My First Impressions of Pokémon Legends: Arceus

[@SurrealKeenan]

Arlo in voice over: *gushing over how fun the gameplay is* Arlo in gameplay: *challenging level 40+ alpha pokemon with a level 6 worm and a dream*

[@SebbyWest]

I mean, I challenged that level 40 something Rapidash with a level 20 Dewott and managed to catch it. I don’t know if I got lucky or what, but it was pretty crazy. Don’t underestimate the power of low leveled Pokémon and a dream

[@dweebicusmaximus]

I have multiple times been like “I think I can take this alpha” only to find it’s twice the level I thought it was and having to scurry away like “sorry to have disturbed you sir”

[@SuperZombiepimp]

@@SebbyWest lol nice I saw that guy and was like nope my team is around lvl 23 now but I’m wondering how you pulled that off must of been some insane RNG

[@Shy202]

My level 30 Chingling helped me catch a level 65 alpha infernape. That's the dream right there lol

[@NatsumenoKage]

@@SebbyWest I ran in to it at level 7 it batted my poor cyndaquil like a ball, and I ran before it TPK. I went back at 20, and picked it up. I figure If I'm at least half an alpha's level I can take it so far it's worked.

[@AkuTenshiiZero]

The one fascinating thing that immediately struck me is just how different the tone of this game is. It's an older time where modern tools and amenities don't exist, _and people are afraid of Pokemon._ It's absolutely a new experience for the series to see a time before people understood Pokemon and saw them as a threat, hearing word that a team of explorers was *mauled* by an angry Kleavor, we're so used to these creatures being our friends and this game is just like "These are wild beasts and they WILL try to kill you.

[@SuperCaleb283]

"Pokémon are terrifying creatures" is the game's favorite phrase and it's true

[@Avatarbee]

Also the whole "If you don't pass the test we will kick you out and you will most likely die in the wild." That was a reality check for sure.

[@nicknelson1975]

The only silly thing was that apparently most people weren't capable of throwing a spherical object at a target. Because that's all you had to do to get accepted into their village.

[@BasilLecher]

@@nicknelson1975 most people are terrified to even get near a large worm and here comes you throwing balls at big beavers and electric cats from ten feet away like they’re domesticated. Lord knows if I ran into an angry coyote, I probably couldnt accurately throw a friendship ball at it. Main character has the advantage of (maybe) being from the future pokemon world and probably beating the gym challenge four or five years previously since they’re 15 in Arceus. I am still early in the game so I could be proven wrong later. All the talk of danger is more like a wake up call. You’re not taking this seriously, they will effing murder you. Kleavor absolutely killed galactic folk when it went mad.

[@TheDeathmail]

And the funny thing is that it's only partially true.... you can still reason with the Pokemon... they even give you gifts and stuff.... Like, they are wild.... but they aren't fully beasts.... rather, they are just beast LIKE... The Bidoof are CONVINCED to work... Klevor gives you a gift and you need the approval of Pokemon for many of the quests...

[@stinos24]

I really like that the missions don't feel forced, you can be doing a mission but also go exploring, even if the destination where you need to go is miles away

[@HuhWhatHuhwhatHuh]

Only after 16 hours of cutscenes

[@gamertim4189]

Im fairly certain that's a staple of open world games, most games have this. It's not a new thing, its almost the bare minimum

[@oraclescrolls]

@@HuhWhatHuhwhatHuh actually there aren’t that many cutscenes after the tutorial.

[@mk9718]

@@gamertim4189 still very refreshing for a Pokémon game

[@MrJmanXIII]

@@HuhWhatHuhwhatHuh You need to chill. There's so many cutscenes because this gameplay is new to everyone. I think the pacing of the game is exceptional especially compared to Sword/Shield and the Pearl/Diamond remakes

[@amritsodhi99]

Everything being in real time makes such a huge difference. When I was playing i threw two pokeballs at two Pokemon that were standing next to each other, then threw a pokeball with one of my own Pokemon at a nearby tree to collect apricorns, and these three actions happened simultaneously in real time, which would be unthinkable in one of the older games. You know they would just freeze you and remove control each time until the animation completes. All this makes the game feel so smooth and natural!

[@Gleem90]

Yup the real-time aspect is the game changer

[@iamabucket13]

While I'm hesitant to keep all the battle changes for Gen 9 (even though I like the changes), the seamless battle transitions and the fluid gameplay must become permanent. I knew all the animations took a bit of time, but you don't realize how much of an impact it makes until you play Legends: Arceus.

[@InnerRise]

How easily please we are with bull$h%#

[@matthatter56]

Wait you can do that? I thought there a cool down or something like that. It's going to take me sometime to adjust my brain to relearn how to play Pokémon. That's freaking awesome btw.

[@TheStenius]

I‘m not into Pokemon at all. But I‘m amused, that Pokemon fans are impressed of stuff what hundreds of average open world games have been doing since 20 years or so…

[@OmegaChase1002]

"It's tricky" he says as he throws a lv. 6 bug out against a lv. 40 fire type.

[@leftovernoise]

Trial by fire bro, bugs gotta learn somehow

[@OmegaChase1002]

Is it tricky or is arlo just casual

[@pokepwned]

@@OmegaChase1002 to be fair the footage comes from his editor’s gameplay, not his

[@OmegaChase1002]

@@pokepwned ok, is it tricky or is his editor just casual

[@silentdebugger]

"Arlo, you fool. You absolute buffoon. You are a libertine and a cad" I say as half of the footage is him throwing lvl. 6 balls at alpha Rapidash, Heracross, Snorlax...

[@AustinJohnPlays]

I cannot count how many videos I have heard Arlo not happy with a Pokemon game. But at 1:39 I had a reaelly big smile. I'm happy you're enjoying it my dude

[@delphoxhoopa7289]

Hey dude, love your videos!😎

[@siraaron4462]

Hear that? it's tge sound of thousands of Arlo fans simiktaniously reaching for their nearest device or keys to buy the game.

[@Whydidyoun0tturnback]

Omg it's Austin John

[@siraaron4462]

@@Whydidyoun0tturnback wow... I daidn't even realize

[@thelegacyofgaming2928]

After playing the game myself, if he had said this was bad, he would've been lying. This is easily the most fun I've had playing Pokemon in probably close to a decade

[@Mattriix]

This is what Pokemon needed after so long, I hope the "Pokemon Legends" series becomes a thing to be right next to the classic formula like Monster Hunter did with it's "Stories" series

[@9753Lukas]

“Pokémon Legends - Mew Two”

[@thevioletbee5879]

@@9753Lukas No more Kanto without a focus on Johto. I vote Legends Celebi.

[@Lankpants]

Hoenn feels like a pretty good place to set a game like this to me (at least assuming we wanted to stick with the 'Legends' part). Out of all the regions it feels like it has some of the strongest mythology going on in it, up there with Sinnoh.

[@thefabulouskitten7204]

I personally would love a pokemon legends Kyurem

[@vla1ne]

@@Lankpants the burning bell tower /unknown incident would be an amazing storyline for johto imo.

[@BragiZero]

One thing I didn't even realize I was taking huge advantage of until I really thought about it was the quick selection in the bottom right. When you're traveling from just one section of the map to the next you'll often find yourself encountering completely different pokemon. Using the second area as an example, there's a section with both Toxicroak and Rhyhorn, with require different pokemon to handle effectively. If this were sword and shield, you would have to open you the menu, manually switch your lead pokemon, back out, and then engage in battle by walking up to the correct pokemon. But here, just press L and R a few times and throw your pokemon out. It saves so much time and is one of those quality of life changes that makes me feel like I'm really experiencing pokemon rather than playing a simulation of it.

[@RexZShadow]

That fuck me up a few time though with those story or trainer battle coz you had one selected for what you were doing before then you run into story then boom wrong pokemon comes out XD

[@ljlmoody]

@@RexZShadow yh haha

[@cv6531]

Any ground type move will hit both super effectively though...so idk what you mean by two different pokemon to deal with effectively.

[@FallenDemonFly]

@@cv6531 you know....he might NOT have had a pokemon with a ground type move on Hand? Like me too, since LA it has never been more fun being a mono trainer. I personally use mainly Ghost, Dark and Poison Typ Pokémon.

[@JohnMitchell-tx2tf]

@@cv6531 here we go . Watch out a wild elitist has appeared

[@FreckleFoxShow]

Got it skeptically today. During my first survey I got hooked when I came across a Lv. 28 Graveler that just obliterated my party, but with my last hail mary Bidoof I made a critical hit and then caught it. Felt like I did something I wasn't supposed to be able to do and that my choices mattered rather than just slaughtering up a predetermined difficulty progression that makes turn based combat games dull and repetitive.

[@eoncaliber]

I pray that we get Legends games for other regions, like having one for Unova that goes into the Original Dragon, or one for Hoenn that shows the apocalypse started by Groudon and Kyogre (and maybe possibly the Eon Duo’s lore), I could go on. I pray that this becomes a series.

