"While Pokemon may still only know four moves at a time, you can easily switch out moves from a pool of all the ones learned with just a quick trip to the menu." How is this the first review I've come across to mention this? This is a huge development! Thank you Easy Allies!
I agree with this. When I first saw that you could switch moves whenever, I was in awe. I couldn’t believe it. I feel like this game, in aspects, feels a lot like the anime, which is cool. Specifically, battling feels more like the anime. And the fact that Pokémon can switch out moves in an instant.
As someone who has been burned out on Pokemon for over 10 years, Legends Arceus is such a bright glimmer of hope. No, it isn't perfect, but if Gamefreak rolls with this type of game, I could see their next one being something really special
I chuckled at that point too Ben Moore doesn't hold any punches The devs should have gone with more of Breath of the Wild sort of aesthetic at least in regards to the environment
Personally the story really stood out to me, I found it really engaging from the start. Which was surprising to me, since I had to drop Pokemon Sun, due to how annoying the constant dialog was.
Probably Dunkey was never invested in the lore of Sinnoh, something Ben is now familiar with after playing BDSP, I've not touched Arceus yet but I heard it dives deep into stuff fans have been speculating for a while.
All I hear is Kyle’s voices for the characters. Nintendo can’t go back. Now I want to see the first gyms, elite 4 formation, the rise of Team Galactic (or bad organization), etc…
I pretty much felt the same .. very much enjoyed the game, if some things were a bit better or more fleshed out it would be even better. One of the best Pokemon experiences in a long time!
The gameplay loop is definitely addicting, and they’ve streamlined so much. Catching Pokémon is quick and simple, so I’m actually encouraged to do it for once. Though there are barely and trainer battles, so not much else to do aside from catch and explore. But yeah, visuals are bad. Lots of pop in, and you’ll often see characters and Pokémon in the distance at like 2 FPS. Hoping the next game builds on the foundation. Would be nice to have actual towns and cities throughout the region, and trainers throughout.
I was a big fan of Shadowrun Returns and that game has a story where the player constantly returned the same bar after adventures. It’s nutty how much it started to feel like returning home. Having a regular bar that you return to, different than “your ship” or “your base” really does create a unique sense of community and place.
I really like how this game actually makes a big attempt to evolve the series because I was very disappointed with pokemon's outings on the switch so far, it's not perfect of course but it does a really good job and hope that game freak takes the foundation this game set up and build upon it for future games in the series. Good review
It's nice to hear more positive reviews to a Pokémon game nowadays. I really don't mind SWSH and BDSP and in fact enjoyed them for what they are but at the same time, I understand the complaints for their shortcoming. Legends Arceus totally nailed it. It's such a breath of fresh air and is really welcoming for old and newer fans of the franchise. Definitely one of the best Pokémon games Game Freak has ever done. Graphics and performance may not be it's strongest points but none of that hardly matters for what the game has to offer gameplay-wise
I respect your opinion, but "Graphics and performance may not be it's strongest points but none of that hardly matters" really baffles me. There are games out there with the whole package. I have no idea how someone could look at a screen for dozens or hundreds of hours and not really care what they're looking at.
My thoughts exactly, I have not enjoyed an entry since Sun/ Moon. And while Arceus seems like a step in the right direction it looks like a concept still in pre-Alpha.
@@jakeoliver9167 I'm not so sure about that. The game looked rushed in some aspects and it also didn't help that GameFreak literally caught themselves in a lie about what was going on with the game's development either.
@@e1iteyoshi998 the games visuals were objectively better than every other pokemon game. And there were ds/3ds games that looked better than all pokemon games. But this game got constantly compared to breath of the wild. Why weren't ds games compared to other games visuals? This game looks rushed too but because it had no drama it's mostly an afterthought. Pokemon has never been a graphics or story game
@@e1iteyoshi998 and as you say, people just had a grudge about the lie. People also forget that swsh was originally gonna be a 3ds game before the switches success. They had enough time but it's complex how budget works and their ideas mayve been completely destroyed switching to the switch. It still was a great game and on par with every other game. Story complaints are particularly unfounded as gen 2 had virtually no story at all. And this story was on the level of gen 3.
Not sure if you're aware, but perfects only effect the odds for that single pokemon, you dont need to perfect all entries to raise the odds. So you only need to perfect entries for the pokemon your hunting. L&R
If making the overworld interesting, I would like to see the wild mons battling each other from time to time, just like in horizon zero dawn, where a t-rex fighting against a giant hawk, while in pokemon alphas vs alphas, or other mons that represents whats in their dex. Or being a territorial pokemon where group of growlithe driving off skittish mons like glameow
The is my first experience playing a Pokemon game and I'm now 90hrs in. I'm not big on completing games, but Arceus is apparently the exception, because it's very hard to put down. The game play is so solid and satisfying. It's not the most difficult game in the world, but I believe that's the status quo with this franchise. The graphics could be better, no doubt, but the areas are nice and a lot of fun to explore and re-visit. 8.0's a fair score as is this entire review.
I've been enjoying the hell out of it. Glad to see Pokemon actually innovating for once. Sure it looks like an HD Wii game but goddamn did they actually try here and it shows. This is the leap pokemon needed to take, and if they keep at it Gen 9 could be stellar. Great review, Ben!
Yeah it’s weird the game gets a point for effort for finally shaking up the formula and succeeding at a bunch of new gameplay things but basically loses a point for effort for all the graphical/performance/lack of polish aspects haha.
@@jaredorozco3188 Eu agradeço a cada vídeo por eles terem continuado com o trabalho. No fundo eu só queria entender porque o gametrailers acabou... Na época era um site conceituado e tal.
