Pokémon Let’s Go Eevee – Review

Pokémon Let’s Go Eevee is a recent addition to our collection of games from the over the holidays. It’s a Pokémon RPG game that’s up to 2-players. It’s lots of fun and pretty cute. Here is my review of the game.

Why Let’s Go Eevee?

Pokémon Let’s Go Eevee is a Nintendo Switch game that reimagines the classic Pokémon Yellow, blending traditional mechanics with elements from the mobile game Pokémon GO. Released in November 2018, it offers a nostalgic journey through the Kanto region with modern enhancements.

Partnering with Eevee, players can customize their companion with outfits and hairstyles, enhancing the bond between trainer and Pokémon. Eevee can learn exclusive moves, making it a formidable ally throughout the adventure.

The game features vibrant, colorful graphics that bring the Kanto region to life, appealing to both new players and long-time fans. The redesigned cities and gyms offer a fresh perspective on familiar locales.

This game introduces a new catching system inspired by Pokémon GO, where players use motion controls to throw Poké Balls at wild Pokémon, replacing the traditional battle-based capture method. This approach provides a more relaxed experience but may not appeal to all series veterans.

There’s also Let’s Go Pikachu, the games are the same but with different Pokémon available. We chose Eevee because we like the Pokémon Eevee itself better than Pikachu. We also wanted Vulpix.

How We Test Games

For testing games we use a Nintendo Switch firmware version 2H. Hardware includes Joy-con and Pro controller on a large screen TV. Tests are done with up to 5 players. We take turns playing and evaluating games.

Whenever possible we play multiple players. We also use a Nintendo 2DS, DS XL, and for PC games we use a Ryzen 7 1700x CPU, AMD RX580, running on Win 10. This game is up to 2-players on one Nintendo Switch.

Pros

There are some great features in Let’s Go Eevee, here is a list of all of the pros to this game:

• Nostalgia Factor – Revisits the beloved Kanto region with updated graphics and music, making it a delight for long-time Pokémon fans.
• Accessible Gameplay – Simplified mechanics and the Pokémon GO-inspired catching system make it easy for newcomers to pick up and play.
• Adorable Partner Interaction – Eevee’s customizable outfits, hairstyles, and unique moves create a personal bond with your partner Pokémon.
• Vibrant Visuals – Colorful, polished graphics bring Kanto to life with charm and personality.
• Co-op Mode – Local co-op play allows a second player to join in, making it a fun option for friends or family.
• Compatibility with Pokémon GO – The ability to transfer Pokémon from GO to Let’s Go adds depth and value for mobile game players.
• Perfect for Younger Players – Its relaxed approach and forgiving mechanics are ideal for introducing younger audiences to the Pokémon series.

Cons

There are a few cons in this game, here is a list of the cons in this game:

• Catching Mechanics – The lack of wild Pokémon battles and a focus on catching can feel shallow compared to traditional Pokémon games.
• Overly Easy Difficulty – Experienced players may find the gameplay too simplistic and not challenging enough.
• Motion Control Limitations – The motion-based catching system can be finicky, particularly in handheld mode.
• Co-op Drawbacks – The second player has limited functionality and cannot independently interact with the environment.

Summary

Overall, Pokémon Let’s Go Eevee successfully blends nostalgia with modern gameplay elements, offering an engaging experience for both newcomers and seasoned trainers. its nostalgic appeal and adorable partner interactions make it a delightful reimagining of the Pokémon Yellow experience. While the simplified catching mechanics may not appeal to everyone, the game’s charm and faithful recreation of the Kanto region make it a noteworthy addition to the Pokémon series.