Parents' Guide to

Detective Pikachu

By David Chapman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 7+

Fresh Pokémon perspective perfect for younger fans.

Game Nintendo 3DS 2018
Detective Pikachu Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this game.

Community Reviews

age 4+

Based on 1 parent review

age 4+

Pokemon meets Who Framed Roger Rabbit role reversal

It's a tame game that is like Eddy and Roger Rabbit role swapped except with Pikachu. And instead of being a drunk like the Roger Rabbit characters, this Pikachu loves coffee ALOT. It's a very funny game and it is mostly cut scenes. Pikachu is absolutely funny and there is very mild innuendo and flirting. The game ends on a cliffhanger making it seem like there is a sequel to come. I hope so because this is just a cute little game with a very funny coffee loving Pikachu who is also a "ladies man". It's also a good story of friendship.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (2 ):

This entertaining mystery adventure is perfect for young Pokéfans, especially because it presents an accessible, easy-to-follow tale that gives a sense of accomplishment. For 20-plus years, budding young trainers have captured, traded, trained, and bonded with their favorite Pokémon in a never-ending quest to be the very best ... like no one ever was. But Detective Pikachu leaves the gym battles behind, instead giving Pokéfans a glimpse at the world through the eyes of a wise-cracking, coffee-drinking Pikachu, and the one person in the world who can understand him. It's a story that's fascinating not just because of the plot's unfolding mystery, but also because of the unique insight it gives into the everyday relationships between Pokémon and humans. It's enlightening to see how the various Pokémon view one another, as well as their thoughts on the people they co-exist with.

The story in Detective Pikachu unfolds over the course of a series of chapters, each focusing on a new case for Tim and Pikachu to solve while uncovering pieces of a greater conspiracy. These are generally lighthearted adventures, and tailor-made for a younger audience. The game essentially walks players through each case, holding their hand and none-too-subtly directing them to the clues they need to find. Players are unable to progress until they've uncovered every scrap of information available, whether it's a vital clue or not, and once it's finally time to put all the pieces together, there's no penalty for getting it wrong short of trying a new combination of evidence. In fact, the whole process is almost too easy, and that's not accounting for the game's actual Easy mode option. While this might bore some older gamers, it's actually great for younger fans eager to feel a sense of accomplishment. And regardless of age, Detective Pikachu's story in combination with the characters' personalities never fails to entertain.

Game Details

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