Common Sense Media Review
By Marc Saltzman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Deep, demanding play brings fighting twist to monster game.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Pokkén Tournament
What's It About?
POKKÉN TOURNAMENT is an action-heavy battle game that pits Pokémon characters against one another in epic area fights. Your goal is to become the ultimate champion by mastering the various fighting styles and signature moves of familiar Pokémon -- including Pikachu, Charizard, Lucario, Machamp, Pikachu Libre (a wrestling champ), and many more -- plus you can call upon support Pokémon to assist with damaging moves to KO your opponent. Much of the action is divided into two parts: a Field Phase, where players use ranged attacks to attack opponents from a distance. It's a simple but effective way to engage in turn-based battles, with offensive and defensive moves at your disposal. The second part of combat, Duel Phase, is more melee-focused, which leverages Bandai Namco's experience in fighting games, like Tekken. Along with multiple solo and multiplayer modes, included in the box is an amiibo card, which unlocks Shadow Mewtwo when gamers use the Wii U GamePad to read the card -- but only after you've earned the right to use the new fighter.
Is It Any Good?
It's fair to say Pokémon fans have been waiting years for a game like this -- one that allows you to battle between Pokémon up close and personal, like your favorite Tekken or Street Fighter franchise. First of all, Pokkén Tournament looks great, which will be a treat for fans. Between the high-definition and smoothly-animated characters, arena environments, and special effects, this is by far the best-looking Pokémon games to date. Secondly, the game is very accessible. It's a cinch to pick up -- even for those who haven't played a fighting game previously -- yet the combat still has enough depth for more experienced and/or demanding players. For example, most special moves -- which are unique to your Pokémon -- can be performed with a single button. But you'll need more timing and multi-button skills once you want to take advantage of some advanced moves and chaining moves/combos.
Worth noting are the special Pokémon you can summon if and when you need it, cinematic "Bursts" attacks to inflict damage on opponents, and multiple stages and modes to keep the gameplay fresh, along with support for amiibo characters and cards. A limited number of Pokémon -- only about 16 -- may be the only beef players might have with this new game. With many, many hundreds of Pokémon available after 20 years, it's too bad this game only focuses on a few. But still, Pokkén Tournament wont disappoint fans of the franchise and new players, too. It's fun, feels fresh, and offers a lot of accessible yet challenging gameplay.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about marketing to kids. Has Nintendo (or in this case, Bandai Namco), created enough titles out of the Pokémon franchise? Should Nintendo move on and create new franchises or continually go back to the same characters and gameplay mechanics? Are games like this purely a shameless marketing play for the franchise overall?
Talk about violence in games. Is the violence in Pokemon games acceptable because the fighting and creatures are clearly unrealistic, or is it disturbing because you have creatures fighting each other for sport?
Game Details
- Platform : Nintendo Wii U
- Pricing structure : Paid
- Available online? : Available online
- Publisher : Nintendo of America
- Release date : March 16, 2016
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Animals ( Dinosaurs , Wild Animals ) , Fantasy
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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