Highlights
Detective Pikachu Returns has simple and easy "local jobs" that players can complete to help NPCs in the game.
Local jobs can be quite monotonous and do not provide satisfactory rewards upon completion, much to the disappointment of fans. In order to enhance the overall gameplay experience, future games (if there are any) should include more engaging rewards like customization options or exclusive items.
Detective Pikachu Returns provides fans with a multitude of side content to enjoy alongside their numerous cases. While solving mysteries, such as the whereabouts of a missing jewel or proving Pikachu's innocence in destroying public property, players also have the opportunity to assist the residents of Ryme City. These "local jobs" are easily completed in just a few simple steps, and the number of requests Tim and Pikachu can accept increases as their cases become more complex.
Unfortunately, the local jobs in Detective Pikachu Returns offer little beyond their initial purpose. They serve as additional tasks in specific areas, helping NPCs unrelated to the main mysteries of the day. However, these jobs lack any significant variation or surprises, as they simply involve locating specific items on the map. Furthermore, completing these tasks does not yield proper rewards, even if players successfully finish all the associated jobs for a particular case. If Detective Pikachu Returns hopes to effectively improve with future installations, it must enhance this aspect.
What's Wrong With Detective Pikachu Returns' Local Jobs
The local assignments in Detective Pikachu Returns are straightforward from beginning to end. While exploring the town for clues or necessary items, players will often come across individuals or Pokémon with a blue bubble above their heads. Engaging in conversation with them will lead Tim and Detective Pikachu to inquire about the person's concern, initiating the local assignment. These quests can be effortlessly completed by revisiting previous locations or thoroughly examining the areas players are already investigating, akin to other games such as the Ace Attorney series.
While the complexity of these assignments may vary, they can be swiftly finished and generally conclude in a delightful or humorous manner. However, completing all the local jobs connected to a game chapter only offers players the story, without any actual rewards. Perhaps this lack of rewards is deliberate to prevent players from feeling pressured if they unintentionally miss one or two side missions. Nevertheless, since Detective Pikachu Returns is a video game and not a film, it is reasonable to expect some form of gratification considering its medium.
Detective Pikachu Returns Should Offer More Bang for Players' Buck
In terms of the story of Detective Pikachu Returns, completing the main cases only grants the ability to see what comes next. The local jobs, on the other hand, have a limited reward system that includes having the people they assist mentioned in a newspaper the following day. While this provides more information about the everyday life in the Pokemon world, it ultimately highlights the optional nature of these jobs and may be perceived as a waste of fans' time. There are numerous possibilities for enhancing the local jobs in Detective Pikachu Returns to make the gameplay more captivating.
For instance, since the game primarily targets a younger audience compared to the mainline Pokemon games, introducing customization options would greatly enhance the experience. Citizens could offer special items that allow fans to personalize their detective journals, and Pokemon characters could assist Detective Pikachu by providing him with suitable accessories like capes or new hats. Regardless of the choices made by Creatures Inc for a potential third Detective Pikachu game, if one were to be developed, it is essential to incorporate more elements beyond those present in Detective Pikachu Returns.
Detective Pikachu Returns is available now for Nintendo Switch.