Game Review – Pokemon Legends: Arceus

Well, hello there. Now you’ve probably been wondering where I’ve been. Well I’ve been meticulously researching the topic of this review by playing many, many, many hours of Pokémon. It was tough but you know I’d do that for all of you, our wonderful readers. All those hours of gaming were tough going. We all know Pokémon in one iteration or another, whether it’s on the Game Boy, the DS or the Switch, and now we have to discuss this new version that they’ve released: Pokémon Legends Arceus. First and foremost, I’m going to do my best to avoid all of the spoilers that could potentially be given through this review so I think it’s fair to say that this will be spoiler free. Pokémon Legends: Arceus was released January 28th on the Nintendo Switch and, let’s be honest, this is new. Let’s have a look at the overview trailer and then we’ll jump into the review.

Welcome to the Hisui region. The newest region for pokemon fans to explore. If you’re like me, you might just see some similarities between this region and others but, as a member of the Galaxy Expedition Squad, it is up to you to study the areas of the Hisui region and catalogue the pokemon you meet, catch and battle there. Nothing too different to how usual Pokemon games work. What makes Pokemon Legends different is how you encounter the pokemon you catch, the way you catch them and how you progress through the game. Naturally enough, the game guides you step by step through the new process and after a while it becomes fairly intuitive.

The most recent version of Pokémon has genuinely surprised me. Of course, Game Freak is back to develop this new version of Pokémon but we also have to look at the new style of play that has been introduced as well. The game has a similar art style and character design to Pokémon Sword and Shield with a system similar to the Totem Pokémon and ride Pokémon from Pokemon Sun and Moon. A little note for all the avid fans is that if you have previous save files from Pokémon Let’s Go! or the new remakes of Diamond and Pearl, you will get a few little extras from the clothing shop in the town you start out in. Character customization is very doable in this game with the opportunity to expand the different styles, hair and eye colour and outfits available to you.

Game Freak and the Pokémon Company have regularly used a tried and tested game format but this time they stepped away from that which I have to say is refreshing. Have they reinvented the wheel? No but they have tried something a little different. And, my goodness, would you believe it? They’ve actually managed to include a plot twist that you don’t necessarily see coming a mile away. Initially, the player’s character literally falls from the sky out of a rift into this new region of Pokémon and is sent on a time travelling mission by none other than Pokémon God, Arceus, hence the name. You can tell from the get-go that this game is set in the past world of Pokémon. It’s not new, it’s more like a time we haven’t seen before. Pokéballs are craftable using Apricorns and you can make them, and a variety of other types of Pokéballs, on the go. During the story, we are then introduced to the leader of the Galaxy Team and two native clan leaders who are at odds with one another but their problems are the same: the noble Pokémon cared for by these clans are rampaging ever since they were struck by lightning that emerged from the rift. It is up to the player to sooth the noble Pokémon and heal the rift in the sky.

Now, as with more recent releases of Pokémon, there are new regional variants of Pokémon we have been introduced to before; these ones being Hisuian. We have new variants of Pokémon like Growlithe and Sneasel plus all of the starter Pokémon that are introduced in your early game come with their own regional variant at their final evolution. The starter Pokémon include Cyndaquil, Oshawott and Rowlett which are fairly good options to choose from. Overall, Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a fantastic game that allows you to experience the world of Pokémon in a new way and, as you rank up and explore more of the region, the rewards increase but so does the challenge. The world is broken into different areas which are essentially mini open worlds to wander around and explore at your own pace. There are also short side missions available to complete for different benefits and rewards. The complete Pokédex of the Hisui region consists of about 240 different Pokémon and an opportunity to catch the Legendary Pokémon God, Arceus. Pokémon Legends: Arceus makes even the oldest Pokémon fans eager to explore the world of Pokémon again with a new approach to an old idea.