Pokémon Moon

About Pokémon Moon

Game Freak released Pokémon Moon on November 18, 2016 for the Nintendo 3DS. This entry marks a shift to the tropical Alola region where the story unfolds across four main islands. You start by picking one of three starter creatures before facing the island trials and their guardians. The game introduces nine playable languages including both traditional and simplified Chinese alongside standard options like English and Japanese. It focuses on turn-based combat and exploration rather than open-world freedom. Players chase legendary Pokémon while stopping Team Skull from causing trouble across the islands.

Gameplay

You move through a world where your Pokémon automatically follow you or ride vehicles to clear obstacles. Battles happen in a traditional turn-based format where you select moves, items, or switch creatures. This version adds Z-Moves which unleash powerful attacks once per battle after filling a meter. You complete Island Trials by solving puzzles and fighting gym leaders called Kahuna. The Poké Pelago feature lets you manage your Pokémon in a side area to gain resources without active combat. Multiplayer options allow trading and battling with other 3DS owners locally or online.

What Players Think

Critics loved this entry with OpenCritic giving it an 87 out of 100 score and 95.05 percent of reviewers recommending it. Eurogamer called it the best generation in over a decade while Nintendo Life gave it a perfect 100. The IGDB shows an 81 rating from 247 user scores which suggests solid player approval. Average completion time hovers around 28 hours for a standard run without rushing side content. Community moods on PlayPile show high satisfaction with the story pacing and the new Z-Move mechanics replacing older power-ups.

PlayPile's Take

Pokémon Moon costs around $40 on the eShop depending on current sales. It includes 17 official achievements tied to completing trials and catching specific regional variants. This title works best for players who enjoy structured progression through distinct chapters rather than free roaming. The addition of nine languages makes it accessible globally without needing a translation mod. Skip this if you dislike turn-based systems or want faster action combat. Finish the Island Trials and you will have a complete experience that stands above recent entries in the franchise.

Storyline

Embark on a new adventure as a Pokémon Trainer and catch, battle, and trade all-new Pokémon on the tropical islands of the Alola Region. Discover the Z-Moves and unleash these intense attacks in battle. Call upon Pokémon with Poké Ride to discover new areas across the region and take on the Island Challenge Trials to become the Pokémon Champion! Choose one of three new partner Pokémon that will accompany you as you set out on an all-new adventure and discover new Pokémon and regional variant Pokémon in the Alola region. Catch and train Pokémon as you encounter captains, and kahunas of the 4 main Islands of the region. Discover the mystery of the Legendary Pokémon while stopping Team Skull from causing chaos throughout the land.