Best Switch Games 2024: Mario, Metroid, Pokémon, Zelda & More

Pokémon Legends: Arceus brings the Pokémon franchise into a whole new age with a semi open-world, slick game mechanics, a detailed plot, and a focus on building the Pokédex and exploring the region, rather than the classic gym battles. 

Each part of the Hisui region serves as its own open-world section, from rolling hills and lush fields to boggy swamps and volcanic islands, there is plenty of variety. However, the graphics could do with more polish. The presentation feels unrefined and pixelated at times, and some textures and Pokémon appear janky.

Nonetheless, the graphics do not detract from the fact that this is the most refreshing take we have seen on a Pokémon story in years, with plenty of adventure and some challenging battles that make for a compelling experience.

It has the edge over the latest main line instalment, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Whilst this game operates with a truly open world with three distinct stories to follow and more traditional gameplay than Arceus, it is full of bugs and generally feels unfinished.

It is a shame, as the gameplay of the Gen 9 series is incredibly fun – and had more time and care gone into the development process, it would have surely been one of the best titles to date.