[@zoenayru]

The story of the the kings in Black and white - the two brothers with two different orbs - you are a player in that era of black and white would be amazing and the story would be the best

[@dinogolfer]

I really hope so too. I'm still a little unsure how some of them would work, since a lot of the mechanics themselves seem specific to 'Arceus's power', but still really crossing my fingers.

[@69inetails]

I’d like one set before kalos during/before the Pokémon war. Maybe we can see lt surge before he was a gym leader?

[@BigCowProductions]

Johto before the Annexation by Kanto. Kanto before or during the war. --- The Legends series doesn't have to be just in the past. We could have present or future stories, too. If they wanted to keep the type of map zone travel, could do something like Alola with different mini regions and stuff. But yeah, ever since this was even announced I've been saying they should make this a series. It would allow them to make new games and not need to jump to the next gen

[@nateortega2912]

My thoughts exactly we still don't know what the original dragon looks like

[@BagaJr]

I was shocked when I saw "Change moves" in the menu. It gave me hope that they are willing to rethink every old tradition and so far it seems like they have.

[@Whispernyan]

It's not that crazy when you consider Sword and Shield already did basically the same thing, removed the need to use currency and made it a service readily available at all times. Just in general ever since gen 5 every game more and more has been pushing for making a more straightforward more pleasant experience as far as tediously unnecessary mechanics go, (TM's no longer breaking, getting rid of HMs all together, no more move rememberer, portable PC box, etc) almost to a fault, but this is definitely something not new to this game in particular.

[@joeyjose727]

@@Whispernyan wait wtf… sorry, I haven’t played sword and shield, but I did play BDSP. So in sword and shield you don’t need heart scales or money to relearn moves????

[@zdude0127]

@@joeyjose727 Corrrect. The move relearner and name rater were merged to one guy and he exists in EVERY Pokemon center in the game. No charge for his services either. As an added bonus, if you have a traded Pokemon with no nickname, you can actually rename it once.

[@joeyjose727]

@@zdude0127 wow… that’s such a step in the right direction, it’s a shame that they didn’t tell ILCA to do the same thing in BDSP… I love Sinnoh but BDSP isn’t the remake I wanted honestly! There are some real clunky things in there… like friendship mechanics extending the length of battles! Why is that a thing???? It’s insufferable…

[@zdude0127]

@@joeyjose727 I didn't mind BDSP. When it was shown to be advertised as a faithful remake of the originals, that is where my expectations were set. Because of this, I wasn't disappointed in the games. Honestly I had a blast playing them. They really aren't as bad as the rest of the internet makes them out to be. They just gave themselves false expectations of the game for some unknown reason.

[@disneyvillainsfan1666]

I like how when battling a Pokémon, the environment stays the same and doesn't turn into a standard flat area, even if said Pokémon is at the bottom of a cliff. It makes the battles feel more realistic.

[@SebbyWest]

My favorite part from battling in previous games was being to sent to the void to fight

[@mparagames]

@@SebbyWest i think the opposite, on the other hand - i feel like not doing a scene transition to the void makes everything seem more... right and natural (and also quicker, since you don't have those battle transitions)

[@Jhay052347968]

"Anakin, I have the high ground" but then your opponent just zooms through the steep slope in just a second to hit you. Its a great experience once you got that kind of situation by accident for the first time.

[@cynanthropy]

@@mparagames i think it was sarcasm

[@stayalivefriend]

My face lit up with a HUGE smile when Arlo said he was loving the game so far. I'm not too far in, but I'm also loving it. Arceus is definitely a great first step in the right direction. Excited for the future of Pokemon games after playing this one.

[@Just_Red_]

I think everyone saying it's a step in the right direction is a bit underselling it, it's a massive leap in the right direction and just needs some polishing

[@enzog1078]

@@Just_Red_ it’s a big step in the right direction, but we need gamefreak to stop being lazy and taking shortcuts. I’m l o v i n g the game, but the amount of doors that don’t open is unacceptable. Typical gamefreak stuff to meet deadlines. Imagine if we got this game in November and they had all that development time to finish what they clearly didn’t have time to.

[@oneofnone7947]

You understand

[@Chrisp_E]

@@enzog1078 that is probably my biggest pet peeve in the game atm. So many buildings and doors that you straight up can’t enter kind of is a bummer.

[@Just_Red_]

@@enzog1078 I just 100% disagree, what you're talking about is pretty standard in video games lol I do have criticisms, but they're mostly things like lack of voice acting, shadows being a little weird sometimes, things like that From a purely game design standpoint I think the game is in a fantastic place to build on in the future and feels pretty modern, most of pokemons archaic design choices have been left in the past, but again the unopenable doors thing isn't an archaic pokemon thing it's just a video games thing, I could list off dozens of games I've played in the last few years that have the same exact thing lol, and I'm talking big budget triple a projects like scarlet nexus or ff7r

[@nicholasyoungblood6403]

I dont know about the rest of you but I think my favorite thing so far is how chill and fun it is actually getting to build the pokedex up from scratch. This is the first pokemon game that gives you a legitimate incentive to Catch Them All. I also love the fact that you don't have to fight pokemon to catch them anymore. With proper positioning, some stealth, and a little bit of luck you can catch any pokemon without battling and I love it. To top it all off, you have manual control of the exact moment your pokemon evolve which is a wonder quality of life improvement along with how your pokemon don't forget their moves anymore and you can switch them out literally whenever. The game obviously isn't perfect but this is a completely new game loop for pokemon and thats what this franchise sorely needed for so long.I also find it kinda cool that this time instead of going against an organization your apart of the organization.

[@Atomic_Dusky]

I can agree with that, like when crossing the river at certain parts of Obsidian Fields, you find higher level pokemon like Luxray, Luxio, Staravia, Drifblim, etc. Even with low level pokemon, buy using stealth, I was able to catch a Drifblim with no need of battling it and with out risk of getting bodied and got alot of exp from it too.

[@SuperRitz44]

Wait, those evolution and move mechanis are real? that's so good!

[@joebot86]

This is the most fun Pokemon I've ever played, I really hope they refine and continue this style. I'm 20 hours in and haven't even left the first area yet

[@xander0901]

I didn't realize that there was zero transition between the battle scene and the overworld. AND you can move around freely during Pokemon battles?! This game looks amazing!

[@themangastand8475]

Yep you can even catch multiple pokemon at once. And don't worry about battling pokemon. Not all pokemon will be able to be caught like that easily and require battle

[@QuackEasy]

I think GF deserves praise for this, because not even dragon quest 11 has this.

[@blakenewall]

Yeah they did a pretty bad job marketing this game, it seems like all the cool stuff nobody knew about. The leaks marketed the game better than any of the trailers ever did lol.

[@ItApproaches]

Moving in battle serves no purpose lol.

[@KingPotatoMatt]

@@ItApproaches yes to doge attack if a Pokémon attack

[@fablejoey3666]

As a long-time "I'm not mad... just disappointed" Pokemon-Lad, honestly this might be the most fun I have EVER had playing a Pokemon game. I'm enjoying just about all of what I've played so far. Liking the changes to combat, loving the open sections, and thinking the music is quite wonderful. Good stuff! 🙌🥂

[@scottysnintendoreviews3510]

The alpha Pokemon are so cool I love sneaking up and catching them

[@scottysnintendoreviews3510]

Also the secondary characters are actually cool not like hob in sword and shield he was so annoying

[@scottysnintendoreviews3510]

And I like how it acknowledges Pokemon are actually dangerous not pets

[@yiangaruga4928]

As a long-time "I'm mad AND disappointed" pokemon fan, I fully agree. There's room for alot improvements for sure but above all the gameplay is super fun

[@sleeping_dragon]

@Just Dope why must you people torment me?

[@diablo55]

I’ve been playing Pokémon since 1st grade, almost 15 years, and this is the first time I am genuinely excited to catch multiple Pokémon of the same species, it feels like I’m exploring a new world where I have no idea what will happen even tho I’ve played Sinnoh literally dozens of times. This is exactly what I imagined Pokemon was like when I was a kid

[@Mike.d.p.]

Objectively its a bad game. The world is stale, all the assets are the same, graphics look like from 2 decades ago, no real online functions. Main story takes about 20hours to complete, which is very little for a game that comes at this price. People are super excited about the new mechanics that allow them to be lazy, like the ev items. IV breeding and EV training are probably the best and most unique things ever in any rpg, so it doesnt make sense to leave this out for a dumbified version of the mechanic. Once there is nothing left to do, which will be soon, ppl will start seeing all its flaws too, hopefully.

