Pokemon Scarlet Violet

Pokemon Scarlet Violet

game

2022, Role-playing (RPG), Adventure

WISE
83%

WISE Score

74%

IGDB

The first open-world Pokémon adventure where kids can finally explore at their own pace—if they can tolerate the occasional frame rate hiccup.

Where to Play

Nintendo
Nintendo
Screenwise Verdict

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet finally deliver what fans have wanted for decades: a proper open-world adventure where you're not railroaded down a linear path. The freedom to explore Paldea at your own pace is genuinely refreshing, and the game maintains the series' wholesome core of friendship, strategy, and discovery.

The safety profile is solid—no microtransactions, no open chat with strangers, and age-appropriate content throughout. It's a massive time investment that rewards curiosity and strategic thinking, though it doesn't reinvent the wheel if your kid has played other Pokémon games.

The elephant in the room: the technical performance is honestly pretty rough for a 2022 Switch release. Frame rate issues and pop-in can be distracting, and while it doesn't ruin the experience, it's worth mentioning if your kid is sensitive to that stuff.

Bottom line: If your household is already Pokémon-positive, this is a strong entry that gives kids real agency in how they play. If you're Pokémon-skeptical, this won't be the one that converts you—it's still fundamentally about collecting creatures and battling, just with more freedom than before.

Age Fit

Best for kids 7-14 who are already Pokémon fans or ready for a meaty RPG. Younger kids (6-7) can play with reading help, while teens might still enjoy it if they're franchise devotees, though some will have aged out of the 'collect cute creatures' vibe.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
82

Pokémon games consistently model friendship, cooperation, and caring for creatures. The core gameplay loop involves training, bonding with Pokémon, and working with others. The open-world structure allows for self-paced exploration rather than chaotic rushing. Some competitive battling elements exist but are balanced with nurturing mechanics.

Imaginative
85

The first true open-world Pokémon game invites extensive exploration across a large region (Paldea). Players can tackle gyms in any order, discover hidden Pokémon, customize their character and teams extensively, and engage in creative team-building strategies. The Terastal phenomenon adds a new layer of strategic depth and visual creativity to battles.

Safe
88

Users interact online but there's no open chat system—only preset phrases and trading/battling. No in-game purchases or loot boxes. No inappropriate content for kids. The game avoids compulsive infinite loops with a clear story progression and completion points. Some minor technical performance issues (frame rate drops) don't constitute safety concerns but affect experience quality.

Enriching
76

Develops strategic thinking through type matchups, team composition, and resource management. Encourages exploration, reading comprehension through story dialogue, and goal-setting. The school setting incorporates light educational themes. However, the gameplay loop is familiar to anyone who's played Pokémon before—it's iterative rather than revolutionary. Entertainment value is high for fans but enrichment is moderate.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • True open-world freedom lets kids explore and tackle challenges in whatever order feels right—great for autonomy and self-directed play
  • Encourages strategic thinking through team building, type matchups, and the new Terastal battle mechanic
  • No predatory monetization—what you buy is what you get, plus safe online features with no open chat
  • The school storyline and character relationships add emotional depth beyond 'catch 'em all'
  • Massive Pokémon roster means kids can express themselves through their team choices
⚠

What to Watch For

  • Technical performance is rough—expect frame rate drops and occasional glitches that might frustrate perfectionist kids
  • Online trading/battling uses only preset phrases, so no stranger danger but also limited social interaction
  • The game is LONG (40-60+ hours for main story)—great value but requires sustained attention
  • Kids unfamiliar with Pokémon might feel lost; this rewards franchise knowledge

Conversation Starters

  • "Which gym leader did you decide to challenge first? Why'd you pick that path?"
  • "Tell me about your favorite Pokémon on your team—what made you choose it?"
  • "Have you used the Terastal feature yet? What type did you turn your Pokémon into?"
  • "What's been the most surprising thing you've discovered while exploring?"
  • "If you could have any Pokémon as a real pet, which one and why?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Related Guides
Writing about Pokemon Scarlet Violet? Put this WISE score on your site