Detective Pikachu Returns

What to Know

Critics Recommend

Average Score

Total Reviews: 51

Skip It

Detective Pikachu Returns is an easy recommendation for young kids, but for everyone else it falls flat in terms of depth, gameplay, and originality.

Skip It

Critics Recommend

Critic Reviews: 51

Critics Consensus

# Reviews: 51

Detective Pikachu Returns is an easy recommendation for young kids, but for everyone else it falls flat in terms of depth, gameplay, and originality.

Where to Play

** VSG may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

Rate and Review

What did you think of Detective Pikachu Returns?

Player Reviews0 Votes

Critic Reviews for Detective Pikachu Returns

Critic Reviews

Score Distribution

51

Reviews

Average Score

100

Ranges

7.3/10

Bryan Vore (Game Informer)

While there is room for improvement, the return of this odd pairing with their new bag of tricks is entertaining. Your mind won’t be changed if the style of the previous game wasn’t for you, but patient gumshoes should be satisfied with a capable follow-up.

October 4, 2023 |

Full Review

Detective Pikachu Returns is a charming adventure game for kids new to the mystery genre, but it’s so gentle that adults may get Drowzee.

October 16, 2023 |

Full Review

6/10

Steve Watts (GameSpot)

Recommended

Kaneth Shepard (Kotaku)

Detective Pikachu Returns isn’t setting up a sequel, and while I’m glad to have some closure, I am sad to leave Ryme City. Sometimes I get tired of sending Pokémon out for battle to knock each other out, and I just want to go on adventures with Pikachu by my side. Detective Pikachu Returns is imperfect, but lets me revisit the Pokémon world I’d most like to live in. I hope, even if this is the end of Tim and Pikachu’s story, it’s not the end of The Pokémon Company doing interesting, off-the-wall adventure games that can look at this universe in fresh ways.

October 10, 2023 |

Full Review

Bryan Vore (Game Informer)

7.3/10 - (Read Review)

Steve Watts (GameSpot)

6/10 - (Read Review)

Detective Pikachu Returns is a charming adventure game for kids new to the mystery genre, but it’s so gentle that adults may get Drowzee.

Kaneth Shepard (Kotaku)

Recommended - (Read Review)

**Read all 51 critic reviews on the desktop version of VSG.

Read the Reviews (51 total)

