The Pokémon series has been in a holding pattern for decades as each Generation has stuck rigidly to the design choices that turned it into the world’s most successful media franchise. All of that has changed with Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, which is finally the leap forward that fans have been dreaming about for years. But is Game Freak’s first dive into an open-world RPG any good? After spending a long time in Paldea, the answer is complicated.
Score:4.5/5
New Pokémon Designs
Related:Can you use Koraidon and Miraidon in battle in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet?
Graphics
Verdict–Pokémon’s best game is held back by major performance issues
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is an incredible adventure, let down by severe technical problems. Ultimately though, I can look past these issues because I truly believe this is the best Pokémon game that has ever been made in terms of story, gameplay, features, and region. If anything, the technical issues make me sad because the Paldea region deserves better. Gen 9 should have been Game Freak’s masterpiece, but bugs and glitches prevent it from reaching that promise. For some fans, this will be a complete dealbreaker and a bitter pill they can’t swallow.
We received this code from Nintendo for reviewing purposes.
Related: Check out theBest Pokemon Games of All Timeon our sister site, Destructoid.
For more information on PokémonScarlet and Violet, check outWhere to find Eevee and its evolution stones in Pokémon Scarlet & Violethere on Pro Game Guides.
