Considering that Bandai Namco's Tekken and Pokémon are some of the biggest video game franchises in Japan, it really just makes sense to combine the two in Pokkén Tournament. When it comes to Pokkén Tournament's release date, it is imminent. In fact, the reviews of the game are starting to come in, and although the reviews are, for the most part, above average, sealing in another victory for the Pokémon franchise.
Although the game is not slated for release until tomorrow, March 18, the reviews have been flooding in. The biggest criticism is that Pokkén Tournament could be what is becoming a common term of "nostalgia cash grab", sort of like how shows like Fuller House are getting renewed for a second season in spite of awful ratings from critics. Pokémon is so large of a franchise that its brand could be put on any product and its fans will buy it, and yes, Pokkén Tournament has Pikachu vs. Mewtwo is old news, and it could be done again.
The reviews are coming in from many sites devoted to video games. Gamespot gave it a 9/10, saying that it is a fighting game that is one of the "best on any platform". IGN had it down a grade with 8/10, but it states that it is a "unique fighting games in general" but "sometimes all those ingredients spill over a container that's a little too full - there is a surprising amount to learn beyond the beginner's level, and that may alienate some Pokémon fans without fighting game experience". CGMagazine gave it the same 8/10 rating, saying that perhaps the game should be made sooner, like for the Nintendo 64.
Metacritic gives it a score of 76, and it talks about how Pokémon fighting is in an all-new, action-packed arena fight. Unlike its arcade origins, which use a lot of traditional joystick and buttons, playing the game on the Wii U controller with an "intuitive fighting system". Considering that Metacritic is a compilation of many video game criticisms, this means that the game is getting a solid "C" grade. It will definitely bring some more players to the Wii U.
Pokkén Tournament has sixteen playable Pokémon characters including Blaziken, Braixen, Chandelure, Charizard, Garchomp, Gardevoir, Gengar, Lucario, Machamp, Mewtwo, Pikachu, Pikachu Libre, Sceptile, Shadow mewtwo, Suicune, and Weavile. There are also 30 non-playable assist Pokémon that can be summoned in battle to help the player.
If you are reading this on the day of its writing, and you are interested in playing Pokkén Tournament before the official release date tomorrow, there are midnight release parties. There is a site on Facebook devoted to that for those devoted fans. Leave a comment if you want to leave your own personal review.
