Maxim "Sensei Mori" Tomilov The release of the Nintendo DS brought a variety of cool, unique projects to the universe. In addition to continuing the classic games featuring the familiar open world, Pokedex, and creature catching, spin-offs emerged with unique mechanics. It seems that the developers wanted to appeal to as broad an audience as possible, as the diversity of titles, distinctive mechanics is surprising.
We will talk about the best, noteworthy NDS Pokémon games in our roundup.
Pokémon Trozei!
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The top project is an engaging spin-off that demands the player's utmost concentration, attention. Released in 2005, a time when major project announcements were booming in the Western gaming industry, Pokémon Trozei! incorporated the simple and addictive mechanics of Tetris/Match-3.
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The gameplay involves collecting more than two identical characters in a vertical or horizontal line. If the creatures line up, forming what's called a Trozei line, the user earns extra points. Though it may seem straightforward, the fast pace requires quick thinking, assessment of the situation, and instant decision-making.
Image: Ensiplay
Moreover, the game features several modes:
- Adventure. The title allows the user to play as the secret agent Lucy Fleetfoot, defeat the Phobos Battalion, free the captured Pokémon.
- Endless. The main goal is to score the highest number of points.
- Forever. The field changes to a grid. To form a Trozei, players need to align five heroes instead of four.
- Battle. In this mode, users fight against each other.
- Pair. Here, players must cooperate to achieve the best result + set a new record.
This project is definitely a title that can appeal both to fans and those unfamiliar with the creatures of this world.
Pokémon Ranger
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The next project also stands out with its unique mechanics and is quite different from the usual franchise games. Notably, characters are not caught with pokeballs! Instead, there's a special device called a "Capture Styler", which the player controls using a stylus. Impressive?
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The stylus is used not only for capturing creatures: it also helps the user defend against opponents, solve puzzles.
The game features only an adventure mode, primarily consisting of tasks that the player, acting as a ranger, needs to complete — from escorting a professor to rescuing an elderly man in the forest. However, these events are part of a coherent narrative with villains, plot twists.
Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, Pokémon Ranger became one of the most intriguing titles on the Nintendo DS.
Pokémon Dash
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Developers clearly enjoy experimenting with genres. Pokémon Dash is unlike any other game in the franchise, as it is a racing arcade! The mechanics, objectives are simple + straightforward: overtake the opponent and reach the finish line first.
Unfortunately, there is no option to choose which character to compete as. However, among other advantages are several diverse modes, a large map, and various types of terrain where the race takes place.
The game received a lukewarm reception from critics + the press. The main criticism is lack of variety and that it quickly becomes tedious. Nevertheless, if you want to explore all the spin-offs + gain new experiences, this title is a great entertainment for a couple of hours.
Pokémon Diamond and Pearl
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One of the most iconic games not only for the franchise but also for the Nintendo DS, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl marked the beginning of the fourth generation, which introduced over a hundred new creatures. Some mechanics, such as the day/night cycle, were reintroduced, types of attacks were changed, a global trading system with other players over the internet was added.
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In short, both projects were successful in all aspects: they feature excellent soundtracks, interesting plots, picturesque locations of the new Sinnoh region. They received high ratings both in Japan + in the Western market and are still considered iconic in the series, cherished by many fans.
Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
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The remakes of the first parts have rightly earned recognition among fans of the universe. It's no surprise, as on the Nintendo DS, HeartGold and SoulSilver feature new graphics, sound, animations, quests, and expanded capabilities: now, Pokémon can follow the character outside of battles.
The developers at Game Freak outdid themselves. They did not change the formula of the familiar gameplay but enhanced it: they incorporated everything that fans might have wanted to see in the original. To this day, this project is considered one of the best on Nintendo DS.
Pokémon Conquest
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Besides racing, puzzles, developers also aimed to try their hand at new genres. Thus, Pokémon Conquest emerged — a turn-based strategy game with elements of a kingdom management simulator. It sounds strange, unusual in the context of the universe: replacing trainers and pokeballs came warlords, warriors, territory conquests.
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The project delights with unique mechanics, narrative: multiple stories, diverse, deep characters, random events, a new battle system.
The project diverged significantly from the usual gameplay, but it is these special features that endeared it to fans.
Pokémon Black and White
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The fifth generation brought with it an entire suitcase of new features. Continuing the trend of the original games, with tasks (the player still takes on the role of a trainer, catching heroes), Pokémon Black and White surprise with a variety of innovations. These include a different weather system, seasonal changes, dynamic musical accompaniment, Triple/Rotation Battles, and much more.
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Players are tasked with exploring the new Unova region, resisting Team Plasma, who wish to liberate the characters from what they claim is human oppression. The story has been beloved by fans, sales of over fifteen million copies only confirm the game's iconic status.
Pokémon Black 2 and White 2
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Continuing our top list with the sequel to Pokémon Black and White, as the title is worthy of mention. The plot unfolds two years after the events of the prequel. New locations, gym leaders, heroes, the development of the Team Plasma story are available.
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team
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Mystery Dungeon is the longest-running spin-off series. It includes anime, manga, titles on various platforms. Red Rescue Team + Blue Rescue Team, released in 2005 for Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS respectively, are the first projects in this series.
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In the story, the player, as a Pokémon, must save other creatures while exploring dungeons and learning about the disruption of harmony in nature. The game features a distinctive mechanic: you can rescue another user in distress if they lose consciousness in a dungeon.
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time
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The second title in the Mystery Dungeon series includes new heroes (about 500 in total), an intriguing plot involving time travel, liberation from captivity, and saving the world.
While not introducing anything significantly new to the gameplay, the project was still well-received by the community for its emotional story.
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Darkness
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Typically, these projects are discussed together, as they differ only slightly. For example, Explorers of Time features six types of exclusive Pokémon, while Explorers of Darkness has five, along with differences in some items, mechanics. Otherwise, the plot, gameplay are identical.
We have distinguished them as this version, like the first, received high critical acclaim and offers players unique content.
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky
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Continuing our journey through the mystical dungeons! This part significantly expands the capabilities of the previous two projects. New starting heroes, a cafe where you can cook consumable items, and a Recycle Shop that allows the user to exchange resources. In short, if you're new to the universe and want to familiarize yourself with all the titles, then Explorers of Sky is more than a suitable choice.
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia
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The game continues the story of Pokémon Ranger. Now, the player must head to the Almia region, where mysterious events involving dangerous warriors are unfolding. The project not only retained all the advantages of the original but also improved them. For instance, creatures are still caught using a stylus, but now you can momentarily lift the stylus from the screen and then continue to trace around the character.
Shadows of Almia was loved by gamers for its engaging, touching plot, but was criticized by the press for copying the first part.
Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs
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Rangers head to a new region called Oblivia to uncover the criminal plans of a secret society. Gameplay-wise, the title differs little from previous versions: the core elements are preserved, but new ones are added. Now, players can summon legendary creatures ready to assist in battle.
Either way, if you like the Ranger series and its mechanics, then Guardian Signs will definitely entertain you for several hours.
Pokémon Platinum
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Platinum is a main part of the fourth generation and one of the most important games on the Nintendo DS. Developers expanded the main storyline, updated the list of regular, legendary creatures, and added new locations, missions.
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The project did not change the gameplay tradition of the series, becoming a classic continuation of the franchise, receiving many positive reviews. The Platinum version is perfect for getting acquainted with the universe, as it is an enhanced version of Diamond and Pearl.
What is your favorite Nintendo DS game? Share an opinion in the comments!
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