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Pokémon Legends Arceus | Review Thread

R6Rider

Gold Member
Nearly everyone on GAF claimed this is one of the worst games ever made and will not review well.
I don't remember any claim for either of those statements from anyone on this site. I'd like to see some examples of "nearly everyone".

Many people said:
-It looks terrible = it really does, this is a fact
-it will have bad performance = reviews point this out
-the art style is bad = subjective
-that if it wasn't a Pokemon game it would turn out far worse = true

So many reviews are stating things like "first time in a long time that the series has had a big change" or "it's a big step in the right direction" but the last cookie cutter Pokemon title still averaged 8/10. Then if you compare titles, many of them who state this actually scored previous games (that were cookie cutter and "the same thing") HIGHER than Arceus. Makes zero sense.
 
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AV

We ain't outta here in ten minutes, we won't need no rocket to fly through space
I wish I was as naïve as you, you never hired PR and astroturfing companies I can tell.

You going to present any actual data to disprove what I said about Nintendo or is it just "I am smarter than you"?

I'm well aware that there's plenty of shady dealings and goings on in games media just like in almost every other industry. It's not like Jeff Gerstmann being fired for a negative review of a sponsored product isn't common knowledge.

That does not equate to a grand conspiracy where all reviewers give Nintendo games positive scores to retain access to future games. As I said, 9 of the 10 people who gave the D/P remakes a meh score pre-release have just reviewed Arceus pre-launch. One of them still gave it a meh score.

Nor does that conspiracy extend to Sony or Xbox. Depending who you ask on this board it only happens to certain companies and it's usually the ones they hate the most.
 
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That's not how this works. You made the claim, so you can provide the evidence.

Until then, what you said is simply incorrect.
That's true. In the super serious peer reviewed Arceus thread, we follow the evidence only! You got me.

KP1YMyw.jpg
 

Saber

Gold Member
What’s the goal of the game Ass? Guessing the 8 gyms, Elite 4 and defeating Team Cock is out of the window.

I think it was defeating some different mons and going back to your own time? Something like that...not entirelly sure.
 

Fake

Member
Let me guess... 'The best Pokemon ever'...Can't expect much from this game. The remakes are mix bag and still get decent scores.

Anw, at least they change the formula, but can probably comming back in the end of the year.

NeoGAFfers already insulated themselves against positive reviews by stating anything remotely ambitious was going to be rewarded with rave reviews.

829385.jpg
 
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R6Rider

Gold Member
That's true. In the super serious peer reviewed Arceus thread, we follow the evidence only! You got me.

KP1YMyw.jpg
You made a statement (two of them actually) that involved "nearly everyone on GAF" and you can't back it up. Now you're backed into a corner.

If anyone in this topic is in bubble, it's you.
 

ANDS

King of Gaslighting
. . .I can understand being hamstrung by the actual gameplay, but what excuse is there for not leveraging the power of the SWITCH to deliver a product that matches the content in the game? If I understand, Pokemon is traditionally a handheld series; you would think the chance to put the game on a console (or something more powerful than the DS) would embolden you to really let your artistic design go wild. S&S and Legends suggests Gamefreak had no such inspiration, or as someone said, that inspiration got kneecapped really quick.

The point was your idiotic avatar quoting like that amounts to anything in forwarding this discussion or finding an apparent bias. It's stuff you see on forums with a userbase that have an appropriate mental age backing that behavior.

That was obvious.

You literally called out people being critical of the game as being biased and not representative of the gaming population at large. . .all while clearly being an unabashed fan of the series. From first blush you look just as biased as the folks you're (indirectly) calling out.

As someone who didn't grow up with this series and whose first "monster catcher" was TEMTEM (which got me to try S&S) this new game looks like more of the same (and this isn't even taking into account just how weak the thing looks graphically).
 

Deerock71

Member
Let me guess... 'The best Pokemon ever'...Can't expect much from this game. The remakes are mix bag and still get decent scores.

Anw, at least they change the formula, but can probably comming back in the end of the year.



829385.jpg
Do we not go by NeoGAFfers around here? To be clear, I didn't say ALL NeoGAFfers, just the ones that needed to feel safe and secure.
 
