Action RPG set in an ancient Pokémon region
Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a premium role-playing game from Game Freak, Nintendo, and The Pokémon Company as a part of the eighth generation of Pokémon games. While retaining most core gameplay elements from its predecessors in the franchise, this open-world adventure introduces a couple of new gameplay elements, particularly the idea of the Trainer being attacked by wild Pokémon.
In terms of storyline, Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a prequel of sorts to the 2006 Pokémon Diamond and Pearl and its remake Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. Expect a larger map and a different set of starter partners.
Explore an ancient region and find Arceus
Pokémon Legends: Arceus is set in an ancient era that predates the modern world’s Sinnoh region, the setting of the Diamond-Pearl games. As time travelers in a bygone period, players get to see the predating Hisui region with its vast wilderness and limited human settlements. Locals in this region also treat Pokémon as wild beasts or forces of nature, instead of the more understood partners in modern-day Pokémon regions.
It still retains most Pokémon gameplay elements, although with interesting changes. For example, Poké Balls are made with fruit, and details are logged into a paper notebook in place of the digital Pokédex. Note that the player character can be directly attacked and when knocked unconscious, will send you back to the last save point. Legends: Arceus is also notable for offering starter Pokémon from different regions and generations.
While the design choices make sense, the ancient world felt empty. Most of the open-world map is filled with natural features like rivers, plains, forests, and mountains, and the Pokémon that inhabit them. This makes different areas of the game appear repetitive. Another noted absence in this game is music. Pokémon games have spawned iconic tracks over the years, and this game is surprisingly silent save for the ambient sounds.
A refreshing change of pace for Pokémon games
Pokémon Legends: Arceus transports players to the ancient Hisui region, a precursor to the modern Sinnoh. The game blends classic Pokémon elements with unique changes, like fruit-made Poké Balls and a paper notebook. However, despite its engaging concept and diverse starter Pokémon, the world feels empty and repetitive, lacking the iconic music that fans cherish. Ultimately, it offers a distinct yet somewhat hollow journey into Pokémon’s past.
