Pokemon UNITE

 Switch
User Score
3.9

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 332 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 86 out of 332
  2. Mixed: 50 out of 332
  3. Negative: 196 out of 332

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  1. Wolf855
    Jan 11, 2022
    8
    Plenty of free earning content, great characters, each feeling unique and have different play styles, great graphics, gameplay easy and fun for the most part, it is lacking to have more rewards per season, after finishing most of the good reward challenges i feel like i dont have much to do but to do rank matches to up my rank, they really need to fix the matchmaking system ive lost 4Plenty of free earning content, great characters, each feeling unique and have different play styles, great graphics, gameplay easy and fun for the most part, it is lacking to have more rewards per season, after finishing most of the good reward challenges i feel like i dont have much to do but to do rank matches to up my rank, they really need to fix the matchmaking system ive lost 4 battles straight due to noob players on my team not knowing what to do or literally players that stay at home base and not move the whole entire game on my team, making us lose and putting down my rank level fast.… Expand
  2. Salva_G
    Dec 20, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Ta buenardo el jueguito aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaasaaaaaaaaaaaaaa… Expand
  3. Pisagorn
    Aug 3, 2021
    10
    This game is totally fun. There might be many people saying that this game is pay to win but it actually isn't. The impact of held items are not that difference between lv20 and 30, what requires more is individuals' skill of understanding moba to win the game.
  4. ludoFile
    Aug 19, 2021
    8
    ---The Good---

    Pokémon Unite's gameplay is a blast. It is tight-controlling with a streamlined set of options, and is easily the most approachable MOBA that I have yet played. The number of moves and items that a player can use is more limited than in most other MOBAs, which has caused some online to call this "baby's first MOBA." These critics miss the point: Pokémon is a franchise    ---The Good---

    Pokémon Unite's gameplay is a blast. It is tight-controlling with a streamlined set of options, and is easily the most approachable MOBA that I have yet played.

    The number of moves and items that a player can use is more limited than in most other MOBAs, which has caused some online to call this "baby's first MOBA." These critics miss the point: Pokémon is a franchise that serves to introduce its audience to any given genre with simplified mechanics in a user-friendly way. Most Pokémon games are in the JRPG genre, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon is a Roguelite, Pokkén Tournament is a fighting game, etc. In this regard, Pokémon Unite excels.

    I particularly enjoy the time limits. I love knowing (and being able to control) how long my gameplay sessions will be. No longer will I be stuck in a 40-minute-long run trying to destroy the last of the zones.

    Because Pokémon Unite is based on such a beloved franchise, millions of people are eager to give it a shot. I have played MOBAs for years, and never have I had the joy of such a short wait in an online queue.

    The communication in Pokémon Unite is also streamlined. There is no way to voicechat with strangers, or even type them a message. You are able to call out specific messages via a pre-built list of options, so you don't miss out on any critical collaboration tools in this team-built game. However, the lack of extensive online interaction means that I know that my games will never end up with any toxic slurs or rants. I acknowledge that many people prefer full voice chat in their multiplayer games, but I have always enjoyed being able to control the toxicity in my life and the tradeoff has always been worth it to me.

    ---The Bad---

    As great as the gameplay is, the rest of the game's interface is terrible. In the menus, sometimes trying to move the cursor left or right doesn't register or otherwise has a lag, as if each movement in the menus is sent to a server. Looking for specific things may not always be intuitive: to change a Pokémon's held item or moveset you must be in a screen that means you are about to battle.

    Most egregious of all are the multiple types of meaningless quests and activities and currencies that it throws at the player. It seems like the game's developers copy/pasted its monetization practices from the other games that they made, namely League of Legends and Arena of Valor. The pay-to-win complaint is valid, though (in my opinion) overblown (especially since the nerfing that the developers did to what money can buy in-game).

    ---Conclusion---

    Pokémon Unite has solid potential for being the most widely-consumed MOBA to-date. People have shown that they are hungry for Pokémon content of all types. Hopefully Tencent will one day realize that they don't need to make such efforts trying to trick us into paying money, as we are all eager to throw at least a few bucks to a solid Pokémon experience that we respect. If that happens, Pokémon Unite will be one of the best Pokémon games. Until then, it's worth trying out, but SOMETHING in it will frustrate you at least a little.    … Expand
  5. Nik_Zizza
    Jul 27, 2021
    9
    Finally The perfect MOBA, easy to learn and very very funny. Who have a Switch should download it
  6. quantum_boolean
    Jul 22, 2021
    8
    Having played 6k hours of Dota and dabbled in LoL, I understand it's quite easy to be elitist and precious about favourite our MOBAs.

