I received a copy of this game to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.
Sometimes I want a game I can really dig into- but other times, I just want something relaxing I can pick up for a few minutes here and there. Pokémon Friends has become my go-to for those in-between moments- and I am loving it! Whether it’s first thing in the morning to wake up my brain or at the end of the day to wind down, this cozy puzzle game delivers exactly what I need!
The game is built around short sets of puzzles that reward you with different types of yarn to craft virtual Pokémon plushies. From there, you can use your plush to decorate rooms, complete quests for friendly townsfolk, and slowly grow your collection.
What I Loved
The puzzles are short, satisfying, and surprisingly varied. I especially enjoy the ones that use the Switch’s motion controls, like physically rolling a Spheal through an icy maze. Each puzzle type plays a little differently, and many are themed to match the Pokémon that “stars” in that puzzle, which I enjoy {like Pikachu’s puzzle involving lighting up lightbulbs}.
The puzzles start out easy but gradually ramp up in difficulty- and if you’re looking for more of a challenge, you can try to beat them faster for bonus points!
Beyond the puzzles, I love that the game lets you tailor your experience. If you’re just here for the brain teasers, you can stick with that. If you want to decorate plush rooms with the cutest crochet-style Pokémon, that’s here too. And if you’re motivated by quests, the townspeople offer plenty of those as well! You can focus on the part of the game you enjoy most and ignore the rest. As it happens, I’m a fan of it all.
The plushies themselves are absolutely adorable! I’m a big fan of decorating and collecting in games like this {and in IRL- I definitely have a Pokemon plush shelf in my office}, and decorating is super cozy. It feels like the kind of game that could easily become part of a daily routine, even long-term! I see this being part of my evening wind-down for months or years to come.
Overall Thoughts
Pokémon Friends is a cozy, low-pressure puzzle game with lots of charm and tons of adorable Pokémon to discover! It’s great for all ages, and even if you’re not already a huge Pokémon fan, the game does a great job of easing you in and teaching you more about them.
I’ve been playing it solo, but my kids have tried it too and thought it was super cute. Between the puzzles, decorating, and plush-collecting, there’s a little something for everyone- and the game never makes you feel like you have to do it all. It’s relaxing, wholesome, and just really sweet. I definitely see myself playing this one for a long time!
Buy It
You can find Pokémon Friends on Amazon or through the Nintendo Store for just $9.99.
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