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- Seen May 15, 2019
In light of the recent movie, I decided to revisit the 3DS Game since it's been over a year. And honestly, it leaves a lot to be desired, specally when it comes to the ending. So I'm here to give a review and potential rewrite of the ending.
Where original Ending went wrong:
Let's just say, as someone who's played Ace Attorney and Professor Layton, my standards for those type of games are rather high. Especially since they're character-driven and heavy story-based games, which go with my personal tastes. Now I must admit, as a game that meant to be understood and completed by children, it's probably not going to be as high in quality as AA or PL. Though this is still Nintendo we're talking about, so I didn't expect it to be this lacksture and disappointing.
The final confrontation wasn't really built up and was far too brief. Despite it being the supposed 'advanced' version of R, Noivern was still able to be defeated by one attack from a Pikachu who didn't have any experience using moves. Neither was the final villain, Roger Clifford threatening or interesting. Slipping into all the villain cliches like his vauge goal of wanting to 'rule the world' and unable to stop monologuing. This a problem with the plagues the whole game, besides from Detective Pikachu himself, the player cares little for the bland characters.
The NPCs are an absolute chore to get through, completely faceless and the only there for exposition. Some of the key characters, do have the foundations to be decent, with unique; quirks, personalities and designs. However, it's all surface level, with no complexity to them. With their few defining traits often oversimplified and exaggerated to the point of stereotype. Since those more quirky characters don't appear outside of their cases, they're not given time to develop.
For an example, Wallace Carroll, the creepy scientist in the 2nd case. Now i understand, he's just a red herring, to the true culprit, who's ironically the blandest one of the whole Science crew. Yet, they went through all this effect to give him this unique photography, almost like a movie, to set him up. He's intrigued/impacted me in a way, none of the other characters did in this game. I knew he wouldn't be the criminal of the case 2, as that would be too obvious. However, I was convinced he had a larger role to play. Yet, he never showed up, never able to develop, all that effect setting Wallace up well, gone to waste.
Then the main characters who do appear throughout the game, who do have the opportunity to develop - have borderline no personality. Even Tim Goodman, the protagonist. Another problem is that most of the dialogue is either exposition or polite small talk, like 'Thank you very much.'.
My Version:
First, Keith Norman, would simply be the 'Big Bad'. He wouldn't have a complete personality shift into a bland evil villain just for being exposed, still keeping his slightly more shy nature, trying to use underhand tactics to gain the advantage. The player doesn't need to track down everyone who's given orders to Keith or brought R from him. The thing is about the Criminal Underworld, is that everyone has connections to someone else, it's a massive complex network. There's very rarely one single 'mastermind' behind it all. If Tim tries going after anyone with the slightest connection to his father's disappearance, before he knows it, he'll be trying to take down the entire criminal empire.
Instead, after Tim manages to halt R's release into the Black Market, the main objective would be to hunt down any traces of R left and destroy it. The only problem, is that the last major store of R has gone missing. In my version, it would be Simon Yen (Dr. Waals' assistant held captive in a Warehouse) who would be the final main culprit of the story, with Meiko Okamoto (Emilia's News Co-worker) as an accomplice. Proving that villains can emerge from both sides.
As the Scientist who created R, Simon feels guilt-ridden for all the incidents, so he makes it his mission to make sure it can never be recreated. While Meiko has personally seen too many R incidents herself and would like to see an end to the chaos. Though alongside that, she also helps Simon Yen for the more selfish motive, of wanting to get the best scoop possible.
When Keith is arrested, Simon secretly contacts him, making a deal with him: If Simon claims he's the 'mastermind' and says Keith was a mere accomplice, getting him a suspended sentence - Keith will tell Simon where all the R is being stored.
Before Tim Goodman/Police can, Simon finds and destroys all the R, but a small dose. Which he uses to develop a new type, where the Pokemon are strengthened, yet still in control of their actions. And he does this for a good reason. Simon knew that even if all the currently existing R was destroyed, Mewtwo's genes could still be used to recreate it. So Mewtwo needed to be destroyed as well.
Through his team up with Meiko Okamoto, Simon was able to assess many of CNN's reports on R's previous incidents. He tracked down Pokemon victims of R, convincing them to 'take justice/revenge' on Mewtwo. Using his position as a scientist to gain access to those contained in research facilities. Getting reinforcements through;
Charizard and Torracat (Evolved from Litten) - Charizard was imprisoned after going on a rampage at Fine Park due being targeted with R. And Torracat wants to avenge its friend.