    In short, Pokemon Unite is fun: - The games are short so you'll never be stuck in hour long toxic games, - Tutorial is comprehensive, and you can dive into a game within 15 mins. - The characters have distinct roles but the choice in movesets allows    Having played 6k hours of Dota and dabbled in LoL, I understand it's quite easy to be elitist and precious about favourite our MOBAs.

    In short, Pokemon Unite is fun:
    - The games are short so you'll never be stuck in hour long toxic games,
    - Tutorial is comprehensive, and you can dive into a game within 15 mins.
    - The characters have distinct roles but the choice in movesets allows for enough variety
    - The controls are relatively easy, especially if you've had experience with the right stick aiming.

    BUT....it's going to cost you in the long run. It's already apparent that Absol, Alohan Ninetales, Pikachu and a couple of others are much better on launch. Unlocking better items costs currency. You won't be able to unlock all of these straight away without grinding so you will be forced to pay money. You have to decide how much the game should cost you, will you get enough enjoyment out of it for the same cost as a triple A game and pay accordingly?

    Tencent has a good product on their hands, but like all MOBAs the introduction new characters and balance patches will determine its future    … Expand
  7. Akk3d1s
    Jul 27, 2021
    8
    Its a really fun moba. Sure, you can drop money to unlock things faster but you DONT HAVE TO. Just grind a little and git gud. Besides, how do these devs keep the game alive if people want everything for free?
  8. RedDevilnumber1
    Jul 28, 2021
    8
    Ignore the pay to win comments. This game is free to play, I am not sure what people expect. If you paid for the game, sure be angry. On this one, there was no fee to download, play and have casual fun. I am completely against microtransactions in games for anything other than cosmetics but in certain cases this can be overlooked. For me this is one of those cases. It is a fun, simple,Ignore the pay to win comments. This game is free to play, I am not sure what people expect. If you paid for the game, sure be angry. On this one, there was no fee to download, play and have casual fun. I am completely against microtransactions in games for anything other than cosmetics but in certain cases this can be overlooked. For me this is one of those cases. It is a fun, simple, free to play MOBA game. The matches are short, the scoring system rather than towers feels fresh and new and the playable Pokemon are varied. It will be great to see what other potential Pokemon could be added in the future.… Expand
  9. angelkofsky
    Aug 12, 2021
    10
    People saying it is "pay to win" either haven't actually played the game, are very bad at it, or don't know what words mean. Literally anything you can get with purchase currency can be gotten by playing the game. I won my first 4games off the bat with no held or earned items and got MVP as a beand new player, then used my earned currency to buy a new held item.

    The game is so fun and    People saying it is "pay to win" either haven't actually played the game, are very bad at it, or don't know what words mean. Literally anything you can get with purchase currency can be gotten by playing the game. I won my first 4games off the bat with no held or earned items and got MVP as a beand new player, then used my earned currency to buy a new held item.

    The game is so fun and refreshing and if you see the words "pay2win" in a review just laugh at the reviewer, because it very literally is not. complaining about a free game they never actually really played. It is fun, easy to get in to and not at all bogged down or meta obsessed like some MOBAs    … Expand
  10. ironwardog
    Jul 22, 2021
    8
    So far it's a fun I hope it keep up the good work but don't forget it still can go down hill.
  11. DaBigBoss
    Jul 22, 2021
    10
    Exellente videojuego si quieres decir adios a la vida, puro vicio, una partida detras de otra pim pam. recomendado
  12. Jdd2102
    Jul 23, 2021
    10
    The Game it's incredible has a verte good Game mecanics and characters it's a good surprise for allá the gamers
  13. Lumber_Jones
    Jul 23, 2021
    8
    if you are looking for something that is going to compete with the likes of League of Legends or Dota then do not look here. Pokémon Unite is a new breed of MOBAs that is perfect for the average gamer. League and Dota are games that at the end of the day you have to spend countless hours to reach a level of ability that is considered "good". Unite is not only welcoming for new players butif you are looking for something that is going to compete with the likes of League of Legends or Dota then do not look here. Pokémon Unite is a new breed of MOBAs that is perfect for the average gamer. League and Dota are games that at the end of the day you have to spend countless hours to reach a level of ability that is considered "good". Unite is not only welcoming for new players but it lets people who have day jobs feel as though the can be competitive in the ranked lobbies without having to sacrifice over 90 minutes to play one game. Those that say this game is pay to win, or casual only are not looking at what the game can provide for the average gamer at large.

    If you are a hardcore League player you will not like this game. Everyone is on an even playing field at all times whether they are new or old, because of the "unite license" system that allows you to permanently retain specific Pokémon using either free in game currency, which is extremely easy to come buy, or buy paying for it with real money which is not required in the slightest. the vocabulary for the roles and classes of characters have been dumbed down so that you can pick this game up and instantly know what your job is, and the lack of custom chat feature makes it so you are not able to yell at the people you are playing with.

