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. 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.
  2. Nintendo Gamer
    45
    The only mystery is why anyone would buy into something so lazy. [Aug 2008, p.66]
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  3. Gaming Age
    42
    Bottom line for Pokemon fans is: try before you buy. You'll either love it or hate it.
  5. 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.
  6. 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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