@@TiagodeAngelisSilva Game trailers era parts do Viacom no passado, e Viacom tinha problemas. Por exemplo, estavam demandando a UA-cam, e por isso por anos não podiam ter os seus vídeos no UA-cam, e nunca recobraram completamente disso. Depois Defy os comprou, mas Defy permitiu morrer muitos dos seus empresas. Seguramente há mais que não sabemos.
This was a good first attempt on GameFreak’s part. I think they did well with creating the foundation thru Arceus and hopefully they improve gameplay from here on.. This feels like a great way to build upon the main game series.. now Nintendo needs to upgrade their system to give GameFreak more oompf and enhancements..
This is a billion dollar company. You can't just give them a free pass because they did something different after 20 years. They had all the tools and resources to make a great game but instead they cheaped out and didn't bother. Gamefreak could easily have a staff of hundreds but they refuse to grow. Imagine Rockstar did the same and only came out with GTA 3 today. We need studios to grow and put the vast fortunes they've earned back into the games they make. Not stockpile their profits and continue making trash. It's unforgivable.
the only thing really turning me off is the game world blandness. I know it's just one obvious flaw we all saw coming. But it's a BIG thing in an open world title where the environment is the star of the show. Otherwise i'd rather have smaller "zones" or routes to save time.
So i gotta ask: if the open areas are bland graphically who's to blame for that? I keep hearing a back and forth between throwing blame between both Nintendo and GameFreak. Some are saying Nintendo's at fault because of the hardware the Switch runs on while others are saying GameFreak once again was "lazy" with the graphics.
@@e1iteyoshi998 Game Freak were still late to the party when they first started working on 3D graphics in their games, and they outsource those parts pretty heavily. They don't really have the expertise that you'll find from studios like Monolith or the Nintendo EADs, and with such a tight development schedule, I'd imagine they're having a hard time revisiting the drawing board when it comes to their tech.
@@e1iteyoshi998 gamefreak are not lazy. They have a small team compared to most AAA studios and need to hit deadlines. Pokemon is not just games. It's anime, cards, toys etc. I think this game is a good start. It also runs well which is more important to me
Are the graphics lackluster? Sure. Could there be less pop in/Visual bugs here and there? For sure. Is the Game Super fun with what they have done gameplay wise? Imo Hell yeah (And alot of reviews are thinking that too). And yes would i be happy if it look like at least breath of the wild level? Yeah, for sure. It would make this game 10/10 for me if it did, right now for me its a 8.5-9. I have put in 110 hours and could not put it down. It devoured my days as i went about enjoying it and eventually finishing it (And the post game and research lvl 10ing all the Pokemon). Its got an addictive gameplay loop, it took me way too long to advance each story beat caz i wanted to hunt down all/most of the Pokemon first. And ya get lil dopamine hits as the little research tasks pop it was great. Ultimately what most people are willing to give this game really does differ quite a bit on how much Graphics matter to them on an individual basis. To me i enjoy good graphics but generally dont enhance the fun i have by too much, including if something looks worse it doesnt hinder it for me. By hour 6 i fully got used to the graphics and i didnt really even actively notice anymore. This has me greatly exited for what the next game will be, hopefully they take all the lessons from this and make a perfect Pokemon game that everyone will adore.
I like Easy Allies. Their conversations are definitely entertaining. As are their reviews. But the reviewer for this game; did we play the same game? Engaging story? What story? There are some likeable characters, absolutely. But the plot is barely a loose thread of ideas. It doesn't do anything. Or really go anywhere. Or make much sense. How on earth is this an a good story? I'm legitimately wondering what kind of substances the author was on when he played this. We must have played different games.
I’m glad they broke the norm, but this game is a 6 to me. It is a slog to get started and I was just mashing A to get my next field mission. Then once you finally get a mount you just go A-Z in each zone so fast and the exploration kinda goes by the wayside. Really hoping they combine elements of this and Sword/Shield so we have more meaningful battles and objectives. GameFreak just needs to pony up and hire some real devs considering they have the cash.
You lose al the credibility with the “real devs” nonsense. Not making a game you want them to make does not make them less than “real”. Especially since, As you say, they have the cash. Cash they earned from consistently giving customers a product they will buy year after year for DECADES. There is absolutely no reason to believe that your “improvements” would tank the franchise and every reason o believe they know what they are doing. Maybe they aren’t making a product for grown adults like you.
For real, I did say “6 to me”, just shy of swimming in 7s so it’s not a horrible game by any means. I’m glad people are enjoying it and I also like several elements of it. Just because this was GameFreaks first time making a game at this scale we shouldn’t have to go easy on them also, otherwise it’ll be another decade before we see tangible improvements.
They could just license a prefab engine and concentrate on actual gameplay and mechanics, instead of trying again and again to make their crapfest of engine work.
@@JazGalaxy Gamefreak may have real devs, but they don't have good devs. Never had. Iwata had to step in and write half of the code to make Gold and Silver work and from how modern Pokemon games look, not much has changed since then, except that Iwata is dead and can't bail them out anymore.
The one thing I'm not enjoying about the game is the lack of trainer battles. I know that there are story reasons for the lack of them, but I'm getting a bit bored with the open world without them.
Haven't had so much fun with a game since dark souls 3. I'm 40 hours in and haven't done everything yet not cough every Pokemon. Also no problem with the graphics
Great reviews as always guys. I agree with everything you said. I'm 20hrs in and still in the first area having find and finding new secrets. Right now trying to get all the Eevee Evolutions. Just need to grind some merit points to get the ice stone for Glaceon and I'll have all of them.
The output of a game is based on a hundred different things. Budget. Production schedule. (How long did they have to make the game?) Staff size. Scope. Hardware. Development tools. Just because one game looks a certain way doesn’t mean that another game can or will look the same. It depends what the game is doing. What’s being drawn on screen. How many. What’s being stored in ram. What needs to be called, when, and how quickly. How big the draw distance is. Etc. Etc. Etc. A game like PT can look better than any other game because it is just rendering one hallway and almost nothing else. A game like fallout will look worse because it is rendering thousands of unique objects that can be interacted with and game logic all at the same time.