Manectric - Seen too many R tragedies and feels like the police aren't efficient enough to stop them. So feels forced to use dirty methods in order to fulfill its duties.
Noivern and Drapion (Evolved from Skorupi) - The formerly owned Pokemon of Keith, managing to avoid capture and remain wild after their owner's arrest. Simon convincing them, that it was Mewtwo's fault.
Glalie - Similar to Charizard, was imprisoned after it was infected.
Though other victims of R like Trevenant refused to help Simon. Also, he purposefully keeps his Pokemon partner, Pansage out of the plan, knowing it was too weak and timid to handle it. Despite that comeback, he sets the next step of the plan at the Pokemon Parade in Ryme City. Under the cover of a '4th march', Simon snuck his small Pokemon Army into the clock tower, leaving Pansage safe with Meiko. As the person in charge, she made sure no CNN cameras filmed this supposed '4th March', trying to draw as little attention to it as possible. With Simon promising she'd get the exclusive coverage of the destruction of Mewtwo later on.
Sending a fake letter about knowing the whereabouts of his father, Simon lured Tim Goodman and his Pikachu to the clock tower. Which was unknown to Meiko, unaware of how he would actually make Mewtwo appear. Apologising before he did so, Tim and Pikachu were instantly overpowered by Simon's Pokemon: Locking Tim in a backroom while using Pikachu to lure Mewtwo to them. Since Simon theorized they had some connection while reviewing CNN's files.
Reluctantly placing Pikachu into a special cage, Simon slowly increases the shock, hoping Pikachu's cries of pain would lure Mewtwo in. And just as Pikachu in on the brink of collapsing, finally, as predicted, Mewtwo eventually appears. Using 'new R' on his Pokemon team, Simon powered them up. The true reality of what it was doing, finally overcame Manectric, realizing it's awful betrayal of the law. So refused to take the New R, with Simon simply ordering it to stay out of their way.
Below, the Carnival had gathered. Nervously, Simon shouted down to the crowd of thousands, claiming Mewtwo was evil and it needed to be destroyed. A handful of people followed suit, sending out flying/levitating Pokemon.
The game will then go into a Quick-time event, where you briefly play as Mewtwo, dodging all in the incoming enemies. Yet even a legendary can't keep fighting in such impossible odds, eventually being overwhelmed. An unconscious Mewtwo falls from the sky, landing painfully in a now deserted Town square.
All but Meiko remained, Pansage still with her, much to Simon's shock. She stubbornly pointed a camera into the almost dead Mewtwo's face, broadcasting it live on TV. Desperately trying to sway the viewers' options, that Mewtwo was dangerous and Simon was doing the right thing. From above, Simon's Pokemon prepare to finish off the psychic Legendary, charging up their final attacks.
However it turns out, Simon's 'improved R', wasn't so improved after all. It didn't actually stop the insanity, only delayed it. So soon, the infected Pokemon started going haywire, leaving the Clocktower and Mewtwo behind, going after the fleeing public. Despite how much Simon yelled orders down his allies' earpieces, they wouldn't respond. One of the casualties becoming Simon's own Pansage.
Though Simon wasn't stupid, he did have a backup plan. Attaching shock devices to his allies' necks, which would instantly knock them out with the push of a button. Only problem, an earlier explosion from the battle, had caused the button to go flying off and missing. With the help of Manectric, Pikachu and Tim break out, finds the missing object with their detective. The only issue now - It's password protected.
Tracking down Simon, Tim demanded that he put in the code. After Pansage's injury, he's surprisingly cooperative, snatching the device as soon as it's offered and hastily switching it off. When they go down in the empty square, Tim and Pikachu desperately do they what can to heal Mewtwo but it's hopeless. Meanwhile, Simon and Mekio argue over their lack of communication - For Mekio endangering Pansage and Simon keeping his brutal methods a secret.
When Tim attempt to calm everyone, Simon turns on him - Calling him a traitor, baffled how the detective could help the Pokemon that indirectly caused all the R incidents, including the disappearance of his own father. In which, Tim simply stats Mewtwo is a victim in this, just as much as both of them were. Making Simon grows silent.
