Overview
- Website
- gamefreak.co.jp
- Average Review Score
- 7.85/10
- Average Game Rating
- 8.19/10
Latest Reviews of Game Freak Games
Review Pocket Card Jockey: Ride On! (Switch) - Game Freak's 3DS Gem Is Still A Prize Pony
Yay or neigh?
When the 3DS eShop closed back in March 2023, we were sad for a number of reasons. We were sad at the thought of losing the wonderful Virtual Console library. Sad at the prospect of never seeing the little orange bag mascot again. Sad at the understanding that we'd soon be returning to the silent eShop of the Switch without a...
That's why they call it the blues
What is The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero? That was probably the question on most players’ lips after the Expansion Pass for Pokémon Scarlet & Violet was revealed. Part one, The Teal Mask, was just an appetizer, taking players to a new land in Kitakami and introducing new characters who might just end up being...
Review Pokémon Scarlet & Violet - The Teal Mask (Switch) - DLC That Offers More, But Not Enough
Matcha the mood
As a series, Pokémon is one that has held onto tradition pretty firmly. In the 25+ years since Red & Blue’s release, the fundamentals of the game haven’t really changed – you explore a world, you fight Pokémon, you catch Pokémon. Last year’s Pokémon Scarlet & Violet was the mainline series’ first big attempt to...
Review Pokémon Trading Card Game - A Cracking Adaptation That Still Holds Up
A rare source of fun or just an uncommon?
This review originally went live in 2014, and we're updating and republishing it to mark the game's arrival in the Nintendo Switch Online Game Boy / Game Boy Color library. It’s almost surreal nowadays to think that there was ever a time when portable gaming didn’t have Pokémon. When Red and Blue...
The world is your Cloyster
If there’s one thing we always hope for with a brand-new Pokémon generation, it’s a sense of childlike wonder. Of course, it’s not always a guarantee, especially with a formula that has been followed consistently for the last 26 years, but we always start a new generation with our fingers crossed that we'll be...
Review Pokémon Legends: Arceus (Switch) - One Of The Greatest Pokémon Games Ever Made
We all live in a Pokémon world
A century before it became the land of Sinnoh, the Hisui region was a dangerous place where humans and Pokémon didn’t share the close bond they have today. In fact, Pokémon were treated like dangerous creatures to be avoided, and in Pokémon Legends: Arceus it’s up to you and the Galaxy Expedition Team to...
Review Pokémon Sword And Shield (Switch) - A Solid Start To Gen 8, Despite The Hate
Dynamaxing expectations
If there’s one thing everyone knows about Pokémon Sword and Shield is that they have been talked about. They have been talked about a lot. Whether it’s the controversy surrounding the omission of individual Pokémon or a tree that looks a bit too low-res for people’s tastes, chatter about these games has been incessant...
Review Little Town Hero (Switch) - A Quirky, Small-Scale RPG For The Time-Poor Player
Homegrown heroism
It must be quite the daunting task for a studio best known for one of the most well known game franchises of all time to brave the ire of its considerable audience, branch out into pastures new and release a new IP. Especially when you happen to be Game Freak and that ‘well known game franchise’ just so happens to be the pop...
Review Giga Wrecker Alt. (Switch) - A Puzzle-Solving Mega Man-alike From Pokémon Masters Game Freak
She's gonna wreck it!
Despite the fact it's often working on the next entry in the eternal cultural phenomenon that is Pokémon, Game Freak every so often takes the time to cleanse its creative palette with something that doesn't involve pocket-based monsters. The most recent of its side forays was Giga Wrecker, which smashed its way onto PC two...
Revisiting Kanto 20 years on
With the Switch gearing up for its second holiday season on the market, the time has finally come for the hybrid machine to get its first taste of core series Pokémon action. Acting as a reimagining of Pokémon Yellow – an already enhanced version of the series’ first titles Pokémon Red and Blue – Pokémon: Let's...
Latest Game Freak Articles
Soapbox The Next Pokémon Game Should Rework Old Critters, Not Just Add Dozens More
Gotta not forget 'em all
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they've been chewing over. Today, Lowell considers how future Pokémon games could do justice to old Pocket Monsters who got lumped in with the also-rans... We’re still a little far out from Pokémon...