It's kind of both. "Arsius" is the proper way to say it, but in the anime film they chose to say "Arkius" so that people wouldn't make fun of it in the UK for sounding like "Arse-ius".
It’s fine either way, kinda like how God has a bunch of different names and pronunciations and spellings, Arceus has a bunch of acceptable pronunciations
That's why i don't rely on review channels like GameSpot and IGN. The inconsistency they have people reviewing the games honestly plays a part in that.
I'm glad people are enjoying this. I do feel like people are way overhyping the changes though. It feels more like a tiny sidestep than some kind of major innovation or "bold" changes and a lot of what you'd expect from a mainstay is completely removed as a consequence with nothing to compensate for it. That's without getting into how it compares to standards set by other high profile games. As usual it kind of feels like a fun, but only decent entry that gets high marks for the wrong reasons. As if people just had such low expectations that they can't help, but give it a good score. A game with such ugly aesthetic and lack of detail and features just doesn't deserve an 8. It's got less pokemon than the GBA games from 20 years ago. I don't want to harp too much on the score because at the end of the day it's just a number, but all I can say is that it really stands out especially in comparison to other games EZA and even Ben has reviewed recently with similar or lower scores. Is it really on par with Halo Infinite for example? I'd love to pick Ben's brain about that because he seemed to LOVE Halo Infinite. I also echo the sentiment that at least it's a good stepping stone and I hope they push even further in this direction.
Agree with lots here, Ben, but you're being extremely generous with the story. It is an absurd trash fire with good setting and context. Nothing but bland text boxes and blander fetch quests. If Persona did this, you'd accuse it of jumping the shark.
Wholehartedly agree. Took me about an hour to start mashing A during converstations. Most characters are boring, half of the quests are just fill in this pokedex entry and the bossfights are 95% thesame every time.
Did these guys get a different version of the game where characters actually have personality? This is the first time I've seen anyone praise the writing in this game - with most calling it absolutely terrible. It's 100% a game carried by its fun gameplay to the detriment of every other aspect. But that still leaves it an enjoyable game.
Didn't expect 8/10. After hearing so many positive things about the gameplay, I'm so close to buying it but then again there is so much other stuff right now to play so I'm thinking of just waiting for a Pokémon Legends 2 where I would ride the hypewave and get it on release day.
Couldn't help to think that the "missed opportunity to have voice actors to bring such expressive characters to life" comment was sarcasm because how lifeless every character actually is, they legit have like 4-5 expressions, idle animation, mouth wide open showing surprise, anger, worried brows and happiness, that's it, and there no in between, there's no range at all.
I really hope they bring back online battling with this kind of gameplay style in the future. Breeding and battling are the meat and potatoes of this series
I feel when reviewing a pokemon game, were at the point where were reviewing them against OTHER pokemon games... Because giving this an 8 in todays videogame world, is insane to me. This is not an 8 game for todays standards... Sure its an 8 for pokemon standards, but those standards are extremely low for any other game in 2022. I feel if this game didnt have the name "pokemon" attached to it, it would get a MUCH lower score, and with that said I think we need to start holding pokemon accountable, and scoring them in todays gaming standards, and showing them they need to step it up. If we keep giving them 8s for games that are clearly 4s-5s in 2022... theyll never learn. We should stop holding them to other pokemon game standards, and start holding them to other games that sell millions of copies with much more effort put in standards. L&R
@@clapiotis Like an 8 for a Pokémon? Or an actual 8 like on the levels of like… halo this year got an 8, forza got a 9, guardians of the galaxy- 8, far cry 6- 8, lost judgment- 8, deathloop- 8, life is stage true colors- 8, tales of arise- 8.5, deaths door- 8.5, ratchet and clank, 8.5, Returnal 8.5 (the game of the year)… And so on…. So this Pokémon game is on the same quality level, innovation level, effort, budget of all those games?… because personally, I don’t think so… sure it’s an 8 for a Pokémon… but it’s not an 8 for a game released in 2022 like all those others.
@@tracefetherman A good game can be a white screen with a black rectangle if the gameplay is enjoyable. More pixels or more euros in production does not mean you've got a good game. You shouldn't need me to tell you that. You should know it by yourself.
@@clapiotis i completely agree with that. But what ive played of Arceus doesnt even feel great. Graphics, story, lack of voice acting, everything aside... the gameplay and game itself isnt anything "new" or great feeling... the sneaking, mediocre, the throwing the pokeball, mediocre, the exploration, mediocre, how to progression, mediocre... It doesnt do anything exciting, or even well... sure for a pokemon game, yes, it does... but that brings us back to my point.... So i 100% agree with you, that you dont need a huge blow out of graphics, and high value to be an 8 game... But i also just feel this game doesnt even have the "other" stuff you need for a great game. For me, its just all around, not an 8 in 2022 game standards... its an 8 in pokemon standards.
@@tracefetherman key word, it doesn’t feel like an 8 to you. The people who’re giving it an 8 obviously disagree haha. And that’s fine! We’re all allowed to have differing opinions on things.
I dont understand how Nintendo made BOTW looks beautiful for the first exclusive for the Switch meanwhile Pokemon still looks like shit with the advantage of familiarity of the console. Is this laziness or a limited budget?
It's not ugly per se. It's incredibly bland and uninspired. Many times the camera would pan out as I gaze upon a vista and be incredibly underwhelmed. Game tries to pull a Breath of the Wild in how vast and interesting the places you can travel to are. But it doesn't really work when that land is uninteresting
I also find graphics nice. You are not alone. They could be better? Sure. They are not ugly though. I find that to be a usual internet exaggeration where one says something negative and everyone else follows in order to be "cool" and "up to date" even if they have never played the game.
