Pokemon Legends ARceus Review Roundup

Way back in 2019, when the world first laid eyes on the shiny new Pokemon games, Sword & Shield, I dared my fellow Poke-maniacs to demand more from developers Game Freak for a new modern main entry in the series. What we eventually got wasn't anything revolutionary but (in some areas) a welcomed step in the right direction. Now, as we fast forward to 2022, and despite releasing on the ageing Nintendo Switch hardware, Game Freak is gearing up their most ambitious Pokemon title to date. So, does it finally lift the series to new heights? Here's the review roundup: 

GAMES RADAR (SCORE 4.5/5)
'Problems with the performance are the one thing holding Pokemon Legends: Arceus back from perfection. But when you're having such a great time with the actual gameplay, it's not enough to hold back this otherwise impressive swing into a new Pokemon generation, building on the foundations of the past with exciting new mechanics, a more open structure, and efforts made to address each of the elements that were becoming stale. Pokemon Legends: Arceus is a must-play game for any would-be trainers who prefer to spend their time appreciating Pokemon rather than putting them to battle.'

For the full review please visit here.

NINTENDO LIFE (SCORE 9/10)
'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.'

For the full review please visit here.

GAMEINFORMER (SCORE 8.75/10)
'Despite these shortcomings, Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a worthwhile spin-off adventure, even if some of the concepts aren’t fully developed. With an enticing gameplay loop, fun side activities, and a story I’m glad I saw through to the end, Pokémon Legends: Arceus sets a solid foundation for what I hope is the next evolution for the series.'

For the full review please visit here.

GAMESPOT (SCORE 8/10)
'Some of the new ideas in Arceus have rough edges, and it's slow to start before you get access to many environments and mounts. This is an awkward first step, and it was a big adjustment for me, a longtime fan of the series, to make. Once Pokemon Legends: Arceus finds its stride, though, it's the most daring and inventive the series has been in years, breaking apart the staid core and creating something new and exciting from its pieces.'

​For the full review please visit here.

POLYGON (SCORE N/A)
'I could go on with Pokémon Legends: Arceus’ list of pros and cons for another 1,000 words only to further reinforce that the game is inconsistent. But Legends: Arceus is confident enough in its new direction that its missteps feel more like small annoyances than major issues – like a pebble in my shoe on an otherwise lovely walk.'

For the full review please visit here.

COG Connected (VIDEO REVIEW)

Overall, Pokemon  Legends: Arceus currently sits at a Metascore of 86 from 40 reviews. A score you would never expect after all the negative feedback from those that "got" the game early, but it seems Game Freak really tried their best to truly fresh up the decades old formula, and as a long time fan of the series I can very much appreciate the attempt. 

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