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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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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