From the Shadowy alleyways, citizens watch from a distance, their suspicious mutters growing louder. Knowing one could attempt to follow Simon's example and prevent Mewtwo being healed, Tim tries to reach out to Meiko, asking her to broadcast the 'truth'. With Emilia Christie just arriving. This is when the two revealed to Meiko that Simon had faked the letter to lure Tim, disgusting the reporter even more. When questioning him why, especially for the people who attempted to save him from the warehouse, Simon gives his partner in crime, a sigh, muttering 'it was necessary'.
This convinced Meiko to turn on the camera another time, confessing everything. Not caring if , Simon just quietly stands aside, holding his injured Pansage. While this happens, some of those in hiding start to buck up the courage, emerging into the Square, Pokeballs in hand, still wanting to kill Mewtwo. Despite hearing Simon's questionable methods - one thing still holds true, if Mewtwo was gone, so would R.
Finished with her confession, Meiko teams up with Emilia one last time, using their speaking skills to keep the approaching crowds at bay with words alone. Meanwhile, Pikachu and Manectric rush to get the police. Soon enough, Police Men arrive, finally setting up a safe perimeter around the still unconscious Mewtwo. Getting Medics on the sight and a dozen healing moves later, Mewtwo was on its feet. It revealed that all the infected Pokemon will be taken to a safe facility, where they'll be treated for R. Promising they'll be rehabilitated and either returned to their original homes or adopted by worthy Pokemon trainers.
Too powerful for the police or anyone else to really stop it, Mewtwo begins hovering, preparing to leave, sharing serval words with each character. Before performing the deal with Pikachu, it raises its hand, a sudden flash of light knocking him out cold. As Tim holds him in his arms, he demands to know what it's done to his friend. With Mewtwo calmly replying he'll found out in due time. Then it turns to Simon, saying he's fortunate enough that Mewtwo understands the meaningless of revenge. Yet, in the end, it doesn't blame him and advises him to strive towards being like Meiko, who can at least admit her crimes. With that, Mewtwo flies off into the night sky.
Somewhat reasonable for Pansage's injury, Simon realises his partner into the wild, asking it to find a better trainer. A delusional Simon then attempts to avoid Meiko getting arrested, by stating only he's to blame. Though the Police ain't listening as they arrest them both. All Tim and Emilia can do is to reluctantly watch, silent.
Where original Ending went wrong:
Let's just say, as someone who's played Ace Attorney and Professor Layton, my standards for those type of games are rather high. Especially since they're character-driven and heavy story-based games, which go with my personal tastes. Now I must admit, as a game that meant to be understood and completed by children, it's probably not going to be as high in quality as AA or PL. Though this is still Nintendo we're talking about, so I didn't expect it to be this lacksture and disappointing.
The final confrontation wasn't really built up and was far too brief. Despite it being the supposed 'advanced' version of R, Noivern was still able to be defeated by one attack from a Pikachu who didn't have any experience using moves. Neither was the final villain, Roger Clifford threatening or interesting. Slipping into all the villain cliches like his vauge goal of wanting to 'rule the world' and unable to stop monologuing. This a problem with the plagues the whole game, besides from Detective Pikachu himself, the player cares little for the bland characters.
The NPCs are an absolute chore to get through, completely faceless and the only there for exposition. Some of the key characters, do have the foundations to be decent, with unique; quirks, personalities and designs. However, it's all surface level, with no complexity to them. With their few defining traits often oversimplified and exaggerated to the point of stereotype. Since those more quirky characters don't appear outside of their cases, they're not given time to develop.
For an example, Wallace Carroll, the creepy scientist in the 2nd case. Now i understand, he's just a red herring, to the true culprit, who's ironically the blandest one of the whole Science crew. Yet, they went through all this effect to give him this unique photography, almost like a movie, to set him up. He's intrigued/impacted me in a way, none of the other characters did in this game. I knew he wouldn't be the criminal of the case 2, as that would be too obvious. However, I was convinced he had a larger role to play. Yet, he never showed up, never able to develop, all that effect setting Wallace up well, gone to waste.
Then the main characters who do appear throughout the game, who do have the opportunity to develop - have borderline no personality. Even Tim Goodman, the protagonist. Another problem is that most of the dialogue is either exposition or polite small talk, like 'Thank you very much.'.