[@rattyeely]

@@Mike.d.p. Troll

[@thelegacyofgaming2928]

@@Mike.d.p. This sounds like you didn't actually play the game 😂

[@micabryant4513]

Why is catching the same thing over and over fun?? How is this what you imagined Pokémon like as a kid when it's devoid of everything else that makes a pokemon game....this game is catching only so you imagined a Pokémon world without a league or civilization... Odd. This is a tech demo...

[@thelegacyofgaming2928]

@@micabryant4513 Have you played the game?

[@Necrikus]

In the few hours I've played this game, I've caught more bidoof than I have ever obtained in the decades I've been playing Pokemon games. I don't think I've ever had fun catching and leveling up pokemon that I have zero intent on using long term, but this game pulls it off.

[@nerdletter3773]

Are you saying that you don't intend to use GOD HIMSELF?

[@ichris098]

It's finally having that "Gotta catch'em all!" feeling that all the previous games kinda missed. Let's Go kinda had that feeling in my opinion, but only because catching Pokemon was a little more fun/interacting than before.

[@LinkMountaineer]

You actually liked the Go integration in the Let’s Go games? That was the biggest thing holding it back.

[@cv6531]

That's because that was strictly a north American marketing campaign. It was never really about catching them all, just a nice little bonus.

[@siraaron4462]

I'm with @C V on this one. The "gotta catch 'em all" slogan was never an intended theme for the franchise some sources claim that at one point the slogan was supposed to be "catch 'em if you can" which is much less catchey. (No puNintendo... Sorry) Other than Prof Oak's dream to create a comprehensive catelogue of pokémon species and some rewards for completionism, handed out in the most meta way possible. The franchise has never reinforced pokédex completion as a major objective.

[@NinjaTyler]

@@siraaron4462 it doesn't matter if that was original or not it's what it's known for now they let that catchphrase stick around plus part of the games is completing the Pokedex which means catching all the Pokemon in that game so gameplay reinforces the slogan idea of gotta catch em all. The ONLY reason they don't like the slogan is when they try to pull shit like the embarrassment that was Sword and Shield

[@comeletsav2484]

@@siraaron4462 Bro that pun into second pun was insane.

[@carbon273]

A cool feature I didn’t realize is that you can get double teamed in battles. I was battling a shinx and his buddy decided to join in and made things difficult.

[@Shnarfbird]

Like a refinement of the "call for help" mechanic in the 7th generation games?

[@jaredjenson7100]

If you get unlucky enough you can get up to 4 or 5. It gets kind of scary 🙃

[@solarbell9990]

I finished battling a Buneary and the second the battle ended I got my ass beat by a Golbat 😭😭😭 mf was cheating fr

[@NatsumenoKage]

I've been hit by 5 in a Distortion Rift. My team is Lv 59 - 63, and i nearly got TPKed it is scary cool.

[@samuelwebb2404]

That is a cool feature. Happened to me once so far, but the other Pokémon just did a lot of waiting and watching. Glad that it can make battle actually become hectic. I couldn't figure out how to aim the Poké Ball at different targets in battle, but I'm sure it's obvious and it'll dawn on me next time.

[@TwitterVS]

I stopped playing new pokemon games after X and Y because I was tired of the clunky mechanics and copy/paste gameplay, it felt like the same game was rereleasing every year. So this game is the change to needed to get back into the series. Loving it so far!

[@msu7777]

copy/paste mechanic it will be good, if they add somethink and not scrapped mechanics that is some difficult.

[@zacziggarot]

@@msu7777 yeah that's one of the worst parts about the Pokemon series because they keep adding cool things that people like but then they take them away in the next game. Pokemon could have been so amazing by this point if they would stop taking features and mechanics away

[@ramenbomberdeluxe4958]

@@zacziggarot It could also be amazing if they stopped RUSHING the damn games too. This is the highest grossing media franchise, people, lets go people, lets get our stuff together!

[@ramenbomberdeluxe4958]

Ultimately, the games have become soulless rush jobs that the pigs at the top care little for anymore. They rush them out on the absolute bare basic cheap, and like many a fallen titan of a company, no longer want to just make SOME MONEY anymore, they dont feel satisfied making SOME PROFIT and paying their employees living wages, they have to be disgusting greedy pigs who grab at every penny, foaming out the mouth like the beasts they are if they can't find a way to nickle and dime the fans. So the fact that Pokemon is even DARING to be SLIGHTLY different and SOMEWHAT better is a shocker to me, and I hope this means actual, civilized sense, has come to the company at long last again. But I doubt it...

[@rpgfanatic9719]

@@zacziggarot The only time they ever did that was when the switch released, you sound confused with literally every other Nintendo ip.

[@calvinnguyen1870]

Personally, I think this is the most amount of effort put into any game in the series and it shows. I’m having so much fun. That being said, I would totally understand if anyone were to still not be impressed. Features that this game considers revolutionary like NPCs actually having names and facial expressions, a full 360 degree camera (even in towns, unlike swsh), turn-based combat that has more depth than just rock-paper-scissors, somewhat punishing death mechanics, etc. etc. etc. are a huge breath of fresh air! But it still has a long way to go in order to stand shoulder to shoulder with some of the Switch’s finest. I really really hope “pokemon legends” becomes a series and they continue to actually try and innovate every once in a while… even if “innovate” means “copy breath of the wild.”

[@majamystic256]

maybe we will get "Pokemon Legends: Kyurem" along side the Gen V remakes in like gen 9 or 10

[@slappevaatdoek]

I hope they'll do a legends rayquaza (story about the super ancient pokemon)

[@freezeburn9875]

Pokémon Legends: Zyguarde would be incredibly cool considering how much lore there is surrounding the ancient Pokémon War or the ultimate weapon that was being designed by king AZ

[@Buphido]

@@majamystic256 and it would be in a wild west style, since Unova is inspired by the US. I can already imagine riding across vast plains on the back of a regional Mudsdale! Only problem, Kyurem is not a mythical, in case they planned on focusing the Legends games on mythicals, though I agree that that kyurem would work wonderfully.

[@gribberoni]

@@Buphido holy moly a yeehaw style pokemon legends game... i'm so sold also really wanna see what the Original Dragon looks like

[@chaincat33]

The game is really good. It's definitely rough around the edges, so I'm hoping that they continue with this model of gameplay moving forward and refine the game over the years as we revisit more regions. Johto feels like a good one to revisit next with Celebii or something

[@kamatari1220]

Same! I've been saying that this game is a great first step and I seriously hope they continue the Legends series! The only thing I would change is to make the story segments better. The events if the 3rd area didn't make sense the way they were presented. I wish they would hire a person who specializes in stories because Pokemon has the potential to have an amazing story!

[@dracojoule]

Glad you and everyone else is enjoying it so much, it's nice to have everyone excited about Pokemon again

[@xenophacilus5895]

Everyone except Verlisify... Lol

[@gothickaiju4372]

yeah my bro

[@Vosia71]

@@xenophacilus5895 yeah but I wouldn't even give any heed to what he says. His whole thing seems to be start drama and live off of negativity. Being positive about something is not something he does.

[@minimatt9547]

I don’t have the game yet, but I finally ordered it after hearing this glowing review! One of the main things I’ve been impressed by in watching early gameplay has been just how much “fluff” they’ve managed to get rid of to make the core gameplay experience so much smoother and faster. Little things like displaying leveling up and new moves being learned unobtrusively on the left side of the screen, for the player to respond to when they see fit, instead of Pokémon leveled up! Pokémon wants to learn New Move. However, Pokémon already knows four moves. Should a move be deleted and replaced with New Move? Y/N Select which move to replace. One… Two… and…….. *falls asleep* Seriously though the whole process takes like 30 seconds in every game up until now. There is literally no need for such a slow and painful process for a routine gameplay element. Battles are similarly slow and dull because all the information regarding stat increases, status effects, etc just HAS to be conveyed in a little text box one line at a time, just because that’s how it’s always been. Legends looks like it’s finally starting to tighten up many game systems like this and it looks amazing. If Gen 9 and beyond don’t have these same gameplay improvements, I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to cope.

[@lordoftheabyss44]

It is much nicer that you can swap whatever moves you want in and out as you please. The annoying thing is it still does the "3...2...1... Poof" thing Everytime you switch moves out. I'm not really sure why it's added at all. It's not like you'll never have those moves again.

[@mectainea5575]

I get what you mean like the old move learning system is painfully outdated and that shit was commonplace in almost every ui action in the game. Don’t get me started on how much time that shit kills in battles which ultimately made the 20 minute timer issue in online much worse (god help you or your opponent if grassy terrain and sandstorm/hail is up as thats the old systems fluff at its worst).

[@FalconOfStorms]

I always liked those big-deal level up screens! I just wish the core games were harder.

