My Pokemon Ranch

"Storage is the name of the game"

Pokemon is a series that seems to have touched upon every gaming genre under the sun. RPGs, racing, fighting, and even rogue-types! Now it seems that Pokemon has extended its reach to the realm of virtual pets in a throwback to the Tamagotchi. Yes, I am aware of the Pikachu Tamagotchis, but those weren't video games. Any ways, the basis of this game is taking care of Pokemon without actually taking care of them. So, the mystery as to what types of meat Pokemon eat still remains at large. It's a simple game, but it can be fun. Be forewarned, this game is NOT for those who do not have Pokemon Diamond, Pokemon Pearl, Pokemon Platinum or those who are expecting anything more than a Pokemon storage device.

Game Play

The game is taken at a relaxing pace, with a quick introduction on getting started and how to transfer your creatures from your Pokemon DS carts. From there, you basically watch your Pokemon waltz around the ranch and ram heads with your other beasts. The clock ticks by in the upper right hand corner as you simply watch. "Um, there really isn't much of a game here," you'll probably think. And for the first day in the game, there really isn't. But, as the days go on and you upload more Pokemon, many new things can be unlocked such as toys, commands, events, and an actual usable camera option that lets you view everything (and everyone) on the ranch. Even with mass amounts of Pokemon on the ranch, you will still probably be left bored and reminded that, despite it's quirky graphics and general feel, this is still just a means to store your Pokemon to make more room on your DS games.

4/10

Graphics

If anything, I'd say the graphics are the best part of this game. If the game was run with the same graphics used in the console fighting versions (Stadium, Colosseum, Battle Revolution, etc.), everything would feel very out of place. Thankfully, it's not and the ranch, as well as your Miis and Pokemon, are rendered in a pseudo cel-shade fashion and made to look like they are origami. That's right, origami. With the fact that the game doesn't take itself very seriously, this concept works very well. Even your most vicious Pokemon will make you go, "Awwww," when you see it in game. Thumbs up for the origami concept!

8/10

Sound

Apart from a "day" theme and a "night" theme, there are only a few jingles that only happen during events. The music is calm and will probably remind you of Animal Crossing as it plays. It's really hard to get sick of it, which, thankfully, is good considering the game has two songs. Now, pretty much everything on the ranch has a sound. All of your Pokemon will have their usual cries, except sped up five times. Absolutely hilarious to listen to. The unlockable toys all have their own sounds, ranging from a rubber duck's quack to cannon fire. Snores can be heard as the day goes on, and your Miis can be heard groaning when a Pokemon lunges at them. The graphics and sounds go hand in hand.

7/10

Overall, My Pokemon Ranch is a solid hit for Pokemon fans, but not so much for those who aren't. The game's main point of watching all of your creatures should not be forgotten, as that's mainly all you do. There are some simple side attractions, such as taking pictures to share with friends and throwing toys around, but that will lose its appeal with time. My Pokemon Ranch's main purpose of being a storage system works, but still has some faults as you will soon learn. Still, it's a satisfying game to just kick back and watch. Is it worth $10.00, though? My response to that is a firm "Yes." if you own any of the Pokemon DS games and a strong "No." if you don't.

Total - 6/10

I wouldn't exactly call this a game as its main purpose is to store Pokemon. Unless you own Pokemon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum, steer clear of this title. Even then, only get this game if you're having storage problems.

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 02/17/09

Game Release: My Pokemon Ranch (US, 06/09/08)