The Nintendo Switch has been a huge hit ever since the hardware launched a couple of months ago. With the hardware selling like hotcakes and still out of stock in major parts of the world, developers are busy porting a lot of their games to the Switch. That being said, we have seen Nintendo port several of their Wii U titles like Mario Kart 8. Because of the success of Pokken Tournament a few years ago on the Wii U, Nintendo has released the definitive version of Pokken Tournament that offers the complete package for anyone who wants to play the ultimate version of the game. As this is the first Pokemon game to hit the Switch, it’s pretty sure the game will sell well. but is it really the definitive version of the hit Pokemon fighting game?
Almost all of the content in Pokken Tournament DX has not been altered. What you see or have played in the Wii U version is the same exact one you will be playing in the Switch version. In terms of the story, it hasn’t really changed. You will still be a Pokemon Trainer in the Ferrum Region who will investigate the appearance of the mysterious Pokemon. To do that, you will rise up in the ranks of the Ferrum League and battle trainers one-on-one. For those who are expecting some sort of similarity to the Pokemon games on the DS, you will be disappointed as this is a fighting game.
Aside from simply fighting Pokemon or joining the Ferrum league, there are other things that you could do as well. One of my favorites is doing the daily challenges or completing missions. By doing certain missions like winning a certain amount or using a specific support Pokemon, there are items or avatar costumes that you can unlock. Though when you are doing a daily challenge, there’s a chance you will not be playing as your main Pokemon you have been using. It’s best to play through the available roster and master each skill.
In terms of the combat, the game still uses two modes during each fight. Depending on what attacks that are used, the battle can shift from the long distance Field Phase to the close up Duel Phase or vice-versa. Whenever the switch occurs, the Pokemon that you are using in battle will have their attacks changed. It’s really best to go through the Dojo in the game and practice with the attacks of the Pokemon you are using to fully understand the mechanics and be competitive in the game. Don’t worry about the learning curve as they are easy to master.
As for the roster itself, the ones found in the Wii U version are in the Switch version plus certain new Pokemon like Croagunk, Empoleon, Darkrai, Scizor, and Decidueye. These Pokemon are only exclusive to the DX version. Since it’s important to for a fighting game to have characters that people will actually want to play as, I’m glad that the DX version has new Pokemon added to the roster as its one of the main draws of the game. I myself love playing as Pikachu but there are times I have to use others like Empoleon, especially when Braxien is the one I’m fighting against.
When it comes to the Pokemon moves or executing combos, they aren’t really hard to do. It’s not a button mashing fighting game as you will need strategy and skills to really win the battle. Each Pokemon in the roster have their own unique attacks that you can execute, not to mention there are support Pokemon as well that can aid you in battle like Fennekin, and Yveltal. These support Pokemon don’t really get played in battle but they are there to give aid whenever you want to replenish your HP, deal extra damage to your opponent, or simply remove status effects from your Pokemon.
Visually, the game looks phenomenal on the handheld. Despite only being 720P, the game looks crisp and is very detailed. The models and the environments are well designed and those who played the Wii U version can see that the visuals are identical. This also applies to the docked mode where the game can be played in 1080p. Performance wise, the game doesn’t have any slowdowns, and the only time I experienced any lag is when playing online. As for stages, there are a few new ones added in the DX version.
If you are not training with your Pokemon or not doing the Ferrum League, then you will most likely find yourself playing an Online Battle with people around the world. One of the main highlights of Pokken Tournament DX is the multiplayer as it gives pretty much yourself the challenge you need and that’s challenging other players. While the game is fun playing by yourself, it’s even more fun if you have people to play with. If playing online is not your thing, you can play with your friends locally. Luckily, the game can be played using your Joycons or the Pro Controller. With its portability, you can play anywhere you go with a friend, which makes the game even more fun compared to the Wii U version where you are only stuck playing in your house.
While the majority of the the things in Pokken Tournament DX are common knowledge since this is a port with some added extra content, there are still things that can’t keep you from playing this game all the time. Sure, the game is fun but you will not be playing this game for more than one hour straight as I guarantee you will get bored. Sadly, the missions and the achievements that you get to unlock aren’t really that worth it but it adds extra challenge for those that want it.
Verdict
Pokken Tournament DX is without a doubt the definitive version, one that fans of the original or newcomers should get, especially if they love fighting games. All of the content that you may have missed on the Wii U version is packed in the DX version, including new characters and stages. With the ability to play it wherever you go, it adds a lot of value, but remember that it will take its toll if you play too much. Nevertheless, Pokken Tournament DX is still an entertaining title that everyone will appreciate on their Switch.
[Editor’s Note: Pokken Tournament DX was reviewed on the Nintendo Switch platform. The game was provided to us by the publisher for review purposes.]
