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
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  1. NintendoWorldReport
    70
    Amazingly, the game still manages to be rather fun if you can get past the warts.
  2. GamePro
    70
    Overall the visuals for creatures and terrain are crisp, sharp, and Pokemon-perfect even if the sounds are a little too sweet. Dash might not make much of a splash, but it should be a good kid-pleaser.
  3. 3DAvenue
    68
    Features some cute graphics and decent soundtrack and effects but doesn't really push past the moderate game spectrum.
  5. GameBiz
    65
    Special in its own way, and is a one-of-a-kind in a market full of games that have been done over oh so many times.
  6. Games Radar
    60
    The mix of rules and conditions mean that Dash is unique. It's more of an 'orienteering' game than anything else and while it lasts it's exceedingly good fun, especially in multiplayer. Unfortunately, once you've got the hang of things there's little in the way of extra modes to unlock. [NGC]
  7. RewiredMind
    60
    If asked to sum it up in one word, Pokémon Dash would be termed as “interesting”, rather than “essential”.
  8. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    58
    A cute and fun little racing game that has a great multiplayer component, but there's simply not enough to it. [May 2005, p.138]
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  9. Nintendo Power
    56
    Controlling Pikachu with stylus strokes is actually quite fun, but as a racing game, Dash isn't fully realized. [May 2005, p.90]
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  10. Game Informer
    55
    Don't think of it so much as a game, but more as an exercise in anger management. [May 2005, p.132]
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  11. GameSpot
    52
    Simply one of the laziest uses of the DS's touch screen technology to date, featuring highly repetitive gameplay that gets old before you've even finished your first race.
  12. IGN
    50
    There's a solid foundation here, but the use of the system's functionality in the game design isn't all that creative, and many of the idea implementations hinder the experience than make it a fun one.
  13. Just RPG
    50
    It is a shame that a game based on such a successful franchise seems to have been rushed to be released, making it a short, (at times) disappointing, flawed experience, and giving the impression that it is just filler for Pokemon fans, being the 1st Pokemon game to come out on the Nintendo DS.

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

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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 »
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