Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team

"An Exciting and Unique Pokemon Spin-Off"

This game is not like your average Pokemon game, no Ash-like trainer battling wild Pokemon and always fighting other trainers to gain entrance in the Pokemon League. No, this unique game does not even have trainers. In fact, it's totally different than the other Pokemon games! Nope, not even the famous Pokeball returns in this game. In Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team, you treat fellow Pokemon more as friends rather than pets. Instead of "catching" them, you actually recruit them. Well, for the game itself, it was an exciting and new experience to play through this game.

A storyline in a Pokemon game, you say? Blasphemy! No, there actually is a decent storyline within this game. The game starts as you waking up as a Pokemon, although you were human before. You soon meet a friend, and soon after that you make a rescue team to help fellow Pokemon. The game pretty much just branches on from there, though. I am not going to say much, however, I will say that this storyline, although not the best, will definitely keep you aware and wondering what happens next. You continually progress through the game, trying to figure out, "Why am I a Pokemon?"

Pertaining to the gameplay of this game, all that I can say is that it is mediocre. It is no longer the turn-by turn, who-has-the-faster-speed-goes-first type battle, but rather it is somewhat of a real-time game, although you still have turns. But you can actually move around your enemy and attack in nine different directions, a definite twist. Although there are many flaws such as incredibly difficult enemies, mega-cheap combo moves, and etc., the gameplay of this game is still somewhat enjoyable.

The graphics of this game is another aspect in which to judge. It may not be nearly as good as the other GBA Pokemon games, but keep in mind that each individual sprite has its own unique variation. The graphics, although not impressive, are certainly admirable.

One thing that links this game to the other Pokemon games is the enjoyability of playing the game even after the credits roll. There are still many sidequests and missions to complete, and ever more Pokemon to recruit. The replay value of this game is, in my mind, its definite high point.

All in all, this game is definitely fresh and different than most games that I have ever played, for both good and bad. If you are deciding whether or not to buy this game, I would have to say that buy this game only if you have lots of free time on your hands, and if you have the money to spare.

Scores
Gameplay: 7
Storyline: 6.5
Graphics: 7.5
Replay Value: 8

In a nutshell, this is a good game, especially if you are a true Pokemon fan.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 10/02/06