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You made a statement (two of them actually) that involved "nearly everyone on GAF" and you can't back it up. Now you're backed into a corner.

If anyone in this topic is in bubble, it's you.
No, I'm at work and feel completely free to talk about the new Pokemon game without writing you a research paper. What do you even want? Screenshots of every post in every Pokemon thread? Correlated data showing the rates of positive to negative comments where I determine which is positive / negative? Hire a polling company on my dime and send out mailers through Evilore and the mods?

The point is you sound like a retard. Disagree with my comment if you want, or go do your own research. What I said isn't even slightly controversial, or inaccurate. 1) The overwhelming sentiment on this site towards this game has been overwhelmingly negative. 2) I don't want to do pointless research at your demand for a simple comment thread. One thing doesn't disprove the other, and nothing in this thread relies on "proof," which is why you come off sounding stupid to me at least.
 
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tmlDan

Member
When the complaints themselves are weak and from people who have yet to have touched it, then yes, I can call it out. Reviews seem to check out too, turns out it's actually a good game. Weird.
they're weak to you because you're blinded by an undying love for pokemon (why else would someone name themselves after it and put it as their avi)

take a step back and consider other peoples perspectives, it'll help you in life too.
 

Kacho

Gold Member
NeoGAFfers already insulated themselves against positive reviews by stating anything remotely ambitious was going to be rewarded with rave reviews. They can wrap that around themselves and sleep safely at night while I check out this intriguing Pokemon.
I've noticed that the career haters have answers for everything. It can't be something as simple as people enjoy the game in spite of the flaws.

Anyway, glad I got this installed and ready to go. First time I've played a Pokemon at launch since Ultra Sun/Moon. I also here the director for Ultra Sun/Moon is the director for Arceus, so feeling kinda hyyyyyype. Should be a good time.
 

AetherZX

Member
they're weak to you because you're blinded by an undying love for pokemon (why else would someone name themselves after it and put it as their avi)

take a step back and consider other peoples perspectives, it'll help you in life too.
This is exactly the dumb shit I spoke of with the other guy. Wonder what the replies would be like if I had a different avatar.

"Guys he has a Pokemon avatar! He must be a crazed fan."

Weak.
 

AetherZX

Member
You talk about dumb shit but dashed like an infantile child to the other thread screaming that the thread aged, even though the thread was made hours ago.
That's some interesting memory you have. I said "this thread aged like milk"... Not sure where this screaming or dashing out is that you described.

Maybe exercise some grade school level reading comprehension?
 
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I played an hour or so of the game last night. Very different. It was neat seeing the twist on the classic Pokemon formula. Too bad the game runs and looks like hot garbage.

9/10 Pokemon game

4/10 video game

Maybe Game Freak should spend more than 10 dollars a year on their annual franchise that makes millions.
 

Deerock71

Member
I've noticed that the career haters have answers for everything. It can't be something as simple as people enjoy the game in spite of the flaws.

Anyway, glad I got this installed and ready to go. First time I've played a Pokemon at launch since Ultra Sun/Moon. I also here the director for Ultra Sun/Moon is the director for Arceus, so feeling kinda hyyyyyype. Should be a good time.
Wait, what?! There are games that have flaws that are still ENJOYABLE in some capacity? I'd like to subscribe to your newsletter.
 

Saber

Gold Member
Wait, what?! There are games that have flaws that are still ENJOYABLE in some capacity? I'd like to subscribe to your newsletter.


I remember saying something like that when I was playing Sonic Riders(the first one). I enjoy playing that game alot and totally agree with all criticism. The game leaves alot to be desired, specially on the attack and air mechanic. But still used to play alot on my GC, even though I would score the game between 6~5.
 

Deerock71

Member
I remember saying something like that when I was playing Sonic Riders(the first one). I enjoy playing that game alot and totally agree with all criticism. The game leaves alot to be desired, specially on the attack and air mechanic. But still used to play alot on my GC, even though I would score the game between 6~5.
I'm kind of a AA game junkie myself. Jank comes with the territory, but there's sure a lot to love when creators get to spread their wings a little bit.
 
