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Pokemon Legends: Arceus

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Pokemon Legends: Arceus
Item: Pokemon Legends: Arceus
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2022

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Anime and JRPG, Strategy, Single Player

AvailableJan 28, 2022

PlatformNintendo Switch

DeveloperGame Freak

Overview

The Pokémon Legends: Arceus game honors past Pokémon games’ core gameplay while infusing new action and RPG elements. You’ll need to catch, survey, and research wild Pokémon in a long-gone era of the Sinnoh region to create and complete the region’s first Pokédex.

Elsewhere

7.9

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

80%

Mixed (50-79)

20%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Pokemon Legends: Arceus has received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Some reviewers, such as Noisy Pixel and GRYOnline.pl, appreciated the engaging narrative that focuses on the history of Pokemon and the player's quest to complete the first Pokedex. They found the tasks purposeful and tied into the lore of the game, adding depth to the overall experience. Additionally, critics like Nintendojo praised the game for its refreshing take on Pokemon as dangerous creatures in a prequel setting, exploring themes of modernization, cultural clash, and politics, which added complexity to the storyline. These positive aspects highlight the game's ability to delve into Pokemon lore in a compelling way and provide a fresh perspective on the franchise. On the other hand, several critics expressed concerns about the story of Pokemon Legends: Arceus. Gamer.no, PLAY! Zine, and GameGrin criticized the narrative for being lackluster, uninteresting, and lacking depth in character backgrounds. They found the story to be underwhelming, with confusing technology levels and slow pacing. Destructoid pointed out that the story beats did not come together well, leading to an abrupt ending that felt disconnected from the buildup at the start and middle of the campaign. These criticisms highlight the challenges faced by the game in engaging players with its storytelling and character development. Overall, the opinions of critics on the story of Pokemon Legends: Arceus are varied. While some reviewers appreciated the game's narrative depth and thematic exploration, others found it lacking in engagement and coherence. Positive feedback praised the game for its unique take on the Pokemon world and its ability to immerse players in a living, breathing world where they can interact with Pokemon in various ways. However, negative feedback pointed out issues such as slow pacing, lack of depth in character development, and an unsatisfying conclusion. Despite these mixed opinions, the general consensus seems to acknowledge the game's ambition in offering a fresh perspective on the Pokemon franchise through its storytelling, even if it may not have resonated with all critics equally.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics are divided on Pokemon Legends: Arceus' story. Some praise its engaging narrative delving into Pokemon lore and fresh themes, while others criticize it for being lackluster with underdeveloped characters and a disjointed ending. The game's ambition to offer a new perspective on the Pokemon franchise through storytelling is evident, but its execution falls short for some reviewers.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

93%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Pokemon Legends: Arceus for introducing innovative mechanics and refreshing changes to the traditional Pokemon formula. Critics like But Why Tho?? and NME appreciated the new catching mechanics that allow players to capture Pokemon without entering battles, emphasizing a focus on strategy and real-time thinking. Vooks and Game Rant also highlighted the updated battle system and new capturing mechanics as standout features, with Nintendo Life mentioning the skill-based catching mechanics and challenging encounters that encourage exploration and team-building strategies. On the downside, some critics, such as PLAY! Zine, noted that the controls were unnecessarily complicated, which could potentially hinder the overall gameplay experience. Digital Trends mentioned that some tasks in the game could feel tedious at times, pointing to a possible lack of balance in gameplay pacing. Additionally, Screen Rant mentioned that the use of Agile and Strong-style moves in battles could be frustrating and unintuitive for some players, indicating a potential learning curve for mastering these mechanics. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Pokemon Legends: Arceus. The game is commended for its engaging mix of capturing, battling, exploration, and research elements, providing players with various ways to approach the adventure. Critics like Destructoid and Game Informer appreciated the game's focus on exploration, research tasks, and streamlined battle system, offering a fresh and immersive experience. The innovative mechanics, open-world concept, challenging boss battles, and emphasis on completing the Pokedex were highlighted as key strengths of the gameplay, making it one of the most enjoyable and Pokemon-centric entries in the series to date.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics laud Pokemon Legends: Arceus for its groundbreaking gameplay innovations like non-battle captures and strategic mechanics. While some mention complex controls and occasional tedium, overall consensus is highly positive. The game's focus on exploration, research, and revamped battling system sets it apart as a standout entry in the Pokemon series, offering a fresh and immersive experience with challenging boss battles and a strong emphasis on completing the Pokedex.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

