Spectrobes: Beyond the Portals

 DS
Metascore
70

Mixed or average reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
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  1. 1UP
    83
    While the story's stock sci-fi-RPG material and the combat system could use a bit more polish, Spectrobes is a great choice for those looking for a little no-commitment, light RPG action, or for bored Pokéfans still waiting for Platinum.
  2. IGN
    80
    The series has improved significantly from the first game, and if Jupiter keeps this up I can see Spectrobes becoming an awesome series.
  3. GameZone
    80
    Spectrobes: Beyond the Portals is a pretty substantial improvement over its predecessor, offering a great 3D aesthetic, fast-paced combat, an interesting fossil digging mechanic, and fun multiplayer elements.
  5. Nintendo Power
    80
    Disney Interactive's answer to Pokemon has a new perspective. [Dec 2008, p.104]
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  6. Variety
    80
    Improves the original game considerably by adding better combat, sharper graphics and deeper online features.
  7. RPG Fan
    80
    With the basic layout of the game's universe out of the way, the developers were able to refine and revise to their heart's content and make a respectable sequel.
  8. Gameplanet
    80
    A distinctive, pretty and involving RPG from developers Jupiter. Solve puzzles, train your character and monsters, enjoy a futuristic storyline across multiple worlds and meet a cast of interesting characters.
  9. Da Gameboyz
    78
    Spectrobes: Beyond the Portals has an enormous amount of features and content that will keep any gamer busy for quite sometime.
  10. GamingXP
    77
    Spectrobes: Jenseits der Portale uses the whole spectrum of the NDS, no functions stay unused! Also the story, which is conceptualized to entertain kids, is quite good, even for adults.
  11. Gaming Nexus
    75
    No pun intended, but Spectrobes: Beyond the Portals is a game that gets more interesting the deeper you dig.

Awards & Rankings

55
#55 Best DS Game of 2008
39
#39 Most Discussed DS Game of 2008
79
#79 Most Shared DS Game of 2008

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 22 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 22
  3. Negative: 2 out of 22
  1. DanWiiDSWiiU3DS
    May 29, 2022
    8
    This is a game that I admittedly didn't have very high expectations for, many since it just looked like shovelware to me. However, when IThis is a game that I admittedly didn't have very high expectations for, many since it just looked like shovelware to me. However, when I played it, I actually really enjoyed it. The gameplay is overall really solid and, in my opinion, a big improvement over the first game. The soundtrack is really solid and one of the more underrated ones in DS history, as it has some great music tracks (the navigation track in particular is a banger), and I also think that the general combat system and other parts of the game are improved in a lot of ways. Overall, this is a genuinely great game and a hidden gem on the Nintendo DS. If you are into RPGs and want some to play on your DS, this is one I recommend taking a look at when you get the chance.… Full Review »
  2. joehi1
    Jan 21, 2018
    8
    Spectrobes Beyond The Portal is an interesting switch up of the monster catching genre and a great sequel to the original game. The combatSpectrobes Beyond The Portal is an interesting switch up of the monster catching genre and a great sequel to the original game. The combat using two different Spectrobes and also fighting using the protagonist Rallen works well for players who find turn-based combat too tedious and does nothing but add to the quality of the game. The exploration is great tho it can be annoying having to clear out a place of Krawl's (the enemy) before being able to dig up fossils. The story is interesting tho borrows a lot from common Sci-Fi gimmicks and may cause some players to lose interest. The addition of custom parts for spectrobes is welcome, as with the addition of Dark Spectrobes. Spectrobes Beyond The Portal was a fantastic sequel that should have helped cement a new franchise for a long time to come but sadly, Spectrobes only saw one last game on the Wii before the franchise was killed off. If you are going to play Spectrobes, play the first one then take Beyond The Portal and enjoy the best game in the series.

    Cons
    Having to defeat all the Krawl before digging up fossils and minerals is annoying
    Sci-Fi gimmicks are redundant
    Lacks difficulty    … Full Review »
  3. HoennBro
    Aug 5, 2016
    10
    I have seen a lot of reviewer state that this game can only appeal to hardcore fans of the Spectrobes series. Yet I first got this game when II have seen a lot of reviewer state that this game can only appeal to hardcore fans of the Spectrobes series. Yet I first got this game when I was about 11 years old and I loved playing this game. This sequel is far better then the fist one, and the game includes very smooth visuals for the DS, searching for Spectrobes is fun, and a great battle system as well. The Story is very good and all around I find it to be the best game from it's franchise.… Full Review »
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