News Pokemon Developer Game Freak Seeking New Talent For Future Projects
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is due out in 2025
The famous Pokémon developer Game Freak is gearing up for a new era with titles like Pokémon Legends: Z-A, and with this in mind, it appears to be on a recruitment drive. As highlighted by DenFamiNico Gamer (thanks, Siliconera), the developer is holding a new recruitment campaign on 30th August 2024. Some...
News Alternative Titles For Pokémon Ruby And Sapphire Reportedly Discovered
No, not Pokémon: Too Much Water
Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire launched over two decades ago on the Game Boy Advance, but according to a couple of Pokémon fans, the third-gen titles may have been called something completely different during development. As highlighted by farore.gba and wobb on social media (thanks, VGC), after looking through data...
News Pokémon Scarlet And Violet Kick Off Four Seasonal Events This Week
Tera raids and mass outbreaks galore
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are hosting four new seasonal events starting this week, including Tera Raids and Mass Outbreaks. The first kicks off this week on 11th July 2024 and is headlined by a black crystal Tera Raid featuring Pikachu with the Mightiest Mark. This is then supplemented by a 'Pikachu and...
Guide Best Pokémon Spin-Off Games Of All Time
Ranked by you
If there's any franchise that's no stranger to a spin-off or two, it's Pokémon. The inherent appeal of the little Pocket Monsters makes the series ripe for all kinds of genres and video games. Name a genre, and Pokémon has most likely done it. But, dear readers, what's the very best Pokémon spin-off? That's where you come in. We...
Guide Pokémon Legends: Z-A - Release Date, Everything We Know So Far
All details, updates, release dates, and more
Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the second Pokémon game to bear the Legends moniker, was announced at the February 2024 Pokémon Presents. We have very few details on what this brand-new game from Game Freak and The Pokémon Company is, but we've gathered those scraps together and put them all in one handy...
Talking Point Pokémon Presents Predictions - What Are You Expecting?
'mon Dieu
Following hot on the heels of the February 2024 Nintendo Direct, the inevitable announcement of a Pokémon Presents broadcast to coincide with Pokémon Day on 27th February came along. It's traditional to have a broadcast on this date — the anniversary of the first Pokémon games' Japanese debut way back in 1996 — and it's been a busy...
News Pokémon Developer's Brilliant 'Pocket Card Jockey' Bolts To Switch Today
Ride on time
Following on from its non-Nintendo debut on Apple Arcade in January 2023, the sublime horse-racing-solitaire game for 3DS, Pocket Card Jockey, has finally made the jump to Nintendo Switch as Pocket Card Jockey: Ride On! Developed by Game Freak of Pokémon fame, this curious mash-up of puzzling with breeding and racing horses was one of...
News Pokémon Presents Announced For 27th February 2024
And another one
The next Pokémon Presents showcase has been announced by The Pokémon Company for the end of the month, on Pokémon Day no less. On Tuesday 27th February at 6am PT / 9am EST / 2pm GMT / 3pm CET / 12am AEST (Wednesday), we'll be getting a presentation on the latest Pokémon news over on the official Pokémon YouTube channel. It's...
Soapbox Game Freak Could Actually Learn A Thing Or Two From Palworld
No, Pikachu doesn’t need an assault rifle
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they've been chewing over. Today, Lowell locks and loads up the Pokémon-inspired game that's been the talk of the town since it launched on Steam and Xbox Game Pass last week... You...
News Pokémon Developer Game Freak Trademarks 'PAND LAND'
What could it be for?
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet might not be the only project Game Freak has been busy with in recent times. As highlighted by Gematsu, the Japanese developer recently filed logo trademarks for "PAND LAND". Two variations of the logo have been trademarked. According to the source, "PAND LAND" was originally trademarked late last...
PSA Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Celebrate Holidays With Delibird-Themed Events
Outbreaks, Tera Raids - it's a holiday special!
The holidays are very close right now, but there's no need to wait for Delibird to come down the chimney and deliver your presents — you can go catch them right now in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. There are actually two different Delibird-esque events going on right now in Paldea. First up, let's...
Soapbox Kieran’s Hatred Of You In Pokémon Scarlet & Violet's DLC Almost Makes It Good
Fumbled PokéBalls
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they've been chewing over. Today, Lowell laments the Scarvi DLC, but finds a diamond in its rough. The following article contains story spoilers for The Teal Mask and The Indigo Disk... Pokémon stories suck...
