First Impressions:

Of all the Pokémon games so far that have been released for the Game Boy and the DS, Pokémon Ranger seems to be the least fun. In this edition of the Pokémon series there is a long needed attempt to change things up a bit. Even though the change in the basic formula is welcome, it doesn't seem to be executed as well as it could be.

Gameplay:

Instead of the usual process of capture, train and battle that you find in most Pokémon games, this is set up differently. In Pokémon Ranger you don't play as a Trainer. You play as a Ranger whose job is to influence or tame wild Pokémon. There are missions to fulfill which involve returning lost Pokémon to their owners, or getting a Pokémon to help out with specific tasks where their Field Skills will be of use to people.

This takes place in an area known as the Fiore Region. The wild Pokémon are always released before entering any town. You get one partner Pokémon who goes with you throughout your adventure, but you don't get to choose it. You also can have a few Pokémon to travel with, but they often disappear after providing you with help one time. This 'one night stand' procedure feels strange in a series where in the past it has been about making abiding relationships with these odd little creatures.

The main difficulty with the game has to do with the item called the Capture Styler. It is the key gameplay element within Pokémon Ranger and that is its weak point. The game does make use of the Nintendo DS stylus and touch screen well enough. Because the player is required to draw complete circles around the Pokémon as it runs around the screen, the Styler may "break" and that leads to problems. Once that happens it is game over and you have to go back to the last Save. Some areas of the game don't give enough opportunities for the Styler to be recharged, because you are far below ground and too far away from the Ranger Station.

The wild Pokémon can break out of your circling attempts, and that reduces the power of the Styler. The entire new game mechanic doesn't work as well as it should. The game's persuade and release process becomes repetitive and tiring after a short while. And when the Pokémon take off, it gives a feeling of being unfulfilled. After being told "You Gotta Catch Them All" for all of these years, this game goes against the grain.

For little kids it's good to see that the box clearly states that a "Basic reading ability is necessary to fully enjoy the game." There is a good deal of time spent speaking with townspeople to get the missions, and the majority of in-game menus require reading skills as well. And there are lots of them.

Graphics:

It has the simplistic 2D graphics which have a minimum level of detail. It has an overall lack of finesse and hasn't changed much from the days when Pokémon Gold and Silver were released. As the new update to the franchise, it could have used improvement in the graphics.

With the problems in the unique new combat system, this one might only be of interest to collectors. Missions are way too linear where the player has to complete one annoying task before proceeding on to the next one. You have to circle the stylus very quickly on the screen to tame the Pokémon, which could be difficult for smaller kids to accomplish and not as much fun for adults. This game is a rather inferior job from the Pokémon gang.

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