PGC NEWS

Pokémon. The name resonates with millions worldwide, from seasoned gamers to those who’ve never touched a controller. Its cultural impact is undeniable, spanning generations and permeating every corner of the globe. This enduring popularity stems from a humble beginning on the monochrome Game Boy, launching a franchise that includes a near-thousand-episode anime series and a merchandising empire. Even those unfamiliar with gaming recognize Pikachu, the electric mouse with the iconic “Pika Pika” cry. The 2015 mobile game Pokémon GO reignited Pokémania, driving players to explore their surroundings in pursuit of virtual creatures. Now, Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee, released on the Nintendo Switch, revisit the series’ origins while embracing modern gaming technology. This review explores the game’s strengths and weaknesses, examining its nostalgic appeal and innovative features.

A Strategic Reimagining of a Classic

Announced at E3 2018, Pokémon Let’s Go was met with both excitement and skepticism. While many praised the updated graphics and promised features, some questioned Nintendo’s decision to revisit the first generation for a third time (following Pokémon Yellow and the FireRed and LeafGreen remakes) instead of developing a new generation. However, this seemingly repetitive move was a calculated strategy with multiple objectives.

Firstly, Let’s Go revitalized the waning interest in Pokémon GO by enabling two-way interaction. Players can transfer Pokémon caught in GO to Let’s Go, quickly filling their Pokédex and fostering a sense of community among players.

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Secondly, it served as a testing ground for new graphics on the Nintendo Switch. Unlike the lower-powered Nintendo 3DS, the Switch offered the potential for HD visuals on larger screens, requiring a robust new graphical foundation. Let’s Go provided the perfect opportunity to develop and refine this technology.

Finally, Let’s Go aimed to reignite the nostalgia of long-time fans, some of whom were disappointed by the visuals and Pokémon designs in Sun and Moon. After the positive reception of X, Y, Omega Ruby, and Alpha Sapphire, the seventh generation felt like a step back. Let’s Go provided the spark needed to rekindle enthusiasm for the franchise in anticipation of the upcoming eighth generation, Sword and Shield.

A Visual Feast for the Eyes

For long-time fans who have witnessed the evolution of Pokémon graphics, Let’s Go is a visual triumph. From the 8-bit origins on the Game Boy to the 3D models on the 3DS, the series has undergone a remarkable transformation. However, the dream of a truly high-quality 3D Pokémon game with dynamic camera angles, stunning battle effects, and detailed character models remained elusive due to the 3DS’s limitations.

Let’s Go delivered on this long-held desire. Iconic attacks like Thunder and Fire Blast are rendered in spectacular HD, and the pixelated world of Kanto is reborn in vibrant detail. Familiar locations like Cerulean City and Celadon City are recreated with stunning fidelity, evoking a sense of nostalgia while offering a fresh perspective.

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The Pokémon themselves have never looked better. Beloved creatures like Charizard, Dragonite, Mewtwo, and Snorlax are rendered in exquisite detail, breathing new life into these familiar companions. The ability to ride larger Pokémon adds a new dimension to exploration, replacing the traditional bicycle with a more immersive and engaging experience.

The focus on Pikachu and Eevee as starter Pokémon adds to the charm. These two fan favorites are given special attention with unique moves, customizable outfits, and hairstyles. Pokémon Let’s Go is a fitting tribute to the millions of fans who have supported the franchise for over two decades.

Questionable Design Choices

While Let’s Go excels in its visual presentation and nostalgic appeal, some design choices detract from the overall experience. Remaking a game for the third time necessitates adding new elements to keep things fresh. However, not all changes are improvements, and Let’s Go suffers from some missteps.

The removal of random encounters is a controversial decision. This mechanic, while sometimes frustrating, has been a staple of J-RPGs for decades. Let’s Go opts to display wild Pokémon roaming in the overworld, giving players the choice to engage or avoid them. While this eliminates the annoyance of frequent random battles, it also removes the element of surprise and the thrill of encountering rare Pokémon. Furthermore, the limited number of Pokémon displayed at any given time can lead to tedious backtracking if none of the available options are desirable.

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Another significant change is the replacement of wild Pokémon battles with a Pokémon GO-style catching mechanic. Players must use motion controls to throw Poké Balls, relying on timing and accuracy. While initially fun, this mechanic quickly becomes repetitive and can be cumbersome, especially in handheld mode. The lack of Pro Controller support further exacerbates this issue.

Missing Features Dampen the Experience

In simplifying the game for a broader audience, Let’s Go removes several key features that long-time fans have come to appreciate. These omissions are particularly jarring, diminishing the strategic depth and overall enjoyment for veteran players.

The absence of held items is a significant loss. Introduced in the second generation, held items added a layer of strategic complexity to battles, both in the main story and competitive play. Removing this mechanic strips away a core element of the Pokémon experience.

Similarly, the lack of abilities is a major disappointment. Introduced in the third generation, abilities provided Pokémon with unique passive skills that significantly impacted their performance in battle. Let’s Go‘s omission of abilities reverts the game to a more simplistic state, lacking the strategic nuance that has become a defining characteristic of the series.

While the intention to streamline the game and appeal to a wider audience is understandable, removing these established features ultimately detracts from the overall experience, particularly for long-time fans.

Conclusion

Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee offer a visually stunning and nostalgic journey through the Kanto region. The updated graphics, charming character models, and focus on Pikachu and Eevee are sure to delight fans old and new. However, the removal of key features like random encounters, held items, and abilities, coupled with the repetitive catching mechanic, ultimately diminishes the overall experience. While Let’s Go serves as a visually impressive introduction to the world of Pokémon for newcomers, it may leave long-time fans yearning for the strategic depth and complexity of the core series.

Information

• Developer: Game Freak
• Publisher: Nintendo
• Genre: Role-Playing Game (RPG)
• Release Date: November 16, 2018
• Platform: Nintendo Switch