Detective Pikachu: details, trailer, and demo

Today, The Pokémon Company announced that Detective Pikachu would get a playable demo in Early March. It will allow players to check out the very beginning of the story, and then transfer their progress to the full game when it’s available a few weeks later. That way, it will be posible for you to see if Detective Pikachu is a game for you, and if it is, you will not have to play through the beginning again!

So far, the demo has only been announced for Japan, but the chances of it not making it to Europe and North America are pretty slim.

Nintendo also shared a second trailer for the game, that you can check out right now:

But that’s not all: The Pokémon Company also launched the official website for the game today. It provides some additional details about the game, starting with its unique Pikachu.

He fancies himself a real detective, he’s quite gruffy, he just can’t go far from a hot cup of coffee, he’s quite the talker, and his ego definitely really is something else… you’ve certainly never seen a Pikachu like this one, and believe it or not, the fact that he can talk isn’t even the most surprising thing about him!

For some reason, Detective Pikachu has the attitude of a bossy, stern, middle-aged man, impossibly fond of his “A bolt of brilliance!” catchphrase (that you will hear a lot during the game). And while he laughs a lot of loves to solve mysteries, he won’t hesitate to show just how exasperated he can get if you make blunders.

Detective Pikachu takes place in Ryme City: a thriving metropolis where Pokémon live in harmony. But strange things are simmering under the surface, and it’s up to you and Pikachu to shine light on them!

And “you” refers to Tim Goodman, a good fellow traveling with Detective Pikachu, and the only one who can understand Pikachu when he’s talking. At the beginning of the game, you’ve just arrived in Ryme City to look for your missing father: one Detective Harry Goodman. Naturally, it doesn’t take very long until you get caught up in the many mysteries of the city…

Ryme City is usually a pretty peaceful place, but recently, usually friendly Pokémon have become violent and have started attacking people out of the blue. And soon enough, Tim discovers that his father was also pursuing the case of the rampaging Pokémon, before he disappeared.

Discovering clues, hearing from the witnesses, analysing evidence, sending Pikachu to get the word on the street from other Pokémon… getting to bottom of each case is going to take a lot of time and efforts, but if there’s someone who can do it, it’s you and Detective Pikachu!

One of the Pokémon you will meet during your investigation is none other than Mewtwo. As you can imagine, it does stand out like a sore thumb in Ryme City. Known for its tremendous psychic power, Mewtwo can communicate with people telepathically, but it generally tends to avoid interaction as much as it can. What role does it play in the story? It’s up to you to find out!

Here’s some of the characters you will get to meet throughout the game:

• Emilia Christie

Emilia Christie works as a GNN news reporter and has an interest in the web of mysteries enmeshing Ryme City.

• Meiko Okamoto

If Emilia goes live on location, you can be sure Meiko Okamoto is behind the camera. The two team up to make sure no story in Ryme City goes unreported.

• Roger Clifford

Emilia and Meiko’s boss is Roger Clifford, a producer for GNN and one of the nicest guys around. He’s quick with a kind word for Tim, even when they’ve just met.

• Ethan Graham

Ethan Graham is the president of GNN. The network has really taken off recently, and that’s in no small part due to Ethan’s hard work.

• Mimikyu

It remains unclear whether Mimikyu is on the GNN payroll, but the otherwise shy Pokémon sure loves being in front of the camera. It’s constantly looking for the chance to be on TV.

• Brad McMaster

Brad McMaster is a lieutenant on the Ryme City police force who has his own unshakeable theories about what’s going on around town. He travels with the stoic Manectric at his side. With its keen sense of smell, it makes a valuable partner.

• Mike Baker

Then there’s Mike Baker, the head of the Baker Detective Agency and a former associate of your dad’s. He can always rely on his quick and loyal Accelgor.

• Frank Holiday

Frank Holiday is an inspector for the Ryme City Police Department. Holiday and Baker go way back, and in Baker’s line of work, it’s good to have friends on the force. Holiday’s also looking for Harry’s whereabouts.

• Amanda Blackstone

Also working at the Baker Detective Agency is Amanda Blackstone, an assistant mostly known for her love of fast boats—and for putting Pikachu in his place when he gets into the snacks. It’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it.

• Pablo Millan

Pikachu is a sucker for a perfect cup of coffee, and Pablo knows just how to make it. He’s the owner of the Hi-Hat Café, which is Pikachu’s preferred stop when he needs a hot cup of joe. Apparently Pablo’s Hi-Hat Blend is out of this world.

Finally, for those who just want to follow the story but are not good at adventure games can turn easy mode on, and let Detective Pikachu show them the way. Don’t worry, he may be gruffy, but he will always tell you what to do and where to go next!

Here’s various pictures from the official website:

Detective Pikachu (3DS) comes out on March 23rd worldwide.

Source: The Pokémon Company