Pokémon Púrpura

Before I start eating into the game in proper depth I'd like to initially admit this game is enjoyable and good, and probably worth the money in some respects. I am a fan of the Pokemon games, starting at Y and going through new titles and previous ones since, and I still enjoy them.

I will start by complimenting the game, and then I will criticise.

Pokemon Violet is a new take for a new Pokemon game, and the first that really felt 'open world'. The game allows you to go everywhere (apart from the last area) after a short tutorial in the game, and draws upon old aspects like the school we saw in Pokemon Sun/Moon, the open world nature of Arceus, the Picnicking mechanic similar to curry in Sword/Shield, and raid battles. The roster of Pokemon is well-chosen for the region, with some old favourites like Breloom returning to the series, and the new design of Pokémon like Miraidon, Annihilape, Ceruledge, Houndstone and others really being strong. The game also does less of the annoying 'regional variant' idea which is just recolouring an already acceptable line of Pokemon and retyping them.

The things that really stood out to me in this game though ultimately come down to 3 things: Character Design, Worldbuilding and Plot.

Worldbuilding is a no-brainer for any open world video game. Not having a good design for the world has let down so many titles, and this game does not fail in this department. The designs are clever, and take into account little details like displaying the clear border between Kalos (France) and Paldea (Spain) amongst other things. As per usual, designs match the culture of the country well, with mountain ranges, pretty beaches and buildings much like Spanish landmarks - such as the Uva Academy's resemblance to the Barcelona Cathedral 'Sagrada Familia' in a clever spin on Gaudi's architecture. I cannot knock this and this department did their jobs well.

The character designs also stepped up as well, with characters being amusing or obscure, but certainly unique in their clothing aesthetic. I think this is also the first Pokemon game where not every Grunt resembles each other! The captains of our Team (Team Star) the Gym Leaders (Especially Larry) and our protagonist, who can now be customised actually look human, and I suppose this aids how compelling the story feels.

On that note, the most distinguishable change of the game is the plot, which really did step up for once. The plot was amusing but not predictable, with funny little antics, and this aspect is something Pokemon consistently misses. The 3rd main plot (there are 3) Path of Legends, was even emotional, and for once I felt sympathy or human quality in a character, and saw the bond between a Pokemon and Trainer. I will not spoil this plot, but I made me feel warm and happy inside, as I should expect from RPGs as a genre which are so heavily carried by a good plot. For once, Game Freak did not hold out, and now I see there is room for developing a better plot in future games.

This is what is good in the game, however I am not going to lie and say this game is perfect or well-made. Because realistically for a multi-billion dollar company like Game Freak this game is pathetic in so many ways.

Again there are 3 nitpicks here: Graphics, Gameplay Speed and an Absence of Voice Acting.

Some of the graphics in this game are absolutely awful. The worst I've ever seen. I don't think this is always a problem and I'm not usually a stickler about this but I cannot emphasise just how awful they are. On the console screen, and my TV which is fully capable of rendering higher quality images this game is only a step up from 3DS quality. The characters are usually fine but the Pokemon? The textures of grass and the rocks? Literally N64 quality. And it really does let this game down. There are so many emotional scenes, dramatic fights and other parts of the game where I cannot immerse myself in the game because these graphics are so awful. The cutscenes are ruined often and the game is just so frustrating because with this it would be so much better. If Game Freak cannot be bothered they should use hand-drawn cutscenes (which I much prefer) like every other RPG which isn't focused on graphics like Fire Emblem: 3 Houses or Persona 5. Do better, spend that money we give you for these games on something!

The gameplay wasn't as bad as the graphics but still is not a modern console's quality. Look, I get the switch is slow by modern console standards, but even Breath of the Wild, the first game on the switch, ran smoother. And this just shows how lazy Game Freak are. They push too many games out and they could've added even 6 months onto this project and it would've at least ran like a regular switch game. Literally, children in the background are lagging out in one of the cutscenes and at a lower FPS than everything else and it's just offputting. Render your game's graphics and PLEASE speed up text dialogue like in every other RPG made because I think 90% of the time I spent in the game was tapping through text I'm forced to read. It's lazy, annoying and reduces the enjoyability of the game massively.