Outlet	Author	Score	Date	Quote	Read
Atomix	Aldo López	75 / 100	10-09-2023	It can be difficult to recommend Detective Pikachu Returns, unless you are a Pokémon fan who buys absolutely everything they put in front of them. On the other hand, if you like it more casually, I would say save your money.	Read review
But Why Tho?	Charles Hartford	5 / 10	10-08-2023	When it’s at its best, Detective Pikachu Returns delivers the charm and cuteness that have always been hallmarks of the Pokémon franchise. However, all too frequently it fails to reach those heights thanks to shallow gameplay, a bloated story, and repetitive missions that feel lackluster, no matter what age demographic they are targeting.	Read review
Capsule Computers	Dustin Spencer	5 / 10	10-16-2023	Detective Pikachu Returns attempts big things with a sequel, but lacks the substance to pull off an engaging experience.	Read review
CGMagazine	Jordan Biordi	7 / 10	10-09-2023	Detective Pikachu Returns may not be the most puzzling of adventures, but it’s fun and charming enough to stay engaging.	Read review
Checkpoint Gaming	Checkpoint Staff	7 / 10	10-10-2023	Detective Pikachu Returns offers an interesting look into the world of Pokémon. While the actual crime-solving lacks depth, and dialogue cutscenes feature a bit of repetition, fans of the original 3DS game will surely find something to love in Detective Pikachu Returns. There are some witty scenes, and at times the game isn’t afraid to poke fun at real-world aspects, like the Detective Pikachu movie. In addition to this, the simple deducting feature makes the game a good fit for younger players, or for parents wanting to play together with their kids.	Read review
Chicas Gamers	Antonio J. Rodríguez	Not Recommended	10-13-2023	The adventure, like the original, is aimed at a more children’s audience, so its level of complexity may end up being a nuisance for people who were expecting a challenge. Despite this, we found the story interesting and, although it has a slow start, there comes a moment when you are eager to move forward and learn more. If you are one of those who love detective games, you have to know that this one will be simpler, but it is easy for you to end up liking it. If you love Pokémon more than anything, get it!	Read review
COGconnected	James Paley	68 / 100	10-04-2023	While I’ve made it clear that this game is meant for a younger audience, I still recognize its merits. The visuals are clean and crisp, even if the humans look a bit weird. Pikachu himself is a real bright spot, with more charm and personality than any other character. And if you’re a diehard Pokémon fan, there are a ton of them scattered throughout this story. But I can’t recommend this game to anyone reading this review. Rather, Detective Pikachu Returns will be a great fit for your kids. If you’re looking for a fun, approachable adventure they can dive into, this might be a pretty good choice.	Read review
Cubed3	Jorge Ba-oh	7 / 10	10-12-2023	Detective Pikachu Returns is a fun little Nintendo Switch adventure that is ideal for younger players, offering a colourful, eclectic mix of characters, Pokémon and storytelling. It does veer to the simpler side in places in both game design and visual fidelity, but the appeal of the Pokémon universe is strong enough to draw players of all ages into the tale. Those who were fans of the Nintendo 3DS game or simply enjoy a classic point-and-click adventure would feel right at home with Detective Pikachu Returns.	Read review
Digital Trends	Giovanni Colantonio	3 / 5 stars	10-04-2023	Detective Pikachu Returns works as a charming interactive cartoon, but its simplified deduction takes some of the mystery out of it.	Read review
Eurogamer	Tom Phillips	Not Recommended	10-04-2023	Detective Pikachu Returns is a straightforward mystery adventure whose strengths lie in its Pokémon setting and breakout star.	Read review
Eurogamer.pt	Vítor Alexandre	3 / 5 stars	10-11-2023	In summary, Detective Pikachu Returns is a clear continuation of the previous game. Better and more worked, especially in the environment and in the production, as well as in the relationship between the two characters, although it remains aimed at a young audience. It lacks the challenge of other detective games and the narrative doesn’t free us from tiresome sections and a lot of circumstantial dialogues. Still, an adventure different from the backbone of the Pokémon series, endowed with a duo of characters who interact with each other and with the city where they investigate with some propriety.	Read review
Everyeye.it	Riccardo Cantù	7 / 10	10-04-2023	Ultimately, Detective Pikachu	Read review
Expansive	Sally Willington	7 / 10	10-10-2023	Detective Pikachu Returns is more of the same from the 3DS original, but with the fun addition of using unique Pokémon abilities to interact with the world and help you solve puzzles, a bunch of side missions to investigate and a continuation of a story that ended on a bit of a cliffhanger. It’s a little bit too easy going and predictable at times, and you feel like some mechanics and concepts could have been flesched out and developed further, but this still feels like such a refreshing insight and approach to the world of Pokémon and one I’d love to see developed and expanded upon further in the future.	Read review
Explosion Network	Dylan Blight	7.5 / 10	10-18-2023	I had a fantastic time with Detective Pikachu Returns, with more than a couple of jokes and moments having me laugh or smile at the screen. I would often wish I had been playing it with someone else in the room with me as I wanted to point out silly little jokes, comments from Pikachu or odd things the other Pokemon in the game were doing. It’s got some issues, but I never once wanted to stop playing it. Now excuse me while I make a coffee!	Read review
Game Informer	Bryan Vore	7.3 / 10	10-04-2023	While there is room for improvement, the return of this odd pairing with their new bag of tricks is entertaining. Your mind won’t be changed if the style of the previous game wasn’t for you, but patient gumshoes should be satisfied with a capable follow-up.	Read review
GamePro	Eleen Reinke	73 / 100	10-04-2023	Detective Pikachu Returns is a simple puzzle adventure without much of a challenge, but with a charming story.	Read review
Gamerheadquarters	Jason Stettner	6.2 / 10	10-31-2023	Detective Pikachu Returns has some charm with its core characters and is a cute little detective story for the younger audience.	Read review