[@turntsnaco824]

You make a really good point, the franchise has been bloated with things like that which are literally relics from its past, design choices made because that is what worked on a GameBoy with limited space for any sort of UI or text, there wasn't really a HUD on Gameboy, just little text boxes, and typing it all out like that with a little countdown was cute and gave the games personality and flavor, which for a Game Boy game is important since the graphics aren't usually what is captivating someone. But we're not on the Game Boy anymore. We haven't been for such a long time. Even if there are people who truly don't enjoy this game or its gameplay loop, which I'm sure there are, I hope that some of them can at least see that it's the little improvements like this that are important to the franchise, that need to stay relevant going forward, regardless of what type of Pokemon game Gamefreak gives us next.

[@minimatt9547]

@@lordoftheabyss44 that’s unfortunate. Oh well, not a big deal obviously, but I guess Pokémon will still be Pokémon.

[@calli5721]

I also like the fact that in the battles the pokemon hit a lot harder so you're actually forced to switch your pokemon in-and-out and like Arlo said you're not steamrolling everything

[@finalpenguin6900]

I love how each move has an animation that's not just the extremely basic stuff like whenever hyper beam is used it feels so powerful

[@paperip1996]

The first time I had hyper beam used on me by an Alpha, it KO'd my Snorlax from green health. THAT is how bosses and ultimate moves should work; it's really effective in actually making high level enemies feel threatening and making me feel like, "oh, maybe I should have brought a Steel type..."

[@cameranneumann7930]

I caught an alpha kricketune that knew hyperbeam and I literally felt like a god

[@ohhryann]

Lol the first time I saw hyper beam was the alpha Floatzel. I tried to battle it for some XP and it used hyper beam first turn and one hit my Luxio. I took off running to fast. Gg. No thanks.

[@emilywolf9578]

I also like how the Pokemon animations in general seem better! They don't rotate, they turn around! They watch you! It's so nice.

[@NovaMaster375]

First time I saw Hyper Beam, an Alpha used it on ME. I was running for my life, mentally yelling "Dude! Chill! CHILL!!"

[@wilbert3799]

When he said he loved it I sighed of relief so hard, I was originally gonna wait until his video came out to decide whether or not to order it (yes I’m one of those people) but decided to order anyways it a few hours ago. I’m very glad that people like this game, I’ve waited so long to try to get into a somewhat mainline Pokémon game and now finally seems like a game I’ll have fun with Edit: had the game for 2 months now and I beat it and loved it so much, I would DEFINITELY recommend it

[@wilbert3799]

@Just Dope shoo shoo go away

[@Yipper64]

same here, ive been feeling lukewarm on pokemon for a while now. Ever since X and Y ive had a hard time actually finishing the games as they get boring really quick. This sounds like it at least has a gameplay loop to keep my attention until its over.

[@matthewmuir8884]

I've been waiting for reviews/first impressions as well, though part of it is that I'm currently in the middle of my first playthrough of Metroid Prime 3 and I want to finish that first.

[@clocked0]

It's the most fun I've had with a Pokemon game since Gen 5! Huge step in the right direction and this type of experimentation should be supported, IMO (As someone who boycotted Sword/Shield)

[@McCloud04]

@Just Dope No one cares, stop spamming that shit.

[@FriendlyDM2]

I know everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but... I LOVE hearing Arlo be excited about Pokémon! For some reason, it means a lot to me that someone I enjoy watching and following really likes something I like too!

[@hommemystere1671]

Me: "Oh look, Arlo uploaded a Legends Arceus review. He has good Pokemon takes, I might buy it if he likes it." Arlo: "You're weird"

[@461weavile]

Honestly, every opinion Arlo shares, I already agree with. It can be a Pokemon video, a Metroid video, or a Metal Gear video, but somehow I've already had rhat opinion.

[@_-Lx-_]

@@461weavile That's... *extremely* unhealthy to say the least. Consider Arlo's takes but form your own opinion, what you say you're doing is plain creepy.

[@461weavile]

@@_-Lx-_ you might need to reread my comment. It seems like you think I'm collecting Arlo's opinions and pretending they're my own.

[@courtney7681]

@@_-Lx-_ he didn't say he changes his opinion to arlos. Just that he and Arlo are quite alike because he finds himself agreeing with most things he says. That's not weird. Most people have a friend or someone like that irl.

[@JackgarPrime]

This feels like fulfilling the dream concept of Pokemon from back in the day that they probably would have made if the tech was viable at the time.

[@RandyCarpenter90]

I love how when I roll up on an alpha Pokémon and I’m not prepared I actually feel dread. I feel like how I would feel if I were actually in that position. The gameplay really does save the graphics.

[@dayvonlouis5187]

Refreshing isn’t it actual difficulty in a Pokémon game that isn’t a cheating npc’s in a battle tower

[@SebbyWest]

And getting strong enough to go back and face the alpha that gave you trouble is incredibly satisfying

[@slimjesus9872]

I’m loving it as well, only downsides are that it could really use voice acting and the graphics just aren’t to par with other big switch games (artstyle is very good though, sucks the graphics struggle).

[@DINKLEBERG12]

The graphics are fine considering that it had to be optimized for the switch even breath of the wild had alot of frame drops

[@ryanc3609]

At least having grunts would’ve been nice for this game

[@slimjesus9872]

@@DINKLEBERG12 Honestly the frame rate has been completely steady for me. It’s just more how there’s like no anti-aliasing so everything has very rough pixelated borders and botw has better rendering techniques (trees don’t just pop in, they’ll go from like 2D sprites to low poly to regular high poly models when you get closer for example, so trees and such don’t just pop in when you get close).

[@DINKLEBERG12]

Something like adding reflections can ruin the performance alot this is why we need a Switch pro!!!

[@ryanc3609]

@@DINKLEBERG12 better hardware won’t stop GF’s laziness

[@JacobPDeIiNoNi]

This game is a massive step in the right direction. I think there are still some things to be worked out (primarily the visuals, and in a game where you're exploring a lot visuals matter especially because you're focused on looking around at where you're headed) but lots of the new additions, reworks, etc are just good. One in particular I like is new battle animations, pokemon like Luxray look much more lively in battle and lots of moves now have much better looking animations.

[@ItApproaches]

Massive misstep *

[@eu.stacio]

@@ItApproaches yeah Ok bud, you keep having the same thing for the past 20 years

[@saltqueen533]

@@ItApproaches I have no idea what your talking about "misstep" clearly they said "step".

[@turntsnaco824]

The moves look AMAZING, probably the best attack animations we've EVER gotten, and that's saying something because BDSP's combat was sleek as heck.

[@BigMuskachini]

@@eu.stacio if i want to play an open world game there are 5000000 other ones t hat are better. This is not a good game from a technical standpoint, so tired of ppl giving gamefreak slack for this absolute disgusting looking game

[@KipKrusty]

Gen X gamer here who missed Pokémon as part of my childhood. I’ve never really had a game in the series that hooked me, but Arceus has. Terrific gameplay and it really feels like an evolution of the series. The graphical issues don’t bother me because the gameplay loop is so engaging.

[@denzelcanvas5223]

i’m just curious how do you play with such TERRIBLE graphics? i’m a Pc/ps4 gamer btw

[@McCaroni_Sup]

@@denzelcanvas5223 I do agree that the graphics of this game are subpar especially compared to other Switch titles such as Astral Chain, BOTW, DQXI, Witcher III, SMT V, Atelier Ryza 1/2, Blue Reflection: Second Light, Octopath Traveler, MHR, and many others. However, I'd say it's more an issue of art direction than it is graphics, but I digress. Either way, it's truly inexcusable from a billion dollar IP in 2022. However, if the gameplay is fun or the story is engaging enough, most reasonable gamers can ignore the graphics. For example, I can play N64 and PS1 games easily despite the horribly aged graphics because they're just fun. Likewise, the Trails series is one of my favorites of all time despite their relatively poor graphics and low budgets simply because it has some of the greatest worldbuilding in gaming if not media in general. Graphics do not equal fun. A good example of this is when I first played Uncharted 4, I was absolutely amazed by the graphics. But I quickly forgot about them and got bored almost immediately. Meanwhile, Metroid Dread isn't a particularly graphically impressive game, and yet it feels so much fun. The takeaway from all this? FEEL matters much more than LOOKS. Nintendo has always understood this, hence why Nintendo exclusives are seen by many to be more fun than PlayStation ones. After all, we're here to have fun, not gawk at a bunch of photorealistic grass. Thank you for coming to my TED Talk.

[@aboredprophet8128]

@@denzelcanvas5223 Unless graphics actively give players a headache or something, good gameplay is 99% of what makes a game enjoyable. The graphics are better than every other pokemon game, and aren't so bad I feel like i'm on PS2, so the gameplay makes it playable.

[@myworld4257]

@@denzelcanvas5223 who cares about graphics

[@vanderan]

I’ve been seeing a lot of praise for this game from a lot of people that have been known to critique Pokémon, and, well, you were the last guy, and the guy I knew had similar opinions to me. Throughout the past few days, I’ve been thinking nonstop of whether I should get it, I mean, sure, I’ve been pondering it ever since its initial reveal, but now it’s been excessively so. It’s hard to process that after all this time, they’ve made a game that has earned mostly positive outlooks. Probably going to buy it tomorrow after work.