As someone who started playing games Atari, where they would strobe rainbow colors and literally use buzzers for sound effects, I hate when people call modern games “ugly” and “disgusting”. It’s the height of pretentiousness. Ugly is ps1 texture warping. Ugly is not “there’s not enough variety in this landscape created by a dozen a highly skilled artists.”
I’m sure the gameplay is decent. But due to the performance and graphical issues-digital foundry did a great video-I’m not spending a dime over $25 for Arceus. Plenty of other games-where the devs put in actual effort-to play until that price drops.
@@InnerRise if Gamefreak were doing the bare minimum, Legends wouldn't exist at all. Why have open areas when you can just make linear routes, why change the battle mechanics when you can copy and paste the one you have been using for 25 years, why change how you progress in the game???
Give me a break. You will not play the game because someone told you that it should have 3 more pixels and 6 more shadows? This is not how video games work. You should change your hobby to watch 8K movies or design with 3D Studio Max with v-ray and ray tracing to the max.
Great review as always, but hard disagree on the voice acting critique. I would hate for Pokemon to have voice acting. I'd return it if I heard Troy Baker's voice lol.
I usually like and trust ben Moores review of stuff, especally jrpg like stuff, but this is a tad bit too high of a score for other pokemon games that did it better.
I think this game has been getting slightly overrated just because Pokemon fans have been starved and fed the bare minimum for so long. We're approaching the last few years of the switch's life cycle and this game looks like it was made for Wii-U and should have come out during that time as well.
My thoughts exactly. Pokemon fans have been fed the same bland thing over and over that when we get something different they praise the hell out of it. I do like the direction its going but its far from great. Id give it a solid 6.5?
@@eddyland1557 crazy thought here but maybe people like Pokemon so much and wanted it to be different for so long that they're overrating a game that isn't very special when reviewed outside of the context of the failings of prior pokemon games. Another crazy thought, maybe you don't have to be condescending and smug to people online when giving your opinion lol
@@4theYondaime Not everyone gets a review copy early to get a review out before release you know. If Ben played this on release day, you cant expect him to finish and write a review on the same day.
@@magnainsomnia so the hundred other reviewers who didn’t get it early and managed to get it out literally a week faster? Yea I’m not buying that excuse either. The game came out at the end of January. It is almost two weeks into February.
Brandon Jones: Still the best narrator for reviews to this day.
Yeah he has such a perfect voice for it. Dude could also be a voice actor if he wanted honestly.
Agree
No
Agreed, his voice is what I’ve always thought of when it comes to video game reviews, GAMETRAILERS LEGENDARY STUFF BOYS
And easy allies has the best written reviews too😁
"While Pokemon may still only know four moves at a time, you can easily switch out moves from a pool of all the ones learned with just a quick trip to the menu."
How is this the first review I've come across to mention this? This is a huge development! Thank you Easy Allies!
I agree with this. When I first saw that you could switch moves whenever, I was in awe. I couldn’t believe it. I feel like this game, in aspects, feels a lot like the anime, which is cool. Specifically, battling feels more like the anime. And the fact that Pokémon can switch out moves in an instant.
The IGN review mentions this too
As someone who has been burned out on Pokemon for over 10 years, Legends Arceus is such a bright glimmer of hope. No, it isn't perfect, but if Gamefreak rolls with this type of game, I could see their next one being something really special
@3:51 hahahahaha idk why I laughed so hard at this part. You could hear the disgust in his voice.
I chuckled at that point too
Ben Moore doesn't hold any punches
The devs should have gone with more of Breath of the Wild sort of aesthetic at least in regards to the environment
I died. I felt it all. 😭
Interesting contrast to what Dunkey felt about the story. 🤔
Personally the story really stood out to me, I found it really engaging from the start. Which was surprising to me, since I had to drop Pokemon Sun, due to how annoying the constant dialog was.
Probably Dunkey was never invested in the lore of Sinnoh, something Ben is now familiar with after playing BDSP, I've not touched Arceus yet but I heard it dives deep into stuff fans have been speculating for a while.
All I hear is Kyle’s voices for the characters.
Nintendo can’t go back. Now I want to see the first gyms, elite 4 formation, the rise of Team Galactic (or bad organization), etc…
I pretty much felt the same .. very much enjoyed the game, if some things were a bit better or more fleshed out it would be even better.
One of the best Pokemon experiences in a long time!
The gameplay loop is definitely addicting, and they’ve streamlined so much. Catching Pokémon is quick and simple, so I’m actually encouraged to do it for once. Though there are barely and trainer battles, so not much else to do aside from catch and explore.
But yeah, visuals are bad. Lots of pop in, and you’ll often see characters and Pokémon in the distance at like 2 FPS.
Hoping the next game builds on the foundation. Would be nice to have actual towns and cities throughout the region, and trainers throughout.
I was a big fan of Shadowrun Returns and that game has a story where the player constantly returned the same bar after adventures. It’s nutty how much it started to feel like returning home. Having a regular bar that you return to, different than “your ship” or “your base” really does create a unique sense of community and place.
I really like how this game actually makes a big attempt to evolve the series because I was very disappointed with pokemon's outings on the switch so far, it's not perfect of course but it does a really good job and hope that game freak takes the foundation this game set up and build upon it for future games in the series. Good review
It's nice to hear more positive reviews to a Pokémon game nowadays. I really don't mind SWSH and BDSP and in fact enjoyed them for what they are but at the same time, I understand the complaints for their shortcoming. Legends Arceus totally nailed it. It's such a breath of fresh air and is really welcoming for old and newer fans of the franchise. Definitely one of the best Pokémon games Game Freak has ever done. Graphics and performance may not be it's strongest points but none of that hardly matters for what the game has to offer gameplay-wise
Yeah but people are saying that GameFreak is holding back on the game's graphically.
