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. awalker
    Dec 25, 2021
    4
    Never before have a waited in such anticipation for a game that returned my anticipation with fury, stress and rage. The absolutely ASININE matchmaking that went into this game reminds me of the type of programming that a 6 year old would design with a 2 month subscription to code ninjas and a 3 day pass to work at Nintendo. Honestly, every PROFESSIONAL MOBA player in the freaking worldNever before have a waited in such anticipation for a game that returned my anticipation with fury, stress and rage. The absolutely ASININE matchmaking that went into this game reminds me of the type of programming that a 6 year old would design with a 2 month subscription to code ninjas and a 3 day pass to work at Nintendo. Honestly, every PROFESSIONAL MOBA player in the freaking world could have told you that balanced matchmaking is #1 for a making a MOBA game enjoyable. Hell it’s imperative to make any competitive game enjoyable, and last I checked, this is not Nintendo’s first competitive game. So why is it, you made the simple and brilliant decision, to pair solo queue players up against full squads of players who are partied up and communicating? That’s like having a game of dodgeball where one team has to wear blindfolds. STUPID. How did this even get approved? Was this even considered in the 2 weeks you took to plan how this game would work? This is one the BIGGEST barriers standing in between this game being 10/10 and the 3.7 user rating that it has. This and properly training players HOW A MOBA WORKS need to be PRIORITY #1 for the next update. You have YouTube, you have professional MOBA players, you have reviews. F the skins for 1 bloody month. And fix this game.… Expand
  2. B387pp1
    Apr 7, 2022
    1
    Thankfully this game isn’t p2w, but it is very bad. The matchmaking is the worst I’ve ever seen in a game, and you can’t check delay or ping before accepting the match. Sometimes the game won’t even load the arena so you’re stuck.
  3. 88023560
    Feb 8, 2022
    0
    The match making completely ruins the game i get paired up with children or idiots or foreigners who cant play games or stupid hood rats in majority black cities stealing **** wifi connections if you aren't paired up with white adults u r ****
  4. paleojuanito
    Nov 13, 2021
    4
    this game had sooooo much potential, it's fun, easy play. UNFORTUNATELY, there are some walls preventing it to be what it can. first of all is the new moba community. turns out there are people in 2021, who have no idea of the MOBA fundamentals, and it hurts to play this game as it were league season one. wrong laners, team comps and troll pics. on the other hand there's zapdos. i'll checkthis game had sooooo much potential, it's fun, easy play. UNFORTUNATELY, there are some walls preventing it to be what it can. first of all is the new moba community. turns out there are people in 2021, who have no idea of the MOBA fundamentals, and it hurts to play this game as it were league season one. wrong laners, team comps and troll pics. on the other hand there's zapdos. i'll check the game again in a year or two… Expand
  5. 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
  6. Toasttt
    Mar 26, 2022
    4
    no .
  7. Salva_G
    Dec 20, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Ta buenardo el jueguito aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaasaaaaaaaaaaaaaa… Expand
  8. FunkyBoi
    Jul 25, 2021
    4
    I wish I could give this game a higher score, but I'm unable to do so in good moral conscience. The game itself would serve as a fantastic introduction to the MOBA genre, with matches more simplified and concise than other MOBAs on market, allowing the player to grasp the core concept of the game and the genre at large quite intuitively. The introduction of chooseable movesets and itemI wish I could give this game a higher score, but I'm unable to do so in good moral conscience. The game itself would serve as a fantastic introduction to the MOBA genre, with matches more simplified and concise than other MOBAs on market, allowing the player to grasp the core concept of the game and the genre at large quite intuitively. The introduction of chooseable movesets and item builds in the pre-game lobby lends an interesting depth to the strategy of the game, and having it done at the start of the game removes a lot of the tedium of menu navigation during the games themselves.

    However, as has been stated by numerous users before me, the predatory monetisation and addiction tactics clearly utilised by the company are morally deplorable, particularly given Pokemon's appeal with younger audiences and the accessibility of the game itself allowing for young audiences to participate in the game. The game is rife with monetarily complex and predatory micro-transactions, be it for new Pokemon to play, new cosmetics, or even the aforementioned items which provide a direct advantage for any players seeking to play the game more competitively. To heavily monetise a game without any regulations or age requirements is completely irresponsible, and quite frankly revolting. I've long since lost faith in the Pokemon company's commitment to publishing quality products rather than relying solely on the appeal of the branding, but to see them stoop to such blatant levels of money-grubbery disgusts me to a point I can't ignore, and I'm inclined not to support the game at all. I only hope the negative backlash might prompt the Pokemon company and Tencent to make more ethical adjustments to their monetisation scheme, as a truly welcoming and enjoyable game does still exist beneath it all.    … Expand
  9. B-Bog
    Jul 23, 2021
    0
    Incredibly predatory monetisation scheme in a game aimed at children. See here for more information from a pro: https://www.reddit.com/r/NintendoSwitch/comments/oopfvl/please_be_very_mindful_of_the_predatory/

    What is becoming of you, Nintendo? You used to be better than this.
  10. jemjd
    Jul 23, 2021
    2
    The game itself is fun and entertaining to play. The problem comes with how it's sold as a free-to-play MOBA. The game is predatory with it's micro-transactions locking away items and characters away. You can purchase the characters with in-game currency you can gain but with a weekly cap it's not even worth playing the game other than maybe a match here or there. Overall it had greatThe game itself is fun and entertaining to play. The problem comes with how it's sold as a free-to-play MOBA. The game is predatory with it's micro-transactions locking away items and characters away. You can purchase the characters with in-game currency you can gain but with a weekly cap it's not even worth playing the game other than maybe a match here or there. Overall it had great potential and ends up being a disappointment.… Expand
  11. JustSayNo
    Jul 24, 2021
    0
    P2W micro transactions everywhere. For the low price of ~100$ you too can upgrade your held items to be leagues better than anyone else!
  12. shorton89
    Jul 24, 2021
    0
    This game is completely play to win, or you can play for a year straight in order to successfully beat everyone else. Pop in, and one or two characters can kill you within moments. It would be such a good feeling to pay, and completely destroy the competition in this game, but I don't want to give this **** company (tencent) the money. As a Nintendo fanboy, I'm ashamed.
  13. Zebunker
    Jul 28, 2021
    0
    nintendo goes pay 2 win. is this game signaling the downfall of nintendo? one of the worst games.
  14. Frenchkov
    Jul 26, 2021
    2
    Don't play this game until they fix their monetization system.
    Pokemon Unite has a lot of flaws. Balancing is not great, the short-timer is pretty constraining for a MOBA, the P2W aspect is unacceptable and present in every basic aspect of the game, and what think about Zapdos that is not a bonus but a complete game-breaker.
    You can have a huge lead during 8 minutes and lose because of    Don't play this game until they fix their monetization system.
    Pokemon Unite has a lot of flaws. Balancing is not great, the short-timer is pretty constraining for a MOBA, the P2W aspect is unacceptable and present in every basic aspect of the game, and what think about Zapdos that is not a bonus but a complete game-breaker.
    You can have a huge lead during 8 minutes and lose because of Zapdos mechanic in less than 1 minute which is a horrible balance and that leads to way too much frustration.