[@gbdeck200]

No it's mid Lot of ideas but execution much to be desired Best to wait or play monster collector alternatives

[@raabm5292]

It’s fun man

[@Drake00000010]

its honey moon dude. People said the same about sword and shield.

[@lordtyroxx]

@@Drake00000010 I played through and beat sword and shield over a weekend because I felt "obligated". I'm playing this game because I'm finding it more fun than every other game I have the option of playing at the moment. I just got done beating Shadow of Mordor and this gameplay loop is surprisingly similar. Run out> try to get in over your head> back off and regroup>repeat.

[@MechTechGunna]

When in doubt use Heavy Balls. I’ve honestly had better luck catching stuff with them over Ultra Balls for certain mons lol.

[@johnnyboyya734]

This game is a HUGE step in the right direction. After playing this I can’t go back to playing a traditional Pokémon game ever(ok not ever)! Throwing my Pokémon out and catching manually is too fun. I can’t go back to just running in grass and long battle encounters!

[@ItApproaches]

Strongly disagree. I'm the opposite. I prefer the original style. Then again I hate BOTW and Zelda is my favorite game franchise.

[@johnnyboyya734]

@@ItApproaches understandable. Me personally, after playing years of the same style of Pokémon, then them giving us this! I can’t go back without sighing. I will always cherish pokemon for what it was but I feel it needs to head in this new direction. It started to feel stale around sun and moon.

[@vjbd2757]

Not a HUGE step in the right direction. The visuals are still ass.

[@vla1ne]

@@vjbd2757 the overall style is excellent though. I've made my peace with the fact that gamefreak can't make a steady 30fps to save their lives, but rating it on how it all flows together, this game is easily the best thing they have done in a very long while.

[@TheAlibabatree]

@@ItApproaches Both series (Pokémon and Zelda) released games of the same formula for decades. Its time for a change.

[@FFGAir]

I love this game. 15 hours in and I can say that for me. This is the best pokemon game. I dont ever want to go back to the old style. By far the best pokemon on switch

[@chadrasmussen1154]

It really is this is the best pokemon game I've ever played

[@poliwb1]

i love this game, and i dont think i can ever go back to the "usual" pokemon games ever. i sure hope they incorporate at least some of this mechanics to GEN 9 or at least, make this a series by itself.

[@christianshark6678]

I love classic Pokémon, but honestly? I love this gameplay style SO MUCH more. This plus gyms, league, & new Pokémon would be an ideal Gen 9 for me.

[@nickgennady]

Being back actual status effects and abilities as well.

[@RuuyG]

I wouldn't mind if gyms never came back. This game is directed by Iwao, and has Ohmori as one of the producers, they were the directors of USUM and SM respectively, so, both of them are known for not being big fans of gyms. I always felt like gyms were a mediocre and lazy challenge, if anything the whole Pokémon league should be a side quest, I would really like a Pokémon game were the story focuses on the box legendaries, and IF you want to, you can do the League challenge, or just stay at home at your mom and using Pokémon to run a farm, I think a farming simulator section would be huge for Pokémon fans, especially the more casual.

[@Junya01]

@@nickgennady you want freeze and sleep over frostbite and drowsy? As a comp player no thanks 💀💀

[@rpgfanatic9719]

I'm indifferent. I'm only enjoying it because it's new. I feel like this clearly was made for people who want a big world and catching Pokemon to be a sole focus. For me catching Pokemon and exploring was definitely a big part of it but it was still more than that. Pokemon had depth, both mechanical and through interacting with Pokemon and other activities, generally just more things to do. This game needs a battle tower, Pokemon Amie function, and good mini games.

[@UltraBall23]

@@RuuyG Ohmori and Iwao directed SwSh…which is only about gyms, lol.

[@loganc.2824]

As someone who has been playing Pokemon for over 10 years, this is the funnest time I’ve had playing Pokemon in a LONG time. Before, I would play new Pokemon games because well…They were Pokemon games and I like Pokemon. However, this is the first Pokemon game since Gen 5 where I’m playing the game, not because it’s a Pokemon game, but because it’s GOOD. I love it.

[@ciaranpatrick6859]

After some stuff got revealed/leaked I was worried, but after playing for several hours I’m loving it. Very refreshing for a Pokémon game.

[@Yusei255]

@Just Dope no one cares about your crap so take it elsewhere.

[@jeffboy4231]

I never was the biggest pokemon fan, bit i always thought it had big potential, and i think we really made a big step with this game. So many things done right, and the few bad things are things they can easily fix/make better in either updates/dlc or a next game. It really is nice that so many things are done right but one thing that really not many people talk about how like there's now only one game instead of two

[@AmatMiguel]

Yeah, the idea that two games need to exist nowadays is so dumb since most people trade pokemon online now. I get why it was a marketing strategy back in the day, but now if you really want the version exclusives you didn't have, you could just get them anyway

[@faustein5570]

I don't think they've ever done two games for non-mainline games though, right? I see Legends as closer to Pokemon XD or Coliseum than to a new mainline game since it's not a new generation.

[@Nekrozmik]

​@@faustein5570 I remember they did the two game formula for a lot of the mystery dungeon titles, actually. But I guess you're moreso talking about the more mainline-style non-mainline titles (ik, oxymoron, bad way to describe them but the only way i know how) which I guess, fair enough.

[@netweed09]

Well put. 👍

[@isidoreaerys8745]

Yes! The two games system was scammy!

[@froggofood2307]

Wait! I’ve never seen Arlo trending! IM SO HAPPY FOR DA BLUE BOI! HES GETTING BIGGER AND I LOVE IT!

[@Aerma]

This is the first time a Pokémon game has felt magical in so, so long. I'm absolutely loving this. I really, really hope this game outsells SwSh by a long shot to show Ninendo that we want more big open games like this, and especially to show the Pokémon Company that making innovative games that aren't rushed will make them a lot more money than by making the same game for the billionth time.

[@monkeytails1437]

My favorite feature in this game is “unawares” it’s so much fun to sneak up on alpha Pokémon and just normal Pokémon

[@UltimaKeyMaster]

The hilarious reactions they have to being smacked in the back is incentive enough to pelt the hell out of them with their back turned.

[@_-Lx-_]

I jumped on the Alpha Alakazam and threw my Poke mid air to initiate the battle, felt absolutely bad@$$.

[@Superluigi881]

That sound when the ball hits them off the head. So satisfying.

[@spacelizbian]

I've gotten through the main story (or at least I've seen the credits roll, there's still a LOT to do fortunately) and I've really loved it. There's been jank, sure, but it's been a great experience so far! Lots to explore and seeing new pokemon and figuring out how to catch them has stayed fun the whole time.

[@MarioSonic46]

That's what I've been begging for lately. MORE STUFF TO DO after the main portion. I'm glad Game Freak remembered that post game content is important to have.

[@AceHufflepuff]

Small detail, but I love that you wipe your brow after a battle. Like this shit's intense now so I GET why they'd add that animation. I also love that EVERYONE AND THEIR MOTHER freaked tf out over the Arc Phone being the Pokedex, AND SURPRISE the Pokedex is just....a notebook. Love it.

[@trafficcone7344]

Same! I’ve caught myself doing the same thing as my character after a few close calls 😂

[@KuchiKopi179]

I am genuinely having fun with the catching and combat mechanic. Also the need to dodge is cool as well, just wish the ground texture, distance rendering and colours weren't so bad/ washed out looking 🤷‍♂️ ALSO, also, I got my very first shiny in all the years I have played pokemon, was just wandering around the Rhyhorn area with the ruins and stuff and saw a different coloured Rhyhorn, I was amazed to find it was a SHINY, managed to catch it 🥰

[@an8790]

I honestly just think they could have done something better with the render distance, they could have utilized distance fogs of different variety a lot more, or some different technique to obscure the layer the furthest back in the best way. I also think the ground coverage and rocks often look shitty because you get so close up to them, clothing as well. I don't think the colors are washed out, however. To me it looks more rustic and old, to have the grass me bright green and the sky a soft blue is just every route in the Kanto region.

[@MrRoseoffire]

@@an8790 the water and mud look like pudin tho.

[@biggmarro]

@@an8790 The fog is exactly the same thing I was thinking. It's the reason why BOTW is able to manage looking so polished, it obscures what it does not want you to see. The lack of fog just makes the poorly textured environment and frequent pop in more egregious.

