has so many negative comments. I am playing the game and it's fine. If your game behaves weird make a new save and restart it.
  27. Kreha2
    Nov 19, 2022
    10
    The hand holding from SM is gone, open world pokemon has arrived and as a gen wunner I can say honestly this is an engrossing game experience that blows me away. Graphical issues though initially frustrating fall to the wayside when the wonderful experience kicks in. With every unlock of movement It became more and more clear the vision that gamefreak had; a sprawling pokeworld teemingThe hand holding from SM is gone, open world pokemon has arrived and as a gen wunner I can say honestly this is an engrossing game experience that blows me away. Graphical issues though initially frustrating fall to the wayside when the wonderful experience kicks in. With every unlock of movement It became more and more clear the vision that gamefreak had; a sprawling pokeworld teeming with pokemon. Well I'm glad to live in a pokemon world.… Expand
  28. Sanefc
    Nov 19, 2022
    8
    Yes it has some performance issues but the game is really fun. Way more fun than SWSH
  29. AlvaroTrainer
    Nov 19, 2022
    10
    The best game i'd ever played, fuecoco god. Mencia una diosa y muuuuuuuuuuuy divertido
  30. DistantKingDumb
    Nov 19, 2022
    10
    Don't listen to the obvious score/review bombing that from a troll community that hates Pokémon, they want to repeat the same falsification of scores that Sword/Shield received unfairly.
    I will tell the truth about this game, since I played it when came out and not a leaked version without a patch day 1.
    It is one of the best regions and it perfectly refines what has been achieved with    Don't listen to the obvious score/review bombing that from a troll community that hates Pokémon, they want to repeat the same falsification of scores that Sword/Shield received unfairly.
    I will tell the truth about this game, since I played it when came out and not a leaked version without a patch day 1.
    It is one of the best regions and it perfectly refines what has been achieved with Legends Arceus, graphically its a great leap in quality, and in terms of exploration, it is something that the saga would hardly have dreamed of years ago.
    Accessibility and quality of life improvements are much better, making the competitive something more open to all audiences.
    In story, its one of the best that the saga has had, and the inclusiveness that this game brings goes with the quality line that others have had in Nintendo lately.

    I played with the patch day 1, and after passing the league, I have only found 1 bug, merely aesthetic and that didn't affect my experience at all.
    The only thing that could be improved is performance, but obviously patches are coming that will fix it.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2022

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 118 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 56 out of 118
  2. Mixed: 60 out of 118
  3. Negative: 2 out of 118
  1. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jan 24, 2024
    60
    Not a bad game. It still has its solid core, new Pokémon, and what's worked for years continues to work. The open world is a questionable addition in my opinion. [Issue#324]
  2. VideoGamer
    Dec 14, 2023
    70
    Pokemon Scarlet and Violet take the long-awaited step into a fully open-world, but one poorly implemented and marred by frustration. A compelling story and characters are a saving grace in what is ultimately a fun game, but Pokemon's attempts at modernising continue to fall disappointingly short.
    Read full review
  3. Het Nieuwsblad
    Jul 31, 2023
    20
    A square wheel spins more smoothly and fluidly than this game. If three Pokémon or characters come into view at once, the whole game creaks and falters. Edge-off unplayable. And that's a shame. Because the addition of an open world is "on paper" a puffy idea to refresh the franchise. No more linear walking that takes you past gyms and ever stronger and different Pokémon, gotta catch 'em all. You can go wherever you want. With some tactics, you can take on some very tough challenges with Pokémon that aren't nearly strong enough. Fun! Except this game just wasn't ready. It's shameless that Nintendo and Game Freak are still throwing it on the market. Nevertheless: 10 million games sold in just three days.
    Read full review
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