My Version:
First, Keith Norman, would simply be the 'Big Bad'. He wouldn't have a complete personality shift into a bland evil villain just for being exposed, still keeping his slightly more shy nature, trying to use underhand tactics to gain the advantage. The player doesn't need to track down everyone who's given orders to Keith or brought R from him. The thing is about the Criminal Underworld, is that everyone has connections to someone else, it's a massive complex network. There's very rarely one single 'mastermind' behind it all. If Tim tries going after anyone with the slightest connection to his father's disappearance, before he knows it, he'll be trying to take down the entire criminal empire.
Instead, after Tim manages to halt R's release into the Black Market, the main objective would be to hunt down any traces of R left and destroy it. The only problem, is that the last major store of R has gone missing. In my version, it would be Simon Yen (Dr. Waals' assistant held captive in a Warehouse) who would be the final main culprit of the story, with Meiko Okamoto (Emilia's News Co-worker) as an accomplice. Proving that villains can emerge from both sides.
As the Scientist who created R, Simon feels guilt-ridden for all the incidents, so he makes it his mission to make sure it can never be recreated. While Meiko has personally seen too many R incidents herself and would like to see an end to the chaos. Though alongside that, she also helps Simon Yen for the more selfish motive, of wanting to get the best scoop possible.
When Keith is arrested, Simon secretly contacts him, making a deal with him: If Simon claims he's the 'mastermind' and says Keith was a mere accomplice, getting him a suspended sentence - Keith will tell Simon where all the R is being stored.
Before Tim Goodman/Police can, Simon finds and destroys all the R, but a small dose. Which he uses to develop a new type, where the Pokemon are strengthened, yet still in control of their actions. And he does this for a good reason. Simon knew that even if all the currently existing R was destroyed, Mewtwo's genes could still be used to recreate it. So Mewtwo needed to be destroyed as well.
Through his team up with Meiko Okamoto, Simon was able to assess many of CNN's reports on R's previous incidents. He tracked down Pokemon victims of R, convincing them to 'take justice/revenge' on Mewtwo. Using his position as a scientist to gain access to those contained in research facilities. Getting reinforcements through;
Charizard and Torracat (Evolved from Litten) - Charizard was imprisoned after going on a rampage at Fine Park due being targeted with R. And Torracat wants to avenge its friend.
Manectric - Seen too many R tragedies and feels like the police aren't efficient enough to stop them. So feels forced to use dirty methods in order to fulfill its duties.
Noivern and Drapion (Evolved from Skorupi) - The formerly owned Pokemon of Keith, managing to avoid capture and remain wild after their owner's arrest. Simon convincing them, that it was Mewtwo's fault.
Glalie - Similar to Charizard, was imprisoned after it was infected.
Though other victims of R like Trevenant refused to help Simon. Also, he purposefully keeps his Pokemon partner, Pansage out of the plan, knowing it was too weak and timid to handle it. Despite that comeback, he sets the next step of the plan at the Pokemon Parade in Ryme City. Under the cover of a '4th march', Simon snuck his small Pokemon Army into the clock tower, leaving Pansage safe with Meiko. As the person in charge, she made sure no CNN cameras filmed this supposed '4th March', trying to draw as little attention to it as possible. With Simon promising she'd get the exclusive coverage of the destruction of Mewtwo later on.
Sending a fake letter about knowing the whereabouts of his father, Simon lured Tim Goodman and his Pikachu to the clock tower. Which was unknown to Meiko, unaware of how he would actually make Mewtwo appear. Apologising before he did so, Tim and Pikachu were instantly overpowered by Simon's Pokemon: Locking Tim in a backroom while using Pikachu to lure Mewtwo to them. Since Simon theorized they had some connection while reviewing CNN's files.
Reluctantly placing Pikachu into a special cage, Simon slowly increases the shock, hoping Pikachu's cries of pain would lure Mewtwo in. And just as Pikachu in on the brink of collapsing, finally, as predicted, Mewtwo eventually appears. Using 'new R' on his Pokemon team, Simon powered them up. The true reality of what it was doing, finally overcame Manectric, realizing it's awful betrayal of the law. So refused to take the New R, with Simon simply ordering it to stay out of their way.
Below, the Carnival had gathered. Nervously, Simon shouted down to the crowd of thousands, claiming Mewtwo was evil and it needed to be destroyed. A handful of people followed suit, sending out flying/levitating Pokemon.
