Pokemon Sun and Moon Review Compilation

As has become somewhat of a tradition here, I have pulled an aggregate of reviews for a highly anticipated game, this time Pokemon Sun and Moon.

Sun and Moon release on November 18th, 2016 (in NA & JP) and November 23rd, 2016 (for EU).  The continuation of the Pokemon series follows the previous entries X and Y, and were also the most preordered games in Nintendo’s history.

Below are some popular review outlets initial takes for the games:

Metacritic: 88

Eurogamer – “Essential”

“Tearing up the rulebook but bringing back the fun, Pokemon Sun and Moon make for the best generation in more than a decade.”

NintendoLife – 10/10

“Simply put, Sun and Moon are best Pokémon games that Game Freak has ever produced. Poké Pelago, the side quests, the absolutely stunning nature of the presentation, it’s all a sheer joy from start to finish. Game Freak hasn’t missed a beat and has managed to carefully balance the inclusion of new mechanics without totally ruining things for the most hardcore fans. It’s got content coming out of its ears, a much more interesting story, and rewards exploration in a way no other title in the series has. Whether you’re a Pokémon fan new or old, this is an absolutely essential purchase.”

Game Informer – 8.5/10

“You’re still collecting monsters by throwing Poké Balls and taking on the competition in turn-based battles, but Sun & Moon feels like a brand new Pokémon game in some fundamental and worthwhile ways.”

TheSixthAxis – 9/10

“Pokémon Sun & Moon are undeniably a superior evolution to previous Pokémon games overall. It’s a little too much to handle for the 3DS at times, and steps away from certain innovative features, but the fact that the series has changed itself some much 20 years after its debut is as refreshing as sipping the water from a freshly opened coconut. If you can avoid any spoilers, difficult as that may be, Pokémon Sun & Moon eclipse all expectations.”

GCMagazine – 8/10

“While it can feel a little linear at times, there is something magical about the start to any Pokémon adventure, and that’s what makes Pokémon Sun so great.”

GamesRadar+ – 4/5

“A comfort blanket of a game that appeals if you’ve played none or all of the series’ entries. Sun and Moon’s mix of classic callbacks and cheerful changes are super-effective.”

EGM – 9/10

“A couple technical issues aside, Sun/Moon might be the best Pokémon game yet. It freshens up a formula some of us PokéManics might not have realized was growing stale until now. Trials and Grand Trials provide variations on familiar gameplay, and the removal of HMs and telling players how effective their moves are rejuvenates battling.”

NintendoWorldReport – 8/10

“While I had a good deal of fun with Pokemon Moon, I couldn’t shake the feeling that not everything was sound about it. The story didn’t keep my attention as much as I would have hoped, the journey was easy to get through and some of the battles had slowdown.”

Destructoid – 9/10

“For every issue I found with Pokemon Moon, whether it was an old problem that just caught up with the series or something new — I found solace in the indomitable likability of a cast member, or the thrill of finding another party member that I would battle with for years to come. I’m already seeing myself playing for several hundred hours before the end of 2016, and I haven’t even fully experienced all of the online features yet. Such is the power of Pokemon, and I hope we get to see Alola’s influences linger as Game Freak gears up for its next adventure.”

DualShockers – 9/10

“Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon are both fantastic additions to the series’ 20th anniversary. With an inspired new generation of Pokémon and a ton of variation, Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon are the freshest take on a tried-and-true series. However, just like a vacation, most changes are ones I hope are temporary — I’ll be happy to return to the formula again next year.”

Metro GameCentral – 9/10

“The best Pokémon game yet, that expertly combines the best elements of the old games with a mountain of new features and wonderfully odd creatures.”

XGN – 9/10

“Pokémon Sun is simply amazing. Alola is beautiful and offers a balanced mix between old and new Pokémon. The many new features help keep the gameplay fresh and there’s no need for HM slaves anymore.”

Daily Dot – 4.5/5

“As the latest entries in a series that has been accused of growing tired, Sun and Moon comprise a complete Pokémon package that welcomes change but still provides the same thrills fans have come to love.”

IGN – 9/10

“After 20 years of slow but steady evolution, Pokemon gets a bit of a reinvention in Sun and Moon. An engrossing and rich new region makes the Alola journey — along with all the changes Sun and Moon make to the existing formula — enjoyable throughout the main adventure, and small interface and variety of upgrades along the way make a few of the things that stayed the same feel better than before.”

Polygon – 8.5/10

“Pokémon’s 20th anniversary year has been all about celebrating what’s great about the series, but the newest pair of games prove that the series is ready and able to make big changes without sacrificing that original spirit. Without the heaps of content of series-defining entries like Red, Silver and X, Sun and Moon don’t quite stand as endlessly replayable classics, but they’re a wonderful testament to why Pokémon is still so special all these years later.”

NintendoEveryting – “Thumbs Up”

“Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon are near-perfect experiences. With a wonderfully fun and heartfelt story, a lovable and dynamic cast of characters, a beautiful new world to explore, and countless nuances that have undoubtedly rejuvenated the series, new and old fans alike are in for an adventure unlike any other in the franchise’s history. Pokemon Sun and Pokemon Moon are a momentous achievement and a monumental step in the right direction for the series’ future.”

Have you played the game yet?  Do you plan on buying it? Comment below!