Review: Pokémon Ultra Moon (Nintendo Switch)

by Jim Smale · Published November 20, 2017 · Updated November 28, 2017

Ominous dark clouds are spreading in the sky above the Alola region, the setting of Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon.

Pros:

Decent graphics.
28.302 Blocks download size.
Full touchscreen support.
Pokemon gameplay involves collecting creatures called Pokemon and using them to fight other Pokemon.
Choose from three starter Pokemon- Litten, Popplio and Rowlet.
Save when you want.
Opening and ongoing support as well as a help section.
Can speed up conversations.
Game options- Text speed and turn off battle animations.
Basic character creator, Choose backpack colours and face, Avatar etc.
Easy to use controls.
Over 400 Pokemon to discover and capture. New evolutions and Pokemon make their appearance.
Different Pokeballs like fast catch or the ball applies an effect like sleep.
Can ride Pokemon! Each one brings unique abilities like being able to swim or smash boulders.
Pokedex- Keeps track of all discovered Pokemon and gives a percentage by the area to help.
Combat is turn-based.
Eases you in slowly but you always feel supported.
Trainer passport is your stats screen.
Z-Move is where you and your Pokemon can combine your powers and let off a mega over the top move that does serious damage. In fact, it is so powerful that it can only be used like once a fight.
Pokemon refresh- Like a Tamagotchi mini-game section. Here you feed, Pet and wash your Pokemon to cure ailments and increase your friendship level with them.
Open world.
Online- You can go to the festival and interact with random trainers. Other online interactions are trades, Random trades where you choose a Pokemon and fire it off and get a random one back from another player. You can battle other trainers including people off your friend’s list.
Pokemon earns EXP and upgrade stats but also evolve into new Pokemon.
A Strong story with multiple question choices.
Random encounters in long grass, You can see enemies walking around as well.
Boss fights.
The game uses the elements like Fire, Grass, Water, and fire. This is how combat damage is calculated as Pokemon have strengths and weaknesses.
Alola Photo Club- Photo mode and you can add stickers and effects to the image and share them in the festival.
Mantine Surf is a new travel option but also serves as a fun cool mini-game.
Island challenges are like trials against top trainers to help hone your skills.
You can find secret routes and pickups lying around the world.
Playtime shows on your save slot.
Near instant loading screens.
Recieve gift- Get content via local wireless, Infrared, Internet and codes.
UI is clean and clear and clearly marked.
A lot of fun to play.
Many many hours of game.
Tight combat that is fun.

Cons:

No 3D implementation.
Only one save slot.
Cannot transfer your save from the first games.
No in game voices.
Some needless menu clicking especially when contacting online.