Pokémon: Let's Go
- November 16, 2018
Pokemon weaponizes nostalgia and embraces change in one potent package that delivers the series’ best outing in years.
AN EXCITING NEW POKÉMON RPG FOR NINTENDO SWITCH! Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! bring the experience of a classic Pokémon RPG to Nintendo Switch with gameplay that is easily approachable for newcomers to the series, but is also deep enough to keep veteran Trainers on their toes. These games also have two-player simultaneous play, so you can take the journey with a frie…
Nintendo Switch
Reviews
- Nostalgic appeal with modern updates, making it accessible for new players.
- High-quality graphics and animations that bring the Kanto region to life.
- The integration with Pokémon GO and the co-op mode enhance the gameplay experience.
- Simplified mechanics may not appeal to veteran players seeking depth and challenge.
- Motion controls can be imprecise, leading to frustration during catching mechanics.
- Limited to the original 151 Pokémon, which may feel restrictive for long-time fans.
- gameplay56 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 68 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu!" combines traditional RPG elements with simplified controls and a catching system inspired by "Pokémon Go," allowing players to explore the Kanto region, battle trainers, and catch Pokémon without the need for wild battles. While the game is praised for its nostalgic appeal, high-quality graphics, and co-op play, some veteran players may find the mechanics too simplified and the motion controls inconsistent. Overall, it offers a fresh and accessible experience for newcomers, though it may not fully satisfy long-time fans seeking deeper gameplay.
“The game's mechanics perfectly ride the wave of success of the Pokémon Go phenomenon.”
“The catching mechanic turned out to be a welcome change, and it turns out I actually want more to change with the formula as a result.”
“The series’ signature turn-based combat takes a backseat to the experience of simply existing in the world of Pokémon, capturing Kanto’s 'mons with brand-new, well-executed capturing mechanics.”
“However, some longtime fans felt the simplified mechanics were a step back from the more complex systems of recent mainline Pokémon games.”
“Its simplified mechanics and integration with 'Pokémon Go' offer a fresh take on a classic adventure, even if it might not fully satisfy those seeking a more traditional Pokémon experience.”
“The one concern that I have with playing on the TV and using a Joy-Con to throw Poké Balls is that the mechanic is really inconsistent.”
- graphics23 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu!" are widely praised for their bright, colorful chibi-style design, which enhances the nostalgic appeal of the game. Reviewers highlight the high-quality visuals and charming animations, noting that they are among the best in the series, although some mention occasional performance issues in handheld mode. Overall, the graphics contribute significantly to the game's accessibility and enjoyment for both new and returning players.
“The graphics are genuinely the best the series has ever been, sequences taken from the original game (Yellow) are enhanced with generally charming cut scenes such as the Pokémon Tower being significantly improved over the old game.”
“Nothing comparable to 'The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild' or 'Super Mario Odyssey', but the graphics are bright and colorful with nicely textured terrains and really pop with the Switch's HD graphics.”
“The graphics are fantastic.”
“The visuals stuttered occasionally in handheld mode.”
“The graphics are colorful and high-contrast, but they don't always deliver a smooth experience.”
“While the overworld Pokémon make Kanto come alive, the graphics can feel inconsistent at times.”
- story15 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The story closely mirrors that of "Pokémon Yellow," with players starting in Pallet Town and aiming to become the Pokémon Champion by defeating the Elite Four and Team Rocket. While the narrative is familiar and lacks significant post-game content, it offers a simple and nostalgic adventure that appeals to both new and returning players. However, some fans may find the lack of complexity and challenge disappointing, as the game prioritizes accessibility and enjoyment over depth.
“All in all, it is a remake of a classic game designed to pull people in the same way that the originals did through a simple, compelling story and the adventure of trying to catch 'em all.”
“Your character moves through the world with a little story about starting your own adventure as a Pokémon trainer, finding wild Pokémon in the environment, and using the Switch's motion-sensing aiming functionality to throw Poké Balls to catch them and add to your team.”