Finally, and we complain about this every game, why can they not just buy some fricking voice actors? There are rappers in this game, and all I see is some people's mouths moving like little fishies! Get someone to voice characters! I would gladly voice act the game if they need! But for a billion-dollar company this is an insignificant price for something that could actually make their game something more than a way to sell to children and nostalgic fans. Every RPG and every game, Fire Emblem, Persona, even Lego Games pays for voice actors. If this isn't an indie game why can they not pay for some. It's lazy and pathetic, and at least use voice actors from Japan if they don't want to hire Americans or Spaniards or Francs. Not good enough.

And this brings me to the conclusion that this game, as good as it can be is perhaps the most disappointing thing I've touched since Cyberpunk. There is no life and soul to Game Freak, only a void which sucks in money. Undoubtedly I'll still buy the £50 DLC which will probably regurgitate Kalos or just show us all the legendaries and wave them in front of us like a baby toy, but I might pay £10 more if the game felt like it cost the sales it brings in. I can wait past delays, but I cannot keep paying if the games don't improve - and I'm not the only one, judging by the rating. Do better. Get real. Give us a game which competes for awards not sales.

But hey, it's Pokemon, just buy it anyway.

10 out of 10 - A Bold, Visionary Evolution of the Series

If Pokémon Scarlet broke ground, Pokémon Violet refined it. While both games share the core structure and Paldea region, Violet takes a sleeker, more futuristic approach that gives it a distinct flavor - aesthetically, thematically, and narratively. This isn't just a version variant; it's a statement piece in its own right.

The Futuristic Flair of Paldea

Where Scarlet leans into ancient tradition, Violet dives headfirst into sleek innovation and sci-fi-inspired visuals. From your school's uniforms to your rideable Legendary Pokémon Miraidon, everything in Violet pulses with technological energy. It feels like you're exploring a version of the Pokémon world where advancement has fused seamlessly with nature - a refreshing and exciting twist.

Open World Freedom - Reimagined

Like its counterpart, Violet lets you roam the Paldea region without restrictions. Whether you're scaling icy mountains, running through coastal cliffs, or diving into hidden caves, the world is alive with exploration opportunities. There are no level gates, no forced paths - just your instincts, your team, and your sense of adventure.

The true joy lies in doing things your way: you can take on gyms, explore the Path of Legends, or battle Team Star in any order. Freedom is the name of the game.

New Pokémon, New Perspective

The Pokémon exclusive to Violet fit the game's futuristic vibe perfectly. Standouts like Iron Valiant and Iron Hands (Paradox forms of familiar Pokémon) look like they were ripped from a high-tech laboratory - and they're just as powerful as they are visually striking.

Violet leans into mystery and time-travel science fiction more than any game in the series before it, and that shift works. It makes the story feel darker, deeper, and more thoughtful, especially as it builds toward the climax in Area Zero - one of the most jaw-dropping and unforgettable endgames in Pokémon history.

Miraidon - The Futuristic Companion

While Scarlet gives you Koraidon, a creature of raw primal energy, Violet gives you Miraidon, a sleek, jet-powered Pokémon that doubles as your high-speed ride. It soars, swims, and climbs like a dream, and its sci-fi aesthetic fits perfectly with Violet's identity.

Multiplayer and Co-Op

The multiplayer functionality in Violet makes it more than just a solo RPG. You can explore the entire map with friends, battle wild Pokémon together, or just take in the view - it's the kind of co-op play Pokémon fans have been waiting for.

Why It's a 10 out of 10

Pokémon Violet is more than a game - it's a redefinition. It doesn't just push the series forward; it reimagines what the future of Pokémon can look like. From the freedom of movement to the high-tech atmosphere and emotionally powerful story, it's one of the most ambitious entries the franchise has ever seen.

It challenges your expectations, rewards your curiosity, and stays true to the heart of Pokémon: adventure, wonder, and connection.

