Introduction to Detective Pikachu Returns and its Roots
In 2016, a distinct entry arrived on the 3DS lineup: Detective Pikachu. It stood apart from the rest of the series, trading traditional pocket-monster collection for a narrative-driven investigation. Players guided a talking Pikachu through a mystery about the disappearance of Detective Harry Goodman, piecing clues together in richly crafted locales. The game exuded charm and visual appeal in its own right. Its connection to a feature film released in 2019 is also part of its story arc.
The follow-up, Detective Pikachu Returns, marks a direct continuation of the 3DS storyline. With story-centric Pokémon games not released often, the chance to revisit this world is noteworthy. This review delves into the game’s features and considers whether it is worth purchasing, even for players who did not experience the original chapter.
Thanks to Achivka, Detective Pikachu Returns hit shelves in Russia nearly simultaneously with its global launch. Fans could officially obtain the game on cartridge at major retailers, including M.Video and Eldorado.
Simplified Sequel
Pokémon remains a colossal franchise. Most recent entries earn strong press coverage and enthusiastic player feedback. The love for pocket monsters has grown so intense that fans sometimes overlook issues in the series. Detective Pikachu was developed by Creatures Inc., a studio renowned for creature design and storytelling, and it stood apart from Game Freak’s flagship titles by delivering a compelling narrative, strong visuals, and fewer technical hiccups. It did not become the best-selling 3DS title, yet it left a memorable mark. Paradoxically, it did not dominate the charts, but its unique approach kept players engaged.
Seven years after the original, Pikachu remains ready to recount the events over a cup of coffee. The main character Tim Goodman and his chubby-cheeked partner attempt to halt the spread of a tainted substance labeled R, which has unsettled many Pokémon. Yet the city remains unsettled, and pocket monsters continue to act in perplexing ways. Tim still seeks answers about his father and the fate of his partner Pikachu.
The most noticeable shifts from the original lie in how the story is presented and how the central mystery unfolds. Previously, players hunted for the mastermind behind the “forbidden” substance and the motives of the antagonist. In the new chapter, the resolution to the central twist arrives early in the narrative, but the lead characters do not grasp every nuance right away. It feels slightly crafted for a younger audience, as some elements come across as overly obvious to older players.
QTEs are simple, reinforcing a straightforward pacing. The plot includes many small clues that should converge into a coherent conclusion by the end. However, the writing sometimes rushes over subtlety, leaving some details shallow for adult players who crave deeper detective work. Still, there are clever twists that refract classic detective stereotypes in fresh ways, and the unusual Pokémon situations paired with Pikachu’s commentary keep the experience entertaining. A drawback is the absence of Russian subtitles, which can make some humor harder to appreciate for some players.
With the plot streamlined, puzzles grow simpler too. Clues and evidence appear in clear sight, making it easier to spot important details on the Switch screen. In the original game, players might re-read dialogue to catch specific terms used for accusations. Detective Pikachu Returns emphasizes interviews and direct interactions with items, recording each piece of evidence in a notebook. At a certain point, Pikachu prompts the player to select a solution to the riddle from given options, with most wrong choices being obviously unsuitable.
There are numerous side quests, though they do not alter the main storyline. For players who have a grasp of basic English, secondary tasks can be enjoyable and feature plenty of humor. The core Pokémon adventures remain accessible to players who do not speak English, though dialogue can stretch on for long stretches, occasionally causing a thread of the investigation to wander. Fortunately, the notebook keeps thoughts and observations organized for the main character and Pikachu to reference.
Shifting to a newer console, the detective atmosphere that defined the 3DS era softens. The original device’s two screens were used for dialogue and evidence notes, a feature not carried over in the same way on the Switch. On the newer hardware, the notebook function becomes a separate overlay, which some players may find breaks the rhythm of interrogation. Still, the essential concept and investigative mechanics stay intact, and the answers remain approachable and obvious for most players.
Overall, Detective Pikachu Returns leans toward a younger audience. The gameplay is simpler, the mystery is clearer, and the puzzles are more casual. Yet, the narrative’s darker undercurrents toward the end offer a twist that may surprise even seasoned fans. The game is a worthwhile pick for Pokémon enthusiasts and a decent option for others looking to enjoy a lighter, character-driven adventure during a fall crowded with AAA releases.
Would you watch the movie Pokemon. Detective Pikachu as a companion experience? The film and the game share a playful spirit, but each medium offers a different flavor of the Pokémon world.
Business Pokémon Style
Pokémon titles typically do not hinge on visual or technical breakthroughs. Recent entries like Scarlet and Violet or Legends: Arceus have raised the bar for color and world-building yet still feel limited on certain hardware. Detective Pikachu Returns, given its genre, should have looked more advanced than the mainline titles, but the visuals stay close to the 3DS predecessor for reasons that remain unexplained. The character models often appear flat, with minimal lighting and shading underfoot, which can be disappointing for players expecting a richer presentation.
The game emphasizes dialogue and investigation more than cutting-edge visuals. Much of the tension comes from conversations with suspects and the interplay with the creatures that accompany Pikachu. Although character expressions are not heavily animated, the Pokémon themselves exhibit distinctive and memorable quirks, and Pikachu’s facial animation adds a level of charm that endears players to the detective moments. Fans who love the Pokémon roster will find plenty of opportunities to interact with unique personalities and use different abilities to clear obstacles or uncover clues.
The environment maintains a simple, cartoon-inspired aesthetic reminiscent of the earliest parts of the series. The improved resolution helps the visuals feel cleaner, but the overall look does not compete with the latest Nintendo exclusives. Still, the appeal lies in the cozy, approachable world rather than in pushing technical boundaries.
In essence, Detective Pikachu Returns offers a charming, joke-filled, puzzle-rich adventure. While some sections lean toward a younger audience, the latter portions can captivate adults seeking a lighter, story-driven experience that stands apart from the denser, blockbuster releases of the season.
Would you give Detective Pikachu Returns a try? The game serves up a fun ride with witty humor, brain-teasing challenges, and a talking Pikachu that keeps the tone buoyant. It’s a tasty option for Pokémon fans and a pleasant alternative for anyone looking to dodge the heavy fall lineup.
Source: VG Times