• Review: Pokémon Rumble Blast

    by
    Chris "WildCardCorsair" Garcia
    Published on 11-22-2011 10:29 PM
    0 Comments Comments


    Pokémon Rumble Blast

    Developer: Ambrella
    Publisher: Nintendo
    Platform: Nintendo 3DS
    Genre: Top-down Beat 'em Up
    Rating: Everyone
    Release Date: October 22nd, 2011

    Pokémon Rumble Blast is the sequel to the off-the-wall WiiWare game Pokémon Rumble. Instead of catching 'em all, Pokémon Rumble Blast revolves around Pokémon wind-up toys brought to life with magical keys. These toys fight their way through various environments, befriend other toys, and ultimately test themselves in the Battle Royale, a free for all of pay-per-view-like proportions.

    Presentation
    In Pokémon Rumble Blast you aren't some young hot shot trainer from the sticks aiming to be the best (like no one ever was). You aren't even one of those Pokémon Rangers out to do who knows what. Instead your Mii is a toy shop owner who sells Pokémon wind-up toys. At night these toys come alive with the use of magical wind-up keys similar to Toy Story, Indian in the Cupboard, or Night at the Museum. In this fantastical land of living wind-up toys, the most precious substance is that of the Glowdrops, which heal toy Pokémon. But when a group of upstart toy Pokémon begin stealing the Glowdrops from towns across toy land, it's up to the player to find out who is behind it and why.

    Graphics
    Pokémon Rumble Blast continues the "super deformed" cel-shaded style Pokémon Rumble used. One would think this would somehow be annoying since we are used to seeing Pokémon a certain way, but since these Pokémon are toys it's entirely easy to accept. The level environments range from good to extremely breathtaking. Most areas your toys can battle in are themed around a Pokémon type such as beaches for water types, graveyards for ghost types, and factories for steel and electric types and so on. Some of these levels look amazing with the 3D on: areas like factories, volcanoes and the end stage, the World Axle are awe-inspiring with their breathtaking depth. The levels also do have variations to them such as time of day and even seasons for some to ensure they don't get too repetitive. Other sights such as Pokémon toys catapulting over walls, jumping into the fray, or celebrating victory take full advantage of the 3DS's glasses free 3D.

    Sound/Music
    Pokémon Rumble Blast doesn’t take place in any of the regions of Pokémon as I stated above. That doesn’t mean the tunes from previous games don’t make their way into Rumble Blast. I could recognize several tunes from other Pokémon games playing away as I bashed my way through the various stages in the game. The original songs in this game are usually chipper and happy, and most importantly don’t get annoying after a few minutes. Though gone is the random battle music from the Pokémon main series, the new boss battle music and Battle Fortress music are great additions to the game.

    Gameplay
    The basic formula for Pokémon Rumble Blast hasn't changed much since the WiiWare version. You control a toy Pokémon and proceed to beat the snot out of all comers using that Pokémon’s unique moves. Weakness and resistances still play a factor, but the effects are greatly reduced compared to the main Pokémon titles, and are simplified as well. At certain times opposing toys will “topple” allowing you to add them to your arsenal permanently. Every once and awhile toys with special abilities will be picked up, with traits from increasing your money drops, to attacking or moving twice as fast. Though rare, these guys are almost always heavy hitters. Of course fighting your way through the level will bring you to the boss, a toy that gets wound by a sinister looking key that causes it to grow larger. Defeat these bosses and you finish the level, as well as having a chance at toppling these foes to add to your party. Brawling in all the stages in a particular area is recommended so you can build a variety of powerful toys from each type. Once you have enough strong Pokémon toys to fight for you its time to fight in the Battle Royale. These pit you against a large room of opponents of various types. Unlike normal levels you cannot switch Pokémon at will, only having your Pokémon defeated will allow you to choose the next, with only three keys (lives) to go around. Beat all your opponents and you win! Simple right?

    Once you get to a certain point you begin to participate in Battle Fortress. The fortresses are filled with Pokémon that oppose you; you proceed from room to room, knocking out enemies to spawn that room’s mini boss. Once the boss is defeated you move on to the next, repeat, and finally on to the final boss of the fortress. These battles, with the exception of the final fortress battle are easier than they sound provided you’ve acquired some powerful toys. This is really and truly this game’s main flaw as most times it feels like there should be a little more challenge. This is compounded with the Charge Battles that also occur from time to time. Once you obtain the Charge Flag, occasionally you and your entire toy army will rally and charge directly at armies of foes. As epic as this sounds, the way to win is simply to repeatedly tap the button on screen and have as much combined power as possible. I never lost a charge battle once, and it makes me wonder if losing is even possible.

    When not battling, one can usually find themselves in one of the five towns in the game. The Glowdrop Fountain at the center of each will serve as your main source of healing. In addition there are several main structures that allow you to access various other features. For a fee the capsule machines will usually dispense a move to one of your Pokémon (replacing one if that toy already knows two). One machine will dispense a random move based on the Pokémon active when using it, and the moves get better at each new city you come to. The other capsule machine will dispense a super powerful move taught only to certain types, but will cost a lot of money. These are best learned at the end of the game when you are fairly sure of what toys you’ll be using often. Alternately, in the last town, a move tutor building is available which will allow a number of Pokémon from your team to teach a move they know to one Pokémon of your choice. These are free but the Pokémon that teach the move are dismissed permanently afterward. Other buildings that allow you to check your various Pokémon Rumble Blast stats, track the different toys you’ve encountered and befriended, and release Pokémon from your team are also a staple in each town.

    Cooperative play and Street Pass can also be accessed through buildings in town as well. Co-op mode allows two players to team up wirelessly, each controlling their own Pokémon, in a stage. Enemies get tougher to compensate but the odds of toppling Pokémon goes up as well. When it comes to Street Pass Pokémon Rumble Blast has two major features. The first allows you to challenge a passer’s Pokémon, choosing one at random and turning it into a boss to battle. If you win you get one of that Pokémon for yourself. The other is a passive feature that unlocks certain toys based on legendary Pokémon you can befriend. The more you Street Pass other Pokémon Rumble Blast users, the better toys you have access to. Don’t worry though; for those of you who feel uncomfortable hanging out at Chuck E. Cheese and Toys ‘r Us all day for Street Passing, a random