See the bottom of the case for dice rolls from Pokémon fan Sam (10). The “Pokémon” series is the world’s largest entertainment franchise, and has constantly excited new generations since its inception in 1996. I myself have observed the phenomenon from the outside. The series has come across as extremely formulaic and conservative, with little risk and experimentation. Simply an assembly line of expected experiences. It is a description that is not necessarily only negative. Or unique. The same can be said about the “FIFA” series, for example. QUALIFICATION OF CHOICE: When you start the game, you must choose one of three starting Pokémon – Sprigatto, Quaksly or Fuecoco. Photo: Nintendo But there have probably been some prejudices and grumblings in the back of my mind as well. And it is these prejudices that are being challenged now that I have produced a new generation of “Pokémon” fans myself. Own pace “Pokémon Violet” and “Pokémon Scarlet” are two separate, but almost identical games – you choose the game you like the most, and exchange Pokémon from the other version with other players. After the slightly experimental (finally!) “Pokémon Legends: Arceus”, “Violet”/”Scarlet” has been the game my ten-year-old son has been looking forward to the most. The key word there is “open world”. OPEN WORLD: Many have missed being able to explore a large, open world in a “Pokémon” game. Photo: Nintendo Because while these games have traditionally been linear, predictable experiences, “Violet” and “Scarlet” remove all limitations. It gives players the opportunity to explore a huge world at their own pace and according to their own priorities. It’s appealing in the same way that “Minecraft,” “Roblox” and “Fortnite” are. A “Pokémon” playpen that invites experimentation and creativity. And it hits junior perfectly from the first step. We are told that we are enrolled in the island’s “Pokémon” school, and that the principal wants to talk to us. But in the end I’m the one who has to insist on hearing what he has to say, my son would rather just run around catching pokemon. MAIN ROLE: You can choose both gender and different skin colors when playing. Photo: Nintendo Temptations in line For “Pokémon Violet”, which is the version we play, is really completely open. Even after talking to the principal and getting some assignments, the temptations are waiting in line. There are new pokemon everywhere. You can jump into raids. Explore mysterious buildings. Travel where you want, do what you want. Or stumble in and out of the main quests you’re assigned. It is also a big plus that the game has a cooperative mode for up to four players. All four must have their own Switch and their own copy of the game, but plans are currently being made in the school yard, so to speak. And that’s more than enough for my son. This is probably the best “Pokémon” game he has played. I myself allow myself to put my finger on an obvious problem. The open world is miles away from the rich experiences one had in “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild”, for example. PLAY WITH FRIENDS: You can play with up to three friends over the internet or local network. Then everyone must have their own Switch and their own copy of the game. Photo: Nintendo Quite boring The cities are tame. The surprises don’t exactly line up out in the open countryside. It seems as if a few tens of thousands of pokemon and various objects are just scattered all over the world. It’s a pretty boring and predictable world, to be honest. Which, after all, is the harshest criticism an open-world game can receive. It’s also disappointing to see the game have performance issues here and there. It’s not so bad that it becomes unplayable, but I can’t quite shake the irritation. There will hopefully – and most probably – be patches soon. But my son and I completely agree on the most important thing: Finding, catching and then putting together a team of your favorite Pokémon is absolutely unique in “Pokémon Violet”. THE GANG IS TOGETHER: The key to success is assembling a team of battle-ready Pokémon capable of taking on anything. Photo: Nintendo Quality time with junior Game Freak are masters at building intricate and engaging systems with delicious depth. It is exciting to see the strange animals develop. It’s fun to experiment with lineups and attacks. The battles are well balanced and exciting, especially when fighting the game’s many boss-like opponents. It is in the strategic and in all the planning that both my son and I find the most joy. Here, the game’s core content – the raids, the quest to become the island’s “Pokémon” champion and the battles against the island’s magnificent “titans” – is more than approved. And the enthusiasm of the guy next to me on the sofa is infectious, then. The quality time we have together is valuable so it lasts. In other words: Roll of the dice from game critic Rune (49): Roll of the dice from Sam (10): news reviewer Photo: Nintendo Title: “Pokémon Violet” and “Pokémon Scarlet”. The former tested. Genre: RPG Age: 7+ Platform: Nintendo Switch Developer: Game Freak Publisher: Nintendo/The Pokémon Company Hello! I am a freelancer and write about games for news. On a daily basis, I work at Level Up Norway. If you want to read more about games, I can recommend my reviews of the excellent games “God of War”, “Elden Ring” and “Gran Turismo 7”.
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“Pokémon Violet” and “Pokémon Scarlet” for Nintendo Switch – Reviews and recommendations
