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Pokemon Dash

EMAIL PRINT ds

5.5 User Score:

Generally unfavorable reviews

Based on 28 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 19 votes
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Game Info

Publisher: Nintendo

Developer: Ambrella

Genre(s): Racing

Players: 2

ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

Release Date: March 14, 2005

Summary

Help Pikachu race to the finish line in Pokemon Dash, the first Pokemon title for the Nintendo DS. Using the touch screen, keep Pikachu running toward the finish line by rubbing the screen in the direction you want the Electric-type Pokemon to go. The faster you rub, the faster Pikachu runs. The gameplay takes place from an overhead perspective, with on-screen arrows to guide you to Poké Ball checkpoints along the way. [Nintendo]

Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central

Also On The Web: GameSpot Hands-On Official Website

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

NintendoWorldReport

Amazingly, the game still manages to be rather fun if you can get past the warts.

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GamePro

Overall the visuals for creatures and terrain are crisp, sharp, and Pokemon-perfect even if the sounds are a little too sweet. Dash might not make much of a splash, but it should be a good kid-pleaser.

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3DAvenue

Features some cute graphics and decent soundtrack and effects but doesn't really push past the moderate game spectrum.

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GameBiz

Special in its own way, and is a one-of-a-kind in a market full of games that have been done over oh so many times.

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RewiredMind

If asked to sum it up in one word, Pokémon Dash would be termed as “interesting”, rather than “essential”.

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Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)

The mix of rules and conditions mean that Dash is unique. It's more of an 'orienteering' game than anything else and while it lasts it's exceedingly good fun, especially in multiplayer. Unfortunately, once you've got the hang of things there's little in the way of extra modes to unlock. [NGC]

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Electronic Gaming Monthly

A cute and fun little racing game that has a great multiplayer component, but there's simply not enough to it. [May 2005, p.138]

Nintendo Power

Controlling Pikachu with stylus strokes is actually quite fun, but as a racing game, Dash isn't fully realized. [May 2005, p.90]

Game Informer

Don't think of it so much as a game, but more as an exercise in anger management. [May 2005, p.132]

GameSpot

Simply one of the laziest uses of the DS's touch screen technology to date, featuring highly repetitive gameplay that gets old before you've even finished your first race.

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IGN

There's a solid foundation here, but the use of the system's functionality in the game design isn't all that creative, and many of the idea implementations hinder the experience than make it a fun one.

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Just RPG

It is a shame that a game based on such a successful franchise seems to have been rushed to be released, making it a short, (at times) disappointing, flawed experience, and giving the impression that it is just filler for Pokemon fans, being the 1st Pokemon game to come out on the Nintendo DS.

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eToychest

It’s not a fun game and it’s certainly not balanced. Stay away if you enjoy such buzzwords as “gameplay,” “graphics” or “fun.”

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Armchair Empire

The painful hand cramps, the repetitive motion of sliding the stylus, and the extremely uneven challenge of the opponents, make Pokémon Dash a title that can be safely missed.

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PALGN

One of the worst Nintendo licensed products released in the last few years. We question how this got the Nintendo gold seal.

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Cheat Code Central

A really uninspired racing game. It seems to be aimed at kids as young as a fetus with the exception of the sudden increase in difficulty that even gave me a headache. And not because it was challenging but because it's annoyingly difficult due to the lack of control.

1UP

The back of the box declares that it's "fast action fun!" Believe us, and believe our young friend Ethan -- Pokemon Dash is not.

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GameSpy

Gimmicky titles like this may be cute diversions, but they're no substitute for the real deal. The kiddies may have a fun time with Dash for a while, but anyone over the age of six will tire of it after the first race.

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N-Europe

So warning to all, if you wish to play an enjoyable and gripping game, with a long lifespan, then do not buy Pokemon Dash. If, of course, you just want a senseless game where you play with Pikachu and you wish for a sore hand from constant rubbing, then I urge you to buy this game straight away.

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Play Magazine

I hadn't played an all-stylus game until now, but having done so, I can officially state tht I find it utterly joyless. [May 2005, p.72]

G4 TV

Diehard Pokemon fans might get some value out of Pokemon Dash, but it’s hard to conceive of anyone else enjoying the incredibly flawed gameplay of this wrist-wrenching racer.

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Nintendophiles

If you want a Pokémon knock-off that's good, go for "Pokémon Snap" or those great party games in Pokémon Coliseum, as those are at least enjoyable. Pokémon Dash is really only for those who like a racer that's fun for about an hour.

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Detroit Free Press

You start out as Pikachu and race through various levels, moving the stylus up or down as fast as you can to the next checkpoint. This constant movement of the stylus was annoying.

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netjak

Pokémon fans have had to endure plenty of indignities...But nothing compares to the plain, heaping amount of compost that is being passed off as Pokémon Dash.

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Pelaaja (Finland)

The best thing the game has to offer for even the most hardcore of Pokémon-fans is the title screen, where you can use the stylus to pull Pikachu’s ears. Avoid. [May 2005, p.88]

Modojo

It's frustratingly difficult and mind-numbingly boring, and only the most jaded Pokemon fan will enjoy it.

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Deeko

Anything but amusing and offers up perhaps one of the worst gaming experiences you'll ever have the chance to play. It is devoid of charm, it lacks in character and is simply a piece of overpriced garbage.

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Game Revolution

It’s pretty clear that Pokemon Dash is a game for very young kids, the 6 and under crowd, although I can also see this game appealing to grandmothers. The problem is, it’s barely any fun for either demographic, and members of both might wind up trying to eat the stylus.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 5.5 (out of 10) based on 19 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Tony H. gave it a1:
I'll give it a one for the new idea, but overall its very disappointing! The graphics are decent, the plot was new, the game overall repatative! You are put through the same thing with your hand cramping. The worst pokemon game of the franchise!

Graeme B. gave it a0:
When I bought this, I got bored after the first race. I even had more fun watching a drop of paint dry.

Bill G. gave it a10:
Every thing aboutt this game is fantastic I give it 100 out of ten.

NintendoPSBox gave it a0:
An insult to the Pokemon franchise.

Odie S. gave it a1:
This is sooooo boring and stupid I think it is the worst pokemon game!

Henry L. gave it an8:
Nice game.Repetitive,but I don't care.The graphics are swell.The sound is superb.Harder Gp's tracks shaped like your Pokemon...Great.I recomend this for all Pokemon fans.Not my problem if you think it sucks.That's your opinion only.

Nevan gave it a10:
It was one of the best nintento DS games ever.Because when you finsh the game theres a even harder level and when you put in a pokemon Gba game there are courses shaped as your pokemon.

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Pokemon Dash

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What The Critics Said

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