Detective Pikachu Returns Reviews
Detective Pikachu Returns serves up more of what delighted us first time around, with an endearing and exciting story packed full of fun and light-hearted silliness. We really do enjoy this gruff, coffee-addled take on Pikachu, he never fails to raise a smile when he goes off on one, and the game successfully straddles a very thin line in giving us an adventure aimed at younger players that long-time Pokémon fans and ancient gamers such as ourselves can also enjoy. If you can handle the inherent repetitiveness of most of the core gameplay, alongside some rather drab visuals, you'll enjoy this one.
But don’t let me be a downer. Here’s the good: Detective Pikachu Returns does not require much from you. It won’t ask you to do anything especially complicated and you get to look at cute Pokémon. It won’t ask you to get too emotionally engaged nor will it demand too much of your attention or energy. You can be infinitely wrong in your deductions, and it will still offer reprieve. Detective Pikachu Returns has its funny moments, its emotional moments, and its gratifying moments without requiring much effort in return, and for some, that is an ideal videogame. But, if you’re coming to Detective Pikachu Returns hoping for a fast-paced, semi-engaging narrative, or even much of a plot in general, just watch the movie. Pikachu is equally cute in both.
Detective Pikachu Returns is a half-decent sequel to a flawed original; it may be a great experience for younger children who love Pokémon, but weak puzzles and lackluster dialogue will disengage the rest of us.
The case of Detective Pikachu has never been fully closed, but now Detective Pikachu Returns, this time to the Nintendo Switch. I enjoyed my time with Detective Pikachu Returns, nonetheless, Detective Pikachu Returns just isn't a very good game.
Detective Pikachu Returns is a decently fun little detective story. Don't expect any intense logical deductions or unpredictable twists – but it's fun enough to follow along with even so. The relationship between Tim and Pikachu is a highlight as are the Pokémon who help you along the way. Uninspired human character designs marr an otherwise decent presentation full of cool Pokémon and fun music.
Investigations are multi-staged, and some of the reveals are interesting if not particularly surprising. The inclusion of newer-generation Pokémon since the original title makes Ryme City feel even more alive and part of the Pokémon world, and the city is full of small details to really drive home the idea of people and Pokémon living together.
Detective Pikachu Returns is a welcome return for our mystery-solving duo. Although it comes across as simple in many ways, you'll still find enjoyment if you're in the mood for a relaxing game with a good story.
Detective Pikachu Returns is a great ride for younger players, with its straightforward gameplay and fun story, but layers on enough edge and bite into the writing that long time series fans will enjoy what it has to offer as well.
Detective Pikachu Returns may not be the most puzzling of adventures, but it's fun and charming enough to stay engaging.
Detective Pikachu: The Return is a definite step forward from the first installment, but it still lacks that quality leap that could make this subseries a must for franchise fans. The main charm of the adventure lies in the charisma of its two protagonists and the opportunity to experience the Pokémon world in a different way compared to what the main series offers. However, the game's extreme simplicity, driven by the choice to make it accessible to a wide audience, may not satisfy all fans of the saga.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Detective Pikachu Returns‘ biggest failure isn’t its basic gameplay or sterile presentation; its most heinous blunder is how agonizingly boring it is. Playing this game with children (the target audience) only alienated them. The lack of grit or edge didn’t lure them in and the sorry writing didn’t keep them hooked either.
The game fulfills the expectations of a less demanding detective game, and for younger players or perhaps Pok'mon lovers, it's a really good spin-off.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
Detective Pikachu Returns had the potential to appeal to everyone as most Nintendo and Pokemon games do, but instead falls in the bracket of being a milquetoast experience that will only occupy younger players.
Detective Pikachu Returns is a fun little Nintendo Switch adventure that is ideal for younger players, offering a colourful, eclectic mix of characters, Pokémon and storytelling. It does veer to the simpler side in places in both game design and visual fidelity, but the appeal of the Pokémon universe is strong enough to draw players of all ages into the tale. Those who were fans of the Nintendo 3DS game or simply enjoy a classic point-and-click adventure would feel right at home with Detective Pikachu Returns.
The apple didn't fall far from the tree with Detective Pikachu Returns. It's a game that stands out for its charisma, but can be guilty of being too simple, something quite similar to what happened to the Nintendo 3DS entry.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Detective Pikachu Returns is definitely adorable in this Switch debut although the required deduction skills to solve its cases remain at an incredibly low bar to clear which made it hard to hold my attention for very long.
A fun sequel to the original game in 2018, in which you unravel mysteries by interrogating people and Pokemon. These mysteries and riddles are quite simple, which makes it feel like child's play. If you're looking for action and adventure, Detective Pikachu isn't the right choice. But if you have a love for Pokémon and want a change from Pokémon battles, you've come to the right place!
Review in Dutch | Read full review
"Where on Earth is Ryan Reynolds?"
Review in Finnish | Read full review
Detective Pikachu: The Return is a sequel that remains too much anchored in the past, fossilizing in a "comfort zone" that returns a production that differs little from its predecessor in terms of novelty.
Review in Italian | Read full review
What will Detective Pikatsu Returns offer you? A relaxing adventure, accessible to all, with a script that has enough twists to keep players interested and characters with personality, since the gameplay will be simply procedural for the majority.
Review in Greek | Read full review