Pokémon Unite review: an intense MOBA with friendly skin

I never knew it would feel so good to do a dunk like Pikachu until I picked up Pokémon Unite. As I hold the button down, I can almost feel the energy inside my Pokémon gushing out and then exploding as I dip a glowing orb into the opposing team’s rim.

No, Pokémon Unite it is not a basketball game. It’s actually a top-down, combat-based multiplayer game. In short, it is a MOBA. Created by The Pokémon Company and TiMi Studios from Tencent Games, Pokémon Unite Hang beloved Pokémon like Charizard and Snorlax to draw one of the world’s largest fan bases to a new genre. However, what’s behind all the “cute Pokémon stuff” is a developed MOBA that rewards players who immerse themselves in the game, despite some outstanding scruples related to shopping and gaming routine. .

On Pokémon Unite, a standard match consists of a 10-minute 5v5 match in a three-lane arena. Like in any other MOBA, each Pokémon has its own specialty: a jungle to collect points, a healer to keep everyone alive, a tank to help defend, you get the idea. You’ll face off against various low-level Pokémon scattered across the field, as well as members of the opposing team to collect Aeos energy that can be used to score against your competitors. As you fight and win battles in real time, your character levels up, evolves, and learns new attacks. However, the evolutions reset after each match, so long-term training from the main Pokémon games is absent here.

Pokémon Unite it turns on the innate instinct to press a button over and over to make it a really fun game. Two months later, and I still haven’t had enough of spamming ice raids like my adorable Alolan Vulpix to take down poor unsuspecting Corphish. Defeating a Pokémon rewards you with its collected Aeos energy, which contributes to your team’s overall efforts. The joy in games comes from repetition, and it doesn’t feel monotonous.

Generally speaking, prior knowledge of the main Pokémon games won’t help you here. There are no elemental weaknesses. There is no backstory that informs the way the world works (say goodbye to gym battles). And no, there is no “catch them all”. Despite hundreds of Pokémon to choose from and the sheer size of the lists in MOBA like League of Legends, Pokémon Unite it is still new and builds its cast as it progresses.

At first, it was easy for me to jump into the game. Its short matches, simple premise, and lovable critters made it the perfect addition to some before and after work matches. I also don’t have to deal with toxic people online as there is no voice chat. But looking back on my journey, it amazes me how intense I have had to turn to keep up.

Pokémon Unite it took me into the competitive MOBA world and all the esoteric knowledge that comes with it. I looked for videos on how to play my character. I learned different strategies for early game and late game and the differences between the two. I started using terms like “jungler”, “laner” and “gank” with my friends.

Because it is Pokémon, there are a lot of what you might call “casual players”. (A joke has recently proliferated in TikTok on how the game is full of kids.) And while it’s obviously okay for people to dip their toes into MOBA waters with a property they’re familiar with, I did it after all. Pokémon Unite he’s at his best when everyone in the game is somewhat dedicated to improving.

Although the game struggled to balance itself at first, a problem common to any new competitive game, developer TiMi Studios has consistently released fixes. Pokémon Unite it was released in July, but received major patches in August and September to address some glaring issues (a Gengar overpowered, for example). However, if you are looking for a game that will release a new map every two weeks, or wacky battle modes, Pokémon Unite not that game (so far). Even today, you will find yourself playing in the same stadium as always in every game.

In addition to maintaining balance, Pokémon Unite understands the appeal of cool outfits and weird skins. For example, this is the first Pokémon game to feature a Gengar in a spacesuit and Blastoise in a tweed suit. I also love the level of customization of the coach. I dressed my character for fall, and she wears a gingham skirt paired with a sweater and loafers.

But all of these perks come with one big caveat: in-game purchases are a disaster.

There are three currencies: Aeos Gems, Aeos Coins, and Aeos Tickets. Understanding what each coin does, how it is obtained, and what it is used for is a major headache. There is a menu that explains each coin, but it is still unnecessarily obtuse. Also, the game has a gacha system with glorified lottery tickets that can be turned on for better odds. It’s overwhelming if you don’t want to do extra tasks online.

Fundamentally, unlike other free games like Fortnite, the money you spend in the game can affect the game. Cosmetic items called Holowear can grant Pokémon unique abilities, and item boosters are locked out for money or too much effort. (Which, I must add, has its own limit, as you can only make 2,100 Aeos Coins in a week and a Pokémon costs between 6,000 and 10,000 coins.) These “pay to win” aspects allow new players with more money to compete. or even better, more experienced coaches who have put in the effort.

On the one hand, Pokémon Unite it is a very easy game to play “casually”. This accessibility is not a minor achievement, since League of Legends Developer Riot Games had to release a completely separate game to appeal to a more casual crowd.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a colorful game to be “moderate” in, well, this might not be the one. Pokémon Unite it’s more fun when dedicated players go head-to-head. I was looking for a game to play, but fell into a completely new hobby of its own. I picked up Link for Pokémon, but ended up sticking around for a compelling new challenge. It gave me the opportunity (and the excuse) to apply myself and learn to play a MOBA well. And when it comes to MOBA, it’s no easy feat.

Pokémon Unite It was released on July 21, 2021 on Nintendo Switch and on September 22, 2021 for mobile devices. The game was reviewed on Switch. Vox Media has affiliate associations. These do not influence editorial content, although Vox Media may earn commissions for products purchased through affiliate links. You can find Additional information on Polygon’s ethics policy here.