Pokemon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee Nintendo Switch Review

Since its debut on the Gameboy, the Pokemon franchise hasn't tried to deviate from its established formula. Catching all the Pokemon has always been the ultimate goal and the rock-paper-scissors has remained largely untouched with the exception of new variants of battles and types of Pokemon. Pokemon Let's Go Eevee and Pikachu tries to appeal to newcomers and veterans alike, bringing some heavily requested features along with more streamlined mechanics and succeeds. Pokemon Let's Go Eevee and Pikachu caters to both veterans of the franchise and newcomers and successfully hits that middle ground.

Pokemon Let's Go Eevee and Pikachu follow the journey of the Pokemon Yellow Version with some variations. Much of the original plot is here, with the player taking on the 8 gym leaders while taking on an evil organization. This time around players chooses between Eevee or Pikachu, depending on the version, instead of just Pikachu. The adventure is light-hearted with the same iconic moments as the original Gameboy classics but made fresh thanks to the modernized graphics. Those who played the original, like me, will find everything in the small place and it's amazing.

Everything has been recreated in 3D and looks much more fleshed out than the 3DS Pokemon games. With smoother curves and more detailed animations, each one of the Pokemon and environments looks absolutely stunning. It feels like playing a reboot and remaster of the original games.

The biggest change that fans have been demanding is the elimination of random encounters and now its a reality. Gamers can now see what Pokemon they'll encounter, with repeating encounters with the same Pokemon leading to stronger and sometimes shiny versions of that Pokemon. It's an easier way to obtain stronger and the catching system complements this.

Unlike the traditional catching system of weakening the Pokemon to increase your chances of catching it, players use the Pokemon GO method. Players throw the ball at the Pokemon with a circle determining where to throw. If you throw it when the circle shrinks you increase the chance of catching the Pokemon. It's a much more streamlined system, allowing you to chain together captures and works well enough. The primary issue is that the motion controls lack precision and more traditional Pokemon players may find this system too simple but it does make leveling a lot easier since you won't have to grind as much to level up.

The developers have taken steps to ensure that the game captures the original concepts. Gone are breeding, held items, and unique abilities, limiting competitive play; even more so since there is no ranked mode available. You can face trainers through local wireless and online but the options are bare. The matchmaking is unreliable, after playing 20 matches I was matched with players either above my skill level or way below it.

A much-requested feature has returned, with players able to choose any of the available Pokemon in your party to follow you around. Introduced in Pokemon Yellow Version and fleshed out in Pokemon Black and White this mode has been heavily requested to return. All types of Pokemon can follow you and some have unique animations such as riding Rapidash. It's incredible to have your favorite Pokemon follow you around.

HMs have not returned, thankfully, and have been replaced with Secret Techniques. These abilities perform just like HMs but without having to sacrifice a slot for the ability. This prevents players from having to dedicate one Pokemon to learn all these moves or sacrificing a slot for the ability.

Don't expect much of a challenge here, Pokemon Let's Go Eevee and Pikachu is the easiest of the Pokemon games. Your starter Pokemon is almost unstoppable, able to take down many of the opposing Pokemon with ease. You can craft your own team but during the campaign but I rarely had to switch out my Eevee unless going against a fighting Pokemon. For those seeking a challenge, the game includes called Master Trainers. These Pokemon Masters have dedicated themselves to training 1 Pokemon and there is 1 for each Pokemon. These battles can range from incredibly easy to insufferable but add a new layer of challenge. 

Pokemon Let's Go Eevee and Pikachu treads a fine line and almost stumbles into being too casual. It's a bit easy, even with the varied Master Trainers, and the lack of online options is puzzling but journeying throughout Kanto in search of legendary Pokemon is still as enjoyable as ever. Pokemon Let's Go Eevee and Pikachu captures the same thrill of crafting your own personal team and taking on both legendary Pokemon and trainers. The catching system removes the fatigue of relying on luck and the updated visuals give the already colorful world a lush modern look. If you love Pokemon you owe it to yourself to play Pokemon Let's Go Eevee and Pikachu.

Adam Siddiqui, NoobFeed
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