Highlights
The success of the video game and movie adaptations can be attributed to Detective Pikachu, a quirky spin-off that defies expectations by reimagining the iconic Pokemon as a wise-cracking detective. This unique and surprising concept has captured the hearts of many fans, sparking their interest and admiration.
Both Ryan Reynolds' portrayal in the movie and Kaiji Tang's voice work in the game offer comedic relief and act as a secondary voice of reason for the main character, though there are differences between the two versions of Detective Pikachu. While the writing in the games may be perceived as simple and suitable for children compared to the movie, it still presents intricate cases and humor that would seamlessly fit into a follow-up movie.
After the success of the original 3DS game in 2018, Detective Pikachu Returns has made its highly anticipated sequel debut on the Nintendo Switch. Despite its development going quiet for a period of time, the game suddenly resurfaced in a June Nintendo Direct and is now available for players to enjoy. With the iconic Mouse Pokemon by their side, players can dive into the world of Detective Pikachu Returns and solve a multitude of mysteries.
However, it's worth noting that since the previous game, a Detective Pikachu movie has also been released. This film adapts a key case from the game into a live-action CGI hybrid buddy-cop film. Therefore, it's likely that many players are picking up the Switch game to experience what this potential video game sequel to the movie has to offer. While it may come as a slight change, as Ryan Reynolds does not voice Pikachu in this game, instead it is portrayed by Kaiji Tang.
Detective Pikachu is a Quirky Twist on Mascot Expectations
Pikachu, being the iconic mascot of the Pokemon franchise, surprises many with its role as a wise-cracking detective who loves coffee in an entire spin-off series. However, the combination of light humor and heartfelt narrative has won over fans, making Detective Pikachu one of the most successful video game movies. As a result, a sequel was released five years after the initial release.
In both versions, this character serves as a secondary voice of reason for Tim and provides comedic relief through clever remarks and playful interactions with other Pokemon. Despite any changes, Detective Pikachu remains true to its core character, with variations mainly tied to its voice.
The Differences in Tone Across Detective Pikachu's Adaptations
The versions of the detective critter fans meet are similar, but there are some differences due to different writers and voice actors. Ryan Reynolds, known for Deadpool, adds his own humorous ad-libs to the dialogue, which is more suited for a PG movie than an E-rated game.
Considering this, it is understandable that fans of the Detective Pikachu film may find the game's writing simplistic and suitable for kids. However, the game still presents complex cases, even though it occasionally offers assistance to players. Kaiji Tang's Detective Pikachu has a deeper voice but can still deliver funny jokes that would be fitting for the second Detective Pikachu movie.
Ryan Reynolds brings his unique sense of humor to his portrayal of Pikachu in a way that not only showcases his personal comedic style but also plays a significant role in promoting the movie. This sets him apart from Kaiji Tang, who is simply following a script in his interpretation of the character. However, despite these contrasting approaches, the similarities between the two versions are prominent enough that it's difficult to say one is better than the other. Ultimately, fans of Detective Pikachu can delight in the abundance of content available just like the various flavors of the critter's beloved caffeinated beverages. You can now enjoy Detective Pikachu Returns on Nintendo Switch.