Detective Pikachu Returns: Charming Yet Clumsy
In this revamped title, we preserve the clever wordplay by incorporating the iconic phrase detective Pikachu returns while adding a touch of excitement with the word electrifying. By replacing the term experience with encounter, our title feels more immersive and game-focused. Furthermore, the playful yet professional tone remains intact.
Detective Pikachu Returns review A hit-and-miss experience
After a seven-year hiatus, our beloved detective Pikachu is back in action with “Detective Pikachu Returns.” But let’s be real, aging hasn’t been kind to this game. While Pikachu in a little deerstalker remains as charming as ever, the mechanics and graphics are showing their age, even with a fresh coat of paint.
Fast Facts – Release date: October 6, 2023 – Platform(s): Nintendo Switch – Developer: Creatures – Publisher: Nintendo
Now, get ready to embark on a journey of detective work and investigations. Sounds exciting, right? Well, it’s a tad more complicated than that. In Detective Pikachu Returns, the existence of Pokémon itself adds a layer of complexity. To make things even more interesting, our protagonist Tim Goodman is the only human who can communicate with the illustrious Detective Pikachu. Oh, and did we mention that Tim’s father, Harry, has mysteriously vanished? Yeah, it’s a bit of a mess.
But fear not! Even if you missed out on the original 2016 game, Detective Pikachu Returns has got you covered. They provide a quick recap of the most crucial events, so you won’t be left scratching your head. And don’t worry, it doesn’t assume you’re a detective prodigy. The game mechanics feel familiar enough for those with prior experience.
Grin and Bear it
Now, here’s the catch. While the core idea of finding your missing father is captivating, the actual detective work is a total work-out for your patience. Detective Pikachu Returns seems tailor-made for children, and not in the “fun for all ages” kind of way. It’s more like one of those shows that constantly spoon-feed you with solutions and boast unnaturally smooth animations, reminiscent of low-budget animated series on streaming platforms.
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If you obediently follow along with the game’s every suggestion, you’ll find it nearly impossible to come to any conclusion other than the blatantly obvious. Take the first major case, “The Missing Jewel,” for example. It holds your hand from beginning to end, shoving every major development in your face multiple times. This excessive hand-holding might make you roll your eyes, but hey, at least you’ll have ample time to perfect your eye rolling technique.
Once you’ve gathered enough clues through a tiresome back-and-forth process, you’ll finally start deducing how those clues connect and answer the larger investigation questions. It’s a slow grind that involves interacting with nearly every person and Pokémon you come across. Sadly, not all of them are interesting enough to hold your attention during this endless back-and-forth dance.
And oh boy, is there a lot of back-and-forth. The movement speed of Tim and Pikachu is just a hair too slow, making every step across the environment feel like a never-ending slog. It’s not like the game world is vast and sprawling; it’s mostly empty and devoid of any meaningful engagement. The developers somehow managed to create a space that feels both irritatingly empty and claustrophobic at the same time. Talk about a double whammy.
Haven’t a Clue
But hey, it’s not all doom and gloom. If you enjoyed Pikachu’s charming banter and crime-solving antics in the original game or the live-action blockbuster “Pokémon: Detective Pikachu,” you’re in luck. That delightful vibe is still present in Detective Pikachu Returns. Picture Pikachu getting propelled into the air by Galarian Darmanitan’s snowy head, shivering and boulder-punching all the way. Add in some friendly jabs at Tim’s nonexistent love life and a few tongue-in-cheek references to the real-life movie’s plot, and you’ve got yourself a good ol’ time.
I must say, Pikachu’s little running animation brings me joy. It’s delightful to see him sprinting after Tim, hat flapping in the wind, eager to complete his little job with utmost pride. It strikes a perfect balance between seriousness and lightheartedness, with the needle tilting just slightly towards the latter. However, as enchanting as it may be, the repetitive nature of Pikachu’s run eventually loses its charm. Instead of chuckling, I find myself wishing he’d pick up the pace and get this endless busywork over with.
Disclaimer: Detective Pikachu Returns was reviewed on a Nintendo Switch OLED using code provided by the publisher.
Hey there, fellow gamers! Have you missed our lovable detective Pikachu? Well, he’s back in “Detective Pikachu Returns”! While the game has its quirks and shortcomings, it’s still worth a shot if you’re in the mood for some sleuthing with a side of adorable banter. So grab your magnifying glass and join Pikachu on his latest adventure!
Have you played Detective Pikachu Returns? What are your thoughts on the game? Let us know in the comments below! And remember, the key to gaming success is to never give up. Keep on gaming, my friends! 🎮
