Detective Pikachu Returns

GameSpot

Steve Watts·Oct 16, 2023

Critic60/100

Agreement—

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.

Kotaku

Kenneth Shepard·Oct 10, 2023

Critic—

Agreement—

Despite simplistic gameplay, this adventure sequel offers one of the Pokémon world's best depictions yet

Eurogamer

Tom Phillips·Oct 4, 2023

Critic60/100

Agreement—

What would a world shared by humans and Pokémon really be like? It's something I imagine every Pokéfan has pondered, an…

IGN

Carli Velocci·Oct 4, 2023

Critic60/100

Agreement—

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.

Game Informer

Bryan Vore·Oct 4, 2023

Critic72.5/100

Agreement—

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.

GamesRadar+

Rollin Bishop·Oct 4, 2023

Critic60/100

Agreement—

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.

Nintendo Life

PJ O'Reilly·Oct 4, 2023

Critic70/100

Agreement—

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.