• Latest
  • Trending
Detective Pikachu Returns Review

Detective Pikachu Returns Review: Back on the Case

Noah's Arc revival

Paramount Sets June Premiere for Noah’s Arc Film Revival

45 minutes ago
The Ritual Review

The Ritual Review: An Unsettled Echo in a Somber Chamber

Dua Lipa

Cumberbatch and Dua Lipa Lead Call to Halt UK Arms to Israel

11 hours ago
Graham King & Ray Winstone

Graham King and Ray Winstone Reunite for Period Crime Saga London

12 hours ago
Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video

Netflix, Disney+ and Prime Video Command 92 Percent of Streaming Sports

12 hours ago
Dept. Q Review

Dept. Q Review: Edinburgh’s Gloom and a Detective’s Fractured Soul

Bryan Cranston

Malcolm in the Middle Revival Wraps; Cranston Hails ‘Rewarding’ Return

12 hours ago
And Just Like That... Season 3 Review

And Just Like That… Season 3 Review: A Stylish Step Forward, But Does It Go Far Enough?

F1 25 Review

F1 25 Review: A Stunning Drive, If You Have the Right Rig

Sneaky Links Dating After Dark Review

Sneaky Links: Dating After Dark Review: From Hookup to Hangup?

Off Track 2 Review

Off Track 2 Review: Pedaling Through Peril’s Landscape

Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo Review

Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo Review: Whip-Smart Mechanics and Pixel Charm

  • Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Gazettely Review Guidelines
Friday, May 30, 2025
GAZETTELY
  • Home
  • Movie and TV News
    Noah's Arc revival

    Paramount Sets June Premiere for Noah’s Arc Film Revival

    Dua Lipa

    Cumberbatch and Dua Lipa Lead Call to Halt UK Arms to Israel

    Graham King & Ray Winstone

    Graham King and Ray Winstone Reunite for Period Crime Saga London

    Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video

    Netflix, Disney+ and Prime Video Command 92 Percent of Streaming Sports

    Bryan Cranston

    Malcolm in the Middle Revival Wraps; Cranston Hails ‘Rewarding’ Return

    J.K. Simmons MGM+

    J.K. Simmons to Command MGM+ Irish-Mob Saga The Westies

    The Morning Show

    Apple TV+ Sets 17 September Launch for The Morning Show Season 4

    Patrick Walker and Charlotte Fountain-Jardim

    Fox’s Doc Ups Patrick Walker, Charlotte Fountain-Jardim Ahead of Sizeable Season 2

    Olivia Cooke and Chloe Okuno

    Olivia Cooke Boards NEON’s 1960s Vampire Thriller “Brides”

  • Movie and TV Reviews
    The Ritual Review

    The Ritual Review: An Unsettled Echo in a Somber Chamber

    Dept. Q Review

    Dept. Q Review: Edinburgh’s Gloom and a Detective’s Fractured Soul

    And Just Like That... Season 3 Review

    And Just Like That… Season 3 Review: A Stylish Step Forward, But Does It Go Far Enough?

    Sneaky Links Dating After Dark Review

    Sneaky Links: Dating After Dark Review: From Hookup to Hangup?

    Off Track 2 Review

    Off Track 2 Review: Pedaling Through Peril’s Landscape

    Air Force Elite Thunderbirds Review

    Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds Review: Above the Clouds, Inside the Cockpit

    The Hermit of Treig Review

    The Hermit of Treig Review: An Unflinching Look at a Life Apart

    Nora Review

    Nora Review: A Mother’s Melodic Midlife Metamorphosis

    Midnight in Phoenix Review

    Midnight in Phoenix Review: Love on the Run, Justice in Question

  • Game Reviews
    F1 25 Review

    F1 25 Review: A Stunning Drive, If You Have the Right Rig

    Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo Review

    Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo Review: Whip-Smart Mechanics and Pixel Charm

    Elden Ring Nightreign Review

    Elden Ring Nightreign Review: Condensed Chaos for Tarnished Veterans

    Scar-Lead Salvation Review

    Scar-Lead Salvation Review: An Anime Perspective on a Rogue-like Path

    Fuga: Melodies of Steel 3 Review

    Fuga: Melodies of Steel 3 Review: The Taranis’s Final, Heartfelt Song

    Death end re;Quest Code Z Review

    Death end re;Quest Code Z Review: A Perilous Loop of Progress

    Wings of Endless Review

    Wings of Endless Review: More Than Just a Flight of Fancy?

