Pokemon Dash

 DS
Metascore
46

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 28
  3. Negative: 16 out of 28
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. eToychest
    45
    It’s not a fun game and it’s certainly not balanced. Stay away if you enjoy such buzzwords as “gameplay,” “graphics” or “fun.”
  2. Armchair Empire
    45
    The painful hand cramps, the repetitive motion of sliding the stylus, and the extremely uneven challenge of the opponents, make Pokémon Dash a title that can be safely missed.
  3. 1UP
    40
    The back of the box declares that it's "fast action fun!" Believe us, and believe our young friend Ethan -- Pokemon Dash is not.
  5. GameSpy
    40
    Gimmicky titles like this may be cute diversions, but they're no substitute for the real deal. The kiddies may have a fun time with Dash for a while, but anyone over the age of six will tire of it after the first race.
  6. Cheat Code Central
    40
    A really uninspired racing game. It seems to be aimed at kids as young as a fetus with the exception of the sudden increase in difficulty that even gave me a headache. And not because it was challenging but because it's annoyingly difficult due to the lack of control.
    All this publication's reviews
  7. PALGN
    40
    One of the worst Nintendo licensed products released in the last few years. We question how this got the Nintendo gold seal.
  8. G4 TV
    40
    Diehard Pokemon fans might get some value out of Pokemon Dash, but it’s hard to conceive of anyone else enjoying the incredibly flawed gameplay of this wrist-wrenching racer.
  9. Play Magazine
    40
    I hadn't played an all-stylus game until now, but having done so, I can officially state tht I find it utterly joyless. [May 2005, p.72]
    All this publication's reviews
  10. N-Europe
    40
    So warning to all, if you wish to play an enjoyable and gripping game, with a long lifespan, then do not buy Pokemon Dash. If, of course, you just want a senseless game where you play with Pikachu and you wish for a sore hand from constant rubbing, then I urge you to buy this game straight away.
  11. Detroit Free Press
    25
    You start out as Pikachu and race through various levels, moving the stylus up or down as fast as you can to the next checkpoint. This constant movement of the stylus was annoying.
  12. Nintendophiles
    25
    If you want a Pokémon knock-off that's good, go for "Pokémon Snap" or those great party games in Pokémon Coliseum, as those are at least enjoyable. Pokémon Dash is really only for those who like a racer that's fun for about an hour.
  13. netjak
    22
    Pokémon fans have had to endure plenty of indignities...But nothing compares to the plain, heaping amount of compost that is being passed off as Pokémon Dash.
    All this publication's reviews
  14. Deeko
    20
    Anything but amusing and offers up perhaps one of the worst gaming experiences you'll ever have the chance to play. It is devoid of charm, it lacks in character and is simply a piece of overpriced garbage.
  15. Modojo
    20
    It's frustratingly difficult and mind-numbingly boring, and only the most jaded Pokemon fan will enjoy it.
  16. Pelaaja (Finland)
    20
    The best thing the game has to offer for even the most hardcore of Pokémon-fans is the title screen, where you can use the stylus to pull Pikachu’s ears. Avoid. [May 2005, p.88]
    All this publication's reviews
  17. Game Revolution
    16
    It’s pretty clear that Pokemon Dash is a game for very young kids, the 6 and under crowd, although I can also see this game appealing to grandmothers. The problem is, it’s barely any fun for either demographic, and members of both might wind up trying to eat the stylus.

Awards & Rankings

57
#57 Best DS Game of 2005
19
#19 Most Discussed DS Game of 2005
30
#30 Most Shared DS Game of 2005

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
5.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 56 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 56
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 56
  3. Negative: 23 out of 56
  1. BillG.
    Oct 19, 2005
    10
    Every thing aboutt this game is fantastic I give it 100 out of ten.
  2. GDsReviews
    Jun 5, 2022
    0
    This game will scratch up your DS' touch screen a ton without a screen protector. Managed to scratch my screen protector a ton playing thisThis game will scratch up your DS' touch screen a ton without a screen protector. Managed to scratch my screen protector a ton playing this game. Only being able to use Pikachu is another big negative. This game was made in Gen 3's twilight years and made obsolete overnight by Gen 4 Diamond and Pearl also for the DS.… Full Review »
  3. clem666
    Mar 17, 2021
    1
    Christmas 2006. I asked Santa to offer me a Pokémon game. There is no word to describe the deception when I opened this 'present'. I wasChristmas 2006. I asked Santa to offer me a Pokémon game. There is no word to describe the deception when I opened this 'present'. I was expecting something like 'Pokémon Ranger', 'Pokémon Emerald' (on GBA) or something, but no, I had 'Pokémon Dash'. I was even prepared to live another passionate adventure. I didn't need to play it for more than an hour to realize I had been fooled.

    Terrible colours, mind-numbing repetitive gameplay, unoriginal, awful soundtrack, the possibility to play only one character (Pikachu), same opponents every race, just absolutely not the 'Pokémon: Gotta Catch'em All' atmosphere. Yeah it had multiplyer mode. You just had to find friends ready to get bored and dumber with you. At least it showed someting like eight different animated Pokémon, how amazing.    … Full Review »
See all user reviews »