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Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia
(2008, Video Games - Action/Adventure, Rated E, Play it on: Nintendo 64, Mac/Windows, Nintendo DS, Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 2)
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 7; suggested age 7. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Still catching Pokemon, just this time to solve puzzles.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 7 and Up
The good stuff
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Educational value:
What to watch out for
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Violence & scariness:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia was written by Erin Bell
Parents need to know that this Pokemon game de-emphasizes combat in favor of "befriending" Pokemon and capturing them for a short time so that they can help players solve environment-based puzzles. Players capture wild Pokemon by drawing circles around them with the stylus, but can also use other Pokemon to stun the target Pokemon. Some of the capture techniques include using electricity to shock the Pokemon. Some Pokemon are aggressive and will attack the player, but it's because they're under the influence of a strange machine. Players can use the Ranger Net service to download addition missions through the Nintendo DS WiFi connection if they're within range, and can also trade Pokemon with friends.
Families Can Talk About
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- Families can talk about whether it's more fun to actually have adventures with the pokemon, or to just try to catch as many of them as possible as in the other, ealier Pokemon games. What's your favorite type of Pokemon and why? Why do you think the Pokemon franchise is still so popular after all these years?
More on Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia
What’s the Story?
POKEMON RANGER: SHADOWS OF ALMIA is the second game in the Pokemon Ranger action/role-playing game series. You start out as the newest student at Ranger School, where you learn the ropes alongside your friends Keith (who also wants to be a ranger) and Rhythmi (who wants to be an operator). Eventually you'll graduate to become a full-fledged Pokemon Ranger and will be able to go on missions and quests to help resolve Pokemon-related issues, such as why more and more Pokemon seem to be behaving abnormally.
"Combat" in Pokemon Ranger is very different to the other Pokemon games. Instead of selecting a Pokemon from your stash to do battle with wild Pokemon in a turn-based environment, players use the DS stylus to draw circles around wild Pokemon to capture or subdue them. Pokemon can attack and drain your Stylus meter, and if it reaches zero before you're able to flee, you'll lose the battle. You can bring a limited number of Pokemon with you as you explore, and each Pokemon has special skills that must be used to solve puzzles and progress through the game. Pokemon with the "crush" ability, for example, can destroy crates that are blocking a pathway, while electric Pokemon can recharge your Stylus meter for you.
CloseIs It Any Good?
The game mechanic of having to temporarily catch Pokemon to solve puzzles is a refreshing change from other older Pokemon games such as Pokemon Diamond, which placed a greater emphasis on combat and filling out your Pokedex with hundreds of Pokemon. The story is linear but enjoyable, and the game offers a good system of helping players keep track of objectives and their location on an overhead map. Shadows of Almia isn't a huge leap forward from its predecessor, but Pokemon fans will enjoy it. Close
Publisher’s Details
Released on 11/10/2008, price $$34.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: E (for Comic Mischief, Mild Cartoon Violence)
ESRB rating: E (for Comic Mischief, Mild Cartoon Violence)
Our Members Say
See all 9 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 4 and give it
454
- I rate this title on for age 5 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
ok for 5+
ok
- I rate this title on for age 7 and give it
- My highlights are:
This might actually be a little complicated for younger kids
It took me two weeks to figure out how to capture Pokemon that shot off attacks at me. And the positive messages are that the Pokemon get released into the wild after you have them help you. But, enough about that, I'm going to rant about Common Sense Mediocracy. You people shouldn't listen to them. They just said a Nintendo game can be played on the PS2. Oh yeah, and I only give reviews about stuff for kids, and they reccomend Halo, an M rated video game! Even though my parents' rules thing says specifically: I cannot play M rated games. And, they keep saying that all the Pokemon games are based on the toys, even though as everyone knows, the toys are based on the games. And they're telling us that iCarly magically gained positive messagers, when everyone with the intelegence of a six-year old knows, those children behave like horrible little brats. There are very few things you can trust them on.
- I rate this title on for age 6 and give it
I love this game! I've delete my file hundreds of times to play again! It's a lot better then the first one because it has a better story line. Even my picky little sister likes it!
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
It`s the Best!!!!
Besides the first Pokemon Ranger game it`s the best. Even after you`ve finished the game if you have a great imagination then you can imagine the rest of the story and when the next one comes out you can see how they decided to end it and start another one.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents say there are good role models |
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