Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: The Teal Mask
- September 13, 2023
The Teal Mask is some of Pokemon's tightest storytelling, and introduces players to a fun new region. The performance issues are still a glaring scar across what should be one of Pokemon's better outings.
In this year's annual school trip, students from various schools - including you! - will be sent to the land of Kitakami, where people live at the feet of tall, towering mountains and the tranquil landscape is teeming with nature unfamiliar to Paldea, flourishing among rice paddies and apple orchards. At this time of year, the villages hold festivals, bustling with all kinds of stalls and stands. …
Nintendo Switch
Reviews
- Engaging story and characters that add depth to the Pokémon experience.
- New Pokémon designs and quality-of-life improvements enhance gameplay.
- The Kitakami region offers a fresh setting with fun exploration opportunities.
- Persistent performance issues and graphical glitches detract from the overall experience.
- Many quests and areas feel uninspired and repetitive, lacking originality.
- The game does not adequately address the shortcomings of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
- story13 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with some praising its endearing narrative and character development, as well as the introduction of new regions and Pokémon that enhance the experience. However, others criticize it for being predictable, lacking depth, and feeling disconnected from the main game, with some areas described as repetitive and the plot leaving much to be desired. Overall, while there are moments of heartfelt storytelling, many players feel the narrative falls short compared to previous entries in the series.
“The teal mask is some of Pokémon's tightest storytelling and introduces players to a fun new region.”
“Fortunately, those strengths sparkle and terastalize into a breezy, fun experience that delivers some rich regional storytelling, great characters, and some fantastic new Pokémon.”
“The story and characters show a heartfelt side of Pokémon that we rarely see.”
“The teal mask is yet another step in a slow quality downslide for this series: it runs terribly, looks ugly, feels predictable, doesn’t offer any of the freedom Scarlet and Violet’s main story did, and falls short in so many ways compared to just about every other Pokémon game and DLC I’ve played.”
“Barely there story, areas feel samey, too many Pokémon from the main game.”
“Framerate still not great, light on story content, still lacking customization.”
- optimization3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has been widely criticized, with persistent performance issues detracting from the overall experience. Players report slow battles and a lack of challenge, indicating that the game struggles to effectively showcase its new and returning Pokémon.
“The performance issues are still a glaring scar across what should be one of Pokémon's better outings.”
“Performance issues persist, and the game doesn't provide much of a challenge while lacking the tools to properly test out the new and returning Pokémon.”
“Performance issues are still awful and abundant; battles are slow, and playing solo is rough without friends.”
- graphics2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are visually appealing, particularly in Kitakami, but are marred by frame rate issues and a lack of content, leaving some areas feeling empty. Additionally, the absence of overworld indicators for shiny Pokémon and missing features for competitive play detracts from the overall experience, leading to a desire for more attention to detail in the visuals and battle mechanics.
“Graphical and frame rate hiccups return from the base game; Kitakami is pretty but mostly empty. Shiny Pokémon still don't have an overworld indicator, and we're still missing key features in competitive Pokémon creation.”
“We wanted more, though — more love and care put into the visuals and the battles.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
While Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's Teal Mask DLC offers an engaging experience, players have reported some glitches that can complicate tera raids and catching Pokémon, leading to a slightly lower stability rating of 4.5 stars.
“I am giving Pokémon Scarlet and Violet the Teal Mask DLC 4.5 stars solely because I encountered a couple of glitches that made the Tera Raids and catching Pokémon a bit tricky.”
“The game frequently crashes during important battles, which is incredibly frustrating.”
“I experienced several bugs that disrupted my gameplay, making it hard to enjoy the overall experience.”
- gameplay1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay is highly praised for its engaging loop, featuring the excitement of catching new Pokémon and participating in fresh battles, which keeps players invested and entertained.
“The gameplay loop is great, with new Pokémon to catch and new battles to win.”
“The mechanics are smooth and intuitive, making every encounter feel engaging.”
“The variety of challenges keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its heartfelt storytelling and character development, which provide a deeper connection to the Pokémon universe. Additionally, the integration of new and returning Pokémon enhances competitive play, while quality-of-life improvements streamline the experience, making it more engaging for players.
“The story and characters show a heartfelt side of Pokémon that we rarely see.”
“New and returning Pokémon fit nicely in the Paldea Pokédex and add an interesting wrinkle to competitive play.”
“New items and quality-of-life changes make EV training easier and faster.”
Critic Reviews
Pokémon Scarlet And Violet: The Teal Mask Review
Does The Teal Mask redeem Pokémon Scarlet and Violet for the faults made last year? No, but that doesn’t stop it from being an inoffensive, nice experience.
70%Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: The Teal Mask
Slightly above average or simply inoffensive. Fans of the genre should enjoy them a bit, but a fair few will be left unfulfilled.
60%Pokémon Scarlet/Violet: The Teal Mask DLC Review
Despite its flaws, The Teal Mask DLC, with its fresh setting and intriguing side quests, amplifies the experience of Pokémon Scarlet & Violet—perfect for those seeking a return trip to the vibrant world of Paldea.
80%
