Pokémon Legends: Arceus - US Version

TLDR: The Game is really good. The systems work great and its a world you can get lost in and play for a very long time. It's the Pokémon game I have been hoping for.This review is going to be a bit long so hold on.1. Open world! Pokémon has been in need on an open world type game for a very long time. The areas feel alive and fun to explore as you go walk around. If you are anything like me exploring has always been a large part of the Pokémon games and this game lets you explore and find fun things and Pokémon wherever you go. It is broken up into several main areas. I understand that they did this to help streamline the story better but, I think they could have gotten away with just letting the player have one big open world. That might just might be my preference though. The Pokémon all around make the world feel alive and exciting. Plus, lots of things to pick up for crafting and using in the open world. Plus plenty of secrets to find lying around. Including Unown and weird will-o'-wisps hiding is various places.2. Mechanics! We have some brand new mechanics.- The core mechanic in the game is throwing things. You throw things to catch Pokémon, you throw things to battle Pokémon, you throw things to lure/distract Pokémon. Lots of throwing. But, it is interesting and complex enough that it feels good. Lots of things that you need to do can all be wrapped up nicely into one mechanic so it's not too complicated to learn how to play.- Lots of the mechanics that got in your face in old games have become a lot less intrusive. For example the whole game doesn't pause when you catch a new Pokémon to ask you if you want to give it a nickname or when one of you Pokémon are ready to evolve. This means that you get to focus on what you are doing in the open world. The downside of this is that you have to go into the menu to give nicknames or evolve your Pokémon.- Locomotion is great and varied. To put it simple, it's fun to move around in the game. Even if you aren't doing anything else walking or swimming or flying across the map is fun. Personally the sneaking is really slow but its not annoying enough to be bad.- Pokémon battles are cool and more complex than previous game titles. I won't get too much into it, but I think the battle mechanics are really well thought out, fun and interesting. My biggest complaint of the game is that there aren't any random trainers wandering around the open world map that want to challenge you!- Nobel Pokémon. The bosses of the game are cool. They also use the core throwing mechanic as a way to make the boss fights different from regular battles. I think they are cool parts of the game that do well to make each battle memorable and fun. They are not my favorite part of the games though.-New online mechanics. When you black out in this game you drop items that other players can pick up in their game to return them to you.3. Story. I don't want to give a big breakdown of the story here as I don't want to spoil it for anyone. I think it is one of the best stories Pokémon has had in a long time. It's not a masterpiece, but it is better than what is expected for Pokémon most of the time.4. Graphics. I think it's a good thing that I have mostly seen people compare this game's graphics to Breath of the Wild instead of other Pokémon games. It means that the games are moving forward. The graphics are just okay when compared to other games, but they are the best graphics I have seen in a Pokémon Game. So, progress!5. Sound Design. Personally, I love the sound design for this game. It feels great. I don't have the expertise to give it a full analysis but it feels great and the music sounds good!6. Side quests! There are so many side quests and most of them feel pretty good. Lots of fetch quests though. Overall they are a good addition to the game and help make the world feel alive.7. Things that could be improved. Now, remember that even if you love a piece of media you can always find things that you don't like.- Trainers. So, as I said earlier. I would love to see trainers that challenge you to battles just hanging out in the wild.- Gyms + elite four. While the Nobel Pokémon were a cool thing to replace gyms as Boss fights I would have loved to see Gyms still in the game. Same with the elite four. I just want more reason to have battles in this game.- Why is the save menu in the bag? I think online and save functions would make more sense with the Map in the "Phone" menu. I keep pressing the wrong menu to save.- This game is for slightly older kids. This is not really a bad thing, but it could be for some people. It will be hard for younger kids to play compared to older Pokémon games. (Although my young kid still loves it.)

As the parent of an enthusiastic 8-year-old Pokémon fan, I cannot express enough how Pokémon Legends: Arceus for the Nintendo Switch has not only entertained my son but also contributed significantly to his growth and development.This game has been a revelation for him. It's not just another Pokémon adventure; it's a journey that challenges him in ways that are both engaging and educational. The immersive gameplay encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic planning, all while delving into the captivating world of Pokémon.Watching my son navigate the intricacies of the game has been a delight. It's clear that Pokémon Legends: Arceus has stimulated his mind, honed his decision-making abilities, and encouraged him to think outside the box. The challenges presented have sparked his curiosity and perseverance, fostering a sense of accomplishment with each conquered obstacle.The blend of adventure and learning within the Pokémon universe is commendable. This game not only entertains but also subtly imparts valuable life skills. It's wonderful to witness my son's enthusiasm for a game that not only captivates him with its storyline and Pokémon encounters but also cultivates his cognitive and problem-solving skills.As a parent, finding a game that strikes such a perfect balance between entertainment and educational value is a rare gem. Pokémon Legends: Arceus has undoubtedly become a favorite in our household, not just for its gameplay but for the positive impact it's had on my son's critical thinking and decision-making abilities. It's a testament to the power of well-designed games that entertain and educate simultaneously. Highly recommended for any Pokémon-loving child looking for an enriching gaming experience!