A couple of questions about Pokken from someone who doesn't own the game

[Imperator161]

I don't own Pokken Tournament (actually, I don't own a Wii U, but let's not worry about that for the time being), and I'll admit that I don't know as much about it as I normally would about a Pokemon game. I was wondering if those of you who have the game could help answer a couple of questions:

1. How is the single player mode? From what I've heard, there's a league to work through (the Ferrum League), but I don't know much about it, how involved it is, how much gameplay it provides, etc. Is it kind of like classic mode in Smash, or is that not an apt description? I don't have anyone to play games with in real life, and I don't really have a reliable internet connection for gaming at the moment (it doesn't work right for wifi, anyway; not sure about the ethernet, but that seems to go in and out a bit on my tv). Is this game worth it for single player (with some possible online multiplayer in the future, but minimal at best)?

2. I'm definitely a Pokemon fan, but I'm not a huge fighting game fan. (In other words, the only fighting game I've played is the Smash series [N64, Melee, Brawl, and 3DS], which I enjoy, though I wouldn't say I'm an expert player or anything.) From what I've heard, this is more like a "traditional" fighter than Smash, and it's a bit more complicated. How does it compare to the Smash series? Is it hard to pick up? Strategic? Is there a lot of room to improve as a player over time? Is it enough to love Pokemon and be lukewarm about fighters, or would I not enjoy this game unless I were a major fighting game fan?

 

[Poké Bean]

I don't own Pokken Tournament (actually, I don't own a Wii U, but let's not worry about that for the time being), and I'll admit that I don't know as much about it as I normally would about a Pokemon game. I was wondering if those of you who have the game could help answer a couple of questions:

1. How is the single player mode? From what I've heard, there's a league to work through (the Ferrum League), but I don't know much about it, how involved it is, how much gameplay it provides, etc. Is it kind of like classic mode in Smash, or is that not an apt description? I don't have anyone to play games with in real life, and I don't really have a reliable internet connection for gaming at the moment (it doesn't work right for wifi, anyway; not sure about the ethernet, but that seems to go in and out a bit on my tv). Is this game worth it for single player (with some possible online multiplayer in the future, but minimal at best)?

2. I'm definitely a Pokemon fan, but I'm not a huge fighting game fan. (In other words, the only fighting game I've played is the Smash series [N64, Melee, Brawl, and 3DS], which I enjoy, though I wouldn't say I'm an expert player or anything.) From what I've heard, this is more like a "traditional" fighter than Smash, and it's a bit more complicated. How does it compare to the Smash series? Is it hard to pick up? Strategic? Is there a lot of room to improve as a player over time? Is it enough to love Pokemon and be lukewarm about fighters, or would I not enjoy this game unless I were a major fighting game fan?

I'm not a major fighting game fan or that good at them but I enjoy Pokken so much! Personally I would say it is enough to just love Pokemon. The game also has great music and art which make it a pleasure to play.

Single player wise, there are Leagues to progress through and ultimately defeat the Grand Master. There is also a little story woven in regarding Shadow Mewtwo and you can challenge the NPCs from the Leagues to Friendly Matches at any time as well as a single battle mode where you can choose the match settings and stuff.

I would say it's fulfilling and enjoyable but longevity wise unless you play with more than one character or care about collecting titles or avatar items it probably won't hold much for you after a while.

I got a Wii U just for this game though and I don't regret it for a second! Would highly recommend!

 

[Ky0greK1ng]

First of all, Smash Bros is my favorite game of all time! You've got a good taste in games. :P

Anyways, Pokken Tournament is an incredible game! I, personally, found it really easy to pick up. The inputs are simple (there are no 'quarter circle forwards' or complicated things like that), yet there's still a nice diversity in attacks. If you know your Smash Bros inputs, you should be fine in this aspect. You definitely don't need to be a crazy fighting game fan.

The single player is decent; I find this is the game's only drawback. There are plenty of battles and a mediocre story, but once you beat it, there's not much left to do in it.

Multiplayer is my favorite part about the game. You get to level up each of the characters, level up yourself, and unlock plenty of titles/achievements! This gives the game a lot of replay value.

Overall, I think it's an awesome game! It's fine with single player, but it really exceeds with its multiplayer! If you like Pokemon as much as you claim you do, you'll probably enjoy this game.

 

[Nah]

From what I've heard, this is more like a "traditional" fighter than Smash, and it's a bit more complicated. How does it compare to the Smash series? Is it hard to pick up? Strategic?

Smash is a bit of an oddity when it comes to fighting games, so yeah, Pokken is much more like a traditional fighter (Tekken and Soul Calibur specifically, given that Namco develops all 3 games). Pokken is very much an easy to learn/pick up game. It's almost entirely about fighting game fundamentals (so minimal tech skill and MU knowledge required, combos are not as huge of a deal either), and the game itself does a very good job at teaching you the basics. There's little in the way of complicated inputs, and the core of the combat is based around the "Attack Triangle". What's difficult about it is mastery, since mastering fundamentals is a bit more difficult than grinding out tech skill or reading up on/understanding MUs. Though being a master at fighting fundamentals is not necessary to enjoy the single-player experience.

 

[Spinosaurus]

Game's nothing like Smash. You might like this game, but that depends on what you exactly don't like about fighting games. If it's always been lack of motivation or interest, then it being Pokemon branded might push you to learn. If it's in terms of fighting games typically having high execution button combinations or being technical, then this game doesn't have that. But if you generally dislike fighting games even at a fundamental level, then it probably won't do much. Though seeing as you only played Smash that's a bit difficult to know.