Pokemon Rumble Blast

 3DS
Metascore
56

Mixed or average reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 26 out of 36
  3. Negative: 9 out of 36
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  1. Cheat Code Central
    Oct 25, 2011
    72
    The lack of any real meaningful content beyond a linear action-based story mode does hurt this title, and makes it somewhat forgettable in the grand scheme of things. However, if you are just looking for a fun action game with some great 3D, Pokémon Rumble Blast fits the bill quite nicely.
  2. Games Master UK
    Jan 12, 2012
    70
    Great fun at first but gets repetitive. Can you stay interested for long enough to catch 'em all? [Feb 2012, p.87]
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  3. GamingXP
    Dec 5, 2011
    70
    Super Pokémon Rumble is quick to learn and fun for a little while, but it lacks the depth of true Pokémon games and offers little variety.
  5. Worth Playing
    Nov 7, 2011
    70
    Pokémon Rumble Blast is a simple but fun game. The story may be forgettable, but the combat is easy to get into and despite the repetitive nature, it only feels like a chore if you play it for long stretches of time.
  6. NintendoWorldReport
    Oct 28, 2011
    70
    If you really like Pokémon (like me) or were a fan of Pokémon Rumble on WiiWare, this sequel is worth checking out. It's shallow and basic, but charming nonetheless.
  7. Nintendo Life
    Oct 26, 2011
    70
    Pokémon Rumble Blast is a good game, but - let's face it - we've played it before. The 3DS gave Nintendo a wider palette to work with, but it seems like it was content to leave well enough alone.
  8. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    Dec 5, 2011
    68
    Undemanding fun in short bursts but very shallow and repetitive.
  9. 3DJuegos
    Dec 5, 2011
    68
    There aren't so many innovations from WiiWare's Pokémon Rumble, and also it's repetitive, but its massive battles are interesting, above all for gamers looking for a "pocket-monsters" experience on 3DS.
  10. IGN
    Oct 24, 2011
    65
    If simple fun and the inclusion of Pokemon is all you're looking for, then Rumble Blast is the game for you. Otherwise, there are much more deserving 3DS titles to spend your hard-earned cash on.
  11. Eurogamer Sweden
    Dec 14, 2011
    60
    Super Pokémon Rumble is an entertaining and action filled game for younger players, but lacks depth (except for the 3D effects) and isn't very challenging. Well worth it if you thought Pokémon Black and White was a bit too complex and slow but still would like to experience the Pokémon universe.
  12. Gamekult
    Dec 5, 2011
    60
    Quotation forthcoming.
  13. Modojo
    Oct 26, 2011
    60
    While Pokemon Rumble Blast offers hardcore fanatics another opportunity to "catch 'em all", there's little meat on this game's bones for the casual crowd looking for the next great 3DS title. Not bad by any means, just too shallow to stand out.
  14. GamesRadar+
    Oct 24, 2011
    60
    Because a large part of its charm is seeing all our favorite Pokemon in action, Pokemon Rumble Blast will only really appeal to Pokemon fans. It helps that it's pretty too, with or without the 3D turned on (the soundtrack is great too). The problem is that the gameplay itself is too simplistic for more sophisticated Pokemon players who love the series for its deep strategic gameplay. Younger, less discerning Pokemon fans will undoubtedly love it though.
  15. Digital Chumps
    Oct 25, 2011
    56
    Pokémon Rumble Blast is like buying a five-pound multicolored package of Runts only to find all bananas inside: there's a heck of a lot to digest, but ultimately, it's just one shockingly mediocre bite after another.
  16. Vandal
    Dec 12, 2011
    55
    A hardly recommendable game, that only Pokémon hands will like, as it has a very repetitive gameplay. Maybe younger players like it, as it is not a difficult game, but as an adventure it is too dull and repetitive.
  17. Meristation
    Dec 8, 2011
    55
    The Pokémon phenomenon has always captivated users with an incredible catalog of creatures with which to live thrilling and beautiful adventures. This new release, although it has hundreds of Pokémon, forgets this last aspect, and with its linearity it will remind us last chapters out of a world full of toys.
  18. games(TM)
    Jan 29, 2012
    50
    Since assembling a team is more luck than judgment, Rumble couldn't be further away from the core values of the traditional Pokemon games. [Issue#118, p.110]
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  19. SpazioGames
    Jan 6, 2012
    50
    The extreme repetitiveness of the gameplay is the most obvious flaw of the entire production.
  20. Eurogamer Portugal
    Jan 3, 2012
    50
    It is difficult to recommendSuper Rumble Pokémon to a fan of the series when the only thing that they can relate to is the presence of Pokémons.
  21. CD-Action
    Dec 27, 2011
    50
    I'm afraid only kids will enjoy mindless fun this Pokemon spin-off offers. [January 2012, p.75]
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  22. Pocket Gamer UK
    Dec 19, 2011
    50
    If you're still catching them all in Pokemon Black/White, there's no reason to jump the gun with Super Rumble. Only fanatics need apply.
  23. Cubed3
    Dec 12, 2011
    50
    Super Pokemon Rumble is an interesting diversion from the core Pokemon formula while 3DS owners wait for a mainline RPG, and the real-time combat approach feels quite visceral and satisfying.
  24. Eurogamer
    Dec 12, 2011
    50
    Super Pokémon Rumble is, at best, a simple and straightforward addition to the Pokémon saga, but in no way a match for its main series brethren.
  25. GamePro
    Oct 27, 2011
    50
    It's barely better than mediocre, and just another game that should be heading to the used shelf in record time. Pick it up on the cheap for a young sibling/nephew/cousin if you do buy it at all.
  26. GameTrailers
    Oct 25, 2011
    50
    Rumble Blast looks and feels like something you'd expect on Nintendo's eShop, but instead it's a retail release at full price. Don't be deceived--Rumble Blast is a far cry from the quality you've come to expect from the Pokémon series.
  27. Destructoid
    Oct 24, 2011
    50
    Nothing special. It looks fairly pretty and the game is decently put together, but it's barely even a videogame when you truly consider what it offers. With a combat system that's hollow even by brawler standards and a structure so blatantly circular that even gullible children would soon detect the pattern, Rumble Blast is a game that not even ardent fans should bother with.

