Pokémon Legends: Arceus is set to arrive on Nintendo Switch this Friday, January 28th. With it deviating from the tried-and-true formula of most Pokémon games, fans are both excited and nervous for what the new adventure may hold. Leaving ‘modern day’ for an era of the past, the latest installment in the storied franchise will transport players to a feudal era in an unexplored region known as “Hisui”. Core features of the series like battling, catching, and exploring remain familiar, but one major change to this version is the new semi-open world approach that closely mirrors exploration in the famed Monster Hunter series. While previous entries have left individual player goals a bit more flexible, this one sums up the main goal quite simply: fill out Hisui’s first Pokédex to completion.
Jubilife Village will serve as both the player’s main base of operations in the Hisui region and the center of activity for the Galaxy Expedition Team, a team made up of various corps (from medical to security to survey) to study the region. After receiving a request and preparing for the excursion ahead, the player will set out from the village to one of the various areas of the region to complete the task at hand, a la Monster Hunter. While journeying through Hisui, players will encounter new types of Pokémon. One such type are known as ‘nobles’ who have received a mysterious blessing as well as ‘wardens’ who serve to protect these special Pokémon. Beware though — Noble Pokémon can enter into a frenzied state, which causes them to shine brightly and grow in size. At this point the only way to calm them down is to utilize unique balms made from their favorite foods. While there are a number of other mysterious to unfold, we’ll leave those for you to discover on your adventure.
As in the traditional games, you can choose between three different Pokémon to join you as your starter before setting out on your journey in Hisui. Your choices in this one are Rowlet (a grass/flying type that resembles an owl), Cyndaquil (a fire type that resembles a porcupine with spiked fire instead of quills), and Oshawott (a water type that resembles a sea otter). In addition to these starters that many will recognize, some other fan favorites are returning with new Hisuian forms. This list includes, but is not limited to: Voltorb, Zorua, Zoroark, Braviary, and Growlithe. There are also a number of new Pokémon to discover for the first time — we’ll leave those for you to uncover as you go.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus includes both a preorder bonus and special bonuses for players of previous titles. Players who preorder either a physical or digital copy will receive a ‘Hisuian Growlithe Kimono Set’ and a ‘Baneful Fox Mask’, both redeemable through the ‘Mystery Gifts’ feature prior to 4:59pm PDT on May 9th, 2022 (internet connection required). Additionally, players who have play records from Pokémon Brilliant Diamond or Pokémon Shining Pearl will receive a research request in Pokémon Legends: Arceus (after the game’s end credits roll) that will give them a chance to add a Mythical Darkrai to their team and a ‘Modern Team Galactic Set’ to wear. Players who have play records from Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield will receive a research request (after the game’s end credits roll) that will give them a chance to add a Mythical Shaymin (Land Forme) to their team and a ‘Shaymin Kimono Set’ to wear. Lastly, players who have play records from Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! can claim both the ‘Pikachu Mask’ and the ‘Eevee Mask’ in Pokémon Legends: Arceus by speaking to the clothier after joining the Galaxy Expedition Team.
While the graphics fall short of what is expected with a AAA game release (even by the Switch’s standards), players are in for a treat in terms of fresh content in the series. With 41 reviews in so far, Pokémon Legends: Arceus is currently scoring an 86 on Metacritic and with slightly less reviews (37) an 85 on Open Critic. Whether you’re a brand-new trainer or a veteran of the series looking for something different, an epic adventure surely lies ahead.
Image taken from: Nintendo.com
