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Review of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team on Nintendo DS

by Tanya Krane Tanya Krane photo Sep 2006
Cover image of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team on DS
Gamefings Score: 7.0
Platform: DS DS logo
Released: 18 Sep 2006
Genre: Roguelike
Developer: Chunsoft
Publisher: The Pokémon Company, Nintendo

Introduction

Welcome to a world where your greatest fantasy about being a Pokémon comes true, but with a twist so wild it gives even the craziest Pokémon trainers a run for their Pokédex! Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team catapults players straight into the fluffy, Pokémon-populated land of - wait for it - Pokémon! Gone are the days of catching and training; now you're not just playing a protagonist but actually stepping into their non-human shoes. Talk about an identity crisis!

Gameplay

In this turn-based roguelike, players awaken as a Pokémon themselves, immediately faced with an existential crisis that would even make Freudian analysts break a sweat. The catchy yet oddly earwormy personality quiz at the start determines which of the sixteen available Pokémon fits your hopefully not too shameful psyche, while you then pick a partner from the remainder. Then, it's off to the dungeons - a procedurally generated labyrinth so varied you might forget to eat lunch after a few hours (and believe me, these creatures love to eat). Your primary mission? Complete jobs from the bulletin board! Whether it's rescuing your fellow Pokémon or collecting items, the title of "Rescue Team" might just be the most ironic thing about this game. Because good luck completing anything without some ridiculous complications and needless back-and-forth banter amongst your crew. Be prepared to keep your reviving items at the ready, as failing to navigate through the various levels of dungeons can lead to some serious losses - not just in items but in dignity too. The combat is turn-based and akin to a tactical RPG, heated high-stakes showdowns where every button press counts. And remember, while you're in a dungeon, you'll have to manage your hunger with food you find, otherwise prepare for some dramatic, crispy death - and not the fun kind you find in pizza.

Graphics

Let's be real here; if you expect mind-blowing graphics, you've entered the wrong dimension (that's reserved for AAA titles, my friends). The visuals pack a nostalgic punch for DS games of yore, but let's be honest. If you're coming in expecting something more than cute, chibi-style Pokémon glittering in all their 2D essence, you might be left wanting. The backgrounds can sometimes feel a bit repetitious, but that's part of the charm! It's like walking into a sublime art exhibit where you already know the ending. But hey, the use of the dual screens was a delightful touch, allowing for better management of your team information and combat tactics. Playable Pokémon are a highlight, exhibiting charm and creativity fitting of its franchise.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team is a delightful little roguelike, with heartwarming surprises and narrative twists that make you wanna hug your DS while simultaneously questioning everything about your existence. Sure, the dungeon design can feel repetitive and the graphics are left wanting, but the charm of exploring this world as a Pokémon gives it an original flair that just feels right. With its quirky characters and emotional connection to the story, it's an adventurous ride worth signing up for - even if you can't remember where you left your lunch. Nintendo has managed to get away with giving many players the chance to be a Pokémon (sorry, trainers!), and for that, we raise our Poké Balls in salute! Just don't forget to pack some snacks for your journey through the Mystery Dungeon.

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