Detective Pikachu Returns is an enjoyable, if very simple, mystery adventure

videogameschronicle.com:

Detective Pikachu Returns is a great argument for more Pokémon spin-offs.

Despite the absolute ubiquity of the world’s most popular media property, it still feels like there’s more that could be done in the video game space with Pokémon outside of the mainline RPGs, and the likes of Go!, Unite and EX Masters.

Because despite Detective Pikachu Returns’ incredibly simple plotting and mechanics, there are plenty of moments of joy, and they’re largely derived from simply wandering around the world of Pokémon.

Detective Pikachu Returns is a sequel to the 3DS mystery game which saw players take on the role of the morally unambiguous Tim Goodman and his father’s partner Pokémon, Detective Pikachu. What makes this Pikachu special is not only can he speak to other Pokémon, Tim is able to understand him, making the pair a formidable team on the streets of Ryme City.

Tim’s father Harry is still missing, and despite the pair receiving plaudits for their adventures in the first game, they’re quickly thrust into the middle of a mystery involving that most iconic of legendary Pokémon, Mewtwo.

The game largely revolves around talking to the human population of Ryme City with Tim, and the Pokémon population with Pikachu. By finding clues and receiving testimony from the people around the city, you’ll put together basic clues to solve crimes. For example, an early crime sees a special jewel stolen from a secure building, with some blue feathers and white cotton left behind at the scene.

Now, if you’re an older player, you’ll likely work out almost instantly where this case goes based on the Pokémon you’ve seen on your way into the building, but for younger players, the logic of working out these puzzles feels like it would be a great