- Pokemon Unite Video Game Review: Whimsical MOBA Madness - September 27, 2021
Pokemon Unite is a relatively new game that was released on the Nintendo Switch. For several weeks before the game was officially released onto the platform, many Pokemon players were very excited about this new game. However, there were many people that were skeptical about how this game was even going to function well on the Nintendo switch.
If you’re familiar with video games at all, you may have heard of a game called League of Legends. Pokemon Unite gives a very similar vibe to League of Legends, which is why many people were very skeptical. The League of Legends Community is known to be very competitive and aggressive, which is what a lot of people were hoping to avoid with the release of Pokemon Unite.
Pokemon Unite gives a new perspective into the world of Pokemon video games, as it combines the multiplayer online battle arena with the Pokemon gaming series. When I first started playing this game, I will admit that my expectations were pleasantly met. However, there are a few downsides and flaws that I witnessed when playing this game.
Even if you haven’t yet downloaded this game, you may have heard the rumors that Pokemon Unite is a pay-to-win game.
No matter what you have heard about Pokemon Unite, I’m here to dive deep into a review of the game. I’m going to highlight what I liked about this game, what I didn’t like about this game, and what you should expect when going to play this game for yourself. Let’s dive into my Pokemon Unite video game review.
What is Pokemon Unite?
All right, before we get too deep into this review, it’s important for you to understand what Pokemon Unite is. Pokemon Unite is a game available on the Nintendo Switch that’s free to download. As I mentioned above, it is a multiplayer online battle arena game. When you are playing a match, your team will only have five people on it.
Each of your team members will be responsible for controlling one Pokemon while they’re out in battle. The point of the game is to try to score as many goals as you can while you’re in the enemy goal zone. Also, you can gain points by defeating all Pokemon that are neutral throughout the map. The bottom line is, you win the game by getting as many points with your team as you possibly can.
From this explanation, it’s clear that the whole premise behind the game isn’t anything difficult to understand or incredibly unique. However, this is where I do believe the simple gameplay that Pokemon Unite has to offer is beneficial.
Even if you were new to the world of Pokemon, which I sort of am, the concept behind the game is still very easy to understand. Also, you don’t have to suffer through a long trial of attempting to understand the concept behind the game before you’re able to go in, start playing, and actually enjoy the game.
What is a MOBA Game?
As you’re reading through other reviews, you may stumble upon the phrase “MOBA game.” MOBA stands for a multiplayer online battle area game.
It’s a type of strategy video game where there are two teams of people playing against one another on some type of battlefield. In a MOBA game, you’re responsible for controlling one character that supporters the strategy of your team.
How do You Play Pokemon Unite?
Now that you have a better understanding of what Pokemon Unite is, it’s time to break down how to play Pokemon Unite. As a Pokemon Unite player, you can select a Pokemon from one of the five classes offered. Each Pokemon that you select will have its own unique weaknesses and strengths. As a team, you will work together to defeat your enemy by scoring points on their side of the Arena.
One thing that I would like to mention is that when I was first getting started playing this new video game, I did find the selection of options available to be a little overwhelming. However, I just kept the basics of the game in the back of my mind, and that helped me to start choosing my first Pokemon.
The Basics Behind Pokemon Unite
Pokemon Unite is a fast-paced type of game where you will face off against a team of five other players in an arena. Your team in the five people that you’re competing against are trying to collect Aeos energy.
Your team will work to collect this energy, which comes from eliminating players and from eliminating wild Pokemon that are neutral against your team. When you collect Aeos energy, you have to deposit the energy into your competitor’s goal. This is the concept behind scoring.
In order to win, your team has to have the highest score and the most energy collected. The map for Pokemon Unite is divided into two different sections. Your team and the team that you’re competing against will both have two goals that you’re working at to defend. These goals are located on both sides of the map.
When you look on the map, you’ll find a wild area that’s located in the center of the map. However, you will also find an upper path and a lower path. The majority of teams playing this game will have at least one player protecting each of the lanes on the map.
The enemy’s goal is destroyed after 100 points are scored. So, if you consistently work to score points, your team will slowly be pushed into enemy territory.
It’s really important that you and your teammates focus on all aspects of the gameplay, scoring, defending your goals, collecting energy, and attacking. This requires a fine balance for you and your team members to figure out, but it’s the key to seeing your team win.
As you’re walking around the map, you’ll also notice that there is special Pokemon sprinkled around. If you defeat these Pokemon, you will get additional bonus points for knocking them out.
One thing that I quickly discovered is it’s not ideal to fight the enemy by yourself. When I would wander off and leave my teammates behind, I would be quickly overwhelmed by enemies. So, this is how I learned that it’s important to work together with my teammates so we can score as many points as we possibly can.
What Pokemon Can You Play on Pokemon Unite?
