Detective Pikachu Returns Reviews
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
Detective Pikachu Returns is a fun albeit flawed game designed for children to enjoy with a family member next to them. Its core gameplay does get repetitive the more you play it, but what brings it all together and keeps you engaged is its story and themes that give it depth despite taking place in a game that looks too simple to even make an impact.
Detective Pikachu Returns is more of the same from the 3DS original, but with the fun addition of using unique Pokémon abilities to interact with the world and help you solve puzzles, a bunch of side missions to investigate and a continuation of a story that ended on a bit of a cliffhanger. It’s a little bit too easy going and predictable at times, and you feel like some mechanics and concepts could have been flesched out and developed further, but this still feels like such a refreshing insight and approach to the world of Pokémon and one I’d love to see developed and expanded upon further in the future.
Detective Pikachu Returns is a fun game that is brimming with personality, a memorable cast of characters, and a familiar setting that is somehow new again. Unfortunately, it's held back by a menial playtime with no replay value and a very predictable plot, but that doesn't take away from enjoying the world of Detective Pikachu Returns.
When it’s at its best, Detective Pikachu Returns delivers the charm and cuteness that have always been hallmarks of the Pokémon franchise. However, all too frequently it fails to reach those heights thanks to shallow gameplay, a bloated story, and repetitive missions that feel lackluster, no matter what age demographic they are targeting.
If you are looking for a Pokémon game without combat but with atmospheric staged mystery cases and a humorously presentation, Detective Pikachu Returns could be exactly your cup of tea. Well, if it's not a problem for you, that the gameplay is mostly totally unchallenging.
Review in German | Read full review
Detective Pikachu Returns is a charming mystery adventure. The long-awaited sequel to Tim Goodman's saga was worth the wait.
Detective Pikachu Returns is an excellent follow-up to its predecessor, expanding the world around Tim and Pikachu. However, the sequel mostly plays it safe by giving you more of the same experience.
While overtly silly and over-the-top at times, Detective Pikachu Returns effectively balances its light with its extreme darks, wielding its cuteness as a tool to tell an impactful and fairly relevant tale about corruption, felt throughout various cases.
Unless you're a Poke-Fanatic or a young child, Detective Pikachu Returns probably won't hold very much for you. Detective Pikachu is still a joy to watch, but his shenanigans are hardly worth the $50 price tag. However, I think that this game would be a great fit for younger Pokemon fans who aren't looking for deep multi-layered mysteries. As much as I wished that Detective Pikachu Returns had a stronger storyline, Detective Pikachu still has plenty of charm and the kids seem to enjoy his shenanigans as much as they did during his movie.