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GOT IT FOR MY SON HE SAID IT WAS JUST LIKE THE OTHER POKEMON GAMES HE HAD, NOT THAT MUCH OF A DIFFERNENT SO HE TRADE IT IN FOR CALL DUTY 2 MODERN WAR IF YOU CHILD HAS ONE OR MORE POKEMON MYSTERY DUNGEON GAMES DO NOT GET IT THEY ARE PRETTY MUCH THE SAME GAME.
The only real gripe I have with the storyline is the fact that they have so much story that they fail to tie some things up. There's nothing wrong with the graphics, as they are pretty enough (though boring in longer dungeons, at it usually only differs from dungeon to dungeon), but veteran Pokemon Mystery Dungeon gamers might find most of them uninspired. What happens to his friends. You basically train in the guild, like a student would train at a school; a Loudred is your alarm clock every morning, for the most of the game, your characters eat dinner before the night is through, and there is a lot of fun interaction. Sometimes, other characters will even tag along with your own in the dungeons: a refreshing experience. Nothing wrong with all of that: it's fun, just not fresh. However, original level designs were far and few between this time.
This game's saving grace in graphics are that a few fresh ideas were thrown in (the Crystal Cave level, Nightmare levels, and Grim Future levels), which does add a hint of unpredictability; very fun. Even the town looks pretty much the same, save for the addition of a few new shops and stuff (some of which, I never even use). Dungeons are roughly designed like the last game: there are items scattered around, which you will try to collect, and stairs lead to the next floor and eventually out of the dungeon. The mysteries are endless. Another somewhat gripe is that this story is of a slightly darker and more serious nature at some points: nothing to really be worried about, but it does get intense. This game is no exception, as there are some FABULOUS musical scores here.
Sadly, the best replay value you will find is restarting the game from scratch; and that's not even as fun, since the story becomes predictable at that point.Overall (A-): Though this Pokemon game isn't a hundred percent ground-breaking, it's still great as games come. Overall, the gameplay is great; it's just not very new in the dungeons, which isn't too bad, but kind of repetitious.Music (A): The music in the Pokemon Mystery Dungeon series are often a lot better than traditional Pokemon Game music. Why did you become a Pokemon, and B. In the previous games, the only things you tried to find out are: A. Also, the ending makes you cry; of course, that's not really any different from the last games.Gameplay (B+): You have basically the same solid gameplay from the last games, but it seems harder in the dungeons.
It fails to wrap that up properly. Wigglytuff makes for a humorous guild master, yet he's smarter than he appears; Chatot, Wigglytuff's assistant, usually stands as your real boss, as he's pretty bossy, but he's also funny at times; Sunflora plays one of those "omigosh" girls, who use valley expressions and stuff; Bidoof is like an easily-excited sympathizer, as he was the newest member before you came along; and there many others. If not for the story, and how it affects the times in between the dungeons, this game would hardly be any different from the previous ones. There are a couple of tunes that are repetitious (Treasure Town's song comes to mind), but most of the music is pretty solid as far as games go. An example is with Grovyle: what happens to him after all is said and done. You'll be entertained for hours, solving mysteries and finding treasure; 'cause, let's face it, when is hunting for treasure NOT fun. You can also continue to accept missions from the boards, but what's the point once you reach the highest rank.
The same mysteries stand here, but with a LOT more added: you're partner pokemon (picked by how you respond to the questionaire) has a mysterious treasure, and you try to solve the mystery of that, as well. This game, along with its counterpart game, is actually much better than the Pokemon Mystery Dungeon games of the past (Blue/Red Rescue Team; which were really good in their own right). Many other smaller mysteries like: is there really a cave behind the waterfall, or does a mysterious lake really exist, also present themselves. Veterans will even recognize one song as a creative remix and combination of many songs from the last game (which sounds pretty good).Graphics (B): When I played this game, I often felt that most of the graphics screamed, "Been there, done that." It's kind of hard to top variety in area graphics, considering that the first set of Pokemon Mystery Dungeon games were all over the place (volcanic areas, snowy mountains, etcetera); but most of the graphics screamed, "rehash" from the last games. Though it shares many of the same premises as previous games (e.g. Though this RPG seems like it's live action at times, it is indeed turn-based in the dungeons (where you will spend most of your time). However, few elements besides difficulty have been added to change up what the gameplay is from the previous games, which makes it seem like "same old, same old," at times. The VERY beginning of the game is also old-hat, as your starter and partner is chosen by how you answer questions to a quiz.
