Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Darkness

 DS
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 27
  3. Negative: 5 out of 27
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  1. GameSpy
    80
    If you've wanted to play Rogue-like games in the past, but found them to be a bit too unforgiving, this is an exceedingly good alternative to look into.
  2. GameZone
    78
    Explorers of Darkness doesn't provide the intense challenge or genuine sense of accomplishment that some of the other Mystery Dungeon titles are known for, and adult players might find the whole thing a little cutesy.
  3. Cheat Code Central
    76
    A complex and challenging dungeon crawler that has a lot to offer. Even though the dungeon crawling aspect is very repetitive, the connectivity features, the vast number and variety of Pokemon, Wonder Mail, hours of gameplay, difficulty, etc. makes this pure kiddy-crack!
  5. Nintendo Power
    75
    The strength of the first "Pokemon Mystery Dungeon" was its in-depth story, and that's true of the second pair of titles as well. [June 2008, p.86]
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  6. RPG Fan
    75
    Those who liked the first installment will enjoy this one as well, and will appreciate the improvements brought about by the second screen, but weighing in at only 30-40 hours of mediocrity, it's probably a better rental than purchase.
  7. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    75
    No, it's not that much different from last time, but that doesn't stop it being just as much fun. Definitely worth a look. [Aug 2008, p.94]
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  8. Eurogamer
    70
    If you've already played Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Blue/Red Rescue Team, the improved Wi-Fi functionality is the sole reason that it might be worth playing Explorers of Time/Darkness.
  9. IGN
    65
    It’s a dated game design that’s been recycled out of an underwhelming original game from a year ago.
  10. GameSpot
    65
    Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Darkness/Time recycles the aging Mystery Dungeon formula, but it's still worthwhile for fans of dungeon hacks.
  11. HellBored
    65
    Essentially the game has far too much fluff and not enough substance for anyone but the dedicated millions. Sales figures for the two titles are very high, which indicates Pokémon is still going strong, but if you are not a fan I would suggest trying another game.
  12. GameDaily
    60
    It's overly repetitive and squanders its Wi-Fi Connection advantage by only allowing quick SOS emails to go out to other users. It's not bad, but it's hardly innovative.
  13. Kombo
    60
    Even with the charming Pokemon theme giving the title some added buoyancy, the old and simplistic formula barely floats these days.
  14. Games Master UK
    60
    As innovation free as we've come to expect from the 'mon, but quietyly enjoyable stuff. [Aug 2008, p.64]
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  15. Cubed3
    60
    Younger players might get a kick out seeing their favourite Pokemon in a new light, but others should probably stick to 'purer' roguelikes like Shiren, or more standard RPGs like the core Pokemon titles.
  16. games(TM)
    60
    The average gamer will find that they’re left with a game that fails to meet the standards set by Diamond and Pearl, and sticks far too rigidly to the ideas found in the original Pokemon Mystery Dungeon. [Sept 2008, p.123]
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  17. AceGamez
    60
    Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Darkness isn't a lazy game, it's just that the template it's based upon is far too antiquated to meet the needs of today's gaming audience, yet not enough to satisfy dungeon hack enthusiasts.
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  18. Maxi Consolas (Portugal)
    55
    It will frustrate even its core audience with the absence of recovery items, limited inventory and the need to keep your pokemons well fed. It’s also a very repetitive game. There are a lot a better alternative for fans, all of them with less penalties. [July 2008]
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  19. PTGamers
    55
    Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers is more of the same, and that won't disturb those who appreciate the franchise.
  20. GamesRadar+
    50
    The newest Pokemon Mystery Dungeon games are perfect for players that adore Pokemon, love the grinding gameplay of dungeon crawling games, but would prefer a watered down version.
  21. Wired
    50
    If you're a Pokemon superfan, you'll undoubtedly enjoy chilling with the very creatures you've spent so much time trying to catch.
  22. Pocket Gamer UK
    50
    It may be mildly diverting and moderately entertaining, but this latest entry in the Mystery Dungeon series sadly fails to improve on its already disappointing predecessor.
  23. PALGN
    50
    Come for the charm. Stay for the roguelike learning experience. Endure for an insomniac's cure.
  24. NintendoWorldReport
    45
    James, I think I speak for us both when I say that Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time/Explorers of Darkness will only appeal to Pokemaniacs who enjoy incredibly repetitive gameplay, practically GBA-level graphics and sound, and computer partner A.I. that's so dumb you'll want to stab yourself in the eye.
  25. Nintendo Gamer
    45
    The only mystery is why anyone would buy into something so lazy. [Aug 2008, p.66]
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  26. Gaming Age
    42
    Bottom line for Pokemon fans is: try before you buy. You'll either love it or hate it.
  27. 1UP
    42
    If you want a good dungeon crawl, play the punishing-but-oh-so-satisfying Shiren the Wanderer. If you just want to collect 500 cute little guys and power-level the hell out of them, you can't go wrong with Pokémon Diamond and Pearl.
  28. Edge Magazine
    30
    This recurrent rehash is branding to serve the genre, and of little benefit to Poke-fans. [Sept 2008, p.96]
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Awards & Rankings

12
#12 Most Discussed DS Game of 2008
8
#8 Most Shared DS Game of 2008

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 116 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 95 out of 116
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 116
  3. Negative: 7 out of 116
  1. DoctorPazuzu
    May 7, 2012
    10
    Call me insane, but I'm starting to prefer this simple spin off over the already great original series.
    Why the premise and dialogue is    Call me insane, but I'm starting to prefer this simple spin off over the already great original series.
    Why the premise and dialogue is adorably cheesy, there's a rather smart and mature story behind it all, which is something Pokemon needs more of. I found myself deeply caring for the characters and plot, which is rare in my case, especially in a kids game. The gameplay could use work, but overall I enjoyed almost everything about this game, a truly underrated title, now if only the 3rd in the series will be in 3d, (and please none of that rumble blast engine crap please.)    … Full Review »
  2. Jamison12
    Jun 18, 2013
    10
    With this game, Mystery Dungeon puts all other Pokemon spin offs to shame. Mystery Dungeon is improved with more pokemon to play as, largerWith this game, Mystery Dungeon puts all other Pokemon spin offs to shame. Mystery Dungeon is improved with more pokemon to play as, larger team space, and an even better plot!… Full Review »
  3. Krossbone
    Nov 25, 2020
    10
    Has an even better storyline than the mainline Pokemon series, and has just as much depth in combat. Biggest difference is take out theHas an even better storyline than the mainline Pokemon series, and has just as much depth in combat. Biggest difference is take out the turn-based combat of the main series and give it a top-down perspective. The randomly-generated dungeons make every traversal unique and give the game vast replayability. And even better, practically the entire Pokedex is in this game! (Unlike some modern main series games I refuse to name...)

    Don't listen to the critics on this. This game is a masterpiece of Pokemon, and totally worth your time.    … Full Review »
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