Best Pokemon DS Games

Key Takeaways

• Many cult classic Pokemon games for the Nintendo DS now retail for exorbitant prices, angering fans.
• Diamond & Pearl, Black & White, and HeartGold & SoulSilver are highly-regarded as some of the best Pokemon DS games.
• Pokemon Conquest, a strategy game, was a successful attempt at shaking up the franchise with unique gameplay.

As a lifelong Pokémon enthusiast who’s been catching ’em all since the Game Boy days, I can confidently say that my top three favorite Pokémon games are a testament to the franchise’s incredible evolution over the years.

Among the most popular Pokémon games are those launched on the Nintendo DS. A significant number of both main series and spin-off titles developed for the Nintendo DS between 2004 and roughly 2012 have gained iconic status within the gaming community, earning a cult following.

Due to their exceptional quality, many popular Pokemon games originally released for the Nintendo DS have skyrocketed in price, leaving fans frustrated as they struggle to find genuine copies of these highly sought-after titles. These games not only stand out among the best on Nintendo’s handheld system but also rank among the top in Game Freak’s enduring franchise. So, what are the top Pokemon DS games?

Every Pokemon Nintendo DS Game (Released In North America)

The Nintendo DS boasts a remarkable collection of Pokemon games, with an impressive blend of quantity, quality, and diversity. While not every launch was a triumph, especially the spin-offs, the franchise attempted to bring something fresh by experimenting with genres such as strategy and racing. One of these experiments turned out to be quite popular. The Generation 4 primary games are also widely respected.

This table features all Pokemon Nintendo DS games that were launched in North America. However, we’re excluding two specific projects – “Learn with Pokemon: Typing Adventure” and “Pokemon Card Game: How To Play DS” – from our analysis because they weren’t localized. These two are quite specialized or niche titles.

14 Pokemon Dash

A Terrible Racing Game That Has Poor Touch Screen Implementation. Just An Underwhelming Use Of The Pokemon License.

The game titled “Pokemon Dash” is considered quite ordinary in terms of concept for the Nintendo DS, particularly in its basic idea. Essentially, it’s a racing game based on the Pokemon universe, allowing players to compete against their favorite Generation 3 characters like Torchic, Treecko, and Mudkip.

The game’s graphics and characters are adorable, but they’re overshadowed by its monotonous gameplay and limited playable characters, as only Pikachu can be chosen. This game is primarily designed for use with the Nintendo DS’s stylus, meaning players essentially trace a path for Pikachu to follow instead of controlling it like a kart racer would be controlled.

Regrettably, it’s hard to suggest Pokemon Dash. The gameplay is so basic that it quickly loses appeal, and there’s not much else in the game to compensate for its lackluster main feature.

13 Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team

At This Point, More Of A Historical Piece Rather Than A Must-Play Title. Still, This Was A Fine First Attempt At A Pokemon Dungeon-Crawler (Along With The GBA’s Red Rescue Team).

In contrast to Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team, which was a Game Boy Advance exclusive, Blue Rescue Team was released solely for the Nintendo DS. Regarding storyline and playable characters, both games are virtually identical; however, there are minor distinctions in the types of creatures players can discover and recruit within dungeons.

During the initial release of the “Red & Blue Rescue Team”, the “Mystery Dungeon” series stood out as a relatively novel concept for “Pokemon” enthusiasts, particularly those in Western regions who may not have been familiar with games like “Shiren the Wanderer” or “Chocobo’s Dungeon”. Consequently, the debut game enjoyed an advantage due to being the franchise’s first foray into this alternate realm. However, subsequent sequels surpassed it in several aspects.

As a devoted fan, I’d say that while Blue Rescue Team undeniably delivers an enjoyable experience by standard measurements, among the Nintendo DS Mystery Dungeon series, it seems to have aged the most noticeably. Yet, despite its apparent aging, it maintains a unique charm all its own.

12 Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers Of Darkness & Time

A Serviceable Game With A Good Story But Little In The Way Of Innovation. At This Point, This Series Was Starting To Run Out Of Steam.

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but be captivated by the mesmerizing tale of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Darkness & Time. The game’s unique sprites and endearing characters make it an unforgettable experience. What sets this title apart is its dungeon-crawler gameplay, a departure from the traditional Pokémon game that adds a refreshing twist to the franchise. With its expansive world beyond just Pokémon, these spin-offs are some of the most celebrated releases in the license’s history. They certainly provide a welcomed change of pace when compared to the usual Pokémon projects.

Although these games offer engaging gameplay, they tend to become quite repetitive as you progress further into the campaign. If a player falls behind or gets stuck, it requires excessive and tedious grinding to regain their footing. Regrettably, Explorers of Darkness & Time doesn’t set itself apart sufficiently from other Mystery Dungeon games, leading to an experience that may not be enticing when compared to superior alternatives. However, enthusiasts who appreciate the spin-off series’ previous releases are likely to find enjoyment in it.

