Since my initial impressions post a few days ago, I have put approximately 30 hours into the game. As I alluded to in my previous post, I collected the three legendary birds (Moltres, Articuno, and Zapdos respectively), defeated the Elite 4, and claimed my title of Kanto Region Champion. With all of that under my belt, how does the game stack up? Read on to find out.
Basic Info:
- Name: Let's Go Eevee
- Release Date:
- Price: $100 ($50 for game and PokeBall Plus, respectively)
- Publisher: The Pokemon Company / Nintendo
- ESRB Rating: E / Everyone
- As far as games go, I have to give this one props for holding my attention. Even decades after the original game's release (Pokemon Red / Blue / Yellow respectively), I still find it easy to play this game for hours at a time.
- There is a good amount of end-game content, even after becoming champion. This includes mainstays like capturing legendary pokemon like Mewtwo, and newer features like defeating one-off "master trainers" who focus on individual pokemon.
- I'm not sure when this was implemented in the lifespan of the Pokemon franchise, but having a "partner" pokemon that follows behind you is just plain cute. I also like that your Pikachu or Eevee out in the world even if they aren't in your battling party. This is sure to please more competitive players who don't necessarily want either of them in their party.
- I like that pokemon can be seen in the over-world map in this version of the game (not unlike Let's Go's sister game, Pokemon GO); it means that tiresome battles can be skipped if desired, and it's never a surprise what you're going to be capturing. I suppose long-time fans of the series may dislike this, but as someone who has played on and off since Gen 1, I consider it a plus.
- I have mixed feelings about the new capture system, but I think the new mechanics work within the context of the game and its more casual and approachable experience.
- On one hand, I LIKE that I don't have to fiddle with getting pokemon down to low HP to catch them, that I don't have to spend my party's "move energy," to do so, and that the battles are generally shorter and more approachable compared to previous entries in the series.
- On the other hand, the new capture mechanic (of just tossing Pokeballs at wild pokemon) can be fiddly in its own way (e.g. when a pokemon is very large and distorts the reticle / where the pokeball should be thrown), and is not as rich in strategy. After spending 30 hours with the game, I started to crave the more complex battles of previous games.
- I was gobsmacked to learn that you can't play this game with the Pro Controller (only a single Joy-Con, the PokeBall Plus, or in handheld mode). The Pro Controller simply isn't listed as an option in the game's UI.
- The PokeBall Plus doesn't warrant its price tag ($50). Specifically, though you can use it as a controller in the game, it has a few issues. In short, while the device is fairly priced (it has plenty of features and feels good in the hand), its issues mean that it may not be worth the cost except for the most dedicated fans (and Pokemon collectors).
- The size and shape of the controller means that the stick always feels a little wobbly. Moreover, since you have to click the analog stick to confirm menu choices, it is pretty easy to select the wrong thing while playing (e.g. selecting the wrong move while battling).
- The capture mechanic just isn't as consistent as it is in handheld mode; I can't say how it compares to the Joy-Con experience, since I haven't spent much time capturing in that mode.
- I found the PokeBall Plus rather fussy to link with Pokemon GO, often requiring two or more attempts to get everything working as intended.
- (Nit-pick) There are occasional frame-rate dips; I noticed this very early on in my experience with the game (e.,g. the Viridian Forest).
- I am listing this as a nit-pick because while I did notice the frame-rate dip, I didn't dramatically affect my overall experience with / enjoyment of the game.
- (Nit-pick) I am annoyed with how little avatar customization there was, even after more-or-less finishing the game. Adding insult to injury, all of the new outfits I've unlocked for my player avatar have been re-skins of the first outfit. I find this especially galling because even Pokemon GO, this game's free-to-play counterpart, has more outfit options (even if many of them are hidden behind a paywall).
- On a related note, even though I think Eevee is a better starter pokemon, Pikachu looks better in the outfits. Specifically, Eevee's mane often covers up a lot of each torso piece.
- (Nit-pick) Some of battle animations are still pretty wonky, even decades after the release of the first Pokemon game. Dig, in particular, comes to mind; the pokemon using it basically just sinks into the ground, rather than performing any sort of digging motion.
- (Nit-pick) When using "cut" on a tree / shrub, it regenerates after leaving square of the map you are occupying or if you enter and exit a building. It is a small time loss, and the animation Eevee does when performing the move is cute, but it is still annoying to me.
Conclusion:
Though I could (and did!) level of number of nit-picks at this title, the core gameplay loop is satisfying, and the pokeman are as cute as ever. Though "hardcore" fans may turn their noses up at the simplified gameplay (and particularly at the simplified capture mechanics), there is nothing inherently wrong with it. Ultimately, I think this is a perfectly serviceable entry point for Switch owners looking to try Pokemon. Those with other Nintendo handhelds or previous versions of the game would probably be better served by playing said versions or waiting for Pokemon Sword / Shield in late 2019, however. Also, I think most people, save collectors and Pokemon GO die-hards, can skip the PokeBall Plus.
Final Score:
7.5/10
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