Pokémon: Karmesin (Download) (Switch)

Auf dem Blatt Papier klingt Pokémon Karmesin und Purpur wie der wahr gewordene Traum von Pokémon Fans. Die Paldea-Region besticht mit einer sehr umfangreichen Spielwelt, unterschiedlichen Handlungssträngen und neuen Gameplay-Mechaniken. Leider macht die mangelhafte technische und optische Qualität der neunten Generation einen gehörigen Strich durch die Rechnung.

Eine gelungene Open-World-Premiere für die Pokémon-Reihe, die aber mit den technischen Grenzen der Switch zu kämpfen hat.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet get a lot of things right, and the gameplay loop is undeniably addictive. It’s a shame that so much of the conversation is going to revolve around its graphical and technical shortcomings; if it weren’t for that, these would be the best main series Pokemon games since HeartGold and SoulSilver on the DS.

Despite technical shortcomings and some filler content, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are chock-full of meaningful additions to one of gaming’s most popular franchises. At worst, these games are steps towards the Pokémon games for which players have clamored, but more often, they serve as effective thesis statements for where the series goes from here. Either way, I can’t wait to see where Game Freak evolves the experience from this point.

While undercooked presentation and visual issues hold the games back, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are still the best mainline Pokemon games in years. They build off Pokemon Legends: Arceus's open-ended design in some thoughtful and surprising ways, and retain that same level of depth that the mainline series is known for.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet feel like the awkward second evolution of one of its starters. It's growing into something resplendent, it's showing signs of an exciting second type, but it's got that weird vibe of a 20-something that hasn't quite figured out who they actually are.