I respect your opinion, but "Graphics and performance may not be it's strongest points but none of that hardly matters" really baffles me. There are games out there with the whole package. I have no idea how someone could look at a screen for dozens or hundreds of hours and not really care what they're looking at.
@@Shinius performance is more important than graphics to me. If they have to sacrifice graphics for the game to not run terribly I’m fine with that.
Surprisingly after the abysmal sword and shield it looks like this is actually good. Hopefully the next pokemon game builds on arceus.
My thoughts exactly, I have not enjoyed an entry since Sun/ Moon. And while Arceus seems like a step in the right direction it looks like a concept still in pre-Alpha.
Abysmal is dramatic. Hate for that game is mainly out of it being trendy to hate it and because of the pokedex drama
@@jakeoliver9167 I'm not so sure about that. The game looked rushed in some aspects and it also didn't help that GameFreak literally caught themselves in a lie about what was going on with the game's development either.
@@e1iteyoshi998 the games visuals were objectively better than every other pokemon game. And there were ds/3ds games that looked better than all pokemon games. But this game got constantly compared to breath of the wild. Why weren't ds games compared to other games visuals? This game looks rushed too but because it had no drama it's mostly an afterthought. Pokemon has never been a graphics or story game
@@e1iteyoshi998 and as you say, people just had a grudge about the lie. People also forget that swsh was originally gonna be a 3ds game before the switches success. They had enough time but it's complex how budget works and their ideas mayve been completely destroyed switching to the switch. It still was a great game and on par with every other game. Story complaints are particularly unfounded as gen 2 had virtually no story at all. And this story was on the level of gen 3.
Absolutely adored this game. All I have to do is get perfect in all pokedex entries and I'm now onto shiny hunting with the charm
Not sure if you're aware, but perfects only effect the odds for that single pokemon, you dont need to perfect all entries to raise the odds. So you only need to perfect entries for the pokemon your hunting. L&R
@@nateg3998 Yes I am aware of that. I'm already shiny hunting. I'm perfecting to complete 100%
If Gamefreak won't partner up with Monolithsoft for their next installment I'm gonna throw pokeballs at the developers.
If making the overworld interesting, I would like to see the wild mons battling each other from time to time, just like in horizon zero dawn, where a t-rex fighting against a giant hawk, while in pokemon alphas vs alphas, or other mons that represents whats in their dex. Or being a territorial pokemon where group of growlithe driving off skittish mons like glameow
This game has been a huge improvement over the last Pokémon game
games*
@@iitvoii i know
So, putting it to a vote, should this type of gameplay run alongside the main Pokémon series, or replace it altogether?
I hope Gamefreak and the Pokemon company can build upon the framework in this game and really reinvigorate the series
HOW TO BEAT VOLO THE FINAL BOSS?
The is my first experience playing a Pokemon game and I'm now 90hrs in. I'm not big on completing games, but Arceus is apparently the exception, because it's very hard to put down. The game play is so solid and satisfying. It's not the most difficult game in the world, but I believe that's the status quo with this franchise. The graphics could be better, no doubt, but the areas are nice and a lot of fun to explore and re-visit. 8.0's a fair score as is this entire review.
I've been enjoying the hell out of it. Glad to see Pokemon actually innovating for once. Sure it looks like an HD Wii game but goddamn did they actually try here and it shows. This is the leap pokemon needed to take, and if they keep at it Gen 9 could be stellar. Great review, Ben!
They didn't try for shit. This wouldn't fly in any other franchise.
@@acidfruitloops agreed
Such a hard game to review. An 8 is a fair score but man is this experience pretty special
Yeah it’s weird the game gets a point for effort for finally shaking up the formula and succeeding at a bunch of new gameplay things but basically loses a point for effort for all the graphical/performance/lack of polish aspects haha.
Does this game has trading? Or u can complete the pokedex without trading
You can trade, but all of them are available if you're willing to work for them.
Any chance a Pokemon game in this console generation will have voice acting?
Toda vez que um review é postado eu lembro do Gametrailers! Saudades...
Mas são melhor que Gametrailers agora!
@@jaredorozco3188 Eu agradeço a cada vídeo por eles terem continuado com o trabalho. No fundo eu só queria entender porque o gametrailers acabou... Na época era um site conceituado e tal.
@@TiagodeAngelisSilva Game trailers era parts do Viacom no passado, e Viacom tinha problemas. Por exemplo, estavam demandando a UA-cam, e por isso por anos não podiam ter os seus vídeos no UA-cam, e nunca recobraram completamente disso. Depois Defy os comprou, mas Defy permitiu morrer muitos dos seus empresas.
Seguramente há mais que não sabemos.
@@jaredorozco3188 Obrigado, nunca soube dessa história toda.
I thought all hope was lost after Sword and Shield but Game Freak proved me wrong
yikes those jaggies
This was a good first attempt on GameFreak’s part. I think they did well with creating the foundation thru Arceus and hopefully they improve gameplay from here on.. This feels like a great way to build upon the main game series.. now Nintendo needs to upgrade their system to give GameFreak more oompf and enhancements..
The switch has enough power for better visuals, its just an old engine with not enough improvements based around open worlds.
Can't wait for the next Pokemon game that completely goes back to sword and shield style lol
how does dunkey say the story is like a frictionless rock, and you guys say its engaging with unique personalities and expressive characters?
This is a billion dollar company. You can't just give them a free pass because they did something different after 20 years. They had all the tools and resources to make a great game but instead they cheaped out and didn't bother. Gamefreak could easily have a staff of hundreds but they refuse to grow. Imagine Rockstar did the same and only came out with GTA 3 today. We need studios to grow and put the vast fortunes they've earned back into the games they make. Not stockpile their profits and continue making trash. It's unforgivable.
