Detective Pikachu Returns Review

With the success of the Detective Pikachu game for the 3DS and the enjoyable movie, a sequel for the Nintendo Switch was inevitable. Pikachu and Tim are back to continue investigating Tim's missing dad and solve a new mystery involving Pokémon going wild. The transition to the Switch means fans will love the sharp, colorful visuals and the even cuter, more defined Detective Pikachu. The game is filled with adorable moments, especially with Pikachu's gruff voice and his love for coffee, adding a humorous touch that will charm players of all ages.

The investigation scenes, though small-scale, are attractive and varied, including locations like a mansion and ancient snowy ruins. The audio enhances the experience, making it a standout feature with its crisp sound effects and engaging background music. Just like in the 3DS game, you switch between Tim to talk to humans and Pikachu to communicate with Pokémon. This dynamic keeps the gameplay interesting as you gather clues and interact with different characters.

A new gameplay element lets you temporarily control other Pokémon to use their unique abilities, such as following scent trails. However, this doesn’t significantly change the core gameplay, keeping it primarily aimed at younger audiences. For older or more experienced players, the repetitive dialogue and obvious problems can be tedious, but it's an excellent introduction for kids to logical problem-solving and reading practice.

The cases are entertaining and not immediately predictable, maintaining a level of intrigue throughout. The game also introduces a variety of Pokémon, some of which are quite amusing, like Sewaddle, the Pokémon that needs to be swaddled to stay happy. It’s fun to pick up clues indicating a Pokémon’s presence and track them down, adding a detective flair that fans will enjoy.

Besides the main storyline, there are side quests activated by talking to characters you meet, usually involving finding a specific Pokémon to assist them. These quests aren’t more challenging than the main cases and are straightforward due to the small, contained areas. Nonetheless, they provide additional content and opportunities to explore the game world further, enhancing the overall experience.

Detective Pikachu Returns offers an undeniably adorable experience in its Switch debut. However, the low level of deduction required to solve its cases makes it hard to maintain interest for long periods. Despite this, it provides a charming, visually appealing game that can introduce younger players to the world of Pokémon and the basics of detective work, wrapped up in an endearing package.

The charming graphics and cute character design ensure that Detective Pikachu Returns is a visual treat. The environments, though small, are well-crafted and varied, keeping the player engaged. The interactions between Tim and Pikachu add a delightful layer of humor and personality to the game. The voice acting, especially Pikachu's gruff voice, brings the characters to life in a way that's both funny and heartwarming.

VERDICT

Overall, Detective Pikachu Returns is a delightful addition to the Nintendo Switch library. It may not offer a high level of challenge for seasoned gamers, but its charm, humor, and engaging presentation make it a worthwhile experience for younger players and fans of the franchise. The game successfully captures the spirit of Detective Pikachu, delivering a fun and endearing adventure that will leave players smiling.

5/10 MEDIOCRE

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