Tools for this page
Print

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time

(2008, Video Games - Role Playing Games, Rated E, Play it on: Nintendo DS)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Experience what it is like to be a Pokemon.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Not an issue.
  • Messages:

    You are a human who has been transformed into a Pokemon, and while solving the mystery of your transformation, you also go on quests to do good things.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Cartoon violence depicting very basic attacks (essentially, one pokemon moves into the other).
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Pokemon is a well-established franchise that includes video games, playing cards, clothing, plush toys and other merchandise.
 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time was written by Erin Bell

Parents need to know that this game features plenty of combat by pitting the Pokemon on the player's team against various renegade Pokemon. Conflict isn't graphic, and the Pokemon retain well-known special moves from other Pokemon games, like Bulbasaur's Leech Seed move – so, a prior knowledge of the Pokemon universe is an asset. Through Wi-Fi, you can "rescue" fallen friends and exchange items and Pokemon teams with another player. You can choose to connect with either friends that you've exchanged friend codes with, or "anyone." You can write personalized messages to friends, but can only send pre-written stock messages to recipients marked "anyone." A second version of the game, subtitled Explorers of Darkness, is virtually the same experience with a handful of different Pokemon and items.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about why would release two versions of same game. When you own both, you can find over 490 Pokemon. Is that enough to motivate you to own both, even though the gameplay is almost identical? Do you like the random dungeon format versus the typical linear Point A-to-Point B experience of past Pokemon games. Which format do players prefer?
Did this review help you decide?
Do you play it? Review It!

More on Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time

What’s the Story?

After the rather shaky Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team, the follow-up POKEMON MYSTERY DUNGEON: EXPLORERS OF TIME boasts more depth. The game is another attempt to graft a Pokemon theme onto the format of the long-running Mystery Dungeon series, unique for its randomly-generated dungeons (maze-type environments) and harsh penalties for defeat. A second version of the game, subtitled Explorers Of Darkness, is virtually the same experience with a handful of different Pokemon and items.

In a twist, you're actually a human who wakes up transformed into a Pokemon and with amnesia. You then select a companion from another set of Pokemon, who will trail behind you and attack automatically. You join an adventurer's guild earning fame and fortune exploring mystery dungeons while also investigating the mystery of the human's identity and the reason for strange rifts in time that are occurring. Close

Is It Any Good?

Explorers of Time is heavier on role-play than simply random exploration. Basic gameplay consists of taking on quests at the guild, such as exploring dungeons to hunt down outlaw Pokemon or find missing Pokemon or items. There are also scripted events that occur regularly as your party advances in guild rank. Also, you don't necessarily have to make it to the end of a dungeon to win but can warp back to the guild after completing a mission. Through Wi-Fi you can "rescue" fallen friends and exchange items and Pokemon teams with another player.

Still, the game is still super-frustrating if your party gets defeated – and it will happen a lot. Not only will you lose all gold and some of your items, but any quest you had completed (without warping back immediately) will be reset for you to do all over again. It's this harshness that takes some of the fun out of Explorers of Time. Also, you'll have to endure the same unskippable eating and sleeping cutscenes each day, and production values still more closely resemble a Game Boy Advance game than a Nintendo DS title. Close

Publisher’s Details

Released on 04/20/2008, price $34.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: E (for Mild Cartoon Violence)

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Do you play it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time?
  •  I think this game is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 9
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Fame (2009)

    Fame (2009)

    Teen musical remake has edgy content for a PG movie.

  • Tech Tip

    How to help them think more ... and want less.Making the Sale

    How to help them think more ... and want less.

  • Book of the Week

    Catching Fire: The Hunger Games, Book 2

    Catching Fire: The Hunger Games, Book 2

    Sequel just as gripping -- and brutal -- as the first.

  • Pick of the Week

    Online Homework Help

    Online Homework Help

    Best Online Homework Helpers

  • Game of the Week

    NHL 10

    NHL 10

    Excellent, authentic pro hockey sim includes brawls.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy