Summary
Over five years after the original 3DS title launched and following the release of a successful film adaptation,Detective Pikachu Returnsbrings players back to the world of Ryme City as they partner up with this coffee-loving Pikachu to uncover the mystery surrounding Tim Goodman’s father Harry’s disappearance. In a break from the traditionalPokemonseries formula,Detective Pikachu Returnswon’t feature the typical monster-collecting gameplay, but rather that of classic adventure games. With how expansive thePokemonworld is, it seems like there will be a lot in this game for fans of the series to love.
ThePokemonfranchise has a history of delivering spin-off titles that help to further flesh out the series' universe as well as give fans a chance to explore different aspects of the world across various genres. Although games likePokemon GOandPokemon Unitehave become some of the most popular spin-off games in recent years, there is still room for a charming adventure game likeDetective Pikachu Returnsin the franchise’s library. For players looking for a uniquePokemonexperience,Detective Pikachu Returnslooks to deliver charm and mystery in spades.
RELATED:Detective Pikachu Returns' Pre-Order Bonus Explained
Detective Pikachu Returns' Confirmed Features
The core gameplay ofDetective Pikachu Returnsseems to follow the formula of a traditional adventure game set by its predecessor on the Nintendo 3DS. Rather than battling with these critters, players will get to experience the setting of Ryme City where Pokemon and humans work together in harmony. As players explore Ryme City, they will encounter a string of mysteries to solve along with a cast of interesting characters and critters who find themselves wrapped up in the cases.
To solve these mysteries, players will need to investigate crime scenes and uncover clues in order to deduce the truth of what really happened. Along the way, players will gain the aid of certain Pokemon with particular skills that can be helpful in discovering hidden clues, such asGrowlitheand its keen sense of smell. As the human Tim Goodman, players will be able to interview other residents of Ryme City, but his partner Detective Pikachu can aid the investigation by questioning other Pokemon that Tim can’t normally speak with.
While the gameplay ofDetective Pikachu Returnsseems similar to games likeAce AttorneyorDanganronpa, the less mature tone of thePokemonworld means that players shouldn’t expect anything too serious from its story. However, the mix of interactable human and Pokemon characters gives the game its own identity and potential for a unique plot only possible in thePokemonworld.Detective Pikachu Returnsalso sets itself apart from other games of its genre by utilizing features of thePokemonworld to create unique gameplay opportunities involving these popular critters.
One of the biggest featuresDetective Pikachu Returnshas over other games in the franchise is the presence of voice acting. While some fans believedPokemon Scarlet and Violetshould have had voice acting,Detective Pikachu Returnsgives players a chance to hear what a voice-actedPokemongame sounds like. Despite some controversy surrounding Detective Pikachu’s voice direction in this title, the presence of voice acting makes the game more immersive and helps give the characters their own distinct personalities within the game’s world.
