Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon 3DS Game Review

By: Max Cannon

One of the biggest releases last year, especially for Nintendo, was the newest entry in the Pokémon series with both Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon. A handful of changes, some bigger and some smaller, are thrown together in this year's re-releases: Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon. While it's not a wildly different change from what we saw before, these are certainly the superior versions of Sun and Moon and a better time than ever for players to jump in that didn't get to play the game during its original release.

Just like the original, Moon will take place 12 hours ahead of your real life time.

A Return to Alola

Here's what we had to say last year about the first release of Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon:

"The tropical setting of Alola stands out as my favorite location of the series... While your classic Pokémon games of yesteryear would have you training Pokémon to compete for gym badges this game's focus is on Island Challenges. Pokémon Sun and Moon feel like comfort food to play. It was relaxing to slip back into the world of Pokémon as I hadn't since I was a 10 years old. It was satisfying to know that the series has grown up but still retained the charming elements of the original. While I felt that it was a little on the easier side, it didn't take away from the great return I had to the world."

Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon—Available Now!

The meat of the experience found in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Moon is mostly unchanged from the original, which was itself a deviation from what gamers had come to expect from nearly all of the previous Pokémon games in the main series. But what is changed here makes the game a fuller, yet more streamlined experience and every change here is for the better.

The story changes, while small, definitely leave a bigger impact.

Smaller Changes Making Big Waves

There are mostly slight changes to the story, with a big addition toward the end of the game with the return of Team Rocket's leader. Alola's Team Rainbow Rocket makes for a formidable foe and the players that have been with Pokémon from the earlier years will undoubtedly take some satisfaction in taking him down. A newer and more developed climax with Necrozma (the game's legendary Pokémon that the story centers around) feels even bigger than last time. That bigger ending feels even more satisfied thanks to the speedier opening, the tutorial isn't entirely avoided but it feels much more slimmed down than last time.

The addition of a new gym is a really comforting blast to the past.

The most noticeable distraction is the game's Mantine Surfing mini-game. Taking to the ocean, pulling off tricks, and dodging obstacles started off with some tricky controls but after mastering the moveset this game's surfing felt like a worthy use of my time when not capturing Pokémon. A great chance to rake in Battle Points and have a good time doing it.

The starters from the original game remain the same here.

Final Thoughts

If you hadn't played the original release of Pokémon Sun or Moon then the Ultra version of these games are perfect for newcomers. For players that dove deep last year, your fun will vary from a person to person level but the biggest Pokémon fans will certainly have a good time returning to Alola. 

Pros

• Story Changes
• Team Rocket's Boss

Cons

• Veterans may not need to return

Pokémon Ultra Sun and Moon 3DS Game Rating:

Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon Box ArtCourtesy of Nintendo

Available now for Nintendo 3DS

Have Your Say!

Did you play last year's Pokémon Sun or Moon? Will you try out the ultra versions? Comment with your thoughts below!