It’s very much the outcome of what happens when you combine with precision two entities that are complete polar opposites.
The world of Pokemon collides with the fighting gameplay of the Tekken series to create a mash-up which is perfectly suited to the Nintendo Switch.
Pokken Tournament DX is a port of the arcade battler and Wii U game, and is a great pick-up-and-play game.
You choose a Pokemon and a support set of pocket monsters as you fight other trainers in a 3D arena.
But instead of the typical turn-based combat the Pokemon series is known for, you instead control the cute creatures like you would a fighter in Tekken.
Combos, special moves and counters are all possible as you punch and kick your way through battles.
One of the most exciting things for long-term fans of the Pokemon series is seeing these creatures you know and love realised in HD graphics.
While Pokemon is a household name, the vast majority of games in the series have been released on handheld consoles.
Bar a few exceptions, such as Pokemon Snap for the N64, Nintendo home consoles have not tended to get as many games released just for them.
The reason being that Pokemon stands for ‘pocket monster’, so the majority of these games are built for handheld consoles.
So it’s a breath of fresh air getting to see these creatures, and the world they inhabit, in crisp high-definition graphics.
Modes on offer will be familiar to anyone that has played a beat-em up before.
Single player, multiplayer, online play, a training mode and a story mode are all available in Pokken Tournament DX.
The story mode is what will take up the bulk of your time, and it sees you enter a series of Pokemon leagues as you vie to be the very best.
As you climb up the leagues you’ll encounter a mysterious trainer armed with a powerful Mewtwo that plays a big role in the story.
One of the few criticisms that can be levelled at Pokken Tournament DX is the story mode which has a formulaic structure.
Play a set of five matches in a league over and over until you’re in one of the top positions to enter a play-off competition for promotion.
And then rinse and repeat that formula.
The battles still remain fun but the repetitive structure may grow tiresome for some players.
And for fighting game aficionados, Pokken Tournament DX may not be deep enough to prove a true challenge for them.
But those minor quibbles aside, Pokken Tournament DX marks another great addition to the Nintendo Switch games library.
It’s fun, easy to pick up and play and perfect for your commute to work as you dip in and our of battles while on your way to the office.
The Nintendo Switch has only been out for six months, but has already built up a great selection of first-party games.
It marks an incredible start for the Japanese gaming giant’s hit hybrid console, and long may that continue.
VERDICT: 4/5