Pokemon Let’s Go Review: Short, Sweet Nostalgia
In my Pokemon Let’s Go review, I’ll cover my experience, what I thought was good, and what I thought could have been better.
Regardless of whether you picked Pikachu or Eevee, Pokémon Let’s Go! is a heartwarming and nostalgic journey that takes us back to the beloved Kanto region. Developed by Game Freak, this game successfully captures the essence of the original Pokémon games while incorporating modern elements and a fresh twist. As a longtime fan, I found myself thoroughly enjoying this delightful experience on the Nintendo Switch.
I have to admit, it feels weird to talk about a game that came out 5 years ago. Perhaps even weirder is the fact that even since it came out, I’ve continued to go back and play Pokemon Red, Blue, and Yellow on the Virtual Console. On that note, RIP to the 3DS eShop. It will be missed, and hopefully a way to “modernize” older Pokemon games will turn up in the future.
Recently, I’ve been going back to playing old Pokemon games. Perhaps I’ve gotten tired of playing Pokemon Violet? As much as I enjoyed catching new Pokemon, I feel that I needed a break from things. And so I decided to return to Kanto, where my love for the series took root.
Just as many people on the internet will tell you, Generation I of the Pokemon games was arguably the cream of the crop. It arguably had the best designed ‘mons, and it is the one that started the massive franchise that is Pokemon.
But in spite of all the great things said about it, no one wants to mention the bugs, flawed AI, and balance issues that actually make it a flawed game.
Mind you, That was 25 years ago. Since then, successive Pokemon games have seen a lot of those issues fixed, and in some cases, whole remakes have been made to ensure that the classics are never forgotten.
Which brings us to Let’s Go!
Overview – the Same, but Different
As it’s name suggests, Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon Let’s Go, Eevee! shares lots of game mechanics with Pokémon GO, notably the encounter and capture mechanics. Instead of the traditional random battles with wild Pokemon, you just throw a Pokeball to try and catch it instead. You can also use items like Razz Berries and such to increase your odds of success.
Keep in mind that the battle mechanic is still present, somewhat. You can encounter NPC Pokemon Trainers and Gym Leaders who you can battle with your caught ‘mons.
Let’s Go also comes with additional support with the mobile game made by Niantic; essentially, you can transfer your Pokémon caught in Pokémon GO to your save in Let’s Go!
Pokémon Let’s Go is not only the first pokemon game on the Switch, it’s also the first in the series to feature Co-Op Multiplayer. With an extra Joy-Con, a player can immediately drop into the game and help with battling and catching, turning each battle into a double battle!
You can also Mega Evolve your Pokémon just like in Pokémon X and Y, and as a throwback to Pokémon Sun and Moon, you can trade your ‘mons for regional variants that are more common in the Alola region.
Visuals
One of the standout features I really liked about Pokémon Let’s Go! is the enchanting visuals. Game Freak takes the classic Game Boy Kanto and gives it new life with vibrant and colorful graphics that really show off the region’s iconic landmarks and Pokémon. The attention to detail is commendable, and it adds an extra layer of immersion that you would otherwise not see on a pixellated Game Boy cartridge. The animations of the Pokémon in battle are nice and lively, although they do resemble what you see in past handheld games.
Motion Controls – Hit or Miss?
The integration of motion controls adds a unique and innovative aspect to the game. Tossing a Poké Ball with the Joy-Con controller mimics the feeling of capturing Pokémon in real life, and it’s an enjoyable and engaging mechanic.
However, it’s worth noting that the motion controls can sometimes feel imprecise, which has lead a a number of frustrating moments when trying to catch a Pokémon before it runs. Thankfully, there’s the option to play in handheld mode, which in my opinion is the easier way to play the game, provided you have an ergonomic grip.
Your Partner Pokemon
The bond with your partner Pokémon, whether it is Eevee or Pikachu, is a central aspect of the game. I personally went with Eevee, and I have to say that Eevee is incredibly endearing. The cute interactions between you and your partner adds a kind of emotional depth that would be otherwise lacking in a Pokemon game. Eevee’s unique abilities and the ability to dress it up with various outfits provides a personal touch to the adventure.
I should also mention that your Partner Pokemon is so unique, they have perfect IVs and cannot be released or transferred to HOME! Instead of the classic EV training that players typically do to boost their Pokemon to competitive levels, Let’s Go has a candy-collecting mechanic that is similar to Pokemon GO; to put it simply, each time you transfer a caught Pokemon to Prof. Oak, you are given a candy item that can be used to boost the stats of a chosen Pokemon.
Pokemon Go Support
The game’s connection with Pokémon GO is a standout feature. Transferring Pokémon from the mobile game takes some time to set up at first, but it adds a new way to keep using your favorite Pokémon that helped you take down gyms and raids. It’s a fantastic way to bridge the gap between the two platforms and keep the Pokémon experience interconnected.
The best thing about this feature is that it let’s you complete the Kanto PokeDex without having to trade with another player. Sure, you could just use Pokemon HOME, but if you transfer your ‘mons to Let’s Go! first, you’ll get the credit for the caught Pokemon, and if you get all 150 Pokemon, you have the option to unlock the Shiny Charm, an extremely useful item for dedicated players who want Kanto region shiny Pokemon.
Some Flaws Need to be Discussed
Keep in mind that this game was meant to cater to a broader audience (that is, newcomers and Pokemon GO players), which will naturally disappoint the hardcore Pokémon fans that were seeking a more challenging experience. However, it’s important to remember that this game was meant to be a game for newcomers to the game, so the simpler mechanics have their merits.
Now as much as I’d like to say that this was a great blast from the past, this game is not without some. Personally, one area where I think the game needs improvement is the catching mechanics. The game was designed around the motion controls and the PokeBall Plus accessory, which is great for those who want to pretend to throw a ball to catch Pokemon. But once you start playing for hours on end, you’ll find that the novelty wears out pretty quick.
Plus, your wrists and arms get tired!
Sometimes, you just want to press a button on a controller to catch Pokemon, and it’s a little disappointing that there is no support for simply playing the game without motion controls. For those who love their Pro Controllers, this game has no support whatsoever.
Thankfully, there is one workaround to motion controls, and that is by playing the game in handheld mode. The only risk with that is the fact that handheld mode is, in my honest opinion, not ergonomic, and so your hands might cramp if you don’t have a means to comfortably hold the console.
The Bottom Line
In spite of its flaws, Pokémon Let’s Go! is truly a charming and nostalgic adventure that captures the magic of the original Pokémon games. With its delightful visuals, immersive(but flawed!) motion controls, and the endearing partnership with Eevee or Pikachu, this game offers a joyful experience for fans of all ages. While the simplified mechanics may not cater to hardcore fans, the game’s intention to create a more accessible and interconnected Pokémon world is commendable. So, grab your Poké Ball and get ready to embark on a heartwarming journey through Kanto!