Detective Pikachu returns in a new investigation

Wait, what? Pikachu is a detective?

Well, yes, THIS Pikachu is a detective. The setting of the game is quite different from the usual Pokémon games and their focus on battling/catching/evolving Pokémon. In Ryme City humans and Pokémon live peacefully together (mostly so) and enjoy reinvigorating cups of coffee side by side. Actually, this is not even the first time… as the title implies, this game is a sequel to the excellent 2018 Nintendo 3DS game Detective Pikachu. In the first game you played as Tim Goodman, a human boy who found out he was the only one able to understand what Pikachu said. The two unlikely heroes joined forces to solve the mystery of Tim’s father disappearing. A live action movie was also made, loosely based on the videogame’s plot.

What’s new in Detective Pikachu Returns?

This time around our duo of heroes has to investigate various cases around Ryme City, with an overarching plot about "discovering the origins of the Great Detective Pikachu". Not much more is known about the story, but we wouldn’t want to make any spoilers anyway. As in the previous game, most of the gameplay will be talking to characters, collecting statements and looking for clues, then placing everything together to formulate a theory. The player can talk to human characters while controlling Tim, but it’s also possible for Pikachu to speak to other Pokémon. In addition to that, Pikachu can enlist the active help of other Pokémon, like for example a Growlithe can follow scents and give a ride to the yellow detective, or a Galarian Darmanitan will help with its tremendous power.

Ryme City, a world of its own

As in the first game, Detective Pikachu Returns is set in Ryme City. This is a special place in the Pokémon world, because humans and Pokémon live side by side in harmony, and Pokémon battles are forbidden. We can expect at least some iconic places to return in this new game, like Tim’s apartment, Central Square, Tahnti Park and of course the Hi-Hat Cafè, where Pikachu usually gets his favourite caffeinated drink. Aside from Tim, we’ll probably meet again some old acquaintances like Amanda Blackstone, Frank Holiday and Pablo Millan, and we’re also sure to meet many new and exciting characters, both friends and villains. And a lot of Pokémon, too!

Detective Pikachu is coming

Detective Pikachu Returns was first announced in 2019, much to the joy of all the fans of the first game. In June 2023, during a Nintendo Direct event, it was officially revealed that the game will be exclusively released for the Nintendo Switch on October 6th. The date is right around the corner, we can’t wait to join with our old friends again and live a new, exciting adventure!