If you’re wondering if your favorite Pokemon is available to play on Pokemon Unite, let’s take a close look at all of the Pokemon available on the Pokemon Unite roster:
Attackers
- Alolan Ninetale
- Venusuar
- Greninja
- Blastoise
- Gardevoir
- Pikachu
- Cinderace
- Cramorant
Supporters
- Mr. Mime
- Wigglytuff
- Eldegoss
- Blissey
All-Rounder
- Garchomp
- Machamp
- Lucario
- Charizard
Defense
- Slowbro
- Crustle
- Snorlax
Speedsters
- Gengar
- Absol
- Zeraora
- Talonflame
How to Choose the Best Pokemon
While you’re playing Pokemon Unite, you’ll probably want to find the perfect Pokemon to add to your team. There are five different classes of Pokemon that you could choose from, which include: Supporter, Speedster, Attacker, Defender, and All-Rounder.
Each type of Pokemon offers a unique way that they support your team, but they each come with a slightly different playstyle. All-Rounder Pokemon are the best option if you’re brand-new to playing this game. It’s because they are pretty balanced when it comes to both endurance and offence, while also proving to be great fighters.
While they aren’t the most mobile out of all the options, they do have enough mobility for you to effectively move around the map with ease. The biggest downside to this type of Pokemon is that they don’t offer a lot of Support options for your fellow teammates.
Attacker Pokemon are great for ranged attacks. I personally love playing with this type of Pokemon because they are able to deliver a high amount of damage while you’re able to be a safe distance away without risking taking any damage yourself.
However, this type of Pokemon typically does have a low amount of endurance, so keep that in the back of your mind.
Support Pokemon work to help your team because they make easy targets. This can help to distract the opposing team from your other Pokemon, who you want to keep protected. Also, this type of Pokemon is great to use to heal your other teammates.
Speedster Pokemon are the fastest option and can quickly move around all of your opponents. Due to how easy they are to move around, they’re great to use when you want to score points. However, they can’t take a lot of damage, so make sure that you’re keeping your eyes moving around to make sure you aren’t offering opponents an easy kill.
Defender Pokemon are the last option available. These are the best Pokemon to use to keep your teammates protected. They’re able to take a lot of damage, but they aren’t able to deal a lot of damage. These are the best Pokemon to use to keep your more sensitive Pokemon protected.
Items Available
You aren’t stuck playing with the same Pokemon that everybody else has on the map. Instead, you can choose to customize your Pokemon in Pokemon Unite with items. There are two different types of items that you can obtain and Pokemon Unite. These include hold items and battle items.
Battle items work to provide Buffs for the Pokemon that you have out on the field fighting. You can use a potion, for example, to keep your Pokemon alive if you have been caught in a corner and are fighting your way out. However, it’s important for you to know that you can only have one battle item equipped at one time. So, it’s important for you to be careful and considerate about which options you’re thinking about using.
In addition, there are hold items as well. You can use these items to enhance your Pokemon while you’re out playing in the field. You can purchase these items in the battle prep menu. The higher your trainer level goes, the more battle items you will have available to you to unlock.
Is Pokemon Unite Free?
Yes, Pokemon Unite is free to download and play. However, there are a lot of people who refer to this game as a pay-to-win game. There are in-game purchases that are optional to make, but it does significantly help increase your chances of winning because it gives you access to better supplies.
The only thing that you truly have to pay for to play Pokemon Unite is the Nintendo Switch Online subscription. For you to play Pokemon Unite, you need to have access to being online with your Switch.
Is Pokemon Unite a Good Game?
Yes, I thoroughly enjoy playing Pokemon Unite. I really thought it was an amazing game, and I loved the fast, intuitive gameplay.
Is Pokemon Unite on PC?
Pokemon Unite hasn’t been announced for PC. However, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a possibility for this game to be made into an option for PC players in the future.
Other Alternatives to Consider
Do you feel like Pokemon Unite just isn’t a perfect match for the type of game that you’re looking to play? Don’t worry; I’ve got a list of a few other alternatives for you to consider:
League of Legends
League of Legends is another multiplayer online battle arena game, where two teams of five people work together to destroy each other’s bases. There are a bunch of different characters that you can choose to play as. The ultimate goal is to take down your enemy’s tower to see your team to victory.
SMITE
This is another online at Battleground game, but instead of playing as a Pokemon, you’ll play as a god. There are deities that you can choose to play as. You’ll be a part of a 5v5 match. But what really sets this apart is you will play in third-person perspective.
Crazy Foods
This is a huge multiplayer online getting where you and your teammates are pieces of food. The ultimate goal is to eliminate all of the other members on the opposing team. There can be one winner or one team that is a winner. This is a really cute game if you’re looking for something fun, relaxing, and isn’t as intense as the other two options.
Pokemon Unite Video Game Review: Conclusion
Pokemon Unite Is a super fun game to play. If you’re looking for a new way to bring your love for Pokemon into your life. I personally really enjoy this game because I find it way less aggressive and demanding than other types of gameplay, such as League of Legends.
I also really enjoy that this game doesn’t take too long to play, as most matches are over in about 10 minutes. If you’re looking for a new game to download on your Switch or even on your phone (iOS or Android), I would highly recommend this option.
