This is a remake of a classic role-playing game, released in 2018 for the Nintendo Switch. It revisits the Kanto region, allowing players to experience a familiar adventure with significant modern enhancements. The game centers on a journey to become the Pokémon League Champion, focusing on exploration and interaction with Pokémon.

A Familiar Journey, Reimagined

This title is a remake of the 1998 Game Boy title, Pokémon Yellow Version: Special Pikachu Edition. It faithfully recreates the original story and world, but with significant enhancements. Players will experience the Kanto region like never before, thanks to a complete visual overhaul. Environments are now rendered in full 3D, bringing towns, routes, and Pokémon to life with a colorful and charming aesthetic.

The audio has also been updated, featuring a new orchestral score that complements the familiar melodies of the original. This blend of nostalgia and modern presentation creates a unique atmosphere that appeals to both long-time fans and those new to the series.

Core Gameplay and Unique Mechanics

The fundamental gameplay loop involves exploring the Kanto region, encountering wild Pokémon, and engaging in battles. However, this iteration introduces a significant change to how Pokémon are caught. Instead of traditional battles with wild Pokémon, encounters are now resolved through a motion-controlled catching mechanic, similar to that seen in Pokémon GO. Players use the Nintendo Switch's Joy-Con controllers or the optional Poké Ball Plus accessory to aim and throw a Poké Ball.

Another notable departure from the original is the handling of your starter Pokémon. Your partner Pokémon, Eevee in this version, will follow you around the overworld, allowing for direct interaction. This feature adds a new layer of connection with your Pokémon companion.

Battles themselves remain turn-based, a staple of the Pokémon RPG experience. Players train their Pokémon, level them up, teach them new moves, and strategize to overcome Gym Leaders and other trainers on their path to becoming the Pokémon League Champion.

What makes the catching mechanic different?

Encounters with wild Pokémon are resolved through a motion-controlled catching mechanic. Players use the Nintendo Switch's Joy-Con controllers or the optional Poké Ball Plus accessory to aim and throw a Poké Ball, deviating from the traditional battle-based catching of earlier titles.

What's New and What's Preserved?

This remake introduces several new features while carefully preserving the essence of the original. The most prominent additions include the visual and audio upgrades, the simplified catching mechanic, and the overworld partner Pokémon. The game also incorporates features from Pokémon GO, such as the ability to have Pokémon appear in the overworld and the aforementioned catching system.

Key elements preserved from the original include the core story progression, the iconic 151 original Pokémon, and the overall structure of the Kanto region. The game aims to be accessible, streamlining some of the more complex mechanics of later Pokémon titles to create a more straightforward and enjoyable experience for a broader audience.

Compared to the original, there are no removed content elements that fundamentally alter the core adventure. The focus is on modernization and accessibility, rather than significant narrative or mechanical alterations.

Additional Content and Pack Information

The Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! + Poké Ball Plus Pack includes the base game and the Poké Ball Plus accessory. The Poké Ball Plus is a device that can be used as a controller for catching Pokémon and can also hold one Pokémon, which can then be taken out and about with the player. The game itself does not feature any downloadable content (DLC) or expansions.

Is this game faithful to the original or does it take a new direction?

This game strikes a balance between faithfulness and modernization. It is highly faithful to the original Pokémon Yellow Version in terms of its story, world design, and the roster of Pokémon available. However, it takes a significant new direction with its gameplay mechanics, particularly the catching system, and its visual presentation, making it feel like a distinct experience rather than a simple graphical update.