Final Word: Sleek, bold, and endlessly replayable, Pokémon Violet delivers an unforgettable journey through a world where science meets legend. It's a future worth chasing - and one worth remembering.

10 out of 10 - A masterpiece of innovation and imagination.

Please check out my mid game review on the Pokemon Scarlett review board.

Review has been written on Decem 4 2022

During my mid game review I thought this game was excellent.

Now that I have become Pokemon League champion for the last time in my Pokemon career, what are my final thoughts of this game?

Well...

The game felt empty, easy and too simple.

For the first bit I liked the open world concept but I was vastly over leveled while exploring various areas. The last gyms I played against I was in my 60s battling 30 and below.

I prefer the previous classic ways.

The story is non-existent, childish and jokes fail to land. No child would laugh out loud at these bad jokes like the Clive guy acting like a teenager.

The final reveal was so lame and obvious while the motives behind it all was corny and childish.

The villians were not really villians. They were just people with a giant car Pokemon.

The gym tests were hash, stupid and easy.

Only the Flora test felt like a worthy test. Everything else was a waste of time. The skii test was the worse.

The tera was okay. Still hate these gimmicks. Opponents do not use any items like in previous games.

I never played much of Pokemon sword and shield. What I liked was the elite 4 and Champ battle was public to all. In Pokemon violet and Scarlett its not. It's like the old games, while you are stuck in 1 room and have to take part in a silly interview.

The E4 and Champ were easy. I swept by them with ease. 0 deaths and only 1 Pokemon in the red because I decided to max out the Sand Monsters defence instead of 2 shoting the dragon.

Also none of them use full restore or berries.

After I won my last Pokemon League You don't get a celebration or put into the Hall of Fame.

I had to spam A because of a 5 min long text scene. This game seriously needed voice overs.

As of now:

I'm not sure if I can capture the legendary bike Pokemon.

There is no in person interaction with the professors.

My single mom did not acknowledge that I won a Pokemon title. She stands in one spot not even watching tv.

Postive note: the Pokemon were enough.

Gameplay was fine. I did not experience any glitches while everyone else on YouTube has... My game worked perfectly.

I liked the way you can encounter Pokemon.

No more stocking up on repel.

Battle scenes were cool.

I liked riding on the bike Pokemon.

Overall, a weak game. There is not much to do in this game except train your Pokemon. The story was hash, corny and kiddy.

I don't understand why they give us a choice to say something and if you say something they don't like you are forced to say what they want you to say. It's pointless and stupid.

Now that I beat the Pokemon League the Nintendo Switch will be catching a lot of dust.

Anyways, thanks for reading my review.

And I hope you have a good day eventhough it won't effect me if you don't.

I just completed the game and below are my thoughts.

I like the story of the game. There are 3 arcs to it where everything gets beautifully connected at the end for the final conclusion / showdown at the crater. I don't like to spoil it for any of you.

The world is beautiful with some amazing cities and towns and also the nature. But it doesn't feel dynamic as there is really nothing to do other than the main story arcs. There are no side quests which is a bummer.

All the characters really stand out. From the teachers at the academy, to the gym leaders, the elite Four, the rivals/friends. Everyone has a unique character trait to them which is really great for a game freak game.

There are a few improvements needed. First, the elite Four should always happen in front of a crowd, I dont know why they removed this gimmick from sword/shield. After you complete the game. If you close the app during the credits, you literally have to play the last 30 mins all over again.

There is no voice acting, atleast during the cut scenes, which is another bummer.

Overall, this is a pretty cool game with room for some improvements. I really hope game freak hits it out of the part in next installment.

I've been a huge Nintendo fans, but by the time Pokémon came out, I was too old to play it. Now I have a 3 year old boy and 7 year old Girl, and wanted a game they could actively play and participate in. Well, they freaking love everything Pokémon and we have started to expand our Pokémon games and TV series. For a newbie, this is such a fun and easy going game to get your feet wet in such a large Pokémon universe. It certainly has some glitches, some questionable graphics (based on games like Breath of Wild), but for kids who aren't jaded by that stuff, the Pokémon are animated in a way that you can fall in love with them, and isn't that the point of the series?