10%

Mixed (50-79)

80%

Negative (0-49)

10%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Pokemon Legends: Arceus have received mixed reviews from critics. Some positives highlighted by reviewers include the detailed Pokemon models, immersive details like snow accumulation, and unique designs for the Hisuian variants of existing Pokemon. Critics such as Impulsegamer and Universo Nintendo appreciated the overall immersive experience and aesthetic beauty of the game. The art style, resembling a more mature look akin to Legend of Zelda titles, has been praised for adding charm and uniqueness to the Pokemon series, as noted by Impulsegamer. On the negative side, several critics pointed out various flaws in the graphics and visual presentation of the game. Issues such as muddy environments with textures popping in, low-quality animations for distant Pokemon, repetitive biomes, and technical problems like poor textures, pop-in, and frame rate drops were commonly mentioned. Critics like NME, Digital Trends, and TheGamer criticized the flat and underwhelming graphics, lack of differentiation in the world design, and sub-par lighting which detracted from the overall visual experience. Additionally, technical flaws like jagged edges, pop-in elements, and low view distance were noted by critics like Checkpoint Gaming and GameGrin, impacting the visual quality of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a general disappointment with the graphics and visual design of Pokemon Legends: Arceus. While some aspects like the detailed Pokemon models and unique art style were praised, the game was criticized for its technical limitations, lack of polish, and inconsistent visual presentation. The game's visuals were considered a weak point by many reviewers, with issues such as poor textures, frame rate drops, and pop-in elements affecting the overall immersion and enjoyment of the open-world experience. Despite some positive aspects, the general sentiment suggests that the game falls short in delivering a visually stunning and technically flawless experience compared to other titles on the Nintendo Switch, as highlighted by critics like Digital Trends, TheGamer, and VG247.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics have mixed feelings about the graphics in Pokemon Legends: Arceus. While some appreciate the detailed Pokemon models and unique art style, others criticize issues like muddy environments, low-quality animations, and technical problems. Overall, reviewers are disappointed with the visuals, citing technical limitations, lack of polish, and inconsistent presentation. Despite some positives, the game falls short in delivering a visually stunning and technically flawless experience compared to other Switch titles.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

60%

Mixed (50-79)

40%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of Pokemon Legends: Arceus have received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Several reviewers, such as CGMagazine and Dexerto, praise the soundtrack as one of the best aspects of the game, featuring a variety of music styles that enhance the overall experience. Critics like Hardcore Gamer and NintendoWorldReport highlight the stellar soundtrack, with nostalgic and whimsical remixes that contribute to the atmosphere of the game. Additionally, Vooks commends the audio design and music for taking cues from Legend of Zelda, creating a mix of atmospheric tracks and epic boss battle music that are considered some of the best in the Pokemon series. The inclusion of familiar Pokemon cries and location-specific acoustics, as noted by Checkpoint Gaming, adds a nice touch to the overall sound design. On the downside, several critics express disappointment with certain aspects of the Sound Design and Music in Pokemon Legends: Arceus. Destructoid mentions the lack of voice acting and immersive sound design, suggesting that the game could have benefited from more attention in this area. DualShockers and Game Informer also criticize the absence of voice acting, with the former noting that it could have enhanced the dialogue-heavy parts of the game. Starbit describes the soundtrack as average and reused, indicating a lack of innovation or freshness in the music department. Additionally, some critics, like Wccftech, point out that while the soundtrack is great, the Pokemon noises are still considered subpar, detracting from the overall audio experience. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Pokemon Legends: Arceus is mixed. While there is widespread appreciation for the soundtrack's quality and its ability to enhance the immersive experience of the game, there are notable criticisms regarding the lack of voice acting and the quality of Pokemon cries. Critics like TheSixthAxis and Movies Games and Tech emphasize the beautiful and lovely musical score that elevates the exploration and gameplay experience. However, the varying opinions on the reuse of music, absence of voice acting, and quality of Pokemon noises indicate that there is room for improvement in the audio department of the game. Despite the mixed feedback, it is evident that the Sound Design and Music play a significant role in shaping the overall atmosphere and enjoyment of Pokemon Legends: Arceus for players and critics alike.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics have mixed feelings about the Sound Design and Music of Pokemon Legends: Arceus. Some praise the diverse soundtrack and atmospheric tracks that enhance the game, while others criticize the absence of voice acting and subpar Pokemon noises. Overall, the audio elements contribute significantly to the game's immersive experience, but improvements are needed in certain areas to elevate its overall quality.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