Pokemon Legends: Arceus is Star Wars: Rogue One of the Pokemon videogame universe.
the only thing really turning me off is the game world blandness. I know it's just one obvious flaw we all saw coming. But it's a BIG thing in an open world title where the environment is the star of the show. Otherwise i'd rather have smaller "zones" or routes to save time.
So i gotta ask: if the open areas are bland graphically who's to blame for that? I keep hearing a back and forth between throwing blame between both Nintendo and GameFreak. Some are saying Nintendo's at fault because of the hardware the Switch runs on while others are saying GameFreak once again was "lazy" with the graphics.
Watch the xenoblade 3 trailer for your answer. The bland graphics are not always horrible.
@@legendofkailia5596 So it was GameFreak?
@@e1iteyoshi998 Game Freak were still late to the party when they first started working on 3D graphics in their games, and they outsource those parts pretty heavily. They don't really have the expertise that you'll find from studios like Monolith or the Nintendo EADs, and with such a tight development schedule, I'd imagine they're having a hard time revisiting the drawing board when it comes to their tech.
@@TheCanipaEffect So what should they do then?
@@e1iteyoshi998 gamefreak are not lazy. They have a small team compared to most AAA studios and need to hit deadlines. Pokemon is not just games. It's anime, cards, toys etc. I think this game is a good start. It also runs well which is more important to me
Are the graphics lackluster? Sure. Could there be less pop in/Visual bugs here and there? For sure. Is the Game Super fun with what they have done gameplay wise? Imo Hell yeah (And alot of reviews are thinking that too). And yes would i be happy if it look like at least breath of the wild level? Yeah, for sure. It would make this game 10/10 for me if it did, right now for me its a 8.5-9. I have put in 110 hours and could not put it down.
It devoured my days as i went about enjoying it and eventually finishing it (And the post game and research lvl 10ing all the Pokemon). Its got an addictive gameplay loop, it took me way too long to advance each story beat caz i wanted to hunt down all/most of the Pokemon first. And ya get lil dopamine hits as the little research tasks pop it was great.
Ultimately what most people are willing to give this game really does differ quite a bit on how much Graphics matter to them on an individual basis. To me i enjoy good graphics but generally dont enhance the fun i have by too much, including if something looks worse it doesnt hinder it for me. By hour 6 i fully got used to the graphics and i didnt really even actively notice anymore.
This has me greatly exited for what the next game will be, hopefully they take all the lessons from this and make a perfect Pokemon game that everyone will adore.
8? HOLY MOLY
For me 9. 8 bit less for me. Good reviews anyeay
Glad to hear you in better spirits~ A few of the recent reviews you sounded pretty drained. Either way, Appreciate the honesty as always guys~♪
The only pokemon game besides snap worth playing on switch.
I like Easy Allies. Their conversations are definitely entertaining. As are their reviews.
But the reviewer for this game; did we play the same game?
Engaging story? What story?
There are some likeable characters, absolutely. But the plot is barely a loose thread of ideas. It doesn't do anything. Or really go anywhere. Or make much sense.
How on earth is this an a good story? I'm legitimately wondering what kind of substances the author was on when he played this.
We must have played different games.
What? Being told you fell from the sky 3x per conversation didn't do it for you?
@@danielmullin5134 Yes the characters tend to never shut up. Oh man.....
If my math is correct, "Pokemon" is referenced 31 times which is once every 15 seconds. The more you know.
L&R
I’m glad they broke the norm, but this game is a 6 to me. It is a slog to get started and I was just mashing A to get my next field mission. Then once you finally get a mount you just go A-Z in each zone so fast and the exploration kinda goes by the wayside. Really hoping they combine elements of this and Sword/Shield so we have more meaningful battles and objectives. GameFreak just needs to pony up and hire some real devs considering they have the cash.
10/10 for me. It sounds like you're just impatient. Perhaps play candy crush instead probably more your speed
You lose al the credibility with the “real devs” nonsense. Not making a game you want them to make does not make them less than “real”. Especially since,
As you say, they have the cash. Cash they earned from consistently giving customers a product they will buy year after year for DECADES.
There is absolutely no reason to believe that your “improvements” would tank the franchise and every reason o believe they know what they are doing.
Maybe they aren’t making a product for grown adults like you.
For real, I did say “6 to me”, just shy of swimming in 7s so it’s not a horrible game by any means. I’m glad people are enjoying it and I also like several elements of it. Just because this was GameFreaks first time making a game at this scale we shouldn’t have to go easy on them also, otherwise it’ll be another decade before we see tangible improvements.
They could just license a prefab engine and concentrate on actual gameplay and mechanics, instead of trying again and again to make their crapfest of engine work.
@@JazGalaxy Gamefreak may have real devs, but they don't have good devs. Never had. Iwata had to step in and write half of the code to make Gold and Silver work and from how modern Pokemon games look, not much has changed since then, except that Iwata is dead and can't bail them out anymore.
8 same with me this great just need more polish
Best reviews anywhere
The one thing I'm not enjoying about the game is the lack of trainer battles. I know that there are story reasons for the lack of them, but I'm getting a bit bored with the open world without them.
There’s a few,maybe they’ll add more but Volo is an interesting challenge
Haven't had so much fun with a game since dark souls 3. I'm 40 hours in and haven't done everything yet not cough every Pokemon. Also no problem with the graphics
Great reviews as always guys. I agree with everything you said. I'm 20hrs in and still in the first area having find and finding new secrets. Right now trying to get all the Eevee Evolutions. Just need to grind some merit points to get the ice stone for Glaceon and I'll have all of them.