    Creature Keeper Review

    Creature Keeper Review: A Keeper’s Tale of Ambition and Issues

    Cash Cleaner Simulator Review

    Cash Cleaner Simulator Review: Counting, Washing, and Packaging Fun

  • The Bests
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Movie and TV News
    Noah's Arc revival

    Paramount Sets June Premiere for Noah’s Arc Film Revival

    Dua Lipa

    Cumberbatch and Dua Lipa Lead Call to Halt UK Arms to Israel

    Graham King & Ray Winstone

    Graham King and Ray Winstone Reunite for Period Crime Saga London

    Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video

    Netflix, Disney+ and Prime Video Command 92 Percent of Streaming Sports

    Bryan Cranston

    Malcolm in the Middle Revival Wraps; Cranston Hails ‘Rewarding’ Return

    J.K. Simmons MGM+

    J.K. Simmons to Command MGM+ Irish-Mob Saga The Westies

    The Morning Show

    Apple TV+ Sets 17 September Launch for The Morning Show Season 4

    Patrick Walker and Charlotte Fountain-Jardim

    Fox’s Doc Ups Patrick Walker, Charlotte Fountain-Jardim Ahead of Sizeable Season 2

    Olivia Cooke and Chloe Okuno

    Olivia Cooke Boards NEON’s 1960s Vampire Thriller “Brides”

  • Movie and TV Reviews
    The Ritual Review

    The Ritual Review: An Unsettled Echo in a Somber Chamber

    Dept. Q Review

    Dept. Q Review: Edinburgh’s Gloom and a Detective’s Fractured Soul

    And Just Like That... Season 3 Review

    And Just Like That… Season 3 Review: A Stylish Step Forward, But Does It Go Far Enough?

    Sneaky Links Dating After Dark Review

    Sneaky Links: Dating After Dark Review: From Hookup to Hangup?

    Off Track 2 Review

    Off Track 2 Review: Pedaling Through Peril’s Landscape

    Air Force Elite Thunderbirds Review

    Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds Review: Above the Clouds, Inside the Cockpit

    The Hermit of Treig Review

    The Hermit of Treig Review: An Unflinching Look at a Life Apart

    Nora Review

    Nora Review: A Mother’s Melodic Midlife Metamorphosis

    Midnight in Phoenix Review

    Midnight in Phoenix Review: Love on the Run, Justice in Question

  • Game Reviews
    F1 25 Review

    F1 25 Review: A Stunning Drive, If You Have the Right Rig

    Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo Review

    Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo Review: Whip-Smart Mechanics and Pixel Charm

    Elden Ring Nightreign Review

    Elden Ring Nightreign Review: Condensed Chaos for Tarnished Veterans

    Scar-Lead Salvation Review

    Scar-Lead Salvation Review: An Anime Perspective on a Rogue-like Path

    Fuga: Melodies of Steel 3 Review

    Fuga: Melodies of Steel 3 Review: The Taranis’s Final, Heartfelt Song

    Death end re;Quest Code Z Review

    Death end re;Quest Code Z Review: A Perilous Loop of Progress

    Wings of Endless Review

    Wings of Endless Review: More Than Just a Flight of Fancy?

    Creature Keeper Review

    Creature Keeper Review: A Keeper’s Tale of Ambition and Issues

    Cash Cleaner Simulator Review

    Cash Cleaner Simulator Review: Counting, Washing, and Packaging Fun

  • The Bests
No Result
View All Result
GAZETTELY
No Result
View All Result
Detective Pikachu Returns Review

20 Best Zombie Games: From Survival Horror to Post-Apocalyptic Adventures

NHL 24 Review: Skating on Thin Ice

Home Games Reviews Games

Detective Pikachu Returns Review: Back on the Case

From Repetitive Investigations to Surprising Plot Twists, We Crack the Case on Detective Pikachu's Switch Debut

Arash Nahandian by Arash Nahandian
2 years ago
in Games, Nintendo, Reviews Games
Reading Time: 7 mins read
A A
0
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on PinterestShare on WhatsAppShare on Telegram

The Detective Pikachu games offer a unique take on the Pokémon franchise, letting players solve mysteries from the perspective of the iconic electric mouse. The original 3DS game introduced the gruff, caffeine-addicted Pikachu who teams up with human partner Tim Goodman to search for his missing father. Their adventures continued in a live-action Hollywood movie adaptation starring Ryan Reynolds as the voice of Pikachu.