15%

Mixed (50-79)

78%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of positives for the Nintendo Switch platform, several critics highlighted stable performance and smooth gameplay experiences. Critics like GamePro Germany and PlaySense commended the game for maintaining a solid framerate without major drops, ensuring an enjoyable gaming experience. Additionally, SECTOR.sk preferred the handheld mode for its solid performance, indicating that the game runs well on the Nintendo Switch overall. On the flip side, the Nintendo Switch version of Pokemon Legends: Arceus faced several technical challenges, as noted by various critics. Issues such as frame rate drops, texture pop-ins, and inconsistent visual quality were commonly mentioned. Critics like Digital Trends and TheSixthAxis pointed out jarring texture shifts, dropped frames, and other technical issues that detracted from the overall experience. The game's graphical issues, including low-resolution textures and repeating textures, were highlighted by Vooks as potential stability concerns that impacted gameplay. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of Pokemon Legends: Arceus on the Nintendo Switch is mixed. While some reviewers appreciated the stable framerate and smooth performance, others criticized the game for its technical limitations, including frame rate drops, texture pop-ins, and visual inconsistencies. Critics like Digital Spy and TheGamer expressed disappointment with the technical issues present in the game, while others like GRYOnline.pl and TierraGamer found the performance to be surprisingly good despite some minor issues. The general sentiment suggests that while the game offers an enjoyable experience, technical shortcomings do affect the overall gameplay on the Nintendo Switch platform.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praised stable performance and smooth gameplay on the Nintendo Switch for Pokemon Legends: Arceus, but also flagged technical issues like frame rate drops and texture pop-ins. Reviews are mixed, with some appreciating the game's performance while others criticizing its limitations. Overall, the game offers an enjoyable experience on the Switch despite some technical shortcomings.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

62%

Mixed (50-79)

38%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Replay Value of Pokemon Legends: Arceus are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics highlight the game's diverse activities and engaging gameplay loops as key factors contributing to its high replay value. Critics like CGMagazine and GamingBolt mention the completion of Pokédex entries, mastering Pokémon research levels, and engaging in challenging battles and exploration as elements that encourage further exploration even after completing the main story. The ability to create unique teams without restrictions, postgame challenges, and the variety of tasks related to each Pokémon, as noted by App Trigger, Areajugones, and Hey Poor Player, respectively, are also praised for adding depth and longevity to the gameplay experience. Additionally, the game's immersive world design, innovative approach, and addictive gameplay loop, as highlighted by GamingTrend and Siliconera, contribute to making Pokemon Legends: Arceus a standout entry in the franchise with high replay value. On the flip side, some critics point out potential drawbacks that may impact the game's replay value. Critics like GamePro Germany and Gamer.no mention that repetitive tasks and encounter repetition could reduce the overall replay value for some players. GameSkinny notes that the gameplay loop can become repetitive, while Telegraph highlights the essential back-tracking that may feel tedious for some players. Additionally, Dexerto mentions that while the game offers emotionally rich narrative and side quests, some tasks can feel stale, indicating a potential lack of variety in certain aspects of the gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Pokemon Legends: Arceus offers a compelling and immersive gameplay experience with high replay value. The game's combination of engaging gameplay mechanics, diverse activities, and the freedom to explore the world at one's own pace resonates positively with many critics. The potential for future games to build upon the new ideas introduced in Pokemon Legends: Arceus, as mentioned by But Why Tho??, and the excitement surrounding the game's foundation for the future of the franchise, as noted by Comicbook.com, indicate a strong reception among reviewers. While some critics acknowledge minor flaws such as repetitive tasks or lack of variety in certain areas, the overall sentiment leans towards a highly enjoyable and replayable experience for both longtime fans and newcomers to the Pokemon series.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics rave about Pokemon Legends: Arceus' high replay value due to diverse activities, engaging gameplay loops, and immersive world design. They praise elements like completing Pokédex entries, challenging battles, and creating unique teams. Despite some noting repetitive tasks and lack of variety, the game is seen as a standout entry in the franchise with potential for future growth. Overall, critics find it compelling and enjoyable for both longtime fans and newcomers.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

82%

Mixed (50-79)

