Pokémon Let’s Go switches things up for the better

Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee have brought huge gameplay changes to the Nintendo franchise, but has the risk paid off?

What a week it has been for Pokémon fans around the world!

Fresh off the Detective Pikachu movie trailer this week, the long awaited Pokémon Let’s Go games are here, bringing plenty of amazing changes with them.

Not even data miners could spoil the fun, despite leaking key game information in the days before launch. Hundreds of Pokémon trainers packed shopping centres around Australia, with EB Games hosting 27 midnight releases across NSW, QLD, Victoria and the ACT.

REVIEW

Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee deliver something for all Pokémon fans to enjoy, new and old alike. The first Pokémon games to arrive on the Nintendo Switch are both innovative and retrospective, combining the traditional Pokémon RPG’s we know and love, with some of the features from the popular Pokémon Go mobile app.

Visually the games are better than ever, and Nintendo has also given long-time fans the first generation remakes they have been calling for since the Fire Red and Leaf Green games.

While most Pokémon fans will love this game, it does feel designed to attract new players, or perhaps those who have only played Pokémon Go before. There have been some massive risks taken in the many gameplay changes, but these seem to work out well for the most part.

Nintendo has given long-time fans the first generation remakes they have been calling for.

The biggest change is the complete overhaul of battles, with random encounters from walking around scrapped completely. Instead, wild Pokémon now spawn in the over world and you simply walk up to them to initiate Pokémon Go style catch sequence.

This change has eliminated the grind of the traditional games, as your Pokémon will gain experience and level up much easier. This means you have the same great game, without having to spend hours battling trainers and wild Pokémon to reach higher levels, as well as providing a more relaxing way to fill out the Pokédex.

The Pokémon Go link is an awesome new feature which allows Pokémon to be sent from your mobile phone to your Nintendo Switch game. However, this function is unfortunately not available until the mid-game, so players won’t be able to enjoy it straight away.

The new Pokeball plus device is another interesting feature, able to be used as a controller, as well as acting as a Pokémon Go plus. This means you can take your Pokémon with you and still interact with them when you aren’t playing the game.

Some other more fun features include, dress ups for you and your Pikachu or Eevee, Pokémon riding and following, playing with your Pokémon, a cooperative mode and more.

The biggest change is the complete overhaul of battles, with random encounters from walking around scrapped completely.

The game is not without some minor faults, but these do not negatively impact the game experience. Using the joy con controllers in battle can be difficult to get used to at first, but does give a sense you are actually catching them, rather than just pressing buttons.

Veteran players may find the game too easy, but they will also love the fact that they finally have a Kanto region game remake.

Overall, Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee are more approachable games that will give all players something to enjoy. The gamble of huge gameplay change has paid off for Nintendo, giving fans a new Pokémon experience that still works.

RELEASE DATE

Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee are out now on Nintendo Switch, after midnight releases on the Friday the 16th of November.

PRICE

While regular retail price should be around $79.95, JB Hi-Fi will be selling the game for only $59 on the release date. The Pokeball plus version will cost a little around $129.95 at most stores, or $119 at JB Hi-Fi on release day.

Wilson Smith