The scores are amazing! But reading some reviews reveals they are pretty damn false scores.

Gameinformer gave this 8.75 and Monster Hunter rise 7.75 for context. There is a very clear attempt in these reviews to inflate how good the new aspects of the game are. Things like "the open world is enthralling to explore" is a laughable statement when compared to similar open world titles of the last 5 years.

Every review ends with "this is a great new direction for pokemon", just because its going in a new direction and you like where that is heading does not mean that the current game should be scored highly on that basis. Reviews should score the game that is being played, not on the future potential of the series. If this is a 8-9/10 then I expect Palworld and DokeV to be 15/10, thats how it works right????

Honestly guys nothing to see here, just another Fifa/CoD/Pokemon review. Same scores year on year on year, without innovation of marked improvement. The mainstream review industry is corrupt as fuck!

Wait for independent reviewers.
 

Deerock71

Member
The scores are amazing! But reading some reviews reveals they are pretty damn false scores.

Gameinformer gave this 8.75 and Monster Hunter rise 7.75 for context. There is a very clear attempt in these reviews to inflate how good the new aspects of the game are. Things like "the open world is enthralling to explore" is a laughable statement when compared to similar open world titles of the last 5 years.

Every review ends with "this is a great new direction for pokemon", just because its going in a new direction and you like where that is heading does not mean that the current game should be scored highly on that basis. Reviews should score the game that is being played, not on the future potential of the series. If this is a 8-9/10 then I expect Palworld and DokeV to be 15/10, thats how it works right????

Honestly guys nothing to see here, just another Fifa/CoD/Pokemon review. Same scores year on year on year, without innovation of marked improvement. The mainstream review industry is corrupt as fuck!

Wait for independent reviewers.
charlie brown GIF by Peanuts
 
What’s the goal of the game Ass? Guessing the 8 gyms, Elite 4 and defeating Team Cock is out of the window.

Yeah all that is gone. It's basically what the trailers led us to believe. Not found another trainer or the like outside of the main base yet. Just wild pokemon

Monster Hunter is probably the best way to describe it. It's got the same gameplay loop but with more exploration and discovery. It's as grindy as it sounds but the QOL changes and the otherworld pokemon are damn cool. Much better execution than Sword and Shield.
 
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Hinedorf

Banned
Having played nearly 20 hours with it, I still can't decide if I actually like the game or not. I can vehemently disagree with any perfect score or even any 9/10 score, this game is a 7 or an 8. And if you're comparing it to other pokemon games, I don't know I can say it's any better or worse than 2D versions other than it does somethings better and some things significantly worse.

#1 problem with game is pacing. If you've played ANY pokemon game you pretty much know what to expect, so instead of that 2D generic startup, you now get a very slowed down version of most of the same functions you've known for over 20 years. Several times within the first 2 hours (tutorial) of this game I found myself wanting to just quit mainly because of HOW SLOW dialogue and cutscenes are presented. This game does not respect your time, prepare to hold up on the thumb stick and then hit the A button 200 times...end cutscene and repeat the same process about 100 fucking times before you get to any action.

The action: This is the part of the game where all the positives fall into place, it's genuinely fun to walk around and catch/fight stuff, this is clearly the best part of the game but everything that exists around it feels like a detriment for me at least based on the time it takes to get through dialogue/cutscenes to nauseating level.

Is it fun, yes! Do I really like this game? 20 hours in I'm still not sure because there's so much annoying shit to get to the fun parts, but I'm still playing.

It's really not an open world game, it's more like a linear Monster Hunter game with selectable locations which amount to the areas in any 2d pokemon game where you'd catch pokemon.

This game feels more like a new pokemon game more for kids and a younger generation, than the diehards who've been following along for 20 years with the franchise. You'll have fun and you'll have complaints.
 
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Looks exactly like the sort of Pokémon game I’ve been after since well, ever. I knew it would review well and I’m really looking forward to Friday.
 

Termite

Member
I'm at the very end of it (I think) - have beaten the 5 main lords anyway.