Guide Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: All Returning Pokémon, Including DLC
The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero will add another 230
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are the newest Pokémon games on the block, and the first new mainline entry in the series since Pokémon Sword and Shield came out in November 2019. Both Scarlet and Violet are out now, and players all over the world are discovering a brand new generation 9 Pokédex...
News Pokémon Scarlet & Violet - The Indigo Disk Final Trailer Reveals Return Of Old Legendaries
The DLC is out next week
The Pokémon Company has shared the final trailer for The Indigo Disk, part 2 of Pokémon Scarlet & Violet's Expansion Pass, The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, which is out on 14th December. The trailer is jam-packed full of new details, such as returning Gym Leader fights, a new look for a certain character from The...
Guide Pokémon Nintendo Switch Games
Every Pokémon game for Nintendo Switch
The Pokémon franchise began way back in 1996 on Nintendo's Game Boy and sparked a catch 'em all craze that soon engulfed the entire planet. These days the Pocket Monster-collecting-and-battling series series is as strong as ever, with mobile sensation Pokémon GO still attracting a huge number of players,...
Soapbox 20 Years On, It's About Time These Pokémon Games Got Switch Remasters
Gotta snag em’ all
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they've been chewing over. Today, ahead of its 20th anniversary on 21st November, Nathanial looks back on a Pokémon region that's been pretty much ignored for two decades... A common mislabelling seen online...
Random Pokémon Gold & Silver's Male Protagonist Was Apparently A Ninja In The DS Remakes
Hyaaah!
Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver are widely considered to be one of the greatest entries in the long-running franchise, but did you know that the games' male protagonist was actually altered to look more like a ninja for the DS remakes? That's according to a magazine translation discovered as part of DidYouKnowGaming's comprehensive dive...
News Pokémon Scarlet & Violet DLC The Indigo Disk Gets December Release Date
A blue winter
In a bit of a low-key announcement, The Pokémon Company has announced that part two of Pokémon Scarlet & Violet's The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, The Indigo Disk, is launching on 14th December — just in time for the Holiday season, then!' The story of The Indigo Disk will take place at The Blueberry Academy, where you'll...
Soapbox Lavender Town Isn’t Pokémon’s Scariest Location, It’s Someplace Far More Sinister
Trainers beware, you’re in for a scare
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they've been chewing over. Today, Ethan chateaus himself in the creepiest place in the Pokémon world... Ah, Lavender Town — the place where the journeys of old Pokémon end and the...
Soapbox Pokémon X & Y - The Series' Greatest Paradoxes
You can’t be groundbreaking without leaving a few cracks
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they've been chewing over. Today, Andy looks back at a pivotal juncture in the Pocket Monster series which hinted at the path it would take over the following decade...
News New Limited-Time Pokémon Scarlet And Violet Distribution Is Now Available
Celebrate Paldean Winds Ep 1 with a free Cetitan
In case you missed it, the first episode of the new Pokémon web series Paldean Winds is now officially live. As part of this, The Pokémon Company is giving away a free Cetitan in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. As highlighted by Serebii.net, the code you'll need for this one is L1KEAFLUTE, and you...
News Pokémon: Paldean Winds Episode One Is Available Now On YouTube
Deep breath...
The first episode of the Pokémon web series Paldean Winds is available to watch now on The Official Pokémon YouTube channel. The new miniseries was announced during the August 2023 Pokémon Presents and has been produced by Studio WIT, the same talent behind last year's Pokémon: Hisuian Snow. Set in the Paldea region — the home...
News Pokémon Scarlet & Violet DLC Brews Up Brand New Pokémon Poltchageist
A matcha made in heaven?
Update: The official page for Poltchageist has now been uploaded onto the Pokémon Scarlet & Violet website. New details reveal that the matcha Pokémon can come with a brand new ability, Hospitality. This ability is really helpful for double battles as if Poltchageist is brought out during the fight, it will heal a...
Poll What Do You Think Of Raging Bolt In Pokémon Scarlet & Violet?
Paradox Raikou has fans debating
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet's Paradox Pokémon are an undoubted highlight of Gen 9. Depending on what version of the game you're playing, you'll be able to encounter Ancient or Future Pokémon — Pokémon that look like ones you've encountered in previous games, but are either distant past or future versions of...
Soapbox The Next Pokémon Game Should Rework Old Critters, Not Just Add Dozens More
Gotta not forget 'em all
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they've been chewing over. Today, Lowell considers how future Pokémon games could do justice to old Pocket Monsters who got lumped in with the also-rans... We’re still a little far out from Pokémon...
