The Pokemon games have followed the same formula since the first game. Go around and try to catch as many Pokemon as you can while also engaging in battles with other trainers. This formula has worked, but fans of the series sometimes want something new. That’s what makes Detective Pikachu, created by Creatures Inc, so fun. Solving mysteries and exploring a part of the Pokemon world you never knew existed.
Tim is a young boy whose father has gone missing. When he gets no help in locating him, he decides to find him. While searching, Tim runs across the strangest Pikachu ever. This Pikachu has no power, but makes up for it by being smart and becoming a detective. Best of all, Tim can understand him. The two team up and solve mysteries as they search for Tim’s father.
Detective Pikachu is one of the most original and interesting characters ever created from Pokemon. With a voice that sounds like a grumpy old man, he loves making bad jokes and even flirting with the ladies. More then once, I found myself laughing out loud at his lines. Tim might be the main character, but he is the straight man to the absolute weirdness of Detective Pikachu. This is not making fun of the creature, but showing that Meowth is not the only Pokemon who can talk.
The game play is searching for clues and trying to solve cases. Each case brings you closer to the overall mystery. One of the coolest things is that cases can be solved in multiple ways. This makes the game more enjoyable as well as replaying the game to see the other solutions. One of the biggest problems with games such as Phoenix Wright is there is only one solution to the case. By having multiple outcomes, this game feels more like an actual detective story.
The game is gorgeous to look at, bright and cute as Detective Pikachu and Tim go from cities to caves and behind. The game controls well too, and the cut scenes bring something extra to the story. If you have never liked the Pokemon series, this is the game for you. The only problem is that you will like it so much you might be disappointed it is the only one of it’s kind.
Detective Pikachu is a welcome surprise and a fantastic addition to the Pokemon Universe. The creators think so too, as a live action movie is already in development. Get ahead of everyone and play this game. Who knows, it might make you a great Detective just like Detective Pikachu
Detective Pikachu is available now on the Nintendo 3DS.
