This Video Game Movie Should Always Be The Example For Good World-Building

This Video Game Movie Should Always Be The Example For Good World-Building

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that Detective Pikachu was not just a game adaptation, but a masterclass in immersing audiences into a cherished universe. The movie took the Pokémon franchise to new heights by showcasing a world where these creatures are more than just battle fodder – they’re citizens, companions, and everyday helpers.


In numerous aspects, video games offer a more engrossing experience than movies, as they demand an active participation and engagement beyond simple viewing. For instance, when “Detective Pikachu” was released in 2016, it was hailed as the finest video game movie ever made due to its ability to immerse viewers into the world of Pokémon. Despite some persistent issues that had hampered previous attempts, this film managed to achieve something few others dared: making spectators feel like they’re part of the Pokémon universe.

Despite Pokémon‘s ongoing impact on culture, it’s often criticized as being negatively affected by Nintendo’s handling of intellectual properties. While Nintendo is renowned for producing exceptional works in the gaming industry, it sometimes struggles with innovation. Similar to Super Mario, many innovative concepts in Pokémon are confined to side games and spin-offs, leaving its main series titles feeling somewhat repetitive and unchanged. Many enthusiasts lament the recurring aspects of recent Pokémon installments. Although it has evolved in numerous ways, it doesn’t quite live up to the potential one might expect from a franchise that’s been around for 28 years.

How did Detective Pikachu work?

DirectorRob Letterman
Screenplay ByDan Hernandez, Benji Samit, Rob Letterman, and Derek Connolly
Story ByDan Hernandez, Benji Samit, and Nicole Perlman
StarsRyan Reynolds, Justice Smith, Kathryn Newton, Suki Waterhouse, and Bill Nighy
Runtime104 Minutes
Release DateMay 10, 2019

As a gamer putting it in my own words, Detective Pikachu is a somewhat loose spin-off from the 2016 game with the same title. The story revolves around me, a former office worker named Tim Goodman, who had given up on his dream of being a Pokémon trainer. When my estranged father, Harry Goodman, meets an untimely end in a car accident, I’m compelled to venture to Rhyme City – a place where my dad used to work as a detective. Upon arrival, I run into an unusual Pikachu donning a deerstalker cap and speaking perfect English. This peculiar Pikachu reveals that he was Harry’s partner and has come to enlist my help in unraveling the enigma surrounding his father’s seemingly routine demise. Along the way, we embark on an engaging journey through Rhyme City’s quirky highs and lows. It’s a delightful, kid-friendly mystery adventure film brimming with heartfelt moments. While the story may not break new ground, and the dialogue can sometimes miss the mark, the overall presentation is almost spot on.

Rhyme City is the perfect setting

The true silver bullet of Detective Pikachu is in the setting. Rhyme City comes from the game, though the movie takes it in a few different directions. In the narrative, unscrupulous businessman Howard Clifford created Rhyme City as a place free from Pokémon battles. Fighting is illegal within city limits, but everyone lives alongside their preferred pocket monster. Almost every denizen of Rhyme City travels with a single companion Pokémon for work, fun, or comfort. This mingles with a selection of Pokémon that seem to carry out pedestrian tasks in the city, like directing traffic or cooking at diners. It’s a flawless environment that perfectly captures the beauty of the Pokémon world in a way that even the games rarely do.

In Detective Pikachu, the delight lies in imagining how a city like Rhyme, filled with Pokémon, would operate on a daily basis. These creatures are integral to the lives of almost everyone residing there. The prohibition against battles significantly alters our engagement with them; they’re no longer beasts to conquer or wild animals to tame. Instead, they’re fellow city-dwellers, adding an instant dose of cheerfulness to every corner of Rhyme City.

Detective Pikachu has an open heart

This Video Game Movie Should Always Be The Example For Good World-Building

Despite the playful humor and family-friendly vibe, the movie “Detective Pikachu” exudes an authentic sincerity, given its role as a significant expansion of a multibillion-dollar franchise. In today’s world where skepticism often overshadows even slightly whimsical ideas that make it to the big screen, “Detective Pikachu” invites viewers to embrace its delightful universe wholeheartedly. Compared to a hypothetical film like “A Minecraft Movie,” the contrast is stark. “Detective Pikachu” takes its audience on an exploration of every imaginable aspect of its story, never shying away from being absurd but always staying true to its genre roots. The future of video game adaptations should emulate the spirit of “Detective Pikachu” and veer away from productions like “A Minecraft Movie.

The movie “Detective Pikachu” immerses viewers in an imaginative universe through stunning visuals, a plethora of entertaining concepts, and a fearless embrace of absurdity. Some critics argued that the film failed to educate newcomers about Pokémon. However, it’s suggested that this isn’t necessary since the movie presents a world where humans and creatures coexist harmoniously. It’s as simple and satisfying as you’d expect, and it’s exactly what fans have longed for since the 90s.

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2024-09-22 02:03