News Pokemon Developer Game Freak Seeking New Talent For Future Projects
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is due out in 2025
The famous Pokémon developer Game Freak is gearing up for a new era with titles like Pokémon Legends: Z-A, and with this in mind, it appears to be on a recruitment drive. As highlighted by DenFamiNico Gamer (thanks, Siliconera), the developer is holding a new recruitment campaign on 30th August 2024. Some...
News Alternative Titles For Pokémon Ruby And Sapphire Reportedly Discovered
No, not Pokémon: Too Much Water
Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire launched over two decades ago on the Game Boy Advance, but according to a couple of Pokémon fans, the third-gen titles may have been called something completely different during development. As highlighted by farore.gba and wobb on social media (thanks, VGC), after looking through data...
News Pokémon Scarlet And Violet Kick Off Four Seasonal Events This Week
Tera raids and mass outbreaks galore
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are hosting four new seasonal events starting this week, including Tera Raids and Mass Outbreaks. The first kicks off this week on 11th July 2024 and is headlined by a black crystal Tera Raid featuring Pikachu with the Mightiest Mark. This is then supplemented by a 'Pikachu and...
Guide Best Pokémon Spin-Off Games Of All Time
Ranked by you
If there's any franchise that's no stranger to a spin-off or two, it's Pokémon. The inherent appeal of the little Pocket Monsters makes the series ripe for all kinds of genres and video games. Name a genre, and Pokémon has most likely done it. But, dear readers, what's the very best Pokémon spin-off? That's where you come in. We...
Guide Pokémon Legends: Z-A - Release Date, Everything We Know So Far
All details, updates, release dates, and more
Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the second Pokémon game to bear the Legends moniker, was announced at the February 2024 Pokémon Presents. We have very few details on what this brand-new game from Game Freak and The Pokémon Company is, but we've gathered those scraps together and put them all in one handy...
Talking Point Pokémon Presents Predictions - What Are You Expecting?
'mon Dieu
Following hot on the heels of the February 2024 Nintendo Direct, the inevitable announcement of a Pokémon Presents broadcast to coincide with Pokémon Day on 27th February came along. It's traditional to have a broadcast on this date — the anniversary of the first Pokémon games' Japanese debut way back in 1996 — and it's been a busy...
News Pokémon Developer's Brilliant 'Pocket Card Jockey' Bolts To Switch Today
Ride on time
Following on from its non-Nintendo debut on Apple Arcade in January 2023, the sublime horse-racing-solitaire game for 3DS, Pocket Card Jockey, has finally made the jump to Nintendo Switch as Pocket Card Jockey: Ride On! Developed by Game Freak of Pokémon fame, this curious mash-up of puzzling with breeding and racing horses was one of...
News Pokémon Presents Announced For 27th February 2024
And another one
The next Pokémon Presents showcase has been announced by The Pokémon Company for the end of the month, on Pokémon Day no less. On Tuesday 27th February at 6am PT / 9am EST / 2pm GMT / 3pm CET / 12am AEST (Wednesday), we'll be getting a presentation on the latest Pokémon news over on the official Pokémon YouTube channel. It's...
Soapbox Game Freak Could Actually Learn A Thing Or Two From Palworld
No, Pikachu doesn’t need an assault rifle
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they've been chewing over. Today, Lowell locks and loads up the Pokémon-inspired game that's been the talk of the town since it launched on Steam and Xbox Game Pass last week... You...
News Pokémon Developer Game Freak Trademarks 'PAND LAND'
What could it be for?
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet might not be the only project Game Freak has been busy with in recent times. As highlighted by Gematsu, the Japanese developer recently filed logo trademarks for "PAND LAND". Two variations of the logo have been trademarked. According to the source, "PAND LAND" was originally trademarked late last...
PSA Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Celebrate Holidays With Delibird-Themed Events
Outbreaks, Tera Raids - it's a holiday special!
The holidays are very close right now, but there's no need to wait for Delibird to come down the chimney and deliver your presents — you can go catch them right now in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. There are actually two different Delibird-esque events going on right now in Paldea. First up, let's...
Soapbox Kieran’s Hatred Of You In Pokémon Scarlet & Violet's DLC Almost Makes It Good
Fumbled PokéBalls
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they've been chewing over. Today, Lowell laments the Scarvi DLC, but finds a diamond in its rough. The following article contains story spoilers for The Teal Mask and The Indigo Disk... Pokémon stories suck...