11 Pokemon Ranger: Guardian Signs

The Worst Pokemon Ranger Game Is Still A Decent Time, But It Feels Like A Backward Step Rather Than An Exciting Leap Forward.

In the third version of the Pokemon Ranger series, there was a noticeable slowdown in progress. Nevertheless, this game brought some enhancements to the gameplay, like the inclusion of rideable legendary creatures and a time-traveling feature that enabled multiplayer. Unfortunately, its narrative is rather unimpressive, and the legendary Pokemon don’t significantly boost the overall experience.

In Shadows of Almia’s sequel, the ability for players to swap their companion Pokemon with a multitude of obtainable species was removed. This decision felt regressive, especially considering the subseries wasn’t progressing rapidly. During the Nintendo DS era, it seemed that Pokemon took advantage of its past successes too much, and this was particularly noticeable in the spin-offs, which appeared to offer little innovation.

10 Pokemon Ranger

An Interesting Attempt To Deviate From The Standard Pokemon Formula That Made Good Use Of The DS’s Stylus

In the world of Pokemon Ranger, the initial release is generally praised by critics, as indicated by Metacritic. Yet, it might not necessarily be the best offering overall within the series. Nonetheless, it pioneered an innovative approach to gameplay, allowing players to assume the role of a Ranger instead of a trainer or Pokemon. The objective is to preserve tranquility throughout the region and rescue wild Pokemon that find themselves in peril.

1. In the world of Pokémon, the variety of partner Pokémon is limited; players can only opt for Plusle or Minun based on their protagonist’s gender. But the unique way of capturing wild Pokémon through a drawing game was groundbreaking for the series. This innovative feature wouldn’t have been possible on the Game Boy Advance, as it was the Nintendo DS, with its touchscreen, that first introduced such capabilities.

9 Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers Of Sky

The Best Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Game On The Nintendo DS

The Pokemon Mystery Dungeon series is often met with mixed reactions from critics, with individual games typically receiving mediocre to average reviews. Nevertheless, these games have a dedicated fanbase, and if you enjoy one installment, chances are you’ll appreciate the majority of others as well. Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky stands out as a game that didn’t receive widespread critical acclaim but has garnered a significant following among fans.

In the updated edition of “Explorers of Darkness & Time,” there are enough innovative elements to warrant its creation, making it a preferable choice for new players over its predecessors. Enhancements include a variety of fresh playable creatures, special playable episodes, novel items, unique dungeons, and subtle improvements to the emotionally moving storyline. Notably, this installment boasts the best story in the series. Although it may not seem significant for the franchise, the “Mystery Dungeon” games place a greater emphasis on storytelling compared to the main series. “Explorers of Sky” is one of the rare “Pokemon” games that is primarily appealing due to its compelling narrative.

8 Pokemon Trozei!

Although Nothing Amazing, Trozei Is A Fun Distraction That Caters To Both Pokemon And Puzzle Fans (Although, Mostly The Former)

The game titled “Pokemon Trozei!” is remarkably similar to both “Tetris” and “Yoshi’s Cookie” in terms of gameplay mechanics. In this game, Pokemon-themed blocks cascade down from the top of the screen, yet it’s only the bottom row that can be rearranged and combined with the ones stacked above it.

Experiencing it is a tranquil endeavor, reminiscent of a game like Pokemon Pinball. For those who aren’t deeply invested in the popular series or are seeking a quick diversion between larger tasks, Trozei could be an ideal choice. However, it’s unlikely to captivate anyone outside of dedicated Pokemon enthusiasts while they’re engrossed in play.

7 Pokemon Ranger: Shadows Of Almia

The Best Pokemon Ranger Game, Period

As a dedicated gamer, I can tell you that “Shadows of Almia” is the sequel to the “Pokemon Ranger” series, a title that significantly enhanced its predecessor’s narrative. In this game, I found myself in the shoes of a teenage Pokemon Ranger trainee, a role that resonated with many of us gamers who are also on the cusp of adulthood.

Even though there were enhancements, Shadows of Almia largely retained its gameplay mechanics, yet it introduced an essential feature allowing swapping partner Pokemon. Regrettably, the absence of novelty was underwhelming as it appeared to be a squandered chance. If you’re a fan of the initial version, Shadows of Almia is worth a look, but those unimpressed by the original game may not find it impressive.

6 Pokemon Conquest

A Very Respectable Tactical RPG That Proved Pokemon Is A Perfect Fit For The Genre. Unfortunately, It Is One Of A Kind.

Pokemon Conquest represented Game Freak’s initial and exclusive venture into the strategy genre within their franchise. This spin-off game offered a distinct narrative and innovative turn-based combat system. In this game, players navigated various Pokemon across the battlefield, encountering both opponents and hazardous terrain. Pokemon Conquest is richly developed, with the main storyline taking approximately 15 hours to complete. Post-game missions are also plentiful for players to conquer.

