Pokemon Rumble U

 Wii U
Metascore
49

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 22
  3. Negative: 6 out of 22
  1. GamingTrend
    Sep 6, 2013
    70
    Pokémon Rumble U is designed to keep you locked in and coming back for more. It’s a harmless diversion with a built in sense of accomplishment that I may not fully endorse (I’m not about to hunt down all 18 of the NFC figurines), but I certainly can appreciate the fun here.
  2. God is a Geek
    Aug 19, 2013
    70
    Pokémon Rumble U is a very simplistic game, but a very fun one.
  3. InsideGamer.nl
    Aug 19, 2013
    65
    Accessible to all and existing of simplistic gameplay limited to bashing the A button. A lack of story, variety and ability to train your Pokémon, make sure the game never evolves beyond a mediocre, yet sometimes enjoyable, party game.
  5. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    Nov 2, 2013
    64
    A slight, but serviceable spin-off that has bags of energy, if little else. [Nov 2013, p.80]
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  6. Digital Chumps
    Sep 4, 2013
    62
    Pokémon Rumble U isn't a bad game, but it doesn't have much to it as a complete package. It's a button mashing brawler with a bit of depth coming from the NFC figures that you can purchase (optional).
  7. DarkStation
    Oct 11, 2013
    60
    While it’s alright in quick bursts, it gets tiring very quickly, and it won’t be too long before you find yourself wanting to go back to main series games and play something more fulfilling.
  8. Destructoid
    Sep 5, 2013
    60
    It's overly simplistic, but the constant amount of positive reinforcement and sheer amount of content unlocks may keep you going should you charge through the monotony.
  9. Multiplayer.it
    Aug 19, 2013
    60
    Pokémon Rumble U is extremely simplistic and repetitive, however it manages to be fun for the few hours needed to get to the end. Completists will need lot of patience and luck to get everything; kids will have fun regardless.
  10. Nintendo Life
    Aug 16, 2013
    60
    Pokémon Rumble U is straightforward fun that's a far cry away from the main Pokémon titles, but it does pair some key strategic elements of the series with the button bashing – though there are definitely moments where there's too much going on to keep real track of, which does lead to more reliance on the latter than the former.
  11. Vandal
    Aug 15, 2013
    60
    We are sure there's a certain audience that's going to enjoy the game, but for most users may be quite simple, and end up feeling repetitive.
  12. Games Master UK
    Sep 18, 2013
    55
    As a game it's meaningless bilge. [Nov 2013, p.73]
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  13. Cheat Code Central
    Sep 3, 2013
    54
    You can collect all the Pokémon ever created and battle with them; it's just nowhere near as fun as it could have been.
  14. Eurogamer Portugal
    Sep 16, 2013
    50
    Pokémon Rumble U is clearly a casual fighting game, coated with a great simplicity and targeted at a young audience.
  15. Joystiq
    Sep 9, 2013
    50
    Unless Pokémon are an essential part of your toy-based video game equation, you'll find better, more engrossing options in the Skylanders series or Disney Infinity.
  16. IGN Italia
    Sep 9, 2013
    50
    There's some fun in multiplayer, but Pokémon Rumble U is a pretty limited game, with not much depth and a lot of button mashing. Even worse: we still don't have the NFC toys in Italy.
  17. EGM
    Sep 5, 2013
    50
    Serving as little more than a proof of concept for the Wii U controller’s NFC technology, Pokémon Rumble U is a boring, pointless game that should just be chalked up as another failed Pokémon spinoff.
  18. Worth Playing
    Jan 2, 2014
    40
    Pokemon Rumble U is a major setback for the spin-off series in many ways.
  19. Gamers' Temple
    Sep 11, 2013
    40
    You're better off resisting the urge to collect more toys.
  20. XGN
    Aug 28, 2013
    40
    Pokémon Rumble U is a bad Pokémon game, although it can be pretty funny for a couple of hours. It seems to be nothing more then a entree for Pokémon X and Y.
  21. NowGamer
    Aug 19, 2013
    35
    Pokémon Rumble U is a crushingly basic and boring game, even by Pokémon spin-off standards.
  22. games(TM)
    Sep 23, 2013
    30
    Cheap on every level. [Issue#139, p.116]
    All this publication's reviews
  23. Metro GameCentral
    Aug 16, 2013
    10
    Not just a terrible video game but one conceived purely out of greed and a contempt for its audience – not to mention the hapless parents guilted into furnishing Nintendo’s coffers.

Awards & Rankings

45
#45 Best Wii U Game of 2013
24
#24 Most Discussed Wii U Game of 2013
21
#21 Most Shared Wii U Game of 2013

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
5.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 93 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 93
  2. Mixed: 24 out of 93
  3. Negative: 37 out of 93
  1. jrwchil
    Aug 29, 2013
    8
    Once you get your head around whats going on the busy screen its good fun. It's a little simple in terms of game play, but that's not always aOnce you get your head around whats going on the busy screen its good fun. It's a little simple in terms of game play, but that's not always a bad thing. Maybe a little pricey in terms of value for money though.… Full Review »
  2. TheHighway
    Sep 8, 2013
    2
    Nobody played the original Pokemon Rumble games for the terrible arena fights, the trail levels were what kept the game interesting. By makingNobody played the original Pokemon Rumble games for the terrible arena fights, the trail levels were what kept the game interesting. By making a game comprised solely of boring and soulless arena fights I don't feel I can trust the Pokemon Rumble franchise anymore… Full Review »
  3. Maxdom77
    Jul 15, 2022
    4
    Es un juego free to play de pokemon aburrido, no es el peor juego peroes muy aburrido e injusto
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