Detective Pikachu is set for a Western release on March 23. However, to ensure that the fans stay with the game, Nintendo came up with a new trailer for the game introducing new features, characters, and gameplay footage.
The Detective Pikachu trailer introduces several new elements. One of them is Trouble in Ryme City! Both people and Pokémon live together in Ryme City, where all of a sudden and for no apparent reason, several friendly Pokémon start behaving mysteriously. And, while Detective Pikachu and his friend Tim search for Tim’s father, they somehow get involved in the “problematic Pokémon” case, which possibly could be connected to their original goal.
Further, the trailer introduces several “charming characters” in the city. Throughout the game Detective Pikachu interrogates all these characters to try to solve the mystery. Some of these characters are: Frank Holliday – inspector at the Ryme City Police Department; Pablo Millan – owner of Pikachu’s favorite café; Meiko Okamoto – a camera operator for the local TV studio.
The new trailer also introduces the Mysterious Mewtwo. This different looking Pokémon, according to Nintendo, is the biggest connection in this mystery. To know how it is connected to the case, one will have to play the game.
Get ready to start sleuthing in #DetectivePikachu! ?⚡ You’ve never seen a detective quite like this Pikachu. As you work through the case, you’ll need to get to know the residents of mysterious Ryme City. But wait—is that Mewtwo? Let’s investigate: https://t.co/bqNULBh5Kc pic.twitter.com/TpIQzUcH8T
— Pokémon (@Pokemon) February 23, 2018
Talking about the gameplay, Detective Pikachu appears to be based on solving puzzles. Players would have to solve small puzzles to advance further. “Along the way, experience over 150 fun-filled animated cutscenes starring this unique, wise-cracking Pikachu and a charming cast of curious characters who may help you on your investigation,” Nintendo says in a blog post.
The game also features a giant Detective Pikachu amiibo. The amiibo will unlock extra content and hints. Though the game can be played without the amiibo, using it would make the game a bit quicker, notes The Verge.
Despite the features, characters, and gameplay, what fans were anxiously waiting for is the talking Pikachu. And, the new trailer does address it, but to the surprise of many, Pikachu still sounds like a middle-aged man.
“While Pikachu is very cute in his detective hat, I just can’t take him seriously every time he opens his adorable little mouth and speaks,” says The Verge.
In Japan, the title was released on Feb. 3, 2016, while the Western release is scheduled next month. So, fans who also felt the same about Pikachu’s voice will be hoping for a change by then.
Along with the trailer, Nintendo also announced the launch of the New Nintendo 2DS XL system featuring Pikachu’s iconic face. This new system, which was launched in Japan last year, can be purchased for $159.99.
“The New Nintendo 2DS XL Pikachu Edition system is just as electric as the Pokémon itself, with an eye-catching yellow design featuring a stylized close-up of Pikachu’s face,” Nintendo says.
Further, the Japanese company informed that the new system – similar to other Nintendo 2DS systems – will play 3DS games in 2D. Nintendo also announced a limited-time offer with the purchase the Detective Pikachu. Early buyers will get a bonus download code “for a Detective Pikachu theme for the HOME Menu.”
Separately, a Detective Pikachu live-action film is also in the works. The movie includes Deadpool’s Ryan Reynolds as titular Pokemon.