This would not even be ambitious if it launch on the ps2 lmao
Nintendo has BILLIONS of dollars. How is this game’s graphics so awful? This looks like a Wii game.
The output of a game is based on a hundred different things.
Budget.
Production schedule. (How long did they have to make the game?)
Staff size.
Scope.
Hardware.
Development tools.
Just because one game looks a certain way doesn’t mean that another game can or will look the same. It depends what the game is doing. What’s being drawn on screen. How many. What’s being stored in ram. What needs to be called, when, and how quickly. How big the draw distance is. Etc. Etc. Etc.
A game like PT can look better than any other game because it is just rendering one hallway and almost nothing else. A game like fallout will look worse because it is rendering thousands of unique objects that can be interacted with and game logic all at the same time.
Nintendo makes excellent games, game freak, the pokemon game designer, is lazy and doesn't do anything special
Arkius or Arsius?
"Yes."
It's kind of both. "Arsius" is the proper way to say it, but in the anime film they chose to say "Arkius" so that people wouldn't make fun of it in the UK for sounding like "Arse-ius".
K sound in English versions. S sound in Japanese. -Bloodworth
It’s fine either way, kinda like how God has a bunch of different names and pronunciations and spellings, Arceus has a bunch of acceptable pronunciations
This is why we need an upgraded switch hardware set so badly. Hopefully will get one by next year.
*sigh* Fine, I'll buy it. Only took them 20+ years to get me interested again, lmao.
It's surprising how different this review is from all the others I've watched and read.
That's why i don't rely on review channels like GameSpot and IGN. The inconsistency they have people reviewing the games honestly plays a part in that.
I hope it will have on mobile.
I'm glad people are enjoying this. I do feel like people are way overhyping the changes though. It feels more like a tiny sidestep than some kind of major innovation or "bold" changes and a lot of what you'd expect from a mainstay is completely removed as a consequence with nothing to compensate for it. That's without getting into how it compares to standards set by other high profile games.
As usual it kind of feels like a fun, but only decent entry that gets high marks for the wrong reasons. As if people just had such low expectations that they can't help, but give it a good score. A game with such ugly aesthetic and lack of detail and features just doesn't deserve an 8. It's got less pokemon than the GBA games from 20 years ago. I don't want to harp too much on the score because at the end of the day it's just a number, but all I can say is that it really stands out especially in comparison to other games EZA and even Ben has reviewed recently with similar or lower scores. Is it really on par with Halo Infinite for example? I'd love to pick Ben's brain about that because he seemed to LOVE Halo Infinite.
I also echo the sentiment that at least it's a good stepping stone and I hope they push even further in this direction.
Well written review!! Completely agree from my play through
Agree with lots here, Ben, but you're being extremely generous with the story. It is an absurd trash fire with good setting and context. Nothing but bland text boxes and blander fetch quests. If Persona did this, you'd accuse it of jumping the shark.
Wholehartedly agree. Took me about an hour to start mashing A during converstations. Most characters are boring, half of the quests are just fill in this pokedex entry and the bossfights are 95% thesame every time.
I'm probably out on my own here but... I actually like the graphics. They're charming in a weird way.
I love this game and this is a fair review
Did these guys get a different version of the game where characters actually have personality? This is the first time I've seen anyone praise the writing in this game - with most calling it absolutely terrible. It's 100% a game carried by its fun gameplay to the detriment of every other aspect. But that still leaves it an enjoyable game.
Didn't expect 8/10. After hearing so many positive things about the gameplay, I'm so close to buying it but then again there is so much other stuff right now to play so I'm thinking of just waiting for a Pokémon Legends 2 where I would ride the hypewave and get it on release day.
Couldn't help to think that the "missed opportunity to have voice actors to bring such expressive characters to life" comment was sarcasm because how lifeless every character actually is, they legit have like 4-5 expressions, idle animation, mouth wide open showing surprise, anger, worried brows and happiness, that's it, and there no in between, there's no range at all.
Compare these graphics with Horizon Forbidden West. I don't expect next gen graphics from Nintendo but, come on!
Great voice acting needs great amounts of piles of cash. And our society's mentality is built on greed and envy.
I really hope they bring back online battling with this kind of gameplay style in the future. Breeding and battling are the meat and potatoes of this series
im glad you are honest, and didnt fall for the "sold 6.5 million in a week" tons of kids buy pokemon just because of the brand alone!
I feel when reviewing a pokemon game, were at the point where were reviewing them against OTHER pokemon games... Because giving this an 8 in todays videogame world, is insane to me. This is not an 8 game for todays standards... Sure its an 8 for pokemon standards, but those standards are extremely low for any other game in 2022. I feel if this game didnt have the name "pokemon" attached to it, it would get a MUCH lower score, and with that said I think we need to start holding pokemon accountable, and scoring them in todays gaming standards, and showing them they need to step it up. If we keep giving them 8s for games that are clearly 4s-5s in 2022... theyll never learn. We should stop holding them to other pokemon game standards, and start holding them to other games that sell millions of copies with much more effort put in standards.
L&R
So far, after 20 hours of playing this game seems to me a very 8.0 one.
@@clapiotis Like an 8 for a Pokémon? Or an actual 8 like on the levels of like… halo this year got an 8, forza got a 9, guardians of the galaxy- 8, far cry 6- 8, lost judgment- 8, deathloop- 8, life is stage true colors- 8, tales of arise- 8.5, deaths door- 8.5, ratchet and clank, 8.5, Returnal 8.5 (the game of the year)… And so on…. So this Pokémon game is on the same quality level, innovation level, effort, budget of all those games?… because personally, I don’t think so… sure it’s an 8 for a Pokémon… but it’s not an 8 for a game released in 2022 like all those others.
