Highlights
Detective Pikachu Returns follows a similar gameplay formula as Capcom's Ace Attorney series, involving searching for clues, interviewing suspects, and solving cases.
Detective Pikachu Returns delivers a simplified and user-friendly gaming experience, whereas Ace Attorney games present players with a more intricate and autonomous challenge.
A brand-new game called Detective Pikachu Returns has recently been released for the Nintendo Switch, five years after its original release on the 3DS. This game brings back Tim Goodman and his coffee-loving Pikachu partner, as they embark on another adventure solving cases and mysteries in Ryme City. As players uncover more, they come closer to unraveling a series of crimes committed by a group of villains, similar to the typical antagonist teams in Pokemon games. The cases in Detective Pikachu Returns become longer as players progress.
Although Detective Pikachu Returns follows a familiar formula of searching for clues and interrogating suspects, it is not the only game of its kind. In fact, while this mystery-solving Pokemon game is designed for a wide range of players with its "E for everyone" rating, it can be seen as a simplified version of Capcom's popular Ace Attorney series. In Ace Attorney games, players also gather evidence and find clues before heading into the courtroom with the main character, Phoenix Wright. Therefore, fans of Detective Pikachu Returns should have no trouble adapting to the gameplay of the Ace Attorney series.
Why Detective Pikachu Returns Players Should Follow the Games with Ace Attorney
Detective Pikachu Returns and its predecessor exhibit surprising similarities to Ace Attorney games. Both games follow similar gameplay conventions and patterns, with Tim and Detective Pikachu embarking on investigations in a manner akin to Phoenix and his assistant. They often find themselves stumbling upon a mystery or crime and subsequently engage in deducing what transpired in order to solve it.
In order to piece together the full picture, players must uncover evidence. This involves thoroughly searching the location for relevant clues and interviewing potential witnesses or passersby, similar to the pursuit of criminals like Yanni Yogi. Once all the clues have been gathered, they must be carefully examined to understand the broader narrative and decipher additional puzzles, often leading to further exploration in order to ultimately solve the case. Notably, Detective Pikachu Returns can be seen as a more introductory experience compared to its predecessor.
Why It's Good Ace Attorney Won't Hold the Hands of Detective Pikachu Returns Players
Detective Pikachu Returns may initially appear to be a simplistic detective game aimed at children, rather than a game suitable for all ages. In many respects, this perception is accurate. The game provides players with the necessary information to comprehend its cases, but only at the same pace as Tim and Pikachu. This often entails listening to their conversation, answering obvious multiple-choice questions, and allowing the duo to handle the rest.
In contrast, Capcom's Ace Attorney series operates differently. The characters through which players experience the game express their understanding of the evidence, the case, and the story. However, they also empower and encourage fans to reach their own conclusions at their own pace. Eventually, in Ace Attorney games, players must grasp the case on their own in order to present evidence effectively during courtroom scenes.
Unfortunately, there is a drawback to this as Ace Attorney shares a similarity with Detective Pikachu Returns in terms of the linear nature of the cases. In Ace Attorney, it is essential to present the evidence in the correct order, otherwise fans will face penalties for being ahead of the case. However, for players seeking a more demanding experience after finishing Detective Pikachu Returns, there are numerous Ace Attorney games available on the Nintendo Switch. Detective Pikachu Returns is currently accessible for the Nintendo Switch.