“I did buy it knowing that there won't be RPG elements like random encounters, and that the story is pretty much a clone of the Yellow version; and honestly, it does not bother me much.”
“Other than catching Mewtwo, there is really no other post-game story, other than earning little titles for battling certain other trainers with certain Pokémon.”
“Your character moves through the world with a little story (same as all the others really) about starting your own adventure as a Pokémon trainer, and you find wild Pokémon in the environment and use the Switch's motion-sensing aiming functionality to throw Poké Balls to catch them to add to your team.”
“The same story we've already seen twice before; difficulty is practically non-existent, especially when playing co-op; removes features like breeding and abilities that added a lot of complexity to Pokémon.”
- music5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The music in the game is described as synth-chestral, blending orchestral elements with a digital feel, which some players find noticeable over time. Overall, the soundtrack is praised for its beauty and catchiness, complementing the game's gorgeous graphics and enhancing the lively exploration experience.
“The remastered music and the HD world create an immersive experience.”
“Beautiful presentation and a catchy soundtrack enhance the gameplay, while new catching mechanics make the world more lively and fun to explore.”
“The remastered music, the HD world.”
“The music is synth-orchestral, meaning it sounds orchestral, but after listening to it for a while, I can tell it was made using some kind of software.”
“The music is synth-orchestral, meaning it sounds orchestral, but after listening to it for a while, I can tell it was made using some kind of software.”
- optimization4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is mixed; while it runs smoothly for many players, issues arise in handheld mode where performance can be poor, particularly with multiple Pokémon on screen. Additionally, the control scheme has been criticized for being limiting, and online functionality is seen as lacking.
“The game works perfectly fine and runs smoothly.”
“The control scheme is limiting and exclusionary; the online functionality is limited; the performance in handheld mode can be puzzlingly poor.”
“When taken as the next entry in the Pokémon series, the omission of multiple battle elements and about 4/5 of the Pokédex can’t be ignored. Catching Pokémon via motion controls can be imprecise, making docked play more of a chore than it should be. Handheld mode suffers due to performance issues in certain areas, slowing the game down if too many Pokémon are on screen.”
- grinding3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players generally find the grinding in the game to be less tedious compared to past experiences, particularly recalling childhood frustrations with grinding mechanics. However, some criticize the lack of support for dual joy cons and pro controllers, the forced use of motion controls, and the excessive grinding required for post-game content, which detracts from the overall challenge.
“If you're like me, when you were 10 years old and grinding in the tall grass outside Cerulean City or wherever, that was not fun.”
“[No support for dual Joy-Cons or Pro Controller, forced motion controls, little challenge presented, post-game content requires excessive grinding]”
Critic Reviews
Pokemon: Let's Go, Pikachu Review
Pokémon: Let's Go should satisfy younger players, and those entering this virtual world for the first time after having fun with the GO app. And while some of the changes in this remake are welcome, the core fans will find this title to be a somewhat shallow and easy JRPG that's a bit overpriced.
68%Pokémon Let's Go Eevee Review
Pokémon Let’s Go Eevee holds true to the original Pokémon games but suffers from changes that would turn off hardcore Pokémon fans.
75%Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! Review
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! are beautiful reimaginings of a video game classic, updating a 20-year-old game in ways which make it infinitely more accessible and user-friendly for a modern audience, while keeping the magic first discovered all those years ago. On the downside, the newly-introduced motion control mechanic is fun but flawed, forcing us to shift from one play style to another to get the best experience, and while efforts have been made to bring the game up to the standard of more recent entries when it comes to depth and complexity, hardcore fans may consider the whole experience too much of a cakewalk. Still, the game does a superb job of striking a balance between being an easy route of entry for newcomers to the series and offering just enough post-game challenge and competitive play elements (and nostalgia, of course) to please series veterans; as a result, these new titles really do offer something for everyone, which can't always be said of the mainline Pokémon entries. They might not be an absolute masterpiece, but we’d urge any Poké-fans out there to give these ones a go – if a Let’s Go Johto sequel is on the cards, we’ll happily be there waiting in line.
80%
