
Release Date: March 18, 2016
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 Tekken series) and Masaaki Hoshino (who supervised the 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’ feedback.
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 support player’s character, like Frogadier, Eevee, Lapras or Whimiscott, all with single-use, powerful attacks.
Pokkén Tournament lets us face both artificial intelligence, or real players – through LAN or the Internet.
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.
Platforms:
Nintendo Wii U
Developer: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Publisher: Nintendo
Age restrictions: none
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Game Ratings for Pokken Tournament Video Game.
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.
Game Rant: 3 / 5 by Riley Little
Pokken Tournament is the first Pokemon-focused fighting game ever released, but the final product feels more like a barebones offering rather than a fleshed out product.
Average score from votes.