The game will then go into a Quick-time event, where you briefly play as Mewtwo, dodging all in the incoming enemies. Yet even a legendary can't keep fighting in such impossible odds, eventually being overwhelmed. An unconscious Mewtwo falls from the sky, landing painfully in a now deserted Town square.
All but Meiko remained, Pansage still with her, much to Simon's shock. She stubbornly pointed a camera into the almost dead Mewtwo's face, broadcasting it live on TV. Desperately trying to sway the viewers' options, that Mewtwo was dangerous and Simon was doing the right thing. From above, Simon's Pokemon prepare to finish off the psychic Legendary, charging up their final attacks.
However it turns out, Simon's 'improved R', wasn't so improved after all. It didn't actually stop the insanity, only delayed it. So soon, the infected Pokemon started going haywire, leaving the Clocktower and Mewtwo behind, going after the fleeing public. Despite how much Simon yelled orders down his allies' earpieces, they wouldn't respond. One of the casualties becoming Simon's own Pansage.
Though Simon wasn't stupid, he did have a backup plan. Attaching shock devices to his allies' necks, which would instantly knock them out with the push of a button. Only problem, an earlier explosion from the battle, had caused the button to go flying off and missing. With the help of Manectric, Pikachu and Tim break out, finds the missing object with their detective. The only issue now - It's password protected.
Tracking down Simon, Tim demanded that he put in the code. After Pansage's injury, he's surprisingly cooperative, snatching the device as soon as it's offered and hastily switching it off. When they go down in the empty square, Tim and Pikachu desperately do they what can to heal Mewtwo but it's hopeless. Meanwhile, Simon and Mekio argue over their lack of communication - For Mekio endangering Pansage and Simon keeping his brutal methods a secret.
When Tim attempt to calm everyone, Simon turns on him - Calling him a traitor, baffled how the detective could help the Pokemon that indirectly caused all the R incidents, including the disappearance of his own father. In which, Tim simply stats Mewtwo is a victim in this, just as much as both of them were. Making Simon grows silent.
From the Shadowy alleyways, citizens watch from a distance, their suspicious mutters growing louder. Knowing one could attempt to follow Simon's example and prevent Mewtwo being healed, Tim tries to reach out to Meiko, asking her to broadcast the 'truth'. With Emilia Christie just arriving. This is when the two revealed to Meiko that Simon had faked the letter to lure Tim, disgusting the reporter even more. When questioning him why, especially for the people who attempted to save him from the warehouse, Simon gives his partner in crime, a sigh, muttering 'it was necessary'.
This convinced Meiko to turn on the camera another time, confessing everything. Not caring if , Simon just quietly stands aside, holding his injured Pansage. While this happens, some of those in hiding start to buck up the courage, emerging into the Square, Pokeballs in hand, still wanting to kill Mewtwo. Despite hearing Simon's questionable methods - one thing still holds true, if Mewtwo was gone, so would R.
Finished with her confession, Meiko teams up with Emilia one last time, using their speaking skills to keep the approaching crowds at bay with words alone. Meanwhile, Pikachu and Manectric rush to get the police. Soon enough, Police Men arrive, finally setting up a safe perimeter around the still unconscious Mewtwo. Getting Medics on the sight and a dozen healing moves later, Mewtwo was on its feet. It revealed that all the infected Pokemon will be taken to a safe facility, where they'll be treated for R. Promising they'll be rehabilitated and either returned to their original homes or adopted by worthy Pokemon trainers.
Too powerful for the police or anyone else to really stop it, Mewtwo begins hovering, preparing to leave, sharing serval words with each character. Before performing the deal with Pikachu, it raises its hand, a sudden flash of light knocking him out cold. As Tim holds him in his arms, he demands to know what it's done to his friend. With Mewtwo calmly replying he'll found out in due time. Then it turns to Simon, saying he's fortunate enough that Mewtwo understands the meaningless of revenge. Yet, in the end, it doesn't blame him and advises him to strive towards being like Meiko, who can at least admit her crimes. With that, Mewtwo flies off into the night sky.
Somewhat reasonable for Pansage's injury, Simon realises his partner into the wild, asking it to find a better trainer. A delusional Simon then attempts to avoid Meiko getting arrested, by stating only he's to blame. Though the Police ain't listening as they arrest them both. All Tim and Emilia can do is to reluctantly watch, silent.