Now the crime-solving duo are back in Detective Pikachu Returns for Nintendo Switch. Set two years after the first game, Tim and Pikachu have become local celebrities in Ryme City. But they soon find themselves tangled in a new mystery involving sinister events that threaten the balance between humans and Pokémon in the city.

In this review, we’ll take a look at the gameplay, story, graphics, and other key elements of Detective Pikachu Returns. Does this sequel build successfully on the foundations of the original, or does it fall short? Read on to see if this is a case worth cracking for Pokémon fans and budding detectives alike.

A Puzzle-Solving Adventure

At its core, the gameplay of Detective Pikachu Returns focuses on puzzle-solving and investigation. As Tim and Pikachu, you’ll spend much of your time questioning witnesses and searching locations for clues related to the various mysteries you take on.

When interacting with characters, you can choose dialogue options to ask for information or press for more details. Pikachu handles conversing with Pokémon witnesses, while Tim talks to the human ones. Through these conversations, you’ll uncover valuable facts and testimony to add to your case notebook.

Detective Pikachu Returns Review

Searching environments also yields critical clues, from documents and objects found in crime scenes to audio recordings and other traces of evidence. You’ll comb through locations like mansions, parks, and city streets looking for anything that might be relevant. The game uses a fixed camera perspective, so you’ll move an on-screen magnifying glass around to zoom in on interactive areas.

Once you’ve gathered enough clues, you’ll need to start piecing things together. Your notebook prompts you to make deductions by answering multiple choice questions based on the evidence and testimonies collected so far. There’s no penalty for incorrect guesses – you can keep trying until you logic your way to the right conclusions.

For a change of pace, you’ll sometimes take direct control of Pikachu. During these sections, you can call on other Pokémon pals to help with your sleuthing. Ride around on Growlithe tracking scents, use Luxray’s X-ray vision to see through walls, and more. Stealth mechanics also come into play occasionally, requiring you to sneak Pikachu past adversaries.

Sprinkled throughout the story are side quests ranging from helping lost Pokémon to retrieving items for neighbors. These optional activities provide a welcome distraction from the main cases. Some side quests also introduce short minigames or quick-time events to add variety. While streamlined for younger audiences, the gameplay offers a diverse blend of mystery-solving fun. The investigations are easy enough for kids yet still reasonably engaging for adults along for the ride.

An Exciting Detective Story

As a direct follow-up to the first game, Detective Pikachu Returns wastes no time diving back into the overarching storylines. Top of the list is the ongoing search for Tim’s missing father and Pikachu’s former partner, Harry Goodman. Their investigation into his disappearance is what kicked off the events of the previous title.

The sequel picks up with Tim and Pikachu’s fame around Ryme City after helping maintain harmony between humans and Pokémon. But it’s not long before a new mystery presents itself – the theft of a valuable jewel from a local mansion. While starting as a routine case, it quickly becomes clear this jewel theft connects to larger sinister happenings beneath Ryme City’s surface.

Detective Pikachu Returns Review

Before our heroes can get to the bottom of the bigger conspiracy at play, they’ll need to solve a series of smaller, self-contained mysteries. These mini-investigations range from melting unusual amounts of ice to sneaking into blocked off areas around the city. Solving each puzzle provides clues that inch Tim and Pikachu closer to unraveling the overarching plot.

Without spoiling too much, the central mystery incorporates exciting twists as it explores powerful factions trying to disrupt the balance between people and Pokémon. The stakes escalate as the forces opposing our heroes grow more dangerous. While aimed primarily at younger audiences, the story offers surprising complexity and real sense of adventure.

