In 2016, an unusual game was released on 3DS. Detective Pikachu, which was completely different from other games in the series. Instead of collecting pocket samples, players went on an amazing adventure with a talking Pikachu and investigated the mysterious disappearance of Detective Harry Goodman along the way. In terms of gameplay, it was an adventure game that focused mainly on storytelling and searching for clues in a location. The game turned out to be very cute and beautiful in its own way. It is based on the fact that a movie of the same name was made, released in 2019.
The first part appeared seven years after its release Detective Pikachu Returns is a direct continuation of the storyline of the project from 3DS. We couldn’t pass it up, as story-focused Pokemon games don’t get released often. In this review we will talk in detail about the features of the project, as well as explain whether it is worth buying the game if you are not familiar with the first part.
Thanks to the Achivka company, the game Detective Pikachu Returns appeared on the shelves of Russian stores almost on the day of release. Players can join the series and officially purchase the project on cartridges in M.Video and Eldorado stores.
Simplified sequel
Pokemon is a phenomenal series. Almost all recent games have received high marks from the press and rave reviews from gamers. Audiences have become so enamored with pocket monsters that they are willing to turn a blind eye to any problems in the series. Detective Pikachu was developed by Japanese monster creation and story development studio Creatures Inc. unlike Game Freak’s flagship Pokemon games, Detective Pikachu, had a great story, nice graphics, and minimal technical issues. However, the game did not receive favorable reviews and did not go down in history as the best-selling game on the 3DS. Paradox.
Since seven years have passed since the release of the first part, Pikachu will kindly recount the events over a cup of coffee. The main character Tim Goodman and his faithful chubby-cheeked partner stopped the spread of the banned substance R, which enraged Pokémon. But the situation in the city has not calmed down and pocket monsters continue to go crazy and do inexplicable things. Furthermore, Tim still hasn’t figured out what happened to his father and former partner Pikachu.
The first significant differences from the original are in the presentation of the story and the main detective mystery. Previously, during the game we tried to find out who was behind the spread of the “forbidden” and what goal the stranger was pursuing. Now the resolution to the main plot twist is revealed in the first hours of the story, but the main characters don’t see it completely blankly. It seemed like the story was purposely written for a younger audience, to whom obvious things don’t yet seem that way.
There are many little puzzle pieces in the plot, which should come together into one picture by the end. The only problem is that the writers chew up all the nuances in such detail that the main detective element of the story immediately falls apart. The older audience may unknowingly be bored. The first suspect to come along is almost always the criminal. Of course, there are still some nice plot twists that put obvious detective stereotypes in a different light, and the story is a pleasure to watch thanks to the unusual Pokémon situations and Pikachu’s commentary. Unfortunately, the game does not have Russian subtitles, and therefore many really funny jokes may not be understood.
After simplifying the plot, the developers reduced the complexity of the riddles. Clues and evidence are now in the most visible place – just in case you miss something important on the small Switch screen. In the first part, I sometimes had to re-read conversation logs to find certain words I could pick up and make accusations. In addition, we were busy solving puzzles and rebuses that fit perfectly into the chosen genre. In Detective Pikachu Returns, all puzzles in turn boil down to a simple interview with witnesses and interaction with objects. Each piece of evidence is carefully recorded in a notebook, and at some point Pikachu will ask you to choose the correct solution to the riddle. The fake options are so stupid that it is almost impossible to make a mistake.
There are many side quests, but they do not affect the main story. If you master basic English, you can perform secondary tasks with pleasure: there are many funny situations and great jokes. And yet, the main games in Game Freak’s Pokemon series are easier to play without knowing English. In Detective Pikachu Returns, the dialogue can go on for a very long time: several times we lost the thread of a conversation that contained clues to the investigation. Fortunately, the main character and Pikachu write down their thoughts in a notebook.
With the transition to a new console, the special detective atmosphere of the 3DS was lost. The portable computer had two screens, which were actively used in the gameplay. In the first Detective Pikachu, you could simultaneously have a conversation and actively view your argument notes on the bottom screen. Returns on Switch implemented this feature as a separate menu to be opened on top of the gameplay. This isn’t to say that this changes the concept of the basic game design, but the feel of a detective interview is completely different. Personally, we did not want to have to constantly interrupt the conversation with the suspect to review the evidence and choose the right dialogue. As we said before, all the answers to the questions are obvious.
Based on the points mentioned above, you might get the impression that Detective Pikachu Returns was developed with an emphasis on a younger audience. The gameplay is simpler, the story is clearer, and the puzzles are more casual. But the main story towards the end unexpectedly reveals the dark side of the Pokemon universe, which even Game Freak was ashamed to show in its games. We don’t want to spoil the main plot twist, but we’re sure kids won’t be very happy with this turn of events.
Have you seen the movie “Pokemon. Detective Pikachu”?
Business Pokemon style
Pokemon games are not about graphical and technical innovations. In recent years Pokémon Scarlet and Violet and Pokémon Legends: Arceus looked bad even by Switch standards. Due to the genre, Detective Pikachu Returns should have looked better than the main games in the series, but for some unknown reason the visuals are no different from the 3DS prequel.
First of all, ‘Detective Pikachu’ is a dialogue adventure game where a lot of evidence is identified through conversations with suspects. At the same time, the authors did not create even the simplest facial animation for minor characters. In most cases you will be looking at the same facial expressions of the characters, with no trace of emotion to be found.
Everything about Pokemon and Pikachu is done well. Here you will find well-developed animations, unique movements and Pikachu’s unique interaction with other pocket monsters. For example, each Pokemon riding animation is done in an original style. By the way, Pikachu received facial animation that is not reserved for humans, which makes it pleasant to watch. On the other hand, his emotionality contrasts quite strongly with the rest of the idol characters.
Pokemon are without a doubt beautiful. If you’re thinking about buying Detective Pikachu Returns solely for the pocket monsters, then it’s totally worth it. The game has plenty of interactions with unique individuals to help Pikachu in his investigations. So one will help you find objects due to your keen sense of smell, and the other will help you destroy obstacles.
The environment is made in a simple cartoon style. The images will be familiar to anyone who saw the first part on 3DS. Yes, the resolution makes the graphics look better, but the overall appearance is still not on par with recent Nintendo exclusives.
Overall, Detective Pikachu Returns lacks visuals. Everything is according to the classics: man and environment are made schematically, but the Pokemon and the main crowd favorite – Pikachu – turned out beautiful. Perhaps The Pokémon Company has a special checklist that all games are developed by.
Will you try Detective Pikachu Returns?
Detective Pikachu Returns is a fun adventure full of good jokes, riddles and of course a talking Pikachu. In some places the game is too childish, but towards the end it can also captivate an adult audience. It’s a must-read for Pokemon fans, and for everyone else if you’re tired of the flood of big AAA releases in the fall.
Source: VG Times
Christina Moncayo is a contributing writer for “Social Bites”. Her focus is on the gaming industry and she provides in-depth coverage of the latest news and trends in the world of gaming.