[@Tribdinosaur]

This is the closest a reviewer on youtube has matched to my exact feelings on the game. The emphasis on the ~Flow~ and how the game /Feels/ and does feel like you're in this Pokemon world; I love it

[@uiopy1]

Absolutely! I have some minor gripes here and there and obviously the graphics are nothing to write home about but honestly who cares about graphics when you have a satisfying gameplay loop and who cares about minor gripes when I can’t stop playing the damn thing. This is the closest, for me, that Pokémon has ever gotten to truly living up to “Gotta catch ‘em all!” You actually WANT to fill out the Pokédex for once, battling and running into Pokémon isn’t a chore like it was in previous games, everything is designed to make you feel like you’re really living in this world and not playing the same old step by step formula RPG.

[@FlowUrbanFlow]

My best friend told me he was sure he wouldn't like it (mind you, he LOVED Galar and Breath of the Wild) because he watched videos of it. I told him he should try it before he says he's sure, and it ended up becoming a dumb internet-type argument

[@sarahsweetblood]

Does anyone else keep thinking "Who's in the tall grass now bitch"? when you're trying to catch a pokemon while you're in the tall grass? Potential spoilers ahead: I'm having so much fun with this game, and little things just keep surprising me like the fall damage, and one time I accidentally stepped into the river and at first, I thought I was going to be able to swim but the character drowned and it was just so weird to drown in a Pokemon game that I just sat there laughing. Also, I've never had more fun catching the same Pokemon before, in any other Pokemon game I would avoid low-level pokemon at all cost after I caught one but now I'm actively trying to catch them. I really hope Gamefreak doesn't go back to the old style and they keep making improvements on this new style.

[@Buphido]

Oh wow that’s true! xD This game completely flipped the purpose of tall grass on its head!

[@faselwesen]

ohgod, first of all, i love your water-drowning story [a omment that would look really bad out of context], eventhoough i am a tiny bit sad that i won't accidentally do this when i get to play the game (hopefully soon). but the second part must be the best comment on youtube ever. i laughed sooo hard; maybe as much as you after you drowned ;)

[@ImPersonNation]

@@Buphido "Look at me! I am the encounter now!" -MandJTV

[@ImPersonNation]

Unfortunately of the "hope Gamefreak doesn't go back", they will, because this is a side game. If it is successful however, who knows if we'll get a second legends game.

[@sarahsweetblood]

@@faselwesen I'm so sorry! I didn't think of that as a spoiler. I've edited my comment so that that part is on the bottom and has a spoiler warning.

[@UmbraVolpes]

This game makes me feel like I did on launch day for Pokemon white. And that is an excessively good thing

[@DanielLoveMetallica]

Gen 5 didn't even make me feel excited as I am playing Pokemon Legends Arceus.

[@UmbraVolpes]

@@DanielLoveMetallica I can understand that. To me the start of G5 felt like a restart of pokemon. Just like PL:A does here.

[@QwixLF]

I've seen the credits, and about halfway to completing the dex. This game's story is the best it's been since gen 5, the little details surrounding animation is a huge leap above anything GF has done in the last 10 years. Something finally clicked here. And the general level of difficulty is reasonably high coming from a large overhaul concerning stat calculation and the action speed factor of the battle system. The number of moves is much smaller and have new technicalities; flinching and confusion effects do not exist, some moves now have perfect accuracy when they didn't before. Frozen as a status is replaced by frostbite and it works like burn for special attacks. Neat inspired little changes. Shoutout to Giratina's Shadow Force animation being super cool, plus the set of whole story sequences surrounding the creation trio.

[@shinysteve5948]

„Reasonably difficult“ Laughs in improved Cynthia battle followed by a Dual-fight with Satan himself

[@porterwayman8643]

I have a question, is the story mostly you go do something, corporate wants to talk, you go back and they tell you what to do, and then you go back out again with sprinklings of God stuff towards the end? Im 2 hours in, and right now it feels a bit forced. Does that change?

[@jamesblue41]

This feels like an actual evolution to the gameplay of the mainline pokemon games. If they could improve what they have here then we could have a gem on our hands in the future. It feels so strange to still move your character during battle, I can see so much potential for this type of gameplay in the future if the pokemon company sticks to this style.

[@BigRoyBad]

Do you genuinely think this style has depth? Because the classic gameplay had it, it just isn't necessary in single player.

[@funguslord8202]

@@BigRoyBad Back in the days of Pokémon stadium and the battle frontier it was necessary.

[@JeremyMotifs]

I’m loving this game after how stagnant Pokemon’s switch releases have been so far. Oddly enough, I find this game’s Pokedex system (doing more than just catching them once, encouraging repeat encounters, catching Pokemon in unique behaviors) to be very reminiscent of New Pokemon Snap of all things. Then the game has a slight touch of Mystery Dungeon with the lost satchel system

[@danih.5675]

I also get some Pokémon go inspiration as well, like razz berries helping catch Pokémon now, the constant reliance on potions and revives, benefits for releasing Pokémon rather than guilt, and a genuine motivation to explore the world

[@yizzardpalmero]

There have also been slight musical nods to Mystery Dungeon in the soundtrack I believe. There was one part where I heard the first few notes of Dialga's Fight to the Finish and I was very happy.

[@kaasiand]

it's also given me a ton of Pokémon Rumble vibes with the way Pokémon are scattered about, sometimes with an alpha counterpart or evolution nearby just like the larger pokémon and bosses in Rumble, and with shinies being found in the exact same way

[@danih.5675]

@@kaasiand god I miss rumble

[@kaasiand]

@@danih.5675 sameee, wish they ever made a game like the first two again it’s a shame rumble blast (or super pokémon rumble, whatever) didn’t feature shinies tbh; if it did it would’ve been the perfect game for me, considering it also hit me with nostalgia with all the reused music and sound effects from the first game

[@jayonnaise6105]

It's lovely to have such a refreshing & different Pokemon game, but also to hear Arlo having a fun time with it

[@techyaki9971]

it's crazy how much time I've spent into exploring just the first area, a good 6 hours was in before i even get wyrrdeer, can't wait to explore more of the game

[@MDGamestation]

First time seeing Arlo finally enjoying a Pokemon game. I am loving the game, and so far and I hope this is the concept and direction future Pokemon games will go

[@maximumoverdrive2676]

I hope everything is ok Arlo. Usually we would’ve heard something about the direct by now and I remember seeing that video about the state you’re in and it’s been a while since you uploaded. Hope everything is alright, take a break if you need one. We all love seeing you talk Nintendo but I’m sure everyone would be even happier knowing you’re doing what’s best for you.

[@neocrimsoncloud]

I love this game. It hasn't felt this magical to me since I was a kid playing Silver. I am so happy you're loving it too! You're my favorite youtuber when you're excited about a game. Please do a full review when you're ready!

[@DeepThought420]

Who would've thought that a blue puppet could articulate our feelings so well!

[@bern9642]

The lack of towns is an issue for me. I like how each town seem to have it's own theme/building styles.

[@supersmashbro596]

given how this is a distant prequel where sinnoh wasn't even called sinnoh yet, i can forgive there being only one human settlemant. plus jubilife becomes the largest city in dp.

[@kappapond]

@@supersmashbro596 Makes perfect sense To add on, assuming we get Legends Kyurem/Victini, itd make more sense to do more settlements there in the form of colonies

[@oyeh8908]

​@@supersmashbro596 I read somewhere that Jubilife Village is what eventually becomes Canalave City. It's on the easternmost part of the Hisui map.

[@magbanuamik_]

@@oyeh8908 jubilife village became both jubilife city and canalave city

[@violet-trash]

Yeah, but then it's a side game with a smaller budget. It's selling faster than SWSH though, so hopefully the next main series pokemon games will follow this formula.

[@anemoneyas]

The way they added the ability to more directly see and impact turn order like Final Fantasy X or the Atelier series is such a great change that's long overdue in this franchise. Really loving this game so far.

[@lukepietz7145]

I was amazed to see such a big twist as multiple turns and attack styles. They finally took a risk by changing things, and I love it!

[@obits3]

After around 10 hours of play, I’ve only made it past the second boss/ride Pokémon. Found out I could get Eevee in the tutorial zone and just spent several hours getting 12 Eevee and a Shiny Onix.

[@apersonwhomayormaynotexist9868]

Omg I saw one eevee on one of my first times in the first zone, and I couldnt catch it, and I've been looking ever since and never found one

[@obits3]

@@apersonwhomayormaynotexist9868 They disappear fast, so you need a keen eye. Once you see one, save and use berries to distract it.

[@Crybaby-Media]

I’m loving the game. I was like almost relieved in a weird way when you said you’re loving it . I’m glad everyone is enjoying this game as much as I am, hopefully that means we get more and even better

[@thepokemonqueen]

I absolutely ADORE this game, I'm having the time of my life and it's been a welcome distraction from my wisdom tooth removal a few days ago lol. the changes to combat add more strategy, the alpha Pokémon provide a good challenge and the frenzied pokemon make you think as to how to dodge them & calm them down. the hisuian forms are *brilliant*, I'm so glad I avoided the majority of the leaks. also THE SOUND DESIGN AND MUSIC AAAAAA

[@NZFor3]

Lmao I was also playing Pokémon when I got my wisdom teeth out

[@lamegamertime]

Seems lots of old Nintendo series have been going in the right direction out of the blue, and doing great because of it. Metroid producing a great game that follows the formula, Pokemon changing the dull formula it's been using for years, and Kirby finally going 3d for a fully fledged game

[@panampace]

Dread, smash ultimate, botw, odyssey, Nintendo has really been knocking it out of the park with their main games in the switch era

[@DontTakeThisSeriously616]

I hope this trend continues with the new Sonic and possibly Donkey Kong eventually getting a new 3D game like rumors have suggested in the past.

