Highlights
Detective Pikachu Returns features Tim Goodman teaming up with Detective Pikachu to solve cases using the help of various Pokemon, providing a unique perspective.
Detective Pikachu Returns, despite being a spin-off game, provides fans with an opportunity to engage with a plethora of Pokemon characters in a captivating storyline. The game prominently emphasizes creatures from the Galar region, which can be attributed to its development phase.
In Detective Pikachu Returns, players are taken on an immersive journey into the world of Pokemon. As Tim Goodman, fans have the opportunity to team up with Detective Pikachu in order to solve cases using the assistance of unique pocket monsters. These creatures possess valuable information about the mysterious events happening in Ryme City, which will aid in unraveling the game's biggest mysteries. Tim's understanding of humans and Pikachu's understanding of Pokemon combine to create a compelling storyline that easily captivates fans.
Although Detective Pikachu Returns may not have "Pokemon" in its title, it still serves as an exciting spin-off game within the Pokemon franchise. While players are unable to capture Pokemon in this game, there are still numerous Pokemon to meet and collaborate with throughout the storyline. While the number of Pokemon found in Ryme City and other locations may not compare to games like Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, fans are guaranteed to encounter at least a few of their favorite Pokemon creatures.
All the Pokemon Seen in Detective Pikachu Returns
Pikachu
Corviknight
Pidove
Aromatisse
Audino
Xatu
Magnemite
Alolan Exeggutor
Pangoro
Applin
Whimsicott
Indeedee
Inkay
Slowpoke
Maractus
Hariyama
Poliwrath
Manectric
Lairon
Growlithe
Lugia (in a painting)
Ho-Oh (in a painting)
Ducklett
Lickitung
Raboot
Golem
Ribombee
Cutiefly
Falinks
Pawniard
Toucannon
Tsareena
Purrloin
Watchog
Greedent
Trubbish
Polteageist
Ludicolo
Milcery
Cramorant
Lillipup
Politoed
Venonat
Lilligant
Bounsweet
Passimian
Charjabug
Rowlet
Zigzagoon
Leavanny
Ursaring
Monferno
Munchlax
Swadloon
Eldegoss
Lotad
Minior
Bronzor
Mewtwo
Cleffa
Aegislash (On a mural)
Galarian Darmanitan
Vanillite
Crustle
Galarian Mr. Mine
Bergmite
Smoochum
Eiscue
Shuckle
Solrock
Sableye
Impidimp
Liepard
Meowstic (Female)
Inteleon
Furret
Morpeko
Snivy
Gossifleur
Burmy
Poliwag
Dedenne
Pignite
Delcatty
Sinistea
Spearow
Lickilicky (Statue)
Snubbull
Ditto
Aipom
Mightyena
Pumpkaboo
Taillow
Hatenna
Glameow
Volbeat and Illumise (Referenced)
Bellossom
Heracross
Galarian Meowth
Pidgey
Vikavolt
Psyduck
Alolan Meowth
Yamper
Deino
Skwovet
Gumshoos
Lopunny
Grovyle
Sylveon
Paras
Meowth
Eevee
Shroomish
Chimecho
Pancham
Shiftry
Combee
Happiny
Bunnelby
Bidoof
Galarian Farfetch'd
Dunsparce
Hoothoot
Drakloak
Foongus
Noctowl
Chansey
Mimikyu
Sirfetch'd
Graveler
Dreepy
Deoxys
Sentret
Gurdurr
Yungoos
Carbink
Diggersby
Joltik
Garbodor
Diglett
Tangela
Electrode
Wooper
Dusknoir
Excadrill
Detective Pikachu Returns offers fans a chance to befriend 162 Pokemon. While the game encompasses various regions, Galar receives considerable attention, considering it is released during the lifespan of Pokemon Generation 9. Surprisingly, Detective Pikachu Returns does not include any Paldea Pokemon. This absence is disappointing for fans, as spin-off games like this often showcase new aspects of the latest creatures in the franchise. Regrettably, enthusiasts of the Paldea region will have to wait for another spin-off title to enjoy their favorite Pokemon.
The heavy focus on the Galar region in Detective Pikachu Returns is believed by many fans to be indicative of the challenges the game faced during its development. The game was announced with little fanfare and then disappeared for five years, most likely intended for release during Generation 8. However, undisclosed reasons caused it to be delayed. It is unclear if revealing the reasons behind the development struggles would benefit the game, as both fans and critics often find it too simplistic. Nevertheless, players who enjoy solving cases with Detective Pikachu and befriending Pokemon along the way are likely to have a good time. With its holiday launch, it is expected that many fans will receive the game as a gift in the upcoming months, enabling them to encounter their favorite creatures during their gameplay experience.
Detective Pikachu Returns is available for Nintendo Switch.