GAMES.CH	Benjamin Braun	75 / 100	10-05-2023	If you are looking for a Pokémon game without combat but with atmospheric staged mystery cases and a humorously presentation, Detective Pikachu Returns could be exactly your cup of tea. Well, if it’s not a problem for you, that the gameplay is mostly totally unchallenging.	Read review
GameSpot	Steve Watts	6 / 10	10-16-2023	Detective Pikachu Returns is a charming adventure game for kids new to the mystery genre, but it’s so gentle that adults may get Drowzee.	Read review
GamesRadar+	Rollin Bishop	3 / 5 stars	10-04-2023	Detective Pikachu Returns is more adventures with the charming electric mouse from the original, but the straightforward investigation mechanics can be incredibly frustrating in a game that wouldn’t look out of place on the Wii U.	Read review
GamingBolt	Pramath	7 / 10	10-09-2023	Detective Pikachu Returns is a great ride for younger players, with its straightforward gameplay and fun story, but layers on enough edge and bite into the writing that long time series fans will enjoy what it has to offer as well.	Read review
GamingTrend	Cassie Peterson	80 / 100	10-27-2023	Detective Pikachu Returns is a heartwarming follow-up to the first game, though it does fall short in terms of depth and originality. Still, the overall experience is worth it for fans of the first game, and the movie, and for Pokémon fans in general.	Read review
God is a Geek	Adam Cook	7 / 10	10-04-2023	Detective Pikachu Returns is a relaxing time in a universe full of characters you know and love, and it’ll make you laugh, but it won’t be for everyone.	Read review
Hobby Consolas	Daniel Quesada	72 / 100	10-04-2023	If you like strong challenges, surely this game is not for you, but if you have kids at home or you are looking to immerse yourself in the Pokémon world without further complications, this game will please you like a good cup of coffee.	Read review
IGN	Carli Velocci	6 / 10	10-04-2023	Detective Pikachu Returns is yet another mystery whodunit in the Pokemon universe, but it’s tough to deduce who this is for, despite having all the clues.	Read review
IGN Italy	Francesco Destri	6.7 / 10	10-04-2023	Detective Pikachu: The Return only works as a large and varied “Pokémon container,” but as a detective adventure it will only be able to give some satisfaction to the youngest players.	Read review
Kotaku	Kenneth Shepard	Recommended	10-10-2023	Detective Pikachu Returns isn’t setting up a sequel, and while I’m glad to have some closure, I am sad to leave Ryme City. Sometimes I get tired of sending Pokémon out for battle to knock each other out, and I just want to go on adventures with Pikachu by my side. Detective Pikachu Returns is imperfect, but lets me revisit the Pokémon world I’d most like to live in. I hope, even if this is the end of Tim and Pikachu’s story, it’s not the end of The Pokémon Company doing interesting, off-the-wall adventure games that can look at this universe in fresh ways.	Read review
LevelUp	Pedro Pérez Cesari	7 / 10	10-04-2023	The apple didn’t fall far from the tree with Detective Pikachu Returns. It’s a game that stands out for its charisma, but can be guilty of being too simple, something quite similar to what happened to the Nintendo 3DS entry.	Read review
Luis Alamilla	Luis Alamilla	6.5 / 10	10-16-2023	Detective Pikachu Returns tackles an interesting and oddly serious story that sadly doesn’t have the gameplay to match it up. While I enjoyed the witty writing and directions the story took us, I was let down by how easy the puzzles were and the lack of upgrades in presentation. On the flip side, it was nice to see more of the side quests intertwine with the core story, making this really feel like a living world than just a storybook with Pokemon in it. In some ways, Detective Pikachu Returns is one of the coolest side Pokemon projects out there yet it struggles to stick the landing once again. This is one you play for the interesting though predictable story rather than for the puzzles.	Read review
Merlin’in Kazanı	Samet Basri Taşlı	70 / 100	10-26-2023	Detective Pikachu is a fun adventure game aimed especially at children and young Pokemon lovers. Although it allows us to see the Pokemon world more closely, its too easy mechanics may alienate players looking for a more challenging game.	Read review
MonsterVine	Samantha Lienhard	4.5 / 5 stars	10-19-2023	Detective Pikachu Returns might not push the boundaries in terms of graphics, and it certainly won’t bend your mind with its easy and straightforward deductions. However, it’s a charming game with cute character interactions, a good sense of humor, and an interesting story. Some games just make you feel happy when you play them, and I found Detective Pikachu Returns to be one of those games.	Read review
New Game Network	Yasmine Hubbard	60 / 100	10-17-2023	Detective Pikachu Returns had the potential to appeal to everyone as most Nintendo and Pokemon games do, but instead falls in the bracket of being a milquetoast experience that will only occupy younger players.	Read review
Niche Gamer	Fingal Belmont	5 / 10	10-25-2023	Detective Pikachu Returns‘ biggest failure isn’t its basic gameplay or sterile presentation; its most heinous blunder is how agonizingly boring it is. Playing this game with children (the target audience) only alienated them. The lack of grit or edge didn’t lure them in and the sorry writing didn’t keep them hooked either.	Read review
Nintendo Life	PJ O’Reilly	7 / 10	10-04-2023	Detective Pikachu Returns serves up more of what delighted us first time around, with an endearing and exciting story packed full of fun and light-hearted silliness. We really do enjoy this gruff, coffee-addled take on Pikachu, he never fails to raise a smile when he goes off on one, and the game successfully straddles a very thin line in giving us an adventure aimed at younger players that long-time Pokémon fans and ancient gamers such as ourselves can also enjoy. If you can handle the inherent repetitiveness of most of the core gameplay, alongside some rather drab visuals, you’ll enjoy this one.	Read review
Noisy Pixel	Angelus Victor	6.5 / 10	10-10-2023	While Detective Pikachu Returns is undeniably enjoyable, its only standout feature is its somewhat decent storyline, which ties up loose ends from the original 3DS game and provides moments of laughter as Tim and Pikachu interact with each other. However, it suffers from several issues, such as somewhat dated graphics for this day and age, a short playtime, and very easy difficulty. Nevertheless, it’s a game I’d recommend during a potential sale, allowing you to comfortably unwind in bed while enjoying Pikachu and Tim’s misadventures in Ryme City.	Read review