[@extremelyboredtatsumaki.495]

I hope one day we get a game like this set in more modern times in Unova. Gen 5 has always been my favourite.

[@ThePokestopPapi]

Absolutely adore Gen 5. Unova is my favorite right behind Hoenn.

[@auqustfire]

Unova in 3D is gonna be so incredibly amazing

[@namesaretuff]

What shocked me is that you can actually move in battles and actually get knocked back by Pokémon moves. The attention to detail in this game is amazing!

[@CaptainTitforce]

That's like the most basic thing you can ask in a real time 3D game tho.

[@Kaeporo]

@@CaptainTitforce Pokemon fans are starved for modern game mechanics.

[@twincherries6698]

No wonder the reception to this is so positive

[@iced_latteZ]

I love how snappy it feels too. Like having the ability to do quick succession of actions really adds to the immersion.

[@StephenTYS]

This was my favorite. I've grown to be a very impatient gamer and this game is the anti-animal crossing (as much as I love animal crossing). It makes grinding not a chore and that I feel was absolutely key in making this game work. And they streamlined it in SO many ways.

[@fivestringpat]

I'm glad Arlo is having fun

[@Zettabit7]

I figured I would end up getting this game eventually, but it's reassuring to hear that Arlo is liking it. Looking forward to the full review.

[@youtubeenjoyer1399]

Im a fan of this game so far.. but it could have absolutely used like 3-4 more months of polishing to be perfect. I also wish it wasnt just 1 central village.. going out with the intent of catching every pokemon u can find and bumping into alphas is a different vibe than bumping into cool pokemon and maybe a dangerous one on your way between villages on a different quest.

[@turntsnaco824]

I agree that despite feeling finished, which I was worried it wouldn't, it doesn't feel polished in some places, especially the graphics, and I wish gamefreak was willing to take a little bit more of an "it's done when it's done" approach, instead of setting a date and releasing it no matter what. They announced the game a year ago and it looked like they had barely even started, and a year doesn't even seem like that long, but you have to figure they probably finished a month or two ago, because they had to do all of the wrap-up work, print it, and ship it. Considering they spent less than a year on it after what looked like a prototype, it's impressive work, but when you put it next to a game like breath of the wild that Nintendo spent I think 5 to 7 years on or something like that, it makes games like this feel like a missed opportunity almost. This game will forever be only just this good. When a game is released, that's it, that's the game for the rest of time. And I wish gamefreak would spend a little more time on games to deliver some amazing products, because honestly what's good about this game is good enough that I'm convinced they can make good games if they really try - so I want to see them not only try, but take as long as they need to to deliver something truly magnificent, and not just, "Yeah, it's pretty good, but it feels like it needed more time in the oven." The franchise has been bogged down by a lot of controversial design decisions for a long time, and it seems like they are working past that, but that's only part of the problem.

[@sechabatheletsane9784]

It's a copy of the monster hunter formula. That's why.

[@guyfierimtwi]

Hey, nintendo/gamefreak knew it was enough to fool us into buying it.

[@Shnarfbird]

One minor thing I don't like is that the pokemon aren't scaled plausibly... Why was that Crobat so huge?

[@youtubeenjoyer1399]

@@Shnarfbird i hadn’t noticed this yet, but ur right in the case or crobat (except for when its alphas lol). This game would benefit greatly from a patch

[@austenlangford]

Wasn't even gonna look at the game until arlo said it was good. That guy really does have a lot of power.

[@deltalord6969]

The graphics are still something to be worked on and the frame rate can be kinda iffy at times but overall its a fun game and finally a step in the right direction for pokemon. Now maybe they can get some voice acting in there so the npcs are awkwardly waving their hands for no reason.

[@mochoman312games2]

i like the graphics and the artstyle its cool also graphics aren't the be all end all like Skyrim is still fun but it doesn't look as good and dont most rpgs not have voice acting i did hate the grunts they were so annoying whith other game they like half ass the voices its dumb

[@slappevaatdoek]

Framerate feels better at a higher sensitivity

[@DeepThought420]

Been waiting all day for this!

[@antonlumijoki1809]

I agree 100%. It just FEELS like you are a person lost in a Pokemon world and loving every moment of it. My favourite Pokemon game ever so far!

[@johnleonard9102]

Arlo is one of my most trusted sources when it comes to reviews and opinions. I know he's a Nintendo fan, but he's never been afraid to criticize them when they're not keeping the standard of excellence. I also love how you don't use any crude language or jokes. Love you Arlo. Keep up the good work.

[@Furluge]

Yeah I've been watching streams of this and it does look good. The lack of polish really does show in the world's graphics and some of the music. Like the town music is like three notes on repeat. I just don't know what it is that the TPC doesn't think their games deserve polish. They're always cutting lots of corners and it just becomes so obvious and detracts from the experience. But at least here they've got a lot new and innovative going on that it's harder to notice the corner cutting.

[@LinkMountaineer]

I’d like you to go back and check out Zelda: Breath of the Wild if you haven’t already. Music with subtlety adds a little thing called ambience. Breath of the Wild was hugely successful. Was that an unpolished game as well? Of course it wasn’t! This has equal polish.

[@jacksonnintendo3ds]

@@LinkMountaineer You are quite delusional if you believe PLA has anywhere near as much polish as BOTW.

[@LinkMountaineer]

@@jacksonnintendo3ds You’re the one who’s delusional. Look at how similar the art styles are.

[@jacksonnintendo3ds]

@@LinkMountaineer I already have. In terms of graphical fidelity and technical polish, PLA is lacking in comparison to BOTW.

[@Doomweapon66]

@@LinkMountaineer Similar art styles =/= same level of polish. Plus, Nintendo tends to take their time with Legend of Zelda more so than with Pokemon (granted, Nintendo doesn’t necessarily “rush” Pokemon games but, they seem to try to put out Pokemon games more than with Legend of Zelda).

[@jeremybrooks766]

Can’t wait too see a full review of the game from ya.

[@KobeLoverTatum]

I LOVE this game, I just wish opponents didn’t almost ALWAYS have only a single pokémon. I get it’s not about battling, but THEY decided to place battles in at certain points so why am I facing an opponent with a level 40 pokémon and nothing along side it. Why are there random wild pokémon that team up with my opponents and make it a 2 on 1 or 3 on 1 instead of giving them just a few more pokémon on their team. Just a missed opportunity because the characters look so cool but i know they only have a single pokémon and to me that makes them stupid..

[@Jasonwolf1495]

later they start doing multi trainer vs your 1.

[@KobeLoverTatum]

@@Jasonwolf1495 I finished the main story and that only happened once with those bandits, every other time your pokémon were healed in between. There are 3 trainers with 3-4 pokémon at the training grounds in the village, and I unlocked a few more trainers after beating the game but haven’t challenged them yet, but still it’s disappointing that I beat the game and a majority of trainers only had 1-2 pokémon.

[@KobeLoverTatum]

@@HighLevelTeenPony Exactly. To be completely honest I wasn’t expecting trainer battles to be hard at all, I was expecting it to be easy and it was even easier then that, it completely made sense most trainers only had 1-2 pokémon at the BEGINNING of the game when really no one was comfortable around pokémon and had a bond, they didn’t know pokemon, but by the time you’re showing everyone what that bond can accomplish I expected more pokémon to be added to each team but when you got to wardens, the bandits, and future rematches with Rei/Akari NOTHING changes, you don’t even go up against fully evolved pokémon when they’re capable of evolving (and before you think they might not know how to evolve - they evolved rhyhorn into rhydon but not into rhyperior). They dropped the ball majority with battles. The entire point of catching and training is to BATTLE. It doesn’t have to be the be all end all of the game but it does play a major roll and shouldn’t have been handled this way. Just added 2-3 pokémon to each team, evolving pokémon, and not using moves like rest or roost on the very first turn of the battle before youve even taken a turn fixes all of this.

[@VictorGonzalez-vj6jy]

@@HighLevelTeenPony because people aren’t that familiar with catching Pokémon, let alone training them.

[@KobeLoverTatum]

@@VictorGonzalez-vj6jy You train a Pokémon by doing its research tasks, it literally tells you to use specific moves, use specific styles, it’s attempting to teach you it just fails at giving you any tests what so ever.