    Also, it's hard to communicate with your team.
    The weekly cap to obtain a new character is also a bad choice, just made to make money and it's so obvious that it's disgusting.
    I'm not surprised that Tencent/Timi did the gatcha system in the addition to all the monetization systems this game already has, they do the same on many of their games.
    But for a pokemon license and a game targeting children, it's **** as hell.    … Expand
  15. mah_eyes
    Jul 22, 2021
    3
    Pokemon unite has everything it needs to be a good game but things like the gold cap, the ingame timer (which makes it almost impossible to do comebacks) or items that are purchasble through microtransactions hinder the games fun factor imensely. It feels like the game developor tried to hinder you as much as possible to have a fun time. I hope they change certain things to help it in thePokemon unite has everything it needs to be a good game but things like the gold cap, the ingame timer (which makes it almost impossible to do comebacks) or items that are purchasble through microtransactions hinder the games fun factor imensely. It feels like the game developor tried to hinder you as much as possible to have a fun time. I hope they change certain things to help it in the long run or i fear it will be another nintendo rep that will die down just as fast as others before it… Expand
  16. Buwaro
    Jul 22, 2021
    3
    Tldr, the game will shower you with free stuff for the first two weeks and easy challenges to work through, and even then it's very meager for what you really need to unlock more stuff. However after those two weeks you'll progress so slow you be forced to spend money to keep up. Unfortunately this game has to be recommended to avoid
  17. Brickdoor
    Jul 23, 2021
    1
    Could possibly be an interesting take on Pokemon, but it's ruined with predatory micro-transactions. Items upgrade at a glacial pace, unless you pay to upgrade them for significant stat and speed boosts, on top of other gacha style gambling mechanics. In a franchise aimed at a younger audience this is unacceptable.
  18. MapleMaple
    Jul 23, 2021
    3
    The game itself is decent and the graphics look alright. The game is very vanilla compared to other MOBAs but that doesn't mean that it's bad. Unfortunately, the pay-to-win aspect in very intrusive. The more you buy, the more matches you'll win, which is disappointing considering that the game is marketed towards children who will be susceptible to the practice. Don't get invested in thisThe game itself is decent and the graphics look alright. The game is very vanilla compared to other MOBAs but that doesn't mean that it's bad. Unfortunately, the pay-to-win aspect in very intrusive. The more you buy, the more matches you'll win, which is disappointing considering that the game is marketed towards children who will be susceptible to the practice. Don't get invested in this game unless you are willing to spend well over the price of a AAA game to stay on an even playing field with other players.… Expand
  19. AmigoGrenouille
    Jul 24, 2021
    3
    Edit: I changed my score after learning just how bad the freemium aspects are. A fully kitted out item set gives a player such a ridiculous advantage that it trivializes the game. For a game with casual controls to force players to grind so endlessly or pay up up to $100 just to keep up, that's just unforgivable. This could have been a chance for a pokemon game with pure fun gameplayEdit: I changed my score after learning just how bad the freemium aspects are. A fully kitted out item set gives a player such a ridiculous advantage that it trivializes the game. For a game with casual controls to force players to grind so endlessly or pay up up to $100 just to keep up, that's just unforgivable. This could have been a chance for a pokemon game with pure fun gameplay without any baggage, but I guess that was just too good to be true.