Fans of the first game will appreciate the direct connections to the previous cliffhanger surrounding Harry Goodman’s unknown fate. But newcomers can easily jump right in thanks to a handy recap at the beginning. The overall plot moves at a steady pace, never dragging on one mystery too long before transitioning fluidly to the next exciting development.

While slower to start, Detective Pikachu Returns ultimately delivers an entertaining detective plot sure to satisfy players of all ages. It blends small, accessible cases seamlessly into a grander story filled with fun surprises.

  • Also Read: 20 Best Zombie Games: From Survival Horror to Post-Apocalyptic Adventures

A Missed Visual Opportunity

Making the jump from 3DS to Switch understandably heightened expectations for how Detective Pikachu Returns would look. And while the graphics are certainly cleaner than the pixelated original, the visuals ultimately underwhelm.

On a technical level, the game displays in a higher native resolution and runs smoothly. But the environments and character models lack the colorful detail and expressiveness expected of a Switch title. The visual style comes across as flat and sterile, almost resembling a mobile game at times.

Detective Pikachu Returns Review

The locations you explore could have popped with personality with just a bit more environmental detail and vibrant use of color. Instead, most areas feel generic and plain. The character models are similarly muted, with rather simplistic designs and stiff animations that give conversations a somewhat lifeless quality.

We can’t help but think what a difference it could have made if the game better channeled the visually rich, noir-inspired look of the live-action movie. Or took inspiration from the gorgeous environments in games like New Pokémon Snap. This feels like a missed opportunity to really showcase the jump to more powerful hardware.

On the audio front, the music and sound effects are serviceable but unremarkable. The score works well enough to set the mood during investigations and puzzles but won’t stick with you once the game is off. Pokémon cries and ambient environmental audio are as you’d expect. But again, it’s all just a bit flat.

In the end, while perfectly functional from a technical standpoint, Detective Pikachu Returns doesn’t take full advantage of the Switch’s capabilities when it comes to visuals and audio. This holds it back from being as immersive and engaging as it could have been.

Short-Lived Appeal

With a fairly brief runtime even when completing all side content, Detective Pikachu Returns unfortunately doesn’t offer much incentive for replay value. Players can expect around 12 hours or so to see the credits roll, but the linearity and repetition in the game structure mean it’s unlikely to be revisited often after that initial playthrough.

As a story-focused adventure aimed at a younger demographic, the straightforward mystery solving doesn’t leave much room for branching narratives or alternate outcomes. Outside of the side quests, the core progression follows a set path from start to finish. This linearity, combined with a decent amount of backtracking and retreading old locations, diminishes the appeal of repeat play.

Detective Pikachu Returns Review

The low difficulty also caters to novice players, making the experience relatively breeze for older mystery game fans. With solutions clearly telegraphed and no real penalties for errors, there’s little motivation to replay for greater challenge. The uncomplicated plot similarly means few surprises left to uncover on a second time through.

While a thoroughly charming ride for the 10-12 hours it lasts, Detective Pikachu Returns doesn’t offer the depth, branching choices, or difficulty to make repeat plays rewarding. The relaxing investigative adventure is bound to delight younger gamers and Pokémon fans on their first run. But beyond that, its straightforward structure likely won’t warrant revisiting after the credits roll. Those seeking more replayability may want to look to meatier mystery genre offerings.

A Case Worth Solving

In the end, Detective Pikachu Returns succeeds more often than not at delivering a charming detective adventure accessible for children but still enjoyable for their nostalgic elders. Its greatest strengths lie in the setting, characters, and, of course, Pikachu’s endearing personality.

The core mystery-solving formula remains fairly simple, clearly aimed at younger audiences. But it’s woven together competently enough to maintain engagement through the 10-12 hour experience. Where the game really shines is in leveraging its Pokémon elements to appeal to franchise fans of all ages. Getting to explore the world amongst so many classic Pokémon, with Pikachu himself stealing every scene, creates a uniquely light-hearted atmosphere.

Detective Pikachu Returns Review

Adults accompanying younger players are sure to crack smiles at the plucky Pikachu’s antics and quips throughout the journey. The writing offers plenty of humor to balance out repetitious tasks or easy puzzles. While certainly not the most challenging mystery game, it finds ways to entertain across generations.

