Detective Pikachu Returns Reviews
If Detective Pikachu Returns’ goal was to make a mystery game that any kid could enjoy, then it’s almost a complete failure. This is most certainly no Professor Layton, nor is it anywhere close to that pedigree in any category. The mysteries are robbed of all of their catharsis because the game doesn’t ever trust the player’s intellect and intuition. Not that you may want to see the story to its end when the main narrative can’t make up its mind on what it wants to be. For only a very brief stint of time was I invested, but then I soon realized that I already saw everything that it had to offer. Its few bright spots in character interaction and charm couldn’t hide that. This isn’t a broken game, but it’s something I found worse: it’s boring.
Detective Pikachu Returns has some charm with its core characters and is a cute little detective story for the younger audience.
For younger gamers, particularly those just getting into the Pokémon series, the game and its predecessor could be a fine fit. However, the more experienced fans hoping for some engaging mystery solving and more interesting examination on casual life with Pokémon are almost certain to find the game lacking in both its storytelling and gameplay departments.
Detective Pikachu Returns marks the return of beloved duo. The game offers a perfect start for young detectives among us, but the puzzles and cases are made too easy for adults. It's mostly for families, with a lineair story, but the writing is very charming.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
This game is good for Pokemon lovers, those who have played Detective Pikachu, those who have seen the movie, and younger players who speak English. You get a closer look at the world of Pokemon and get a proper idea of their daily lives. You have fun and have a pleasant time with the dialogues of the Pokemon among themselves. I do not recommend this game to players who want a more detailed detective game, who want to use the mechanics properly and face a certain penalty system when they fail.
Review in Turkish | Read full review
Detective Pikachu Returns isn't among the best adventure games, but it presents a solid experience especially designed for newcomers to the genre. Despite some mistakes, fans of the original title will really like the new experience, which manages to have a consistent evolution in relation to its predecessor.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Overall, Detective Pikachu Returns is a unique entry to the Pokemon universe that offers an engaging story but falls short in gameplay. The storytelling and humor are enough to keep you interested in learning what will happen next to Pikachu and his friends. Still, if you’re looking for an interactive and engaging video game experience, this one doesn’t quite deliver. If you’re interested in an entertaining story that doesn’t require heavy gaming chops or hours of free time to play through, Detective Pikachu Returns may have something to offer. The world has some interesting detail that pulls you in, and you can play through the full story in a relatively short time.
Detective Pikachu Returns might not push the boundaries in terms of graphics, and it certainly won’t bend your mind with its easy and straightforward deductions. However, it’s a charming game with cute character interactions, a good sense of humor, and an interesting story. Some games just make you feel happy when you play them, and I found Detective Pikachu Returns to be one of those games.
While Detective Pikachu Returns is undeniably enjoyable, its only standout feature is its somewhat decent storyline, which ties up loose ends from the original 3DS game and provides moments of laughter as Tim and Pikachu interact with each other. However, it suffers from several issues, such as somewhat dated graphics for this day and age, a short playtime, and very easy difficulty. Nevertheless, it’s a game I’d recommend during a potential sale, allowing you to comfortably unwind in bed while enjoying Pikachu and Tim’s misadventures in Ryme City.
While the spectacle of a gruff, coffee-pounding Pikachu in a deerstalker hat will never not be charming, Detective Pikachu Returns is less enjoyable than both its breakthrough predecessor and, somehow, the surprisingly decent Hollywood movie spin-off. The odd world-building is still on point, though, and younger players will doubtless find some fun in the not-so-murky corners of Ryme City, even if the intrigue is light and the detecting itself is a little rote.
Detective Pikachu Returns is a charming sequel that relies on its beloved IP to get by, delivering a story that's more engaging than most Pokemon adventures but falling flat with uninspired gameplay and dated visuals. If you’re looking for a game to truly test your mystery-solving skills, you might want to take your detective hat elsewhere. Come for the cute Pokemon chats, instead.
I had a fantastic time with Detective Pikachu Returns, with more than a couple of jokes and moments having me laugh or smile at the screen. I would often wish I had been playing it with someone else in the room with me as I wanted to point out silly little jokes, comments from Pikachu or odd things the other Pokemon in the game were doing. It's got some issues, but I never once wanted to stop playing it. Now excuse me while I make a coffee!
Detective Pikachu Returns is a fine game that knows its niche and plays into it well. It operates more like an excuse to see Pokémon in a different setting than anything else, but for players interested in that sort of thing, it's fascinating. I wouldn't really recommend the game for adults looking for anything challenging or particularly nuanced, but it's an okay story wrapped in a wonderful world that's reasonably quick to complete. 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.
In closing, The Return of Detective Pikachu is an entertaining spin-off that brings a fun new perspective to the universe. Sure, there are a few flaws, but the heartfelt story should satisfy even the youngest fans of the franchise.
Review in French | Read full review
Detective Pikachu Returns attempts big things with a sequel, but lacks the substance to pull off an engaging experience.
Detective Pikachu Returns was very easy, but I could see the appeal to a younger audience, looking for more different Pokémon content. I would like to play in this world of Pokémon again, and if they improve on what they have now, I can see this franchise could have some longevity.
If you want to experience the comfort of the Pokémon world without the stress of battling, then I think Detective Pikachu Returns serves its role admirably. However, I don’t think it’s a great video game, much less a great detective game. If you can tell yourself that Detective Pikachu Returns is essentially an interactive anime episode, rather than an actual video game, then I think you’ll have fun.
The adventure, like the original, is aimed at a more children's audience, so its level of complexity may end up being a nuisance for people who were expecting a challenge. Despite this, we found the story interesting and, although it has a slow start, there comes a moment when you are eager to move forward and learn more. If you are one of those who love detective games, you have to know that this one will be simpler, but it is easy for you to end up liking it. If you love Pokémon more than anything, get it!
Review in Spanish | Read full review
In summary, Detective Pikachu Returns is a clear continuation of the previous game. Better and more worked, especially in the environment and in the production, as well as in the relationship between the two characters, although it remains aimed at a young audience. It lacks the challenge of other detective games and the narrative doesn't free us from tiresome sections and a lot of circumstantial dialogues. Still, an adventure different from the backbone of the Pokémon series, endowed with a duo of characters who interact with each other and with the city where they investigate with some propriety.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review