As one of the most iconic franchises in the gaming world, Pokémon has captured the hearts of countless players since its inception. The franchise’s foray into the Nintendo Switch platform has brought about a slew of games that cater to various gaming preferences, from action-adventure to puzzle-solving and even multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBAs). In this definitive guide, we delve into the Pokémon universe on Nintendo Switch, ranking the games based on critical reception, gameplay, and overall experience.
12. Pokémon Quest: An Unmemorable Gameplay Loop
Metacritic Rating: 64/100
A departure from the traditional Pokémon RPG format, Pokémon Quest is an action-adventure game developed by Game Freak. Despite its unique Minecraft-inspired design and cube-shaped Pokémon, the game’s gameplay loop has been criticized as forgettable and repetitive. The energy system and lack of depth in the gameplay received negative reviews, although some critics noted its accessibility for casual players. While the Minecraft-themed aesthetic was a novel approach, it was not enough to garner a positive critical reception.
11. Pokémon Café ReMix: Underwhelming Mechanics Despite Charming Concept
Metacritic Rating: 64/100
Pokémon Café ReMix, a puzzle game developed by Genius Sonority, invites players to run a café for Pokémon customers. Despite its charming premise and appealing art style, the game’s mechanics were deemed underwhelming. Critics pointed out that the puzzles lacked challenge and the touchscreen controls required for handheld mode were inconvenient. The game’s saving grace was its unintrusive microtransactions, preventing it from fading into obscurity.
10. Pokémon Unite: A MOBA Entry Marred by Microtransactions
Metacritic Rating: 70/100
Pokémon Unite marks the franchise’s first venture into the MOBA genre. Developed by TiMi Studios, this game pits teams of players against each other in a battlefield where they control individual Pokémon with various roles. Despite its well-received gameplay, Pokémon Unite was criticized for its reliance on microtransactions. Its entry into the saturated MOBA market also felt derivative, failing to stand out amidst other established titles in the genre.
9. Detective Pikachu Returns: A Middling Sequel
Metacritic Rating: 66/100
Following the success of the original 3DS game and its film adaptation, Detective Pikachu Returns arrived on the Nintendo Switch with a mixed reception. Set in Ryme City, the game follows the titular Pokémon detective and his partner, Tim Goodman, as they solve cases. While the game’s story and characters were praised, its simplistic detective-based gameplay left a lot to be desired.
8. Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX: Repetitive Gameplay Overshadows Nostalgia
Metacritic Rating: 69/100
A remake of the 2005 Mystery Dungeon games for Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX, was met with mixed reviews. Despite its new art style and additional features, the game’s outdated and repetitive gameplay under a fresh coat of paint was criticized. The remake was unable to surpass the cult classic status of the original games, with critics noting an overall unremarkable experience.
7. Pokémon Sword and Shield: Isle of Armor Expansion – A Missed Opportunity
Metacritic Rating: 69/100
The Isle of Armor, the first expansion for Pokémon Sword and Shield, received lukewarm reviews. Despite its praised Wild Area, many found the story too short and lacking in substantial improvements to the main game. Critics highlighted the expansion’s lack of ambition, stating it felt like a superficial enlargement of the Galar region.
6. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: Held Back by Technical Limitations
Metacritic Rating: 72/100 (Scarlet)
The latest Pokémon games, Scarlet and Violet, showcased the franchise’s attempt at transitioning to an open-world setting. However, the games were plagued by performance issues, glitches, and stripped-back in-game systems, leading to mixed reviews. Despite the promising open-ended gameplay loop, critics noted overwhelming technical problems that marred the overall experience.
5. Pokémon Sword and Shield: The Crown Tundra Expansion – A Step Forward
Metacritic Rating: 75/100
The Crown Tundra, the second expansion for Pokémon Sword and Shield, was received more favorably than its predecessor. Critics appreciated its improved narrative, rich features, and abundant legendary Pokémon. The expansion added depth to the main game, making Pokémon Sword and Shield a more convincing package.
4. Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl: Faithful Remakes with Room for Improvement
Metacritic Rating: 73/100 (Brilliant Diamond)
As remakes of the 2006 Nintendo DS titles, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, these games brought nostalgia to long-time fans of the franchise. However, the chibi art style and the lack of innovation in the gameplay drew criticism from players who anticipated more from the remakes.
3. Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!: Nostalgic and Accessible Remakes
Metacritic Rating: 80/100 (Let’s Go, Eevee!)
These remakes of Pokémon Yellow offered a fresh take on the traditional Pokémon RPG format. With new mechanics and a streamlined gameplay, they were well-received by critics. Fans appreciated the nostalgia, innovative Pokémon GO-style capture mechanics, and the game’s accessibility for new or younger players.
2. Pokémon Sword and Shield: Pushing the Franchise Forward
Metacritic Rating: 80/100 (Sword)
These Generation 8 games brought innovation to the Pokémon franchise, from the Wild Area to the new raid encounters. Although the decision to launch with a limited Pokédex was controversial, the games eventually received praise for their innovative features and the foundation they laid for future Pokémon games.
1. Pokémon Legends: Arceus – A Pioneering Entry in the Franchise
Metacritic Rating: 83/100
Taking the top spot in our ranking is Pokémon Legends: Arceus, a game that revolutionized the Pokémon franchise. Set in an ancient version of the Sinnoh region, the game introduced an open-world format, new mechanics, and Hisuian variants of Pokémon, promising an exciting future for Pokémon games on the Nintendo Switch.
Conclusion
From innovative remakes to forays into new genres, the Pokémon franchise continues to entertain and engage players on the Nintendo Switch platform. As the franchise continues to evolve, we can only look forward to what new heights Pokémon games will reach.
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