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How Metascores Are Calculated
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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
In this pair of action-packed adventures, players journey as actual Pokemon through a fantastic land untouched by humans. Before the game starts, players take a test to help them figure out which of 16 Pokemon best represents their personalities. Players then experience their adventure through the eyes of a Pokemon as they explore the land and embark on an epic journey through time and darkness. They talk and team up with other Pokemon to set out on an epic voyage while navigating an endless array of randomly generated dungeons. More than 490 Pokemon populate these new games, guaranteeing strategic, intense battles and infinite possibilities, no matter which Pokemon players become. To widen their circle of Pokemon friends, Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection lets users engage in wireless rescue operations and send alerts to their friends via e-mail or mobile text message. [Nintendo]
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... 80
GameSpy
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.
 78
GameZone
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.
76
Cheat Code Central
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!
75
Nintendo Power
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]
75
RPG Fan
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.
75
Official Nintendo Magazine UK
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]
70
EuroGamer
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.
65
GameSpot
Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Darkness/Time recycles the aging Mystery Dungeon formula, but it's still worthwhile for fans of dungeon hacks.
65
IGN
It’s a dated game design that’s been recycled out of an underwhelming original game from a year ago.
60
GameDaily
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.
60
Kombo
Even with the charming Pokemon theme giving the title some added buoyancy, the old and simplistic formula barely floats these days.
60
Games Master UK
As innovation free as we've come to expect from the 'mon, but quietyly enjoyable stuff. [Aug 2008, p.64]
60
games(TM)
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]
60
AceGamez
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Darkness 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.
60
Cubed3
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.
55
PTGamers
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers is more of the same, and that won't disturb those who appreciate the franchise.
55
Maxi Consolas (Portugal)
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]
50
Pocket Gamer UK
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.
50
Wired
If you're a Pokemon superfan, you'll undoubtedly enjoy chilling with the very creatures you've spent so much time trying to catch.
50
Games Radar
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.
50
PALGN
Come for the charm. Stay for the roguelike learning experience. Endure for an insomniac's cure.
45
NintendoWorldReport
James, I think I speak for us both when I say that Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time/Explorers of Darkness will only appeal to Pokemaniacs who enjoy incredibly repetitive gameplay, practically GBA-level graphics and sound, and computer partner A.I. that's so dumb you'll want to stab yourself in the eye.
45
NGamer UK
The only mystery is why anyone would buy into something so lazy. [Aug 2008, p.66]
42
Gaming Age
Bottom line for Pokemon fans is: try before you buy. You'll either love it or hate it.
42
1UP
If you want a good dungeon crawl, play the punishing-but-oh-so-satisfying Shiren the Wanderer. If you just want to collect 500 cute little guys and power-level the hell out of them, you can't go wrong with Pokémon Diamond and Pearl.
30
Edge Magazine
This recurrent rehash is branding to serve the genre, and of little benefit to Poke-fans. [Sept 2008, p.96]
Joe S. gave it a4: |
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