Awards & Rankings

56
#56 Best 3DS Game of 2011
15
#15 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2011
42
#42 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2011

User Reviews

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User Score
6.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 74 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 74
  2. Mixed: 30 out of 74
  3. Negative: 11 out of 74
  1. raidendaigo
    Oct 25, 2011
    9
    What a wonderful little action game. The graphics pop, the control is simple and any person could jump in and play. The music is big and fullWhat a wonderful little action game. The graphics pop, the control is simple and any person could jump in and play. The music is big and full with an over world melody that will keep you going. The possibility of collecting 600 Pokemon without having to do the hokey pokey is also a nice, especially for busy gamers. And speaking of the actual little monsters, the models are cute and lend themselves to the toy theme. Pokemon Rumble Blast is a simple fun game that is addictive and straight forward.… Full Review »
  2. iloveFFC
    Dec 4, 2011
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. Pokemon Rumble Blast is the sequal to the 2008 Wiiware game, Pokemon Rumble. I love how all 646 pokemon are in this game as opposed to its precceder which only had pokemon from the first and fourth generation. Since all five generations are present, it means that the player will spend dozens of hours collecting all the available pokemon. It has a short story mode which can be completed in about 2-3 days. The difficulty level is very high as the game gets to the last levels and post game activities and the after game mostly consists of battle royales, team battles and collecting new pokemon that appeared after the final boss is defeated. The new battle additions, the Team Battles and Charge Battles are fun but can be very challenging. Charge Battles are very short and only last about a minute but are fast paced and require button mashing. They are much easier than Team Battles. Team Battles allow you to choose two other pokemon from your roster of pokemon to assist you in a series of battles that usually have 5-6 stages where you have to beat mini boss pokemon to progress and you are rewarded with a HP refill if you beat them. The final stage has a large boss like those seen at the end of every normal level. You usually get vital rewards that you need to progress in the game. Battle Royales are the same, but only in the post game do you face more than 7 boss pokemon at the end of the royale. The 3D in the game is excellent but does hurt my eyes so I advise you not to use it that much. There is an inability to take photos in the game, but now there is wifi compatability, so players can meet other players and fight their strongest pokemon, and if you win, the strongest pokemon in the collection will be able to assist you in 1 normal battle. There is another battle mode called the solo-battle, where you go into a level with only one rattata and you must defeat all the pokemon and the boss to win, which is hard to do. There is yet another battle mode called the Rumpus Room, which are supposed to be rare but I find them all the time during levels and are a major annoyence when one is legendary hunting. They consist of the levels pokemon in one tiny room and they are typicall stronger than the normal pokemon in the level you are currently on and always give you gold coins when you defeat them. there are two kinds of Rumpus Rooms, the normal version and the special version, where there are 4 mini boss pokemon (which are evolved forms of the most common pokemon in the level) if you defeat all four then you can go back to the normal level. Overall, i like how all the pokemon are in the game, but both pokemon rumbles just aren't good enough to compete with higher class games such as Kirby and Mario games.… Full Review »
  3. Matt1251
    Nov 28, 2013
    7
    This game... It just felt disappointing. Sure, it's a good game, but it could have been so much better! First, the positives. It is a stepThis game... It just felt disappointing. Sure, it's a good game, but it could have been so much better! First, the positives. It is a step up from the original Rumble, with more variety in the areas, and the Battle Royales were fun. You'll be laughing your head off if you play them with friends. Speaking of which, the download play was fun as well, although, like I said, it could have been made better. But now, the negatives. The music, in my opinion, is bland. You get bored listening to the same track over and over, as was with the original. The Team Battles were okay, but I always find myself having trouble with them. And the Charge Battles were nonsense. Just pile up a lot of Pokemon and you're done. Really, Nintendo?

    Overall, Pokemon Rumble Blast was only a minor step up, which is why I give it only a seven. I hope the Wii U version fixes these, else I find myself slipping from this spin off series.    … Full Review »
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