Press Start	Steven Impson	7 / 10	10-05-2023	Detective Pikachu Returns is a decently fun little detective story. Don’t expect any intense logical deductions or unpredictable twists – but it’s fun enough to follow along with even so. The relationship between Tim and Pikachu is a highlight as are the Pokémon who help you along the way. Uninspired human character designs marr an otherwise decent presentation full of cool Pokémon and fun music.	Read review
RPGamer	Alex Fuller	Not Recommended	10-27-2023	Feelings on Detective Pikachu Returns are going to be very much informed by what individual players are looking to get out of it. For younger gamers, particularly those just getting into the Pokémon series, the game and its predecessor could be a fine fit. However, the more experienced fans hoping for some engaging mystery solving and more interesting examination on casual life with Pokémon are almost certain to find the game lacking in both its storytelling and gameplay departments.	Read review
Screen Rant	Cody Gravelle	3.5 / 5 stars	10-04-2023	Detective Pikachu Returns is a fine game that knows its niche and plays into it well. It operates more like an excuse to see Pokémon in a different setting than anything else, but for players interested in that sort of thing, it’s fascinating. I wouldn’t really recommend the game for adults looking for anything challenging or particularly nuanced, but it’s an okay story wrapped in a wonderful world that’s reasonably quick to complete. Detective Pikachu Returns doesn’t quite make good on the promise the film adaptation gave the series, but it’s a solid follow-up and anyone who liked the first will double down on having a good time with the second.	Read review
SECTOR.sk	Michal Korec	7 / 10	11-16-2023	The game fulfills the expectations of a less demanding detective game, and for younger players or perhaps Pok’mon lovers, it’s a really good spin-off.	Read review
Shacknews	Ozzie Mejia	7 / 10	10-04-2023	Because of its simplicity, Detective Pikachu Returns is an easy recommendation for young kids and their parents. Hardcore fans will have some fun comparing and contrasting the game’s story with the 2019 movie. For everyone else, there are better, more challenging adventures out there, even if none of them feature an electric rat with a children’s sized Sherlock Holmes hat.	Read review
Siliconera	Brent Koepp	8 / 10	10-04-2023	Detective Pikachu Returns is a charming mystery adventure. The long-awaited sequel to Tim Goodman’s saga was worth the wait.	Read review
SpazioGames	Nicolò Bicego	7.7 / 10	10-04-2023	Detective Pikachu: The Return is a definite step forward from the first installment, but it still lacks that quality leap that could make this subseries a must for franchise fans. The main charm of the adventure lies in the charisma of its two protagonists and the opportunity to experience the Pokémon world in a different way compared to what the main series offers. However, the game’s extreme simplicity, driven by the choice to make it accessible to a wide audience, may not satisfy all fans of the saga.	Read review
Stevivor	Matt Gosper	6 / 10	10-05-2023	Investigations are multi-staged, and some of the reveals are interesting if not particularly surprising. The inclusion of newer-generation Pokémon since the original title makes Ryme City feel even more alive and part of the Pokémon world, and the city is full of small details to really drive home the idea of people and Pokémon living together.	Read review
The Games Machine	Daniele Cucchiarelli	7.2 / 10	10-04-2023	A “Layton-esque” detective game in which Pikachu is obviously the undisputed star. Light and somewhat repetitive gameplay make it suitable for a fairly young or inexperienced audience in this genre of titles. Those looking for a deeper, more complex and challenging experience should look elsewhere.	Read review
TheSixthAxis	Reuben Mount	5 / 10	10-16-2023	Detective Pikachu Returns falls flat, feeling like a hollow experience with under-baked and sparse bolts of brilliance. Wide and mostly empty areas, a difficulty level smaller than a Cutiefly, slightly more gameplay than your standard visual novel, short run time and limited usage of its one truly unique and fun mechanic. Forgive the cliche, but most of Detective Pikachu Returns’ moves just weren’t very effective.	Read review
Thumbsticks	Josh Wise	2 / 5 stars	10-17-2023	While the spectacle of a gruff, coffee-pounding Pikachu in a deerstalker hat will never not be charming, Detective Pikachu Returns is less enjoyable than both its breakthrough predecessor and, somehow, the surprisingly decent Hollywood movie spin-off. The odd world-building is still on point, though, and younger players will doubtless find some fun in the not-so-murky corners of Ryme City, even if the intrigue is light and the detecting itself is a little rote.	Read review
VGC	Jordan Middler	3 / 5 stars	10-04-2023	Detective Pikachu is full of simple puzzes, witty dialogue and Pokemon to discover. It won’t thrill older fans from a gameplay perspective, and it’s visually inconsistent, but it will likely introduce throusands of young fans to a whole new genre of video games.	Read review
Video Chums	Mary Billington	6.3 / 10	10-06-2023	Detective Pikachu Returns is definitely adorable in this Switch debut although the required deduction skills to solve its cases remain at an incredibly low bar to clear which made it hard to hold my attention for very long.	Read review
Wccftech	Nathan Birch	7.5 / 10	10-17-2023	Detective Pikachu Returns isn’t for everyone, with too much reading for little ones and an overly-gentle difficulty curve for adults, but I think some kids, particularly those just beginning to read and explore the greater Pokémon universe, will have a great time with the game. A surprisingly robust world, diverse mysteries, and involving plot may even draw in some parents, despite badly-dated visuals. Investigate Detective Pikachu Returns before buying, but if it seems like it’s right for you or your kids, don’t hold back – it might just hit you like a minor bolt of brilliance.	Read review
We Got This Covered	Shaan Joshi	3 / 5 stars	10-06-2023	Detective Pikachu Returns hasn’t lost the charm of its predecessor, but the overly simplified gameplay might alienate some players.	Read review
XGN.nl	Solange Leijten	6.5 / 10	10-21-2023	Detective Pikachu Returns marks the return of beloved duo. The game offers a perfect start for young detectives among us, but the puzzles and cases are made too easy for adults. It’s mostly for families, with a lineair story, but the writing is very charming.	Read review

