"Best Pokemon Game yet....if not for a few flaws"

This game is the sequel that has proven to be a lot better than the original. It has better story, in fact, it has the best storyline in the entire pokemon series. This game got me hooked into playing my ds longer than any other Pokemon game did. There are also a lot of other improvements in the system like better rewards from missions. This time, you need a real strategy to be able to beat the game easily.

Gameplay: The game does a good job of introducing the controls to players who have never bought or played the prequel. The gameplay controls have never been changed from the first game. The buttons to do the controls, however, have been changed from the first game and now you can use the ds touchscreen to move your pokemon around. The only problem with the gameplay is it can become boring and frustrating if you need to go through like 70+ floors and die in the middle, but the gameplay is generally good.

score: 8/10

Story: This is one of the points where the game shines the most. The story is awesome compared to the first game. You need to keep expecting the unexpected as the story unfolds. Like the first game, you are human and wake up as a pokemon. There are tons of chapters with a different story that will get you hooked.

score: 10/10

Graphics: Not much to expect since playing the first game. Basically, the sprites of old pokemon are recycled from the past game. This game does include a new portrait for each pokemon, but nothing new this time in terms of graphics. Still, the graphics are good and they thought of using the two screens for cutscenes.

score: 8/10

Sound: Pretty good on this side. The music never gets recycled in dungeons. You will also be hearing familiar tunes that are remixed from the first game but overall, the sound is good.

score: 10/10

Replayability: This is where the game is so addictive. Even after the main storyline, there are loads of dungeons to unlock and even new storylines that are as good as the ones in the main story. You will definitely be spending a lot of time on this game just for one playthrough.

score: 10/10

Wi-fi: This game does support a wi-fi feature which allows people to rescue each other. It needs improvement although if Nintendo keeps this up, we could be seeing improvement in mystery dungeon 3. It definitely needs to supprt multi-player which allows you to explore the dungeon with a friend.

score: 8/10

Final recommendation: If you're a fan of the pokemon games, buy it for sure; you will surely love the storyline and gameplay, and you will be amazed at how the gameplay is different but still offers fun and challenges. If you don't like pokemon, rent it and you might have your eyes glued to the ds for several weeks. If you have never played pokemon, rent this game, you might like it and find yourself addicted to pokemon in the first few hours of gameplay.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 05/05/08

Game Release: Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Darkness (US, 04/20/08)