Guide Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: All Returning Pokémon, Including DLC
The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero will add another 230
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are the newest Pokémon games on the block, and the first new mainline entry in the series since Pokémon Sword and Shield came out in November 2019. Both Scarlet and Violet are out now, and players all over the world are discovering a brand new generation 9 Pokédex...
News Pokémon Scarlet & Violet - The Indigo Disk Final Trailer Reveals Return Of Old Legendaries
The DLC is out next week
The Pokémon Company has shared the final trailer for The Indigo Disk, part 2 of Pokémon Scarlet & Violet's Expansion Pass, The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, which is out on 14th December. The trailer is jam-packed full of new details, such as returning Gym Leader fights, a new look for a certain character from The...
Guide Pokémon Nintendo Switch Games
Every Pokémon game for Nintendo Switch
The Pokémon franchise began way back in 1996 on Nintendo's Game Boy and sparked a catch 'em all craze that soon engulfed the entire planet. These days the Pocket Monster-collecting-and-battling series series is as strong as ever, with mobile sensation Pokémon GO still attracting a huge number of players,...
Soapbox 20 Years On, It's About Time These Pokémon Games Got Switch Remasters
Gotta snag em’ all
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they've been chewing over. Today, ahead of its 20th anniversary on 21st November, Nathanial looks back on a Pokémon region that's been pretty much ignored for two decades... A common mislabelling seen online...
Random Pokémon Gold & Silver's Male Protagonist Was Apparently A Ninja In The DS Remakes
Hyaaah!
Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver are widely considered to be one of the greatest entries in the long-running franchise, but did you know that the games' male protagonist was actually altered to look more like a ninja for the DS remakes? That's according to a magazine translation discovered as part of DidYouKnowGaming's comprehensive dive...
News Pokémon Scarlet & Violet DLC The Indigo Disk Gets December Release Date
A blue winter
In a bit of a low-key announcement, The Pokémon Company has announced that part two of Pokémon Scarlet & Violet's The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, The Indigo Disk, is launching on 14th December — just in time for the Holiday season, then!' The story of The Indigo Disk will take place at The Blueberry Academy, where you'll...
Soapbox Lavender Town Isn’t Pokémon’s Scariest Location, It’s Someplace Far More Sinister
Trainers beware, you’re in for a scare
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they've been chewing over. Today, Ethan chateaus himself in the creepiest place in the Pokémon world... Ah, Lavender Town — the place where the journeys of old Pokémon end and the...
Soapbox Pokémon X & Y - The Series' Greatest Paradoxes
You can’t be groundbreaking without leaving a few cracks
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they've been chewing over. Today, Andy looks back at a pivotal juncture in the Pocket Monster series which hinted at the path it would take over the following decade...
News New Limited-Time Pokémon Scarlet And Violet Distribution Is Now Available
Celebrate Paldean Winds Ep 1 with a free Cetitan
In case you missed it, the first episode of the new Pokémon web series Paldean Winds is now officially live. As part of this, The Pokémon Company is giving away a free Cetitan in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. As highlighted by Serebii.net, the code you'll need for this one is L1KEAFLUTE, and you...
News Pokémon: Paldean Winds Episode One Is Available Now On YouTube
Deep breath...
The first episode of the Pokémon web series Paldean Winds is available to watch now on The Official Pokémon YouTube channel. The new miniseries was announced during the August 2023 Pokémon Presents and has been produced by Studio WIT, the same talent behind last year's Pokémon: Hisuian Snow. Set in the Paldea region — the home...
News Pokémon Scarlet & Violet DLC Brews Up Brand New Pokémon Poltchageist
A matcha made in heaven?
Update: The official page for Poltchageist has now been uploaded onto the Pokémon Scarlet & Violet website. New details reveal that the matcha Pokémon can come with a brand new ability, Hospitality. This ability is really helpful for double battles as if Poltchageist is brought out during the fight, it will heal a...
Poll What Do You Think Of Raging Bolt In Pokémon Scarlet & Violet?
Paradox Raikou has fans debating
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet's Paradox Pokémon are an undoubted highlight of Gen 9. Depending on what version of the game you're playing, you'll be able to encounter Ancient or Future Pokémon — Pokémon that look like ones you've encountered in previous games, but are either distant past or future versions of...