Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky is an offshoot of the main Pokemon series, and is the third expanded version of Explorers of Time and Darkness (in the vein of Emerald, Platinum, etc). The Mystery Dungeon series is what it says on the title - you and a partner Pokemon delve into randomized dungeons, completing tasks and rescuing Pokemon to advance the story.

This game uses Gen 4 graphics, so we're dealing with 2D sprites here. The spritework is excellent, I much prefer is to the newer 3D Pokemon games, and the music is standard Pokemon fare. The gameplay is fun, if a little clunky. You can select one move as your Set move that can be used with a button combo, but to use one of your other 3 moves you have to go through a set of menus that are a little sluggish.

The Mystery Dungeon games are quite a bit harder than the mainline games as well. I got caught away from my partner at a type disadvantage in the third dungeon, and actually died. Dying teleports you back to the entrance of the dungeon and costs half your money and items. Preparation is a must here - you won't be able to brute force like you can in the main series.

Overall, I'm really liking this game. I haven't played a Pokemon game in a long time, and honestly the world still entertains me more than any other video game franchise. I played Pokemon a ton growing up and there really is nothing like it. The Mystery Dungeon gameplay is a nice breath of fresh air, so I think I'll keep playing this for the time being.

Verdict: Keep Playing

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