I just finished playing this game and I have to say, it had it's good points and bad points. Being a game with a story about solving crimes, I won't spoil anything but will point out some gameplay aspects. First of all, this game isn't too much like Ace Attorney. It feels more like a Professor Layton game to me especially since you are solving puzzles mainly. One thing I like about Detective Pikachu are the characters overall. Each one has their own unique personality and even the Pokemon themselves. Just seeing that Ludicolo at the cafe so happy about a carnival had me light up a bit. Detective Pikachu himself is a very gruff but nice Pokemon with a good sense of humor and Tim Goodman is basically that normal, nice boy character that is often at the butt of Pikachu's jokes.
Now, for the downsides. First of all, this game holds your hand WAY too much! I know DP was designed for the younger age group but man this game is so easy. There is no such thing as a Game Over in this game because even if you make a wrong decision, you simply start over again. It doesn't help Pikachu himself does all of the main work when it comes to puzzles an such will Tim tends to take a backseat role to him even though he's the main playable character.
Second are the rather annoying quick time events. These things tend to come out of nowhere so you're expected to react to them when the game gives you a hint when they are about to appear. Raise your hand if you got hit by the Aipom at least once at the beginning of the game! Some of them are required to beat (which, again, if you mess up, you get another go without much consequences) but some if you mess up, Pikachu will often get hurt and complain mildy about you not helping him.
Finally, the whole story is boring. Again, not wanting to spoil anything but if you play Ace Attorney or other detective games for a living, finding out the culprits is extremely easy even before you gather all evidence. The story tends to drag at times and this game is clearly trying to rush things at times. It doesn't help the game is fairly short (you can get an AT game for like $30 and the game will last you much longer).
Overall, Detective Pikachu isn't a bad game especially if it's your first detective game. However, this game is clearly meant for the kids since it holds your hand 100% of the time and you will never really get penalized for messing up anything. It's pretty much Ace Attorney on Easy Mode but with Pokemon. I give it an overall 6/10 because this game does have charm, likable characters, and really good 3D animation for a portable system. However, I really don't think it's worth the full $40 considering it's a much shorter game than other Pokemon games like Ultra Sun/Moon. Try to get it used at Gamestop or cheap online or on sale if you can. Thanks for reading!
VideoGame Charming but Boring
I just finished playing this game and I have to say, it had it's good points and bad points. Being a game with a story about solving crimes, I won't spoil anything but will point out some gameplay aspects. First of all, this game isn't too much like Ace Attorney. It feels more like a Professor Layton game to me especially since you are solving puzzles mainly. One thing I like about Detective Pikachu are the characters overall. Each one has their own unique personality and even the Pokemon themselves. Just seeing that Ludicolo at the cafe so happy about a carnival had me light up a bit. Detective Pikachu himself is a very gruff but nice Pokemon with a good sense of humor and Tim Goodman is basically that normal, nice boy character that is often at the butt of Pikachu's jokes.
Now, for the downsides. First of all, this game holds your hand WAY too much! I know DP was designed for the younger age group but man this game is so easy. There is no such thing as a Game Over in this game because even if you make a wrong decision, you simply start over again. It doesn't help Pikachu himself does all of the main work when it comes to puzzles an such will Tim tends to take a backseat role to him even though he's the main playable character.
Second are the rather annoying quick time events. These things tend to come out of nowhere so you're expected to react to them when the game gives you a hint when they are about to appear. Raise your hand if you got hit by the Aipom at least once at the beginning of the game! Some of them are required to beat (which, again, if you mess up, you get another go without much consequences) but some if you mess up, Pikachu will often get hurt and complain mildy about you not helping him.
Finally, the whole story is boring. Again, not wanting to spoil anything but if you play Ace Attorney or other detective games for a living, finding out the culprits is extremely easy even before you gather all evidence. The story tends to drag at times and this game is clearly trying to rush things at times. It doesn't help the game is fairly short (you can get an AT game for like $30 and the game will last you much longer).
Overall, Detective Pikachu isn't a bad game especially if it's your first detective game. However, this game is clearly meant for the kids since it holds your hand 100% of the time and you will never really get penalized for messing up anything. It's pretty much Ace Attorney on Easy Mode but with Pokemon. I give it an overall 6/10 because this game does have charm, likable characters, and really good 3D animation for a portable system. However, I really don't think it's worth the full $40 considering it's a much shorter game than other Pokemon games like Ultra Sun/Moon. Try to get it used at Gamestop or cheap online or on sale if you can. Thanks for reading!