OpenCritic
A three-dimensional fighting game with Pokémon. Pokkén Tournament has been made by the key creators of the Tekken and Soulcalibur series. It was initially released in Japanese arcades in July 2015. Wii U console version introduces many fixes, as well as a single player mode. Fights take the form of one on one duels on closed arenas.
Pokkén Tournament for WiiU is classic fighting game with the Pokémon as fighters. It is a result of collaboration between Nintendo and the devs from Bandai Namco, led by Katsuhiro Harada (known for his work on Soulcalibur franchise). It debuted in Japanese arcades in July 2014, and then there came the console version, which added new single player options and fixed many things, thanks to the players’ .
Game mechanics
The basics of Pokkén Tournament for WiiU follow schemes of the most popular three-dimensional fighting games. Two contestants face each other on an enclosed arena, with players being able to choose from several Pokémon, including those from old and new entries in main RPG series. The list includes e.g. Lucario, Machamp, Suicune, Gardevoir, Pikachu, Gengar, Weavile, Charizard and Blaziken. Each of them has different fighting style and unique combos. Additionally, other Pokémon can be summoned for a few seconds to player’s character, like Frogadier, Eevee, Lapras or Whimiscott, all with single-use, powerful attacks.
Game modes
Pokkén Tournament lets us face both artificial intelligence, or real players – through LAN or the Internet.
Technical aspects
Colorful visuals offer many details, both in Pokémon models and carefully designed arenas. Additionally, veterans of main RPG series will recognize familiar sound effects and music.
Last updated on December 23, 2016
Videos and Screens
[0:30] Pokken Tournament trailer
GamesRadar+: 3 / 5 by Daniella Lucas
Getting to punch, kick and burn things as a Pokemon is a delight, but it doesn't feel fair when playing with others.
Attack of the Fanboy: 3.5 / 5 by Kyle Hanson
Pokken Tournament is a fun mash up of traditional fighting games and Pokemon. The game actually takes a lot of risks, but some of them don't pay off. A larger roster of Pokemon to choose from would help as well.
Eurogamer: by Chris Schilling
It seems destined to be undervalued, but this is a pleasant surprise - a fine fighter that's just about essential for Pokemon fans.
GAMERS Score
Average score from 47 votes.
Pokken Tournament Summary
Platforms:
Nintendo Wii U
Developer: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Publisher: Nintendo
Age restrictions: none
