Detective Pikachu Returns brings back the dynamic duo of Tim Goodman and his coffee-loving partner, Pikachu, in a new mystery-filled adventure that introduced Detective Pikachu to Switch players. Set against the backdrop of Ryme City, players are once again immersed in a world where Pokémon are not just tools, but integral characters in an engaging narrative. This sequel builds on the strengths of its 3DS predecessor, offering an intriguing storyline and endearing characters.
The game seamlessly picks up where the original left off, following Tim and Pikachu as they dive headfirst into a new case involving the mysterious Aurora Gem. However, what begins as a simple jewel heist quickly unravels into a much bigger scheme involving mind-controlling devices and the enigmatic Mewtwo that Pokémon fans will be familiar with. The narrative, while at times predictable, still managed to captivate and endear, thanks in no small part to the richly developed Pokémon-infused world. The game’s exploration of mature narrative themes not typically seen in Pokémon games also adds depth and resonance to the story.
Detective Pikachu Returns employs a straightforward yet effective gameplay style, resembling a Phoenix Wright-like (or lite) experience. Players must gather clues, interview witnesses, and make deductions to solve a variety of cases. The inclusion of side quests involving Pokémon adds a nice layer of extra immersion, showcasing the relationships between humans and their beloved partners. However, the simplicity of the puzzles may leave older players craving a greater challenge – despite the “detective” angle this is a fairly casual adventure.
The controls in Detective Pikachu Returns are intuitive and user-friendly, allowing players to seamlessly navigate the world of Ryme City. The point-and-click mechanics, combined with basic Phoenix Wright-like elements, create a smooth gaming experience. This accessibility is clearly aimed at a younger audience, but players of all ages who don’t mind a relative lack of challenge can still enjoy the adventure.
The visuals in Detective Pikachu Returns are a bit of a mixed bag. While the Pokémon themselves are rendered faithfully, some of the human characters suffer from a lack of detail and a slightly crude appearance, especially compared to the anime productions or the mainline Pokémon games. However, the game’s vibrant and colorful aesthetic, along with the seamless integration of Pokémon into the environment, still brings Ryme City to life in a charming way.
The audio design adds character to the game, with Pikachu’s gritty detective voice providing a clear contrast to the more subdued human characters. Each Pokémon is given a distinct voice, lending them personality and charm and bringing them alive more than in the regular Pokémon games. The jazzy soundtrack complements the detective theme as well, but the tracklist could have been more diverse.
Detective Pikachu Returns succeeds in delivering an endearing experience, especially for fans of the original 3DS game or the film adaptation. While the gameplay may lean towards relative simplicity, the engaging narrative and well-developed world compensate for this, making it an enjoyable journey for players of all ages. The game’s exploration of mature themes and its unique take on the Pokémon-human dynamic add depth to an already captivating adventure. Despite some minor flaws, Detective Pikachu Returns proves to be a worthy addition to the Pokémon gaming universe.
Score: 7.0/10
Press Play Media 