Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

GO, Poliwrath puts you in the powerful webbed feet of the Water/Fighting–type Pokémon as you square off in a lightning-fast swimming race against Marill and Golduck. From the moment the horn blares, you’ll need precision timing and quick decision-making to outpace your opponents. The race itself is deceptively simple: a single lap in open waters, but split-second choices dictate whether you surge ahead or get left in the wake.

Controls hinge on two main inputs: tapping “A” to execute a moderate stroke that builds momentum gradually, or pressing “B” for a heavier, more forceful stroke that costs you speed buildup but yields greater propulsion. Mastering the interplay between these strokes—switching at the right moment based on your rivals’ positions—is the crux of the challenge. Press too many B-strokes in a row and you’ll find yourself recovering; too many A-strokes and you risk falling behind.

Beyond the head-to-head sprint, GO, Poliwrath shines as a time-trial test. Every run invites you to shave milliseconds off your personal record, incentivizing repeated attempts. To access the game, players must scan the long dot-code printed on select Pokémon-e Expedition cards—Poliwrath, Poliwhirl, Krabby, Marill, Poliwag, and Shellder—making it a unique blend of collectible hunting and high-speed competition.

For reference, US Expedition card codes are: Poliwrath (60/165), Poliwhirl (89/165), Krabby (115/165), Marill (120/165), Poliwag (125/165), and Shellder (129/165). In Japan’s E-card Expansion 1, you’ll need: Poliwrath (77/128), Poliwhirl (36/128), Krabby (10/128), Marill (13/128), Poliwag (8/128), and Shellder (9/128).

Graphics

Graphically, GO, Poliwrath leverages the Pokémon e-Reader’s limited palette with surprisingly fluid sprite animations. Poliwrath’s powerful kicks send water droplets flying in carefully timed frames, while Marill’s bobbing flotation and Golduck’s sleek dolphin-like form both exhibit crisp, expressive pixel work. The attention to splash effects and ripple animations lends the race a dynamic sense of speed.

The backgrounds feature gently rolling waves and sunlit horizons, rendered in muted blues and soft pastels that contrast nicely with each Pokémon’s more vibrant coloration. Subtle parallax scrolling simulates depth as you race past buoys and floating barriers, giving the tiny screen real visual oomph. Occasional bursts of foam and spray highlight stroke completion, making every press of A or B feel weighty and impactful.

Menus and scan screens retain the standard e-Reader interface style: functional, straightforward, and fitting the overall aesthetic without distracting from the action. Card-scanning animations—complete with swirling dots and brief flashes—add a small flourish, celebrating the collectible aspect while you queue up each contest. Although not a graphical showcase in the modern sense, GO, Poliwrath’s visuals are polished, clear, and entertaining for what they set out to do.

Story

While GO, Poliwrath isn’t narrative-heavy, it injects enough Pokémon charm into its premise to keep you engaged. You’re challenged to prove Poliwrath’s aquatic prowess against two of the franchise’s most gifted swimmers: the playful, buoyant Marill and the lightning-fast Golduck. This straightforward contest taps into the core of competitive Pokémon battles—testing strength, speed, and strategy in a pure sporting arena.

Each character carries its own personality into the race. Marill’s cheerful splashes and playful side-to-side motions signal its lighthearted approach, while Golduck’s determined glares and powerful strokes underscore its reputational confidence. Poliwrath, ever the all-rounder, balances these extremes—giving you a front-row seat to its blend of tank-like resilience and slick aquatic agility.

The minimal plot—beat your rivals and claim aquatic supremacy—serves as an adequate frame for the high-octane gameplay. It’s a bite-sized story perfect for quick sessions, focusing squarely on the visceral thrill of competition. If you crave deep lore, you won’t find it here, but if you want a concise, character-driven splashdown, GO, Poliwrath delivers exactly that.

Overall Experience

GO, Poliwrath excels as a pick-up-and-play experience that balances addictive time trials with collectible-driven access. The rush of edging out Golduck in the final strokes, the satisfaction of shaving a fraction off your best time, and the novelty of scanning physical cards all combine into a unique package that feels distinctly Pokémon.

Of course, the game’s simplicity is a double-edged trident. While it remains approachable—even for newcomers—it can grow repetitive after dozens of runs. And the necessity of owning or acquiring specific e-Reader cards may prove a barrier for some players. Thankfully, the scanning process is straightforward and adds an enjoyable “treasure hunt” element for collectors.

In the end, GO, Poliwrath is a brief but memorable aquatic showdown. It’s an ideal side quest for Pokémon enthusiasts who appreciate quick bursts of competitive fun and relish the tactile joy of card-scanning unlockables. For anyone seeking a tight, enjoyable time-trial racer with iconic Pokémon flair, this mini-game is well worth diving into.

Retro Replay Score

null/10