Detective Pikachu Returns

MonsterVineSamantha Lienhard

The Final Word Detective Pikachu Returns might not push the boundaries in terms of graphics, and it certainly won’t bend your mind with its easy and straightforward deductions. However, it’s a charming game with cute character interactions, a good sense of humor, and an interesting story. Some games just make you feel happy when you play them, and I found Detective Pikachu Returns to be one of those games.

GamingTrendCassie Peterson

80/100

Detective Pikachu Returns is a heartwarming follow-up to the first game, though it does fall short in terms of depth and originality. Still, the overall experience is worth it for fans of the first game, and the movie, and for Pokémon fans in general.

GameSpewKim Snaith

8/10

Detective Pikachu Returns is, for the most part, a delight. You’re naturally going to get the most out of this game if you’re a Pokémon fan, but even if you’re not, it provides a fun entry point to the world where monsters and humans co-exist. If you’re a seasoned mystery game player, the pace might be a little too slow for you: it’s more about enjoying the story than putting your investigation chops to the test. But if you’re willing to accept that, there’s a great deal of fun to be had here.

Impulse GamerMartijn van Gent

2018 marked the Nintendo Switch’s second year on the market, and with it came a bunch of new titles that would define the system. Yet one of my favorite games

Press StartSteven Impson

7/10

Detective Pikachu Returns is a decently fun little detective story. Don’t expect any intense logical deductions or unpredictable twists – but it’s fun enough to follow along with even so. The relationship between Tim and Pikachu is a highlight as are the Pokémon who help you along the way. Uninspired human character designs marr an otherwise decent presentation full of cool Pokémon and fun music.

Pure NintendoJemma Casson

7/10

Detective Pikachu Returns is the sequel to the 3DS title, Detective Pikachu. Yes, the dynamic duo of Tim and Pikachu is back to solve more mysteries in Ryme Cit

GGReconDaniel Megarry

Detective Pikachu Returns is a charming sequel that relies on its beloved IP to get by, delivering a story that's more engaging than most Pokemon adventures but falling flat with uninspired gameplay and dated visuals.

GamepurAmanda Kay Oaks

6/10

If you’re interested in an entertaining story that doesn’t require heavy gaming chops or hours of free time to play through, Detective Pikachu Returns may have something to offer. The world has some interesting detail that pulls you in, and you can play through the full story in a relatively short time.

RPGSitePaige Chamberlain

5/10

The case of Detective Pikachu has never been fully closed, but now Detective Pikachu Returns, this time to the Nintendo Switch. I enjoyed my time with Detective Pikachu Returns, nonetheless, Detective Pikachu Returns just isn’t a very good game.

Dot EsportsCale Michael

5/10

I really wanted to love this game, especially because I enjoyed my time with it. But there is just no way I can recommend this title to anyone who isn’t either really into Pokémon or ready to ride out the game with their kids or some friends. There’s charm, but it isn’t anything special, and that’s a shame because it had so much potential to be great.

TheSixthAxisReuben Mount

5/10

Detective Pikachu Returns falls flat, feeling like a hollow experience with under-baked and sparse bolts of brilliance. Wide and mostly empty areas, a difficulty level smaller than a Cutiefly, slightly more gameplay than your standard visual novel, short run time and limited usage of its one truly unique and fun mechanic. Forgive the cliche, but most of Detective Pikachu Returns’ moves just weren’t very effective.

Capsule ComputersDustin Spencer

5/10

Detective Pikachu Returns attempts big things with a sequel, but lacks the substance to pull off an engaging experience.