Pokémon versus fighter developed by Bandai Namco. Accessible but surprisingly deep combat system. Recognizable Pokémon with satisfying special moves. Limited but well-balanced roster. A successful Pokémon spin-off for versus fighting fans.
Your verdict
Category
Fighting2 players12+
Description
Pokémon clash in 3D arena duels with physical combat controls in this game developed by Bandai Namco for the Wii U. Published by Nintendo and Bandai Namco, released in 2016 in the United States, Europe, and Japan. Pokémon fighting game with 16 characters including Pikachu, Charizard, and Mewtwo, a combat depth system inspired by Tekken, and a competitive online mode.
Pokken - Pokken Tournament review
4/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Striking"
4/5
Music
★★★★★
"Excellent"
2/5
Story
★★★★★
"Classic"
The creatures are modelled with proportions faithful to their original artwork but given a musculature and a weight the main series never showed, a choice needed for the blows to seem to land. The arenas are handled as show venues, stage lighting, giant screens, a visible audience, which moves these creatures from natural terrain to the ring.
The score borrows from the register of televised sport, announcement brass, marked percussion, a build before the fighters enter, which sets the frame of an official competition rather than a wild encounter. The themes change phase at the same moment the camera switches between the side view and the over-the-shoulder view, so the music confirms the change of regime.
Gameplay
"Excellent"
Fun
"From the very first minutes"
Addictiveness
"Captivating"
Difficulty
"Balanced"
Lifespan
"Average"
Technical info
💾4,6 GB📅18/03/2016
Published by Bandai Namco Games
Pokken - Pokken Tournament (Wii U) price, value & rarity
Is Pokken - Pokken Tournament still worth playing in 2026?
A fighting game from Bandai Namco and The Pokemon Company, Pokken Tournament marries the Tekken series' expertise with the Pokemon universe, in arena clashes alternating a three dimensional approach phase and a two dimensional duel phase. The readability, the cast of fighting Pokemon and the progressive depth make it an accessible, rewarding versus. The online server closure refocuses the interest on solo and local play. An excellent fighting game for Pokemon fans and lovers of original multiplayer versus.