It's such a tough game to review, I don't envy the reviewers. On the one hand, it is pathetically behind the times in almost every element.
  • The graphics are truly horrific much of the time. Other open world games on Switch look miles better. There is an almost total lack of animation on human characters and even some visual glitches like when characters are in caves and get surrounded by pixel dither. It feels both technically limited but also low effort. The poor draw distance really hurts the gameplay when you can't see pokemon way off in the distance - which is the whole appeal of this game.
  • There's no voice acting at all. This is a basic standard in other games of this type.
  • The story is as terrible as most pokemon stories - although the main setup of "what is this time rift and where did you come from" is at least a decent mystery. The dialogue and writing are so poor that you'll just mash through it.
  • The open levels have nothing to truly discover outside of pokemon. They are just open height-map style levels. There are like two settlements in these maps, and each is just five tents in a circle. It's pathetic. You don't come across any emergent behaviour or gameplay. There's only a couple of people out in the wild to give you basic quests - 95% of quests are given from the town.
  • The missions are so basic. "Catch this pokemon for me". "Fill out this pokemon entry." The pokedex entry completion is the same. "Catch 10 of these. Use this move. Defeat 10 using a super effective move." There's never any unique challenges like, for Starraptor "Staraptor and Braviary are natural rivals. Find and defeat a Braviary with your Starraptor." Nothing like that. Every pokedex entry is basically the same.
  • The boss "battles" where you just dodge simple moves with laughable animation and throw junk at a glowing yellow version of a pokemon are laughable. No other game would get away with core gameplay in boss battles like this.
  • Each pokemon is functionally the same in the wild. They are either skittish and run away, or they are aggressive and will come investigate you if they hear you and fight you. But even if they attack, it is trivial to run away. You will never die in this game unless you really screw up. But the pokemon just feel all the same, but in different "skins". That sucks.
  • The game borrows its aesethetic and map traversal from BotW and it "village->hunt->village" game design from Monster Hunter but falls so far short of both in almost all areas.
But, having said all of that...

It's fucking fun. It IS fun. Just running around, seeing a new pokemon and challenging it or sneaking up on it is fun. Putting together a team is fun. Randomly seeing a shiny in the wild and worrying you won't catch it is fun.

The new changes where pokemon battle in the field with no transition is great. It has to work this way from now on. Sure, it's a simple thing, but as a long term pokemon fan it makes a huge difference. The new turn order and agile/strong style moves are a welcome addition, and more interestingly the removal of hold items and abilities really streamlines and simplifies the game which in the single player is actually a blessing. No interminable weather messages followed by ability messages here.

The levelling progression in the game is outstanding. You can easily run into areas where you're overlevelled and your pokemon will get hammered. Alpha pokemon are a proper threat (to your pokemon, not to you - it's too easy to run away). I had a level 55 pokemon one-shot by a level 30 alpha.

I mean, I just made it to the top of this (absolutely horrendous looking) snowbound temple and at the top got ambushed by an alpha Gallade (which I didn't even know was in this game) which was level 70. My highest pokemon was 62. After an epic battle which decimated my whole team I managed to catch it. That kind of moment is great.

So, a whole ton of people are going to buy this and enjoy it. So... does that mean it's good? Or does the fact that it falls short of basically all of its major competition mean its bad? You figure it out.

The scores are amazing! But reading some reviews reveals they are pretty damn false scores.

Gameinformer gave this 8.75 and Monster Hunter rise 7.75 for context. There is a very clear attempt in these reviews to inflate how good the new aspects of the game are. Things like "the open world is enthralling to explore" is a laughable statement when compared to similar open world titles of the last 5 years.

Every review ends with "this is a great new direction for pokemon", just because its going in a new direction and you like where that is heading does not mean that the current game should be scored highly on that basis. Reviews should score the game that is being played, not on the future potential of the series. If this is a 8-9/10 then I expect Palworld and DokeV to be 15/10, thats how it works right????

Honestly guys nothing to see here, just another Fifa/CoD/Pokemon review. Same scores year on year on year, without innovation of marked improvement. The mainstream review industry is corrupt as fuck!

Wait for independent reviewers.
And here's the problem. The suggestion that this game is anywhere near MH Rise in quality is laughable. But pokemon only gets compared to itself so it never reviews too poorly. It's a disgrace.
 
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