76
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!
65
It’s a dated game design that’s been recycled out of an underwhelming original game from a year ago.
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.
10
this game is peak the music is so good and the sprites are so good i would recomend this for people who like pokemon, love music and love cute games
8
I felt my brain rotting away reading the critic's reviews.
Have to say, I have "only" played the main game so far but I feel like my rating is pretty much set.
The game has phenomenal cutscenes with beautful pictures, really wished the game sound was a bit louder from the ds for my damaged ears (would've had enjoyed them more x) But the music fits, there's lovable side chars, nice little new things they added like playing security or the chests and rare items. It's not super innovative but it doesn't have to be. Sometimes less is more. **** that brings me to the story. Even tho I like it I feel like it drags out after you come back from the future. And... also in general. The 20 chapters in the end could've been like 15. The whole thing with Lapras and the sentimental trips with the bad guys and our guild leader and his old friend felt more like filling material. I feel like we needed 5 chapters to move to the other side of the ocean, ngl. There's a lot of sentiment in this story and I often think it was too much. But the "biggest" and really biggest problem I have with the presentation is the fact that everything and I mean everything that happens on screen will be explained by a character in the scene. The phenomenal screens would have worked a lot better with no words at all. Imagine watching a Ghibli movie and the characters would non-stop explain to you what happens on screen. Adding to that, I found it a bit weird that the final boss was the very first situation where I had to play strategically, making me think the dungeons were a bit too easy in this game. Enough of the negative stuff tho, there were parts here and there where the game was a 9/10. It really has its many beautiful moments and an intriguing story. I also got emotional at the end. So, definitely a mid-high 8!
10
Critics are silly this game is wonderful, one of the greatest Pokemon games
Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Darkness
DS
Released On:
Apr 20, 2008
Metascore
Mixed or Average
59
User score
Generally Favorable
8.5
My Score
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All Platforms
Metascore
Mixed or Average
59
22% Positive
6 Reviews
6 Reviews
59% Mixed
16 Reviews
16 Reviews
19% Negative
5 Reviews
5 Reviews
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.
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.
User score
Generally Favorable
8.5
79% Positive
107 Ratings
107 Ratings
17% Mixed
23 Ratings
23 Ratings
4% Negative
6 Ratings
6 Ratings
Apr 24, 2026
10
this game is peak the music is so good and the sprites are so good i would recomend this for people who like pokemon, love music and love cute games
Apr 1, 2025
10
Critics are silly this game is wonderful, one of the greatest Pokemon games
65
It’s a dated game design that’s been recycled out of an underwhelming original game from a year ago.
60
As innovation free as we've come to expect from the 'mon, but quietyly enjoyable stuff. [Aug 2008, p.64]
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]
45
The only mystery is why anyone would buy into something so lazy. [Aug 2008, p.66]
30
This recurrent rehash is branding to serve the genre, and of little benefit to Poke-fans. [Sept 2008, p.96]
Nov 25, 2020
10
Has an even better storyline than the mainline Pokemon series, and has just as much depth in combat. Biggest difference is take out the turn-based combat of the main series and give it a top-down perspective. The randomly-generated dungeons make every traversal unique and give the game vast replayability. And even better, practically the entire Pokedex is in this game! (Unlike some modern main series games I refuse to name...) Don't listen to the critics on this. This game is a masterpiece of Pokemon, and totally worth your time.
Jul 10, 2011
6
Interesting storyline overall, but dated graphics and weird mechanics. Don't play this if you are looking for something that feels like the original games, as it's more of a dungeon crawler. Also the A.I. from your allies will make you cry.
Jun 15, 2011
5
Nothing new is here, is just a copy,paste from the previous ones , only putting the new pokemons(old by now,because of black and white version) so thats it.
SummaryIn 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 la... Read More
Rated Efor Everyone