    This game at its core is a MOBA for all people, and is a great step towards how games should be balanced at launch. If you want to play the next highly competitive E-sport game this is not it by any means, but if you and your friends want something that you can play as a team no matter what your group skill level is this is certainly a fantastic choice and one that will continue to grow over the coming months as it comes to mobile devices as well as the Switch.    … Expand
  14. Thiagosan
    Jul 25, 2021
    10
    Muito viciante e dá para ver a atenção aos detalhes, inclusive com gráfico refinado e objetivo.
  15. kuiriz
    Jul 28, 2021
    10
    Es muy bonito y no es pay to win como dicen, juégalo y verás que no, es muy divertido y de gran calidad gracias por este juegazo para el verano Nintendo
  16. Alvgarrido
    Jul 25, 2021
    8
    Muy entretenido! cuando lo anunciaron pensé que sería un juego de Pokemones mas para relleno, pero al momento de probarlo me lleve una grata sorpresa!! Matchmaking rapido, entretenido y hasta el momento partida estable!
  17. AgeQ
    Jul 24, 2021
    8
    Descent MOBA Pokemon game more fore the fans maybe then MOBA lovers. It has its flaws but its an overall good game.
  18. speeb015
    Jul 27, 2021
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is pretty good. It's got a nice vibe to it with a kind of flat pvp style. It's basically a mobile game if mobile games were cooler, and had better controls. If this were to be a mobile game there wouldn't be any bad graphics. Slowpoke is not really slow but come on! SLOWPOKE -- If he was slow no one would play as him. So my thoughts on this game? I would give it an 8 out of 10. I highly recomend it.… Expand
  19. Williboii
    Aug 6, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I was Bored and I decided to try out Pokemon Unite on the Nintendo switch. Once I started playing it I could not put my Nintendo switch down. This Game is super Fun. It has a great Roster and it is one of the most Underrated Pokemon games Ever. The game has a great Roster of Pokemon, and the combat in this game is greatis great Who ever says it is a Pay to win game is wrong because I am able to win without even paying a cent It is a fantastic game and I am excited for the mobile version to come out. I am even though that I am rating this game a 10 their is one issue. I wished that their was Pichu and Raichu because They added Pikachu in the game and when a match starts. All pokemon start as the first stage and you have to Score points or battle Pokemon for the final evolution stage. But Pikachu Starts out as Pikachu and not Pichu. I get he is the mascot and all but it makes no sense that all of the other pokemon who is at their final stage start out as the first stage but not Pikachu, and he should be a Raichu because it makes even more sense. Same with Snorlax and Muchlax. Other than that this game came out like three weeks ago writing this so I understand that.… Expand
  20. wizardaj83
    Aug 8, 2021
    8
    All the crying about micro transactions is not warranted. If people want a fast, easy path to success in the game, then you have to pay for it. However, if you enjoy EARNING your way without spending anything, it is totally doable. I have not spent a single cent on micro transactions and in two weeks time I have multiple Pokemon I can play with upgraded items. Are they completely maxedAll the crying about micro transactions is not warranted. If people want a fast, easy path to success in the game, then you have to pay for it. However, if you enjoy EARNING your way without spending anything, it is totally doable. I have not spent a single cent on micro transactions and in two weeks time I have multiple Pokemon I can play with upgraded items. Are they completely maxed out? No, two are 20 and one is 15. I can tell you though that my ranked match losses have very little to do with the level of my items and much more to do with team play and each individual understanding what to do in order to achieve victory through out the match.

    All this was accomplished by utilizing the free tickets to boost my coins/battle points earned and upgrade items. I have a total of 101 matches so its not like I did nothing but play Unite for two weeks. Quit review bombing because you see micro transactions and learn how to get good without them. This is an excellent game and it deserves better than to be bombed for offering players a choice.    … Expand
  21. i_mush
    Jul 23, 2021
    9
    Fun and fast paced.
    Might not be challenging enough for MOBA enthusiast, but I’m having fun
  22. Corbolicious
    Jul 23, 2021
    10
    Not sure what all the cry babies on here are complaining about. With no real mobas on the switch or consoles in general it is good to have one. Then all the people whining about “pay to win” I played for the last couple days without buying a Pokémon and had no issues dropping 12+ kills a game (which no one else had above 5) I did buy a Pokémon for the first time today and still average theNot sure what all the cry babies on here are complaining about. With no real mobas on the switch or consoles in general it is good to have one. Then all the people whining about “pay to win” I played for the last couple days without buying a Pokémon and had no issues dropping 12+ kills a game (which no one else had above 5) I did buy a Pokémon for the first time today and still average the same kills. Also it is FREE TO PLAY. Devs have to make money somehow or the game wouldn’t exist. You are supporting the game to grow so stop crying about pay to win because it isn’t. Could use some ironing out and more content but the mechanics are very solid. Will keep playing this game!… Expand
  23. rambo_ando
    Jul 25, 2021
    8
    Don't listen to all the MOBA fans review bombing Pokemon Unite. It's a fun game and it's f2p, so it's bound to please many a Pokemon fan. Sure it has some p2w elements and needs some optimisation to gameplay, graphics and UI but definitely worth trying.
  24. brunnossantos
    Jul 23, 2021
    10
    nice and smooth gameplay, it's pokemon like we've never seen. has a great potential to keep growing and become a hit
  25. Gorgiasz
    Jul 26, 2021
    10
    It's a great game and if you focus on one pokemon, you can be high in the rankings quickly without paying for anything. This is not a p2w game. You pay if you want to develop more Pokemon.

