Pika-Clones Mishap: Detective Pikachu Returns Misses a Golden Opportunity

This article contains spoilers for the game Detective Pikachu Returns. Serving as a sequel to the 3DS game Detective Pikachu, the new game takes place two years later. Initial reactions from fans and critics have been mixed, with some pointing out flaws such as the lack of lighting in certain settings and the game's tendency to hold players' hands during deductions. However, despite these flaws, Detective Pikachu Returns offers a heartfelt story that allows players to strengthen the bond between Tim Goodman and his partner Pikachu, as they get to play as either character at different points in the game.

Set in the world of Pokemon, the game presents Tim and Detective Pikachu with a range of cases to solve, each with limitless possibilities. One of these cases involves Detective Pikachu being wrongfully imprisoned for a crime. Players must gather evidence as both Tim and Detective Pikachu separately to prove his innocence. However, as the case unfolds, a situation arises that could have made the case even more intriguing.

Detective Pikachu Returns' Detainee Pikachu Case

As Pikachu forms friendships with beloved Pokemon while in prison, Tim Goodman investigates the crime scene to unravel the mystery behind Pikachu's false accusation. Though the evidence strongly suggests the involvement of an Electric-Type creature, there is a glaring inconsistency - Detective Pikachu, due to his memory loss, is unable to employ any moves. However, the number of detained creatures by the Pokemon Protection Bureau continues to rise, indicating that there is more at play, especially considering that many of the alleged "crimes" appear insignificant and exaggerated.

Despite Detective Pikachu's clear innocence, multiple witnesses claim to have seen another Pikachu committing the crime. While Tim speaks with various individuals in search of the truth, the PPB proceeds to apprehend other Electric-Type Pokemon, including Morpeko, accused of stealing someone's food, and Dedenne, who insists it was arrested because of Detective Pikachu's actions. Though amusing, Dedenne's assertion reflects the potential complexity of the Detainee Pikachu case, resembling a suspenseful game of "Whodunit" involving several Pokemon resembling Pikachu.

Detective Pikachu Returns Could Have Had a Case of Pika-Clone Chaos

Throughout the franchise's various generations, numerous electric rodent Pokemon have been introduced in an attempt to replicate Pikachu's popularity. Dedenne, for instance, aims to resemble a gerbil while Morpeko fills the role of a hamster within this lineup. It would have been incredibly amusing to see all the Pikachu Clones, including Pachirisu, Plusle, Minun, and others, gathered to uncover the true culprit. Interestingly enough, the game reveals that the culprit was actually a Ditto transformed into Pikachu.

Regrettably, Morpeko and Dedenne are the only Pikachu Clones apprehended alongside Detective Pikachu, making them the only other Electric-Type rodents featured in this Pokemon spin-off title. The Detainee Pikachu case instead focuses on a seemingly random assortment of Pokemon joining forces with the detective to stage a prison break, ultimately leading to the final interrogation of the Detective Pikachu Returns case. While it is undeniably enjoyable to be a part of a Pokemon prison break, it feels like a missed opportunity not to delve into the comedic potential of questioning all the Pika-Clones and their similarities.

Detective Pikachu Returns is available now for Nintendo Switch.