It's pretty easy to get your butt kicked in about the third dungeon you visit (which is not far off from the game's start). Why are nature and Pokemon going out of whack. Each melody fits the mood of the dungeon, and is immersive, practically inviting the player to exploring the world to the fullest. you're a human who turned into a Pokemon), you realize how much deeper the storyline goes after you play for a while: "Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time/Darkness" really live up to the "Mystery" reputation this time, as you have a lot more mysteries to solve. You can also hatch Pokemon eggs in the game this time, though the process is kind of boring until you get the new Pokemon.
That's not necessarily a bad thing, though: veterans will know what to expect. I recommend this game to Pokemon fans and non-Pokemon fans alike, as this is a fun way to spend a boring afternoon. You can see where creativity went into it, as they left no questions unanswered this time. I'll grade all of the awesomeness, and what they could work on, with a grading system (A+ being the best, F- being the worst):Storyline (A-): A VERY engaging storyline.
A shame, really.Characters (A+): Character design was great. A lot more characters were mixed in here, and with greater importance: just about every character had an interesting role. You can also read a couple of diaries from other guild members, getting their thoughts on the situation, and interact a lot with the townsfolk; the most fun comes out of learning how everything works. Once you truly complete the story, the most you can do is go after legendary Pokemon; a good challenge, I suppose, but just not as exciting. There is also a "sentry duty" mini game, that requires your stylus; other than that mini game, however, control with the stylus is optional (which is a good thing). Other mysteries, including why a Grovyle is stealing time gears, and why certain other characters behave the way they do, are also intertwined; but, those are only the MAIN mysteries. I think the programmers suspected that replay values wouldn't be too good, which is why they made the length of the game so long.
You wander around the floors trying to find the quickest way out of the dungeon, usually; though there are missions that other Pokemon will give you to ask to do other things (like take down a criminal). Now, where gameplay REALLY shines in difference is with the new addition of Wigglytuff's guild, which is also where the story shines. All of the characters will capture your interest, and make the gameplay FAR more interesting this time around.Replayability (D): As far as replay values go, this game doesn't have much to offer; one of its biggest mistakes is having you move out of the guild after you "graduate," which immediately saps away most of the charm of the game. Very creative, with inspired characters.
It also adds a really addicting and useful minigame where you identify the footprints of Pokemon. A lot of reviews complain about the reading level and quantity. The storyline is beyond impressive, and Treasure Town has been amplified beautifully and gives the player so much to do. Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time excels in both fun and challenge. Darkness has access to much weaker and less exciting Pokemon, such as Lopunny and Rotom, which is why Time is favored.The storyline is very involved and really pulls the player in, while still keeping it kid friendly and thought provoking. The game gives you a much needed break from the stresses on constant battling in games such as Pokemon Diamond.
While there is combat in Mystery Dungeon, it is brought down to a different level and is revamped entirely.
(This gives the player "Poke", the game's currency of money.
I'd recommend this game for kids ages 8 and up.There is little difference between Time and Darkness except the availability in Pokemon throughout the game.
It certainly is much improved from the previous Mystery Dungeon games, Red and Blue.
Albeit, the quantity is rough, but you should really be buying less intense games for your kids anyway.
So it's not only fun and gives you a break from dungeons, but it's useful and you can play it anytime).
The previous games in this series lacked that and more, making the game annoying.There is almost no downside to this game unless you are too used to the usual Pokemon game that revolves around battling.
Time has a huge advantage over Darkness because it gives the player access to the Pokemon Lucario, which is extremely popular because it was featured in a Pokemon movie and it is highly loved by the younger audience of Pokemon (especially boys).
The game is challenging, and at times can really work your brain muscles, because no two dungeons are ever the same.The graphics done in classic sprite style are adorable and innovative, giving this game a look of its own that seperates it from other games.All being said, this game deserves no less than 5 stars.
There was too much story and reading. I have a 6 year old who kept asking for Pokemon and I did'nt know which one to pick. Well as odds would have it I picked the wrong one. Although my son can read, this was over the top. Would not recommend it until about age 8 or so.
This was a gift and don't see them playing it very often so I really don't know about it.
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