    I am surprised by the complaints. You have a lot of fun and a lot of challenges for free. You want more? Pay. It's a great offer for me.
  26. AbcTheHuman2
    Jul 22, 2021
    10
    I am not a fan of MOBA games or anything, but to be honest, I loved to play this game. It's very fun, it's free (yeah, it has some microtransactions, but you can easily play the game without them) and it's also
    very simple to learn how to play it, because it doesn't have any complex mechanic like those we find on another MOBA games, like LOL or Dota.
    I guess it has a lot of potential    I am not a fan of MOBA games or anything, but to be honest, I loved to play this game. It's very fun, it's free (yeah, it has some microtransactions, but you can easily play the game without them) and it's also
    very simple to learn how to play it, because it doesn't have any complex mechanic like those we find on another MOBA games, like LOL or Dota.

    I guess it has a lot of potential to be something bigger in the near future.    … Expand
  27. Zumnes
    Jul 23, 2021
    10
    It’s fun to play and rounds are fun, if you like mobas it’s Good and free try it at least
  28. Joes
    Jul 23, 2021
    10
    La verdad no esperaba nada del juego pero es muy entretenido, recomendable.
  29. MattDomingos
    Jul 23, 2021
    10
    Having an absolute blast with the game. Really fun, well made, and I beg to differ on the comments that say it's a pay to win game. Everything can me purchase with time, and actually kinda fast. I haven't experienced any bugs, nor lag or fps drops. It's really stable so far.
  30. Pyronick
    Jul 25, 2021
    10
    Muy buen MOBA, además de que es gratuito y no te tienes que gastar ni un euro para ganar como en otros juegos, tiene microtransacciones que no afectan en nada a la jugabilidad, si se te da bien puedes conseguirlo todo, además de que aún está en su versión beta y ya cuenta con unos "luchadores" muy buenos y cada uno tiene su propia personalidad, puedes sentirte identificado y con cualquieraMuy buen MOBA, además de que es gratuito y no te tienes que gastar ni un euro para ganar como en otros juegos, tiene microtransacciones que no afectan en nada a la jugabilidad, si se te da bien puedes conseguirlo todo, además de que aún está en su versión beta y ya cuenta con unos "luchadores" muy buenos y cada uno tiene su propia personalidad, puedes sentirte identificado y con cualquiera de ellos ya que están lo suficientemente equilibrados como para que si sabes jugar puedas ganar con el que más te guste, tiene además buenos gráficos, buen online y una jugabilidad muy entretenida y que engancha.
    Éste juego me ha sorprendido mucho, nunca pensé que un MOBA me pudiera enganchar tanto.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2021

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
70

Mixed or average reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 31
  3. Negative: 1 out of 31
  1. RPG Fan
    Nov 29, 2021
    75
    Overall, Pokémon UNITE is a MOBA with a lot of potential. It’s already great as a casual game with friends, but I believe with some tweaking to Zapdos and removal of the “pay for held item upgrades” option, a strong competitive MOBA lives in Pokémon UNITE. Until then, it’s hard to call it much more than an above-average entry in the crowded MOBA space.
    Read full review
  2. CD-Action
    Oct 12, 2021
    85
    Pokémon Unite is the first attempt at creating a MOBA with the pocket monsters – and I must admit it’s a successful one. The game is fast and intense, but also easy to get a grip on. I don’t expect it to take the esports scene by storm, but it’s very enjoyable and works great in a doctor’s waiting room or on the bus. As for me, I can’t force myself to stop playing Pokémon Unite and hope the developers will keep updating it. [10/2021, p.61]
  3. CGMagazine
    Aug 17, 2021
    65
    Pokémon Unite's potential is undermined by its balancing, and might not have enough to offer either of its target audiences.
    Read full review
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