Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time

 DS
Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 29
  3. Negative: 5 out of 29
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  1. GamePro
    70
    If you played Shiren, however, you may find Pokemon to be too forgiving for your dungeon-hacking skills.
  2. 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.
  3. GameTrailers
    66
    Explorers of Time does very little to expand upon the original entry into the series, and relies too heavily on the Pokémon brand.
  5. IGN
    65
    The game's menu system is incredibly clunky and feels like an unfixed relic from the Game Boy Advance version.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Gameplayer
    60
    A depressingly average Pokemon game that fails to rekindle the kleptomanic, ‘gotta-locate-and-subjugate-them-all’ antics that made the original titles so fun and addictive.
  9. 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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  10. 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.
  11. 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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  12. AceGamez
    60
    Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time 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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  13. PTGamers
    55
    Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers is more of the same, and that won't disturb those who appreciate the franchise.
  14. 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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  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. PALGN
    50
    Come for the charm. Stay for the roguelike learning experience. Endure for an insomniac's cure.
  19. Gamer.nl
    50
    Explorers of Time is an average RPG that doesn't know how to convince its players thanks to the weak fighting system and too many boring dungeons. The funny story and online options don't make up for it. Food for the real fan, but even they will need to reconsider a purchase.
    All this publication's reviews

Awards & Rankings

11
#11 Most Discussed DS Game of 2008
20
#20 Most Shared DS Game of 2008

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 172 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 137 out of 172
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 172
  3. Negative: 12 out of 172
  1. Darklycan51
    Dec 9, 2013
    10
    This is possibly the most underrated game in modern history, it's the freaking genre of mystery dungeon and they did it DAMN WELL.

    I mean    This is possibly the most underrated game in modern history, it's the freaking genre of mystery dungeon and they did it DAMN WELL.

    I mean pinball games get rated on pinball games and get a good score if done right, right? Yes

    FPS get a good score if they're done right, right? Yes

    Pokemon mystery dungeon 2 is the best mystery dungeon game but nope, sorry it deserves a bad score because BITTER critics.    … Full Review »
  2. Plasmaneedle
    May 17, 2014
    9
    Pokémon Mystery Dungeon is a game that's sorely underrated. It transfers the excellent Pokémon turn based combat system to the isometricPokémon Mystery Dungeon is a game that's sorely underrated. It transfers the excellent Pokémon turn based combat system to the isometric dungeon crawling format flawlessly. It has what is by far the best plot and story of any Pokémon game. You should reserve judgement for this game until you play it.… Full Review »
  3. Meta_Narwhal
    Apr 27, 2014
    9
    This game is more underrated than any game I've seen in a long time- at least by critics. The story holds great emotional weight withoutThis game is more underrated than any game I've seen in a long time- at least by critics. The story holds great emotional weight without detracting from the game; the ending will make you cry, I promise you that.… Full Review »
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