Detective Pikachu Returns is an anomaly for both the Pokemon series and adventure games at large, but the marriage of the two makes it into something special. It’s earnest, fun, and at times downright satisfying, and even though it’s undoubtedly weird, it’s also the perfect title for introducing new players to the world of mystery games.
Like its predecessor, The Return of Detective Pikachu is a kind of visual novel that tells us a story, with the difference that this time it offers us greater freedom of movement and side activities in addition to the main adventure. It's a pity that no progression system has been implemented, but the scenario is a priority here, and it's not for nothing that it was easily adapted for the cinema. The title's Japanese and English dubbing has been very well done, encouraging us to leave the cinematics behind. In short, Returns may seem a little empty, but it's a breath of fresh air that does the license a world of good.
Despite its rigidity and lack of innovation, investigations are okay and story is fine, and keeping in mind that it focuses on younger detective-trainers, it comes as a decent introduction to the genre.
Detective Pikachu Returns doesn't quite make good on the promise the film adaptation gave the series, but it's a solid follow-up and anyone who liked the first will double down on having a good time with the second.
I could appreciate the animation, the odd joke, the voice acting from the English dub Pikachu, and just being in the world of Ryme City. It was an extension of the film I enjoyed and it was a place to be with my favourite Pokemon, too. I think if you temper your expectations, Detective Pikachu Returns can be exactly what it wants to be, a delightful journey through the world of Pokemon.
The mystery story of Detective Pikachu Returns makes some bizarre and unexpectedly dark choices to get to its underwhelmingly predictable conclusion, and as a result it’s unclear who this is all for. Is it for young kids who will find the simplified puzzles about right, or adults who grew up with Pikachu and can handle the more mature themes of the second half? It’s still a cute, bubbly, animated adventure with humor, unique pokemon to meet, and a mystery to solve, but the mystery solving is long-winded, the visuals are lackluster, and the gameplay is so basic it might as well not be there at all.
Apart from reading, walking around, pushing together clues that are already next to each other and sometimes completing a quick-time event that you can't lose (!), nothing happens in Detective Pikachu Returns. Part 2 now provides new partners, for example Fukano now supports you with his sniffing nose. But that doesn't change the untapped potential and doesn't take the game to a new level. Even the story is so boring and predictable that I don't want to repeat it here. The game doesn't expect anything from you, but you have to continue it again by pressing a button. In this respect, the film of the same name gives you a much better experience - and significantly cheaper. All that remains is the Pokémon skin and charm: instead of crooks, you chase Pokémon like Mewtwo. Instead of interviewing witnesses, you take the statements of Pokémon. Yes, super cute, but so is every other Pokémon game. No case is particularly memorable. Or to put it another way: If Sherlock Holmes ever runs out of narcotics, he can also play this for five minutes.
Detective Pikachu Returns was my first Detective Pikachu game and I will say I really enjoyed playing this game. No, the graphics weren't great, yes the game is short. But for what its worth the story is really encapsulating and makes me want to go play the 3DS Detective Pikachu game or watch the Detective Pikachu movie. Although the game is very short, it took 13 hours for me and I was taking my time. I would buy this game if you find it on sale even for 15-20% off, It's fun for what it gives :)
"Master Detective Pikachu Returns" does a lot of things right, but also some things not too well. The storyline with Tim and Pikachu is good and carries you through the 15 hours. However, there could be more depth here and it could be kept relatively simple. Unfortunately, the voice actors are only available in English or Japanese. You can also expect a lot from the gameplay and the puzzles and tasks are aimed more at younger players. The technology and sound are good. On the whole, "Master Detective Pikachu Returns" is a decent game for the Switch, but there are a few places where you'll have to make compromises.
Good-
A fun story with a satisfying resolution; surprisingly strong voice work for the main characters; charming characters and great fan-service for long-time fans; easy and fun to pick up and play for younger players.
Bad-
The graphics look dated, and there are a lot of loading screens; the gameplay is extremely simplified; the story is done well and is fun to follow along, but remains largely predictable.
Thoughts-
Should you play Detective Pikachu Returns? If you are a fan of Pokemon, and enjoyed the original game, you will probably get something out of this one. While there are some changes to what the first game did, on the whole, the boat has not been rocked too much, and you will still get more of that same formula here. Younger players especially will probably like this game a lot and be drawn to it, with its charming characters, fun story, and simplistic gameplay. For older players, the recommendation has more caveats, but if you’re down for getting a deeper look at the Pokemon world than you otherwise get, you’ll find what’s here fun enough.
This is point, click, read, walk around, repeat. Oh, occasionally you need to tap “A” repeatedly. The puzzles take absolutely no skill. This is a waste of time. I assumed it would be better but it’s hard to stay awake. Do not waste your money on this game. Even kids will find it boring.
SummaryThe release of the POKÉMON Detective Pikachu movie has left fans wanting more of the famous Pokémon sleuth. Creatures, Inc., has plans to create a new entry in the Detective Pikachu video game series for Nintendo Switch. The original Detective Pikachu game for the Nintendo 3DS ended on a cliffhanger and this upcoming game will be a concl...