Here’s our Pokemon Scarlet and Violet review for the Nintendo Switch. Is Game Freak’s latest worth playing?
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are the latest main series games in a franchise that’s become beleaguered with issues. While Pokemon still sells, decisions around the game series have been criticized over the last few years. In particular, the “Dexit” controversy made many fans feel like Game Freak doesn’t care anymore. The positive reception of Pokemon Legends: Arceus made it seem like things might be turning around, but Scarlet and Violet show that there are still major issues afoot, despite it being the most fun I’ve had with a Pokemon game in years.
This time around, things are a bit more complicated. As a student of a prestigious Pokemon academy in Paldea’s biggest city, Mesadoza, you’re tasked with going on a “Treasure Hunt” to accomplish a goal you find truly meaningful. In addition to the standard Pokemon League challenge, you’re also tasked with taking down rampaging titan Pokemon and fighting the notorious Team Star.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet feels like an alpha of a really great game — the best entry in the series since the 3DS days. You can see that all the pieces are there to craft the Pokemon adventure fans have been craving. But, unfortunately, it could have used a couple more years in the oven.
Graphical glitches are everywhere. There are rampant frame drops, lag spikes, and pop-in. The model collision is terrible, and it’s not unusual to see Pokemon hovering in the air if they’re standing on any sort of incline.
Switch games always get a pass because the hardware is behind the times. However, Game Freak has had issues with optimization since the DS days, and it’s only gotten worse since the series transitioned to 3D.
