Pokémon Legends: Arceus Reviews
If this is the future of the series, I'll be incredibly happy, because this just might be the best Pokemon game ever made.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus feels like the result of Game Freak learning lessons for 25 years, refining the formula, and finally taking the franchise in a new, incredible, exciting direction. With its emphasis on extremely rewarding exploration, addictive catching mechanics, a fine roster of Pokémon and a genuine sense of scale that's unlike anything in the series, Pokémon Legends: Arceus is quite simply one of the greatest Pokémon games ever made.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus struggles with graphics and certain aspects of gameplay, but its expansive world, endless Pokémon to find, and strong storyline make it worth playing.
The Pokemon series has rarely been known for taking major risks over the years, but Pokemon Legends: Arceus definitely goes against that trend and gives us one of the most exciting games in the franchise. While there are definitely some areas where there could be improvements, such as more trainer battles, Pokemon Legends: Arceus is hopefully a very exciting look at what we can expect to see more of from Pokemon in the future.
Don’t discount “Pokémon Legends: Arceus” for its looks. It’s an experience unlike any other in the series.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a step in the right direction for the aging series, even if its technical limits can't always support its ambitions.
"The magic of Legends: Arceus stems from dozens of smaller quality-of-life improvements. Some are long-requested, others are simply revelatory — mechanics I’d never even considered in all my fantasies of the ideal Pokémon game. Whether it be Pokémon displaying unique character traits, cohesion between the different mechanical systems, or the crafting of items, developer Game Freak has the right ideas in place for the future of the series."
Pokémon Legends: Arceus still has some lingering flaws from the series' rough transition to 3D, but is still an incredibly fun time from start to finish. Catching and battling Pokémon hasn't been this fun in over a decade, and despite the wealth of things to do in Hisui I'm still hungry for more.
More than a quarter of a century since the cuddly critters were first sent in to battle, the magic of those early adventures has finally been recaptured
Pokémon Legends is the breath of fresh air the series has needed for so long. It may not have been apparent from the trailers, but this is one of the most entertaining, engaging and engrossing games in the entire history of the Pokémon series, and is highly recommended to both long-time fans and complete newcomers.
By tearing up the rule book and breaking new ground, Game Freak has created the best Pokémon title in decades
Despite its many flaws, Legends Pokémon: Arceus is not a bad game and we can salute the risk-taking as well as the change of course of the genre that blows a new wind on the license.
Review in French | Read full review
As I said the future seems bright for the Pokémon franchise, I just hope Game Freak can avoid what many studios do and end up taking ‘two steps back’ after moving their game forward; but time will tell.
It’s symbolic of the question that some PLA players will be left with. Did Game Freak’s reach extend its grasp? But for us, when it works its magic, it really works. It’s certainly the most exciting Pokémon game in years, and even if it’s a little overambitious – wouldn’t we rather have that experimentation over the same journey we’ve been on many, many times?
People, who love creature-collecting gameplay can easily spend tens of hours in Pokemon Legends: Arceus. And if you ever felt tired of "classic" Pokemon formula, don't sleep on Arceus too.
Review in Russian | Read full review
Pokémon Legends: Arceus is clearly flawed, yet courageous; it succeeds in the arduous mission of rejuvenating some of the clumsy axioms of one of the most conservative series around, laying the foundations for an eventual rebirth of the brand.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Although most Pokémon games are of good class, there's no denying that they've lost some magic since the show's heyday. But with Pokémon Legends: Arceus, developer Game Freak shows they can still create fresh and entertaining gameplay that lifts Pokémon chasing to a new level. It's a shame that action, environments, and graphics aren't anywhere near the same class.
Review in Swedish | Read full review
Arceus offers you a chance to play your childhood dream. It's not perfect but it offers something more engrossing and satisfying than anything else Pokémon has come up with.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a must-have for fans of the series as it’s an experience like no other. The only downside is that the game could do with a graphical facelift, especially the character models who aren’t anywhere as detailed as they should be.
I wasn’t sure what to expect with Arceus, but the surprise was a pleasant one. There aren’t any gyms or gym leaders, but I found plenty of tough battles. The graphics are pretty basic, but the character models all look terrific. Even the environments aren’t so bad, as long as you’re playing in portable mode. I was instantly hooked by the gameplay loop. Everything you do in the field feels so seamless, so smooth. This game makes Pokémon feel a bit dangerous, something I never thought was possible. If you were hoping for a traditional Pokémon experience, you’ll be thrown for a loop. Keep an open mind however, and Pokémon Legends: Arceus will be a fantastic time.