18%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers on Pokemon Legends: Arceus, it is evident that the game received a significant amount of praise for its positive aspects. Critics such as Nintendojo and Universo Nintendo highlighted the engaging story, exploration of complex themes, and the promise of exciting possibilities for future games, setting a new standard for the franchise. The game's bold departure from traditional Pokemon games, as mentioned by TierraGamer, was also commended for offering a unique and enjoyable experience for fans. Additionally, the innovative gameplay mechanics, quality of life improvements, and potential for the series' evolution were lauded by GamingBolt and Digital Trends, showcasing a compelling experience that revitalizes the Pokemon franchise. On the other hand, some critics pointed out certain negatives in Pokemon Legends: Arceus that detracted from the overall experience. Issues such as muddy visuals, repetitive tasks, and technical limitations were raised by reviewers like Nintendojo, Digital Trends, and Shindig. The game's lack of content variety, mediocre visual design, and reused soundtrack, as mentioned by Starbit, were also areas of criticism that impacted the overall impression of the game. Despite these drawbacks, the general sentiment was that while there were shortcomings in graphics and combat, as noted by Checkpoint Gaming and GamingTrend, the game still managed to offer a fun and engaging gameplay experience with room for improvement in future installments. Overall, the majority of critics viewed Pokemon Legends: Arceus favorably, with many considering it a significant evolution in the series and a promising direction for the franchise. Positive feedback on the game's innovative gameplay mechanics, engaging exploration, and immersive experience outweighed the criticisms raised about its technical shortcomings and lack of polish. The consensus among reviewers was that while there were areas for improvement, the game successfully captured the essence of the Pokemon series while introducing fresh elements that appealed to both longtime fans and newcomers. As highlighted by God is a Geek and Nintendo Life, Pokemon Legends: Arceus was celebrated as potentially the best Pokemon game ever made, offering a rewarding and addictive experience that sets a high standard for future entries in the franchise.

TL;DR

Pokemon Legends: Arceus praised for innovative gameplay and storytelling, setting a new standard for the franchise. Critics laud engaging exploration and potential for future games. However, criticisms include muddy visuals and repetitive tasks. Overall, while flawed, the game offers a fun and promising experience that revitalizes the Pokemon series.

MONSTER

Reviews

125 reviews found

100

Comicbook.com

Nintendo Switch

Jan 26, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Pokemon Legends: Arceus is easily the strongest Pokemon game made in recent memory, with a must-buy recommendation. It is set to release for the Nintendo Switch on January 28th.

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100

Telegraph

Nintendo Switch

Jan 26, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Pokémon Legends: Arceus marks a bold and assured stride forward for the series, offering a fresh and engaging experience. It is recommended for both long-time fans and those who have dismissed the series in the past.

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100

VGC

Nintendo Switch

Jan 26, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Pokémon Legends: Arceus revitalizes the series with streamlined gameplay, a return to the classic 'Gotta Catch 'Em All' mantra, and innovative mechanics, providing a highly entertaining and engaging experience for players.

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Universo Nintendo

Nintendo Switch

Feb 15, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Must-play title setting a new standard for the franchise, promising exciting possibilities for future games

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App Trigger

Nintendo Switch

Feb 14, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Pokemon Legends Arceus delivers a unique and immersive experience, focusing on exploration and interaction with Pokemon in a living world. Despite minor graphical issues, the game offers a fresh take on the Pokemon franchise and is highly praised by the reviewer.

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God is a Geek

Nintendo Switch

Jan 26, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises Pokemon Legends: Arceus as a surprise and potentially the best Pokemon game ever made. The sense of exploration, fluidity, and fun are highlighted as its strengths.

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Wccftech

Nintendo Switch

Feb 7, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite flaws, the game offers an engrossing and satisfying experience

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Areajugones

Nintendo Switch

Jan 26, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A significant advancement in the franchise, highly recommended for Pokémon fans and lovers of the Pokémon world.

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GamePro Germany

Nintendo Switch

Jan 26, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Brings meaningful innovations to the series with a semi-open world, traditional battles, and new catching methods, but may not fully engage battle-focused players due to potential repetitiveness.

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Nintendojo

Nintendo Switch

Apr 12, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite some disappointments like muddy visuals and repetitive tasks, the engaging story and exploration of complex themes make Pokemon Legends: Arceus a standout entry in the series. It appeals to both longtime fans and newcomers, reigniting the writer's love for Pokémon games.

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