@@tracefetherman A good game can be a white screen with a black rectangle if the gameplay is enjoyable. More pixels or more euros in production does not mean you've got a good game. You shouldn't need me to tell you that. You should know it by yourself.
@@clapiotis i completely agree with that. But what ive played of Arceus doesnt even feel great. Graphics, story, lack of voice acting, everything aside... the gameplay and game itself isnt anything "new" or great feeling... the sneaking, mediocre, the throwing the pokeball, mediocre, the exploration, mediocre, how to progression, mediocre... It doesnt do anything exciting, or even well... sure for a pokemon game, yes, it does... but that brings us back to my point.... So i 100% agree with you, that you dont need a huge blow out of graphics, and high value to be an 8 game... But i also just feel this game doesnt even have the "other" stuff you need for a great game. For me, its just all around, not an 8 in 2022 game standards... its an 8 in pokemon standards.
@@tracefetherman key word, it doesn’t feel like an 8 to you. The people who’re giving it an 8 obviously disagree haha. And that’s fine! We’re all allowed to have differing opinions on things.
Not full voice acted wtf, it's 2022
I just wish it didn't look like a Gamecube game.
Great mechanics. Now I just want this in a modern pokemon setting
I dont understand how Nintendo made BOTW looks beautiful for the first exclusive for the Switch meanwhile Pokemon still looks like shit with the advantage of familiarity of the console. Is this laziness or a limited budget?
This series desperately needs a better engine with a more competent team
"To keep Easy Allies going"
A bit late on this review?
really loved the game it has flaws for sure but its the first pokemon i have played and completed the dex since like pokemon yellow
Am i the only one who thinks the graphics dont look bad? Sure theyre not the best but theyre not ugly
It's not ugly per se. It's incredibly bland and uninspired. Many times the camera would pan out as I gaze upon a vista and be incredibly underwhelmed. Game tries to pull a Breath of the Wild in how vast and interesting the places you can travel to are. But it doesn't really work when that land is uninteresting
I also find graphics nice. You are not alone. They could be better? Sure. They are not ugly though. I find that to be a usual internet exaggeration where one says something negative and everyone else follows in order to be "cool" and "up to date" even if they have never played the game.
As someone who started playing games Atari, where they would strobe rainbow colors and literally use buzzers for sound effects, I hate when people call modern games “ugly” and “disgusting”. It’s the height of pretentiousness. Ugly is ps1 texture warping. Ugly is not “there’s not enough variety in this landscape created by a dozen a highly skilled artists.”
I find them ok. The world def feels empty though. I still love the look of Let’s Go the best.
I almost 100% agree with this review
I’m sure the gameplay is decent. But due to the performance and graphical issues-digital foundry did a great video-I’m not spending a dime over $25 for Arceus. Plenty of other games-where the devs put in actual effort-to play until that price drops.
$0 is still too much.
I'm upset at the pass Gamefreak is getting YET AGAIN for doing the bare minimum.
Good thing the majority of people disagree with you
@@InnerRise if Gamefreak were doing the bare minimum, Legends wouldn't exist at all.
Why have open areas when you can just make linear routes, why change the battle mechanics when you can copy and paste the one you have been using for 25 years, why change how you progress in the game???
@@MrQuincy27 “The majority of people” lol. Ok.
Give me a break. You will not play the game because someone told you that it should have 3 more pixels and 6 more shadows? This is not how video games work. You should change your hobby to watch 8K movies or design with 3D Studio Max with v-ray and ray tracing to the max.
In short its mid
Wait for a better pokemon or other mon games that already exist
Great review as always, but hard disagree on the voice acting critique. I would hate for Pokemon to have voice acting. I'd return it if I heard Troy Baker's voice lol.
Easy 10/10 for me
Best game on switch
First, baby
I usually like and trust ben Moores review of stuff, especally jrpg like stuff, but this is a tad bit too high of a score for other pokemon games that did it better.
This game is pretty great tbh, more focused on a certain idea and exploring that. Also it makes completion fun.
What pokemon game did what this game did? Lmao
@@Pitman856 yah, i imagine what the review said to be true, but as i said before, maybe its just what i see isn't what someone else played - you know?
@@thedurtylemur2282 do you mean the catching part of pokemon, the battling, the graphics, or the measly story telling elements?
I think this game has been getting slightly overrated just because Pokemon fans have been starved and fed the bare minimum for so long. We're approaching the last few years of the switch's life cycle and this game looks like it was made for Wii-U and should have come out during that time as well.
My thoughts exactly. Pokemon fans have been fed the same bland thing over and over that when we get something different they praise the hell out of it. I do like the direction its going but its far from great. Id give it a solid 6.5?
Crazy thought here but maybe people are finding the game so much fun that the graphical issues don't matter as much to them.
It's not overrated at all. The subject of graphics is exaggerated. They are nice and serviceable. And the gameplay really outshines.
@@clapiotis the graphics are absolutely not nice and serviceable, I can see them with my own two eyes lmao
@@eddyland1557 crazy thought here but maybe people like Pokemon so much and wanted it to be different for so long that they're overrating a game that isn't very special when reviewed outside of the context of the failings of prior pokemon games. Another crazy thought, maybe you don't have to be condescending and smug to people online when giving your opinion lol
1 out 10
Game still not worth it.
Not late or anything...
Late.
Oh? Have they stopped selling the game? -Bloodworth
Rude.
Did they stop selling it? No. But I’m sure there was a ton of paying, loyal, EZA fans that this review could of helped weeks ago.
@@4theYondaime Not everyone gets a review copy early to get a review out before release you know. If Ben played this on release day, you cant expect him to finish and write a review on the same day.
@@magnainsomnia so the hundred other reviewers who didn’t get it early and managed to get it out literally a week faster? Yea I’m not buying that excuse either. The game came out at the end of January. It is almost two weeks into February.