There’s no doubt the gameplay and visuals could have been pushed further to take full advantage of the Switch hardware. Lackluster graphics and repetitive retreading hold the game back from reaching its full potential. Yet these limitations seem a fair trade-off considering how skillfully Detective Pikachu Returns balances accessibility for kids with surprising wit for parents along for the ride.

For Pokémon fans eager to see their favorite creatures in a new light, or parents looking for an easygoing adventure to play through with their budding detectives, this sequel makes for a fun family-friendly romp. The wise-cracking Pikachu helps cement it as a case worth solving for trainers old and new.

The Review

Detective Pikachu Returns

7 Score

Despite some repetitive gameplay and visual shortcomings, Detective Pikachu Returns succeeds as an endearing all-ages adventure that leverages the Pokémon world to entertain across generations. The charming characters, humor, and mysteries make for a lighthearted detective romp suitable for kids, while still offering enough excitement and laughs for accompanying adults. For franchise fans or parents seeking an accessible, family-friendly game night, it’s a case worth cracking.

PROS

  • Charming cast of characters led by entertaining Pikachu
  • Fun, lighthearted take on the Pokemon world
  • Engaging mystery plot with surprising twists
  • Accessible gameplay for younger audiences
  • Plenty of humor and wit to delight adults too

CONS

  • Repetitive tasks and backtracking during investigations
  • Environments and graphics lack detail and color
  • Fairly easy difficulty, limited replay value
  • Core mystery formula a bit too straightforward
  • Could have better optimized gameplay for Switch

Review Breakdown

  • Overall 0
Tags: Adventure gameCreaturesDetective PikachuDetective Pikachu ReturnsFeaturedNintendoNintendo of America Inc.Single-player video gameThe Pokémon Company
Previous Post

20 Best Zombie Games: From Survival Horror to Post-Apocalyptic Adventures

Next Post

NHL 24 Review: Skating on Thin Ice

Discussion about this post

Try AI Movie Recommender

Gazettely AI Movie Recommender

This Week's Top Reads

  • The Librarians: The Next Chapter

    The Librarians: The Next Chapter Season 1 Review – Bridging Eras with Spellbinding Charm

    26 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Death Valley Review: A Witty Welsh Wander into Cosy Crime

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Nicola Walker and Jemaine Clement Lead Disney+’s New British Comedy ‘Alice & Steve’

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Cannes Film Festival 2025 — Complete Winners List

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Nine Puzzles Season 1 Review: Puzzle Pieces, Pain, and Police Procedurals

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • I, Jack Wright Review: A Dynasty in Decay

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Top 40 Richest Football Club Owners in the World

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

Must Read Articles

The Ritual Review
Entertainment

The Ritual Review: An Unsettled Echo in a Somber Chamber

9 hours ago
Dept. Q Review
Entertainment

Dept. Q Review: Edinburgh’s Gloom and a Detective’s Fractured Soul

12 hours ago
And Just Like That... Season 3 Review
Entertainment

And Just Like That… Season 3 Review: A Stylish Step Forward, But Does It Go Far Enough?

12 hours ago
F1 25 Review
Games

F1 25 Review: A Stunning Drive, If You Have the Right Rig

13 hours ago
Sneaky Links Dating After Dark Review
Entertainment

Sneaky Links: Dating After Dark Review: From Hookup to Hangup?

14 hours ago
Loading poll ...
Coming Soon
Who is the best director in the horror thriller genre?

Gazettely is your go-to destination for all things gaming, movies, and TV. With fresh reviews, trending articles, and editor picks, we help you stay informed and entertained.

© 2021-2024 All Rights Reserved for Gazettely

What’s Inside

  • Movie & TV Reviews
  • Game Reviews
  • Featured Articles
  • Latest News
  • Editorial Picks

Quick Links

  • Home
  • About US
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise with Us
  • Review Guidelines

Follow Us

Facebook X-twitter Youtube Instagram
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Movies
  • Entertainment News
  • Movie and TV Reviews
  • TV Shows
  • Game News
  • Game Reviews
  • Contact Us

© 2024 All Rights Reserved for Gazettely

Go to mobile version