Pokemon Ultra Sun and Moon
- November 17, 2017
- Game Freak
Ultra Sun and Moon feel like the definitive version of an already fantastic game. With plenty to do after the credits have rolled, and new content sprinkled across the story, this is a fitting swansong for Pokemon on the DS family.
Pokemon Ultra Sun and Moon are enhanced versions of the original games, taking place in the Alola region. The legendary Pokemon Necrozma has taken two new forms, Dusk Mane Necrozma in Ultra Sun and Dawn Wings Necrozma in Ultra Moon. Players can expect new Pokemon, exploring the region, and battling formidable foes in this enhanced adventure.
Reviews
- Offers a ton of endgame content and activities, making it engaging for both new and returning players.
- Immaculate presentation with beautiful visuals and a charming Alola region that feels alive.
- Refined and focused story with new twists, additional Pokémon, and improved gameplay mechanics.
- Feels too similar to the original Sun and Moon, making it hard to justify a second purchase for veterans.
- The story takes a while to get going, and there are moments of excessive handholding.
- Some gameplay elements, like the Ultra Space controls and certain mini-games, can be clunky and frustrating.
- story20 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The story in Pokémon Ultra Moon is a refined continuation of its predecessor, offering a more focused narrative with new twists and endgame content that enhances the overall experience. While some players find the initial pacing slow and the plot convoluted by additional antagonists, many appreciate the improved storytelling and engaging postgame elements. Overall, it serves as a fitting and visually stunning farewell to the 3DS series, despite some criticisms of its depth and pacing.
“The story is focused (albeit shoved right in your face) but still entertaining, as all Pokémon games should be.”
“Much more a refinement of what came before than a new entry, Pokémon Ultra Moon is very deceptive, as what begins as minor story and backdrop alterations becomes so much more as the game progresses.”
“With plenty to do after the credits have rolled, and new content sprinkled across the story, this is a fitting swansong for Pokémon on the DS family.”
“Changes to the story only complicate an already lackluster plot; adding yet another antagonist needlessly complicates the final act.”
“While the plot has changed, these alterations are minor, thrown together, and ultimately do harm to the experience.”
“The game took Sun and Moon, which may be story-heavy but empty in its postgame, and made it into something that can really be called 'ultra'.”
- graphics1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are praised for their beautiful visuals and captivating settings, particularly in Alola, which enhance the overall experience. Minor design changes contribute to a more coherent and cohesive story, while the addition of engaging mini-games like Mantine Surf adds to the visual appeal. Overall, the graphics significantly elevate the enjoyment of boss battles and trials.
“Beautiful visuals.”
“Alola is a beautiful and captivating setting.”
“Minor and subtle changes cumulatively make a significant difference.”
- music1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is praised for its amazing soundtrack, which enhances the beautiful and captivating setting of Alola. Players find the music to be addictive and well-integrated into the gameplay, contributing to a more coherent and enjoyable experience overall.
“The amazing soundtrack enhances the overall experience.”
“Alola is a beautiful and captivating setting, complemented by the music.”
“The music is as addictive as always, drawing players deeper into the game.”
- gameplay1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Gameplay starts off slowly, with minimal changes in the first 15 hours, which can feel tedious; however, players find that the experience improves significantly as they progress, making the initial grind worthwhile.
“As tiring as it is to play through the first 15 hours with very minimal changes to gameplay and story, the wait is worth it, and the game continuously gets better as you progress.”
“The gameplay mechanics are incredibly engaging, making every moment feel rewarding and exciting.”
“I love how the gameplay evolves over time, introducing new challenges and strategies that keep me on my toes.”
“The gameplay feels repetitive and lacks variety, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“The controls are clunky and unresponsive, which detracts from the overall experience.”
“The pacing is off, with long stretches of dull gameplay that make it feel like a chore.”
Critic Reviews
Pokemon Ultra Sun/Moon Review – A Worthy End
At the end of the day, Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon bring us back to the idea of the definitive edition of the Pokemon games. These are the Yellow Version, the Crystal, the Emerald, the Platinum to the original Sun and Moon. The story is focused (albeit shoved right in your face) but still entertaining, as all Pokemon games should be. Fans of the original Sun and Moon may find themselves rehashing a lot of the past, but for those of you who have yet to play a Pokemon game, now is a better time than ever to jump in and experience the hype. If these games are the current limit to what the 3DS can offer, then one can only hope that the Switch does the franchise proud.
80%Sun-Drenched Shores and Moonlit Paths
Revisit the island-inspired region of Alola once again in the newly-updated 3DS title Pokemon Ultra Sun and Moon.
90%Pokémon Ultra Moon Review
Much more a refinement of what came before than a new entry, Pokémon Ultra Moon is very deceptive, as what begins as minor story and backdrop alterations becomes so much more as the game progresses. There is still a great sense of familiarity that may understandably disappoint for a full price purchase, but buyers will find what ultimately ends up as a title highlight for the whole series, and a tantalising glimpse into the future on Nintendo Switch.
90%