Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia

 DS
Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    84
    A handful of niggles, but not enough to stop this from being more accessible and enjoyable than its predecessor.
  2. Gameplanet
    80
    While majorly different from ‘traditional’ Pokémon fare, Shadows of Almia provides a satisfying RPG-lite adventure for players of all ages. Varied puzzles and a wide range of Diamond/Pearl era creatures to chase give the game widespread appeal and charm.
  3. Nintendo Power
    80
    When you cast back the shadows, this Ranger emerges as solid, engaging fun for Pokemon fans of all ages. [Holiday 2008, p.86]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. N-Europe
    80
    A simple game which doesn’t require much brain power, a no-nonsense fun game.
  6. n-Revolution Magazine UK
    80
    Ranger fans will like it, as it’s essentially more of the same. We love the tweaked touch-screen features.
  7. RPGamer
    80
    Ultimately, Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia is a great follow-up to an already original blueprint.
  8. Da Gameboyz
    75
    While the Pokemon series of games and anime is not my preferred style, there are some cool aspects of Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia that I enjoyed.
  9. GameSpot
    75
    Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia improves upon its predecessor just enough to make it a fun, solid addition to the spin-off series.
  10. 3DJuegos
    71
    Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia is an entertaining spin-off of the original franchise and a sequel of the first Pokemon Ranger, with a similar look and feel in graphics and playability. The capture technique has improved being more easy to play with better results. This sequel is a good and fresh option for the pokemon fans.
  11. Games Master UK
    71
    Shadows of Almia hits the standard of the series without adding anything new. [Feb 2009, p.79]
    All this publication's reviews
  12. GameSpy
    70
    If you're in the mood for a more simplistic romp through the world of Pokemon, you'll likely enjoy Shadows of Almia. Those looking for a more traditional Pokemon experience, though, might feel a bit let down.
  13. Pocket Gamer UK
    70
    Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia is the Pokémon series at its most professional and polished, but non-fans will find it as linear and repetitive as ever.
  14. Cheat Code Central
    68
    I really wanted to enjoy Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia, but it was really the repetitive nature of the game that weakened the overall package.
  15. GameFocus
    68
    While older audience might find the plot and story (especially the dialogue) to be overly simplistic, predictable and childish; a younger audience will thoroughly enjoy the mystery involved.
  16. IGN
    67
    If you never played as a Ranger the first time around, and are jonesing for a Manaphy, go for it. But for the Pokemon fans that already got their fix two years go, this isn't necessary.
  17. Kombo
    65
    Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia is a relatively simple game which has its charms, but may not be deep enough for some players.
  18. GameDaily
    60
    Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia feels like an expansion to the previous game. Its graphics and audio haven't changed, still immersing the player in a bland Pokemon universe.
  19. Modojo
    60
    Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia is an entertaining adventure and a solid pickup for fans of the series, but it feels too much like its predecessor to warrant spending $35.
  20. Eurogamer
    60
    It's just that what it does still isn't that exciting or memorable, and without the lure of permanently capturing your Poképals, it falls to the rather dull storyline to try and keep players engaged.
  21. NintendoWorldReport
    60
    Overall, Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia is a solidly produced title, but given its close resemblance to its predecessor and the lack of more substantial or dynamic gameplay and narrative elements, its appeal will be limited mostly to those Pokémon enthusiasts eager to see the creatures from Diamond and Pearl represented elsewhere.
  22. 1UP
    58
    While it's nowhere near as addictive as the regular color-coded Pokémon games, Almia's still a decent diversion -- I just wish the story offered something a little deeper.
  23. InsideGamer.nl
    58
    Shadows of Almia is a bit of a useless game in the Pokémon-series. It’s like the fat girl in class with whom you’re not comfortable talking to, unless it’s only once in a while. The developers clearly need to start putting some effort in their future Pokémon-products, because that’s what the fans deserve.
  24. GamesRadar+
    50
    Shadows of Almia is longer than the first Pokemon Ranger game, and there’s still a lot of charm here. It’s just that the game backing up that charm is too simple and too familiar for us to recommend to any but the youngest, more easily pleased of pokemaniacs.
  25. GamePro
    50
    If you're going to pick up Shadows of Almia, just keep in mind that while it can be fun, there's nothing compelling or new enough to impress a hardcore Pokemanic.

Awards & Rankings

71
#71 Best DS Game of 2008
14
#14 Most Discussed DS Game of 2008
45
#45 Most Shared DS Game of 2008

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 79 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 54 out of 79
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 79
  3. Negative: 4 out of 79
  1. Churigogobashu
    Jan 20, 2012
    10
    I love the game with all the looping and greater graphics and more pokemon. Love the character mostly Rythmi who always bugs my rival. I likeI love the game with all the looping and greater graphics and more pokemon. Love the character mostly Rythmi who always bugs my rival. I like this game.… Full Review »
  2. Steeldude
    Oct 13, 2014
    8
    The best Ranger game for one simple reason: you can choose your partner Pokémon. Also, it's not as impossible to complete as the previous one.The best Ranger game for one simple reason: you can choose your partner Pokémon. Also, it's not as impossible to complete as the previous one. The bosses are enjoyable and the game is quite long. Gameplay may be simplistic, but it's nevertheless satisfying.… Full Review »
  3. Klaww25
    Mar 10, 2021
    8
    Finally a Pokemon game that respects you like an intelligent person. Technically I dislike Pokemon bw because it was handholdy and the fanbaseFinally a Pokemon game that respects you like an intelligent person. Technically I dislike Pokemon bw because it was handholdy and the fanbase won't shut the hell up on the story. I thought Bw where as boring as an Uncharted game. Shadows of Almia has great music, an awesome villain team named Dim Sum who use Gigaremos to control Pokemon and use them for evil. A twist that Kincaid a teacher is a member of Dim Sum. This game IMO is more rewarding than modern level 5 games, and Square Enix games since those companies took the path of helping the player in their most recent RPGs. This game also has better ost than Pokemon Sm.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »