Announced in 2019 under the name Detective Pikachu 2 and released on 6 October 2023 on Nintendo Switch, Detective Pikachu Returns is the direct sequel to the 3DS game. Developed by Creatures, it brings back Tim Goodman and his talkative, coffee-loving Pikachu in Ryme City to finally solve the disappearance of Harry, Tim’s father. A gentle, accessible investigation game that wraps up the story.
Investigating in Ryme City
Two years after the R incident, Tim and Pikachu are decorated by the mayor. But the theft of a jewel, the Aurora Drop, sends them down a new trail. You explore the city and its surroundings, question humans and Pokémon, since Tim understands Pikachu, gather clues and connect them to draw conclusions. The investigations offer a lot of guidance and are never really difficult.
Pokémon partners
The big new feature: partner Pokémon with abilities that are useful in investigations. Growlithe follows scents, Luxray sees through walls, Galarian Darmanitan smashes ice and rocks, and Pangoro moves heavy loads. See the partners.
A long-awaited conclusion
The six-chapter story finally answers the questions left hanging by the first game, with a finale different from the movie’s. It takes its time, and the more impatient will find the pace slow; the side investigations, the “Side Cases”, add a bit of content. See the walkthrough.
Our verdict
A warm, accessible sequel that gives Detective Pikachu a real conclusion, at the cost of investigations that are a little too easy.
What we like
- A story that finally concludes the series
- Useful and endearing partner Pokémon
- A lively Ryme City, full of Pokémon
- Accessible to everyone
What we like less
- Very guided investigations that are not very demanding
- A slow pace
- A modest lifespan