    For a MOBA, it's very accessible. Controls are very easy and the moment-to-moment gameplay is simple to understand. Definitely made with children in mind. The unique mechanics are a bit odd and have some balancing issues. The game favors steamrolling, if a group of enemies win a teamfight and all score, they instantly get to full health and there isn't much your team can do about it.

    The mechanics are well-explained but the meta and objectives are poorly directed. Nobody's really sure where to go and it's easy to forget that you don't make any progress defeating enemies without getting points and scoring, which can be unfairly difficult if you're pushed back by a steamrolling team. Especially so with the 10-minute timer, which makes the game more casual but makes comebacks very rare.

    Outside the gameplay, there's classic Tencent scummy freemium practices. The game entices you with beginner quests that dry up and rewards will become scarce. I expect opinion of the game to go down sharply after the 14th day of its existence.    … Expand
  20. Huddi
    Jul 25, 2021
    0
    Pay to win in a MOBA. Do you need any other explanation? Nintendo had chances to have a long-standing esports title here, but of course, they decided to go for the quick and easy money.
  21. Arkensark
    Jul 27, 2021
    1
    Game is fun but it's massively pay to win, so avoid if possible. Don't let Nintendo exploit your kids with predatory microtransactions.
  22. fluff246
    Jul 26, 2021
    0
    It's a pay to win MOBA. How anyone could think that's a good idea is absurd to me.
  23. Foolkner
    Jul 24, 2021
    4
    Pretty fun but needs some balancing and yet another micro transaction game in a MOBA no less. Has potential if they can fix these and some other issues.
  24. chaoticoz
    Jul 24, 2021
    0
    Absolutely Pay2Win. It takes a while until you notice, but it really is.
    As free player, you have an inherent disadvantage, which in a competitively oriented MOBA, is an absolute no-go.
  25. Trelux
    Jul 25, 2021
    0
    Without Pokemon nobody would care about this game.
    First it is realy fun but after finish the tutorial the game gets a lot harder.
    You get a lot of ingame coins to purchase new Pokemon or other stuff but after the tutorial you need to grind very hard to get these coins. If you want you can pay real money instead to get these items or new Pokemon. The Items will increase your stats    Without Pokemon nobody would care about this game.
    First it is realy fun but after finish the tutorial the game gets a lot harder.
    You get a lot of ingame coins to purchase new Pokemon or other stuff but after the tutorial you need to grind very hard to get these coins.
    If you want you can pay real money instead to get these items or new Pokemon.
    The Items will increase your stats significant so for around 100€ you can get a huge boost that will make you overpowered and you will punish any other player which has not spend money on this game.
    Of course you can get these items through playing the game but in this early state of the game nobody cant reach these items without pay real money.
    The P2W destroy the game.
    I know this game is developed for asian market and tencent dont care about EU/US.
    The game is very laggy sometimes too but still fun until you realized you cant win against €/$

    After around 50 hours i will quit playing this game.    … Expand
  26. Magolor
    Jul 25, 2021
    0
    It is yet another sh*tty Pay to win MOBA. I tried it out because I am a Pokémon fan, but after about 3 hours, you don’t get to play much more without having to pay for upgrades. Overall not a very fun game, and very pay to win.
  27. Ariseinthepire
    Jul 25, 2021
    0
    PAY-TO-WIN

    Unacceptable that the Pokémon IP is being used to exploit children on what should be a safe console.
  28. Jacudibu
    Jul 28, 2021
    1
    Man, if it wasn't for Held Items I'd really love and recommend this game! But sadly everyone who claims that it isn't pay to win hasn't seen the Item Upgrades (and their costs or effects) yet.

    A full upgrade for one item (you can equip up to 3 at once) costs you around 40 bucks. This yields a stat increase from just +1 Attack to +15 (with an extra 7.5% attack speed and some damage    Man, if it wasn't for Held Items I'd really love and recommend this game! But sadly everyone who claims that it isn't pay to win hasn't seen the Item Upgrades (and their costs or effects) yet.

    A full upgrade for one item (you can equip up to 3 at once) costs you around 40 bucks.
    This yields a stat increase from just +1 Attack to +15 (with an extra 7.5% attack speed and some damage based on missing HP% on top) for just one item. I think mid-term using just the in-game rewards it's possible to reach level 20 on your main items, but level 30 is outright impossible without the use of a credit card.

    If you want to find out more about why it's pay 2 win and why everyone who claims otherwise hasn't done proper research, check out this reddit post: https://www.reddit.com/r/NintendoSwitch/comments/oqal4o/pokemon_unite_how_pay2win_is_pokemon_unite_i_did/

    Either way, really like the game in itself, but a MOBA that outright sells you an insane stat boost for your in-game characters is absolutely not worth playing long-term. Coming from someone who spent years playing LoL and Dota.

    Oh, and the UI feels really unresponsive for some reason (double presses to move the cursor multiple times just don't work most of the time, as if the menus are running at 10FPS or so). Although that doesn't affect normal gameplay, obviously... unless you need to change some of your Items last minute and it just doesn't work because everything is so damn slow! :'D    … Expand
  29. Yugon
    Jul 26, 2021
    0
    Pay2win
    It is s a no go to go pay2win on a moba game i cant understand this decision.
  30. turitz
    Jul 22, 2021
    0
    The Game itself is Pretty Fun, but the Technical Problems are kinda annoying and I hope that they fix them.

    Pros
    The Game and its Mechanics are very good.

    Cons
    Its' kinda laggy
    The Game is straight up pay 2 win and that's a big no no for me, It's not Pay to win forever, but maxing the Held Items to max is a pain and ruins the fun competetiv Aspects of the Game.
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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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