[@Spika94]

I can definitely agree the graphics are not distracting, like at all. I have played for 10 hours or so, and the graphics never bothered me in the slightest. I am just having so much fun.

[@michaelmyersplays4992]

But graphics should be better

[@CabinetGremlin]

@@michaelmyersplays4992 I see the “But The Graphics Should Be Better” argument everywhere, but I’ve never seen someone explain why. They still look fine most of the time, and never actually distract from the gameplay experience. We’re here for a Pokemon game, not the Mona Lisa.

[@michaelmyersplays4992]

@@CabinetGremlin bro it gets a pass because it’s Pokémon You’re the problem

[@felixisdying2974]

@@CabinetGremlin The game just looks half baked. Yeah, it doesn’t make the game bad, but it’s kind of an indicator that it should’ve had more time for polish.

[@CabinetGremlin]

@@michaelmyersplays4992 it doesn’t get a pass specifically because it’s pokemon, it gets a pass because no one important actually cares about graphics in games like this that are more focused on fun than art no one is “part of the problem” because there isn’t one. its a good game

[@Obi-Wan_Kenobi]

I have been waiting for this review. Out of all the Pokemon KZbinrs, Arlo is the only one I truly trust. I haven't seen the video yet, but this is a make or break. If Arlo thinks the game is worth it, I'm buying it. If he doesn't, I won't. I wait with baited breath. Edit: Looks like I'm getting it. But now I feel bad because I hadn't seen the intro yet and I'm that exact person Arlo was talking about!

[@damonalfero3125]

Caught my first ever shiny, and then caught a pichu which I cant find any more of, and I just caught the flying gyarados. I'm loving this game so much. It's a breath of fresh air, and bringing back the joy I felt when I first played the games years ago. That joy and wonder had kinda died, but this game has brought it back. I'm catching mons left and right. It's very good.

[@svogel6459]

The flying Gyarados is so fucking cool??? When I saw it for the first time I just stopped and stared at it for like 2 minutes lol

[@atwitchyferret]

I'm having a good time. I just think that if they slapped this system in a main line game with abilities and held items it would be great. I think the catch a lot for the pokedex and release for bonuses to stats is a nice gameplay loop to incentivise people to actually catch more pokemon. I think this game has great bones for the continuation of the series. It is a breath of fresh air for what has become stale as of late. Just a few minor tweaks and pokemon is modernized.

[@DanmakuPFK]

This video *did* push me over the edge. The game's release really snuck up on me and I've been waffling about it. Arlo's first impressions answered a few very important questions about how the game's world and exploration feels.

[@mattmanley7118]

I’m loving it so far

[@barbosa1801]

I have been waiting for this from Arlo to make my decision. I’m going to get this game. The series has struggled a lot in my opinion and the games have become all the same. It’s missed the spirit of adventure which defines Pokémon. But hearing Arlo talk about this game and the freshness it brings mechanically really peaks my interest. So, thank you Arlo for doing this. I’ve learned over the years of watching you that 9/10 when you like something it also fits my tastes. So, I’ll be jumping into this new world and dare I say, I’m excited!

[@Idalych]

I was never a Pokédex completionist until PLA. Catching mons is just so fun lol

[@ShinPG]

Actually, I would never have bought the game without this review. The games have been so boring to me for so long, so the fact that the gameplay is and FEELS different is huge

[@idiotgaming6376]

I have spent 5 hours trying to grab a cherry pokemon for a quest and another 10 trying to find a sea Weasle if I enjoyed that hell and kept playing that shows how good the game is even when you want to choke it your loving it

[@461weavile]

Yeah, after three disappointments in a row, I've been very nervously anticipating this. For the first hour I tried my best to be harsh, but as soon as I opened the Pokedex, that all fell away and I knew it would be amazing.

[@vla1ne]

@@461weavile have you hit a pokemon in the back of the head with a close range heavy ball yet? i swear to hisui that is the most satisfying noise in this game bar none.

[@461weavile]

@@vla1ne I'll have to pay closer attention tomorrow. =D

[@kojideer1918]

As someone who was in the same boat as you... Legends sucks.

[@landon1812]

This sounds like every Pokemon fan's dream game to me, just having the ability to roam around and catch Pokemon and battle on the field really makes it seem like how the anime always interpreted it. Hopefully at some point I can get my hands on it and try it myself and that maybe they make more games like this, also maybe just make the regular remakes like this moving forward like gen 5 and onward, I can definitely see places from the next few generations like Cities, countryside's, deserts, and so much more benefiting from a more open and explorable environment. But I do doubt that they would remake the original games using the style of Legends when BDSP is doing just fine unless they could bring the teams together or it they could make them both because they're the same region but in different time periods. Does it sound to far off to think that we could get remakes of these games with this style of exploration and gameplay?

[@piffling2238]

Woo! Thanks Arlo for giving me permission to buy this game. I can't believe I'm getting excited for a Pokémon game.

[@nathantremblay4529]

Hey Arlo, always appreciate someone who’s aware of the effects on their audience and ponders those consequences. Just wanted to show my respect ✊

[@Level1Sword]

Pretty sure most people would love for all future mainline games to play like Arceus.

[@BigRoyBad]

Zero strategy or competitive gameplay? God no.

[@arunawalker]

@@BigRoyBad Well here's the thing...most people dont care about competitive

[@crazyape515]

@@BigRoyBad there's a lot of strategy involved in this game and the pve is the hardest it's ever been. However, yes there isnt any competitive pvp but im pretty sure the OP meant a game similar to this but with pvp and the regular cities and gyms of traditional pokemon games.

[@Level1Sword]

@@crazyape515 Thanks for clarifying my original point. I should have said more on that end.

[@BigRoyBad]

Yeah, this shallow casualization is never going to be a good replacement for competitive. Just evolve the classic systems, I don't want to run around throwing balls and dealing with easy to dodge pokemon with 2 attacks.

[@apersonwhomayormaynotexist9868]

One thing that I LOVE is that you just always feel free, and I have one overarching example of this. Such a simple thing that makes a huge difference: When you're in a battle, you can move around. It doesnt change anything. You don't battle. You don't take damage. Heck, I don't think there's one thing different from you moving around. But it just adds so much, that simple act of running around and looking at your pokemon from different angles. It just makes the game that much more dynamic and fun and I love it.

[@kickitsmooth]

I’m pleasantly surprised by the reception of this game. I was expecting mediocrity but it seems like its the game we were hoping for. I might pick it up!

[@MrImOriginal]

I'm disappointed because it is mediocre. Pokemon is worth 90 billion dollars and this is the best they could do? This game should be revolutionary but instead they gave us the minimum viable product... Again

[@lay-lowandsmash1519]

Buy it bro

[@whachamacallit5864]

I would say No. While it is open world there is very little exploration in that world, if you liked exploring in BotW you aren't getting that here for your money.

[@wessyder112]

@@MrImOriginal I just feel like they rushed the game, they vould have put more time into it

[@lay-lowandsmash1519]

It's fun. Not sure what anyone else is talking about. Enjoy

[@mk9718]

I know, the whole point of this game is to tell the story of the past, but imagine this series with all of it’s mechanics in a modern Pokémon world! With cities and gyms and everything?? Like that would be the game of my dreams

[@FlowUrbanFlow]

Honestly, I'm fine without the gyms and cities. I would like cities/towns much more than gyms though. The frenzied Pokémon kind of remind me of totems, but with more to them. I wouldn't mind that as a replacement, but there should be more trainers regardless. I only came across one trainer with a full team in the current game

[@michaelspinks7269]

I’m glad you’re enjoying your experience, I’ve got nothing but praise for the game.

[@pvtfanatic9043]

I turned up my spoiler sensitivity prior to the release of this game especially given how it leaked, I’m very glad I did. I finished the main story in about a day and a half and I just couldn’t put the game down. I love the emphasis on the Pokédex because catching Pokémon feels really good and it’s a great change of pace from the focus on gyms in other games. Exploration is another great part of this game because they made the movement feel so much cleaner. There are some things they removed like abilities, held items, and plenty more that I wish they could’ve found a way to fit in but I think it’s far overshadowed by the fantastic creative liberties they took after last year’s rigid, formula-following Diamond and Pearl remakes. I wonder if they were only able to make a game like this given that they checked off that box of a heavily structured entry. I hope this game does well to show the Pokémon company that they can experiment with the structure to make something great.

[@paperip1996]

Given the setting and that people in Hisui are only just, right now, learning how to effectively use pokemon to battle, I think it could be justified that held items aren't a thing yet. Would have liked for abilities to stay, but since there's not currently a way to battle other players online, IMO I can see how they might have made the solo game more difficult without actually contributing to a complex-feeling combat system

[@TemBryn]

I managed to ignore everything except the initial trailer, and I’m just now after playing it myself going back to look at all of it, idk how I managed it but going into this game knowing almost absolutely nothing was such an amazing experience