Despite some areas of Pokemon Conquest falling short, this game marked a commendable debut in steering the franchise towards tactical role-playing games, much like how Disgaea does. Not only is it enjoyable for dedicated fans, but its low difficulty level and playful tone make it an excellent starting point for younger Pokemon enthusiasts curious about tactics-based games.

5 Pokemon Diamond & Pearl

Metascore: 85

The initial widely popular Nintendo DS Pokemon games were named Diamond and Pearl. For numerous gamers, these titles served as their first encounter with the series, creating a strong emotional attachment for those who experienced them during their childhood. They introduced several novel elements to the mix, including Wi-Fi connectivity, move categories, advanced evolutions, a leap into 3D graphics, and Poketch tools. While the fundamental gameplay loop remained consistent, Diamond and Pearl offered more than just an updated appearance.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but reminisce about Generation 4, often praised for its engaging narrative, stunning graphics, captivating soundtrack, and characters that left an indelible mark on my journey across the Sinnoh region. Over time, these games have gained a unique reputation – they’re highly appreciated yet not universally acclaimed. As the first mainline DS installments, Pokémon Diamond & Pearl lived up to expectations, offering steady, if not spectacular, adventures. By this stage, the franchise had become a source of comfort for countless individuals, and these games played a pivotal role in introducing that sense of familiarity to a new generation.

Nevertheless, it appears that the games “Diamond & Pearl” seem somewhat sluggish when compared to their predecessors and successors. Many actions appear to take an extra moment, and the narrative structure seems to make certain segments feel repetitive.

4 Pokemon Platinum

A Better Version Of Diamond & Pearl

Pokemon Platinum served as the third major game for Generation 4, following the triumph of Diamond & Pearl. Unlike most games in the “third version” category, Platinum was widely acclaimed for not being just a duplicate of its predecessors, although it did share many similarities. Nonetheless, much like other “third” entries on classic consoles, Platinum is currently the one to seek out, especially if you can manage to find a copy.

Despite sharing comparable storylines with earlier versions, Pokemon Platinum offers a fresh experience by introducing new wild Pokemon and altering certain aspects of the narrative. The climax takes players into the Distortion World, where they confront Cyrus and catch Giratina. What truly sets it apart is its improved performance compared to its predecessors, making replayability smoother. Balanced in every aspect, Platinum rightfully carries the label of a definitive version. Additionally, this edition significantly enhances the Wi-Fi support introduced in Diamond & Pearl.

3 Pokemon Black & White

Very Good Evolution Of The Pokemon Formula That Has Aged Pretty Well

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at the groundbreaking innovations introduced in Pokemon Black & White. These games have left an indelible mark on the franchise, introducing concepts that have remained central ever since. Compared to generations 2 or 3, they arguably presented the most fresh ideas. Rotation battles, triple battles, multiple rivals, and fully animated sprites were all new additions that enriched the gaming experience.

Generation 5 is frequently regarded as one of the peak moments in the Pokemon series, and it’s primarily due to Black and White games that this reputation has been established. When they were initially released, these games received a mixed response, largely because they signified a shift towards a narrative and dialogue-heavy campaign instead of the more action-oriented approach seen in earlier versions. However, over time, Black and White have come to be recognized as significant milestones within a series that boasts many such instances.

2 Pokemon Black 2 & White 2

While Not Far Removed From Their Predecessors, These Sequels Have Just Enough Improvements To Warrant A Higher Spot

The last major games launched for Nintendo DS were “Pokemon Black 2 & White 2”. These games marked the first instance of any mainstream “Pokemon” title getting a follow-up, suggesting that the game developer, Game Freak, might want to continue creating sequels in the future.

The games Black 2 & White 2 bring a fresh perspective to the Unova region, picking up where the previous games left off. They introduce new wild Pokemon from various generations and even new gym leaders for specific towns. Although there isn’t a significant departure from their predecessors, they offer numerous new mechanics, improvements in quality of life, and an exceptional battle tower. Despite this, it would be wise for newcomers to begin with the original games as they are also strong RPGs on the Nintendo DS. However, the sequels should not be overlooked or dismissed as repetitive; they are outstanding additions to the franchise and could even be considered among the best in the series.

1 Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver

The Pinnacle Of The Pokemon Franchise

The much-adored games Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver, which are remakes of the original Pokemon Gold & Silver for Game Boy Color, received acclaim from both critics and fans. With their appealing Generation 4 graphics, revised storyline, inclusion of the Pokewalker device, and following Pokemon sprites, these games have left a lasting impact on players.

1. Due to their immense popularity, obtaining an original copy of these remakes is extremely difficult unless fans are prepared to spend quite a bit of money. These games were so remarkable that they almost made the earlier versions irrelevant, and there’s hardly a reason to play the later ones today. HeartGold & SoulSilver showcase the pinnacle of Pokemon, and they have set a standard that might not have been matched by any subsequent mainline entry yet.

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2024-09-01 03:25