** Learn more about how to become a MetaMeter-approved Critic.

About Detective Pikachu Returns

Game Description / Storyline:

Unravel a series of mysteries across Ryme City with a tough-talking, coffee-loving Pikachu who calls himself a great detective. This Pikachu may have a self-assured attitude and talk like a middle-aged man, but he somehow manages to keep his lovable charm. Together with his partner Tim Goodman, this great detective duo cracks several cases with the help of the many Pokémon and people who live in Ryme City.

RELEASE DATES:

DEVELOPER(S):

PUBLISHER(S):

GENRES:

SERIES/FRANCHISE:

GAME MODES:

GAME ENGINE:

DLC:

BUNDLED IN:

DIRECTOR(S):

PRODUCER(S):

DESIGNER(S):

PROGRAMMER(S):

ARTIST(S):

WRITER(S):

COMPOSER(S):

LINKS:

ESRB RATING:

Detailed Information

GAME MODES:

GAME ENGINE:

DLC:

BUNDLED IN:

DIRECTOR(S):

PRODUCER(S):

DESIGNER(S):

PROGRAMMER(S):

ARTIST(S):

WRITER(S):

COMPOSER(S):

Developed by Creatures Inc.. All titles, content, brand names, trademarks, logos, artwork, and associated imagery are trademarks and/or copyright material of their respective owners. © All rights reserved.