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> Results: Pokemon Ranger
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Mild Cartoon Violence. GamerDad found some destructive instances when Pokemon are used to clear debris from various walkways. Pokemon can be called upon to assist in battling other Pokemon, as per the usual with this franchise, but everything is very mild indeed. Within the world of Pokemon exists the Fiore Region, protected by a league of heroes known as the Pokemon Rangers. The rangers are the guardians of this area and it's inhabitants (both human and Pokemon). Unlike Pokemon trainers, rangers never concern themselves with Pokemon collecting ﾖ in fact, wild Pokemon are always released before entering any town or city. Pokemon are used to perform certain tasks, but only your partner Pokemon will stick with you throughout your adventure. It's a new, environmentally conscious Pokemon mentality. You begin the game as a Pokemon Ranger initiate. In very short order, you'll find yourself thrown into the fray, capturing Pokemon, helping townspeople, and working your way thru the ranks, earning experience and improving your Capture Styler technology along the way. The Capture Styler is the key gameplay element within Pokemon Ranger. Instead of capturing Pokemon with Pokeballs (as in prior Pokemon games), the hero of the game makes use of the Nintendo DS stylus and touch screen. With any Pokemon encounter, the player is required to draw complete circles around the Pokemon as it runs around the screen. How many circles are required depends on the strength of the Pokemon, but once the quota is reached, the Pokemon is captured.  It's easier said than done. Pokemon run about the screen, trying their best to avoid capture. If they touch your circle before it's complete, you have to start over. And many Pokemon can actually attack your circling attempts, reducing the power of your Styler. Too many successful attacks, and its game over. Thankfully, the player can use other Pokemon within his/her party to perform "Poke-Assists", which can range from repairing your Styler, to slowing or disabling the Pokemon you're attempting to capture. Unfortunately, the entire mechanic doesn't work as well as it should. The game hints at various levels of strategy with these combat sequences, but you'll find fast, rapid circle drawing to work most effectively, with luck often times a greater benefit than skill. And while there are various Pokemon throughout the game (200 or so), the entire capture/battle process becomes repetitive and tiring after a short while. This isn't to say the game is without merit. Pokemon Ranger is very much a Pokemon game, with lush (if simplistic) 2D graphics and an adequate soundtrack. The level of graphic detail allows the various Pokemon to easily resemble their cartoon iterations, and they lend a great deal of personality to the game. The role-playing overtones of the game work especially well, as the player uses the stylus to move the hero, and it's a simple matter of tapping a character or object - anywhere on the screen - to perform an examination or start a text dialogue. It's incredibly intuitive and accessible, and you'll find yourself spoiled when having to go back to non-stylus gaming. Pokemon Ranger is a solid effort, hampered only by a lack of polish and depth with the unique combat system. Whether this is a deal breaker depends on your preferred style of play. Role playing fans and collect-o-philes will likely be disappointed, but gamers looking for a little more real-time action with their Pokemon gaming should find Pokemon Ranger fun and entertaining. 
Pokemon Ranger clearly states a "Basic reading ability is necessary to fully enjoy the game" on the box packaging, and I completely agree. Much of the game is spent speaking with townspeople, and the majority of in-game menus require reading skills as well.
The game isn't as cerebral as prior Pokemon games. Instead of turn based combat, battles take place in real-time with the stylus. Missions are very linear, where the player completes one task before proceeding to the next. If your child prefers the slower paced, "think tank" gaming of previous Pokemon games, you'll want to give Pokemon Ranger a second glance before making a purchase. Most of the battle situations require very rapid movements of the stylus. So much so, extra care should be taken not to accidentally scratch the touch screen. This is something to consider if turning this game over to younger players ﾖ the experience isn't worth a marred DS system. The adventure itself is not only a non-violent, kid-friendly fare; it carries a strong environmental message as well, expounding the virtue of caring for wild Pokemon and their natural settings. Any game stressing the benefits of finding a balance between tech and nature, even within the light context of the Pokemon franchise, isn't necessarily a bad thing. Comments? Chat about it in our forums! Format For Printing | Tell A Friend | Digg | Slashdot | del.icio.us | Buy This Game Browse Amazon.com's selection of "pokemon" themed games Home > Review Archive > Video Games > Results: Pokemon Ranger |
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