Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 29
  2. Negative: 5 out of 29
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  1. 80
    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.
  2. Explorers of Time 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.
  3. 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!
  4. Nintendo Power
    75
    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]
  5. 75
    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.
  6. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    75
    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]
  7. 70
    If you played Shiren, however, you may find Pokemon to be too forgiving for your dungeon-hacking skills.
  8. 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.
  9. Explorers of Time does very little to expand upon the original entry into the series, and relies too heavily on the Pokémon brand.
  10. 65
    The game's menu system is incredibly clunky and feels like an unfixed relic from the Game Boy Advance version.
  11. Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Darkness/Time recycles the aging Mystery Dungeon formula, but it's still worthwhile for fans of dungeon hacks.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. Games Master UK
    60
    As innovation free as we've come to expect from the 'mon, but quietyly enjoyable stuff. [Aug 2008, p.64]
  15. 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.
  16. 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]
  17. 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.
  18. Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers is more of the same, and that won't disturb those who appreciate the franchise.
  19. 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]
  20. 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.
  21. 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.
  22. 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.
  23. 50
    Come for the charm. Stay for the roguelike learning experience. Endure for an insomniac's cure.
  24. 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.
  25. 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.
  26. Nintendo Gamer
    45
    The only mystery is why anyone would buy into something so lazy. [Aug 2008, p.66]
  27. Bottom line for Pokemon fans is: try before you buy. You'll either love it or hate it.
  28. 42
    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.
  29. Edge Magazine
    30
    This recurrent rehash is branding to serve the genre, and of little benefit to Poke-fans. [Sept 2008, p.96]

Awards & Rankings

11
#11 Most Discussed DS Game of 2008
20
#20 Most Shared DS Game of 2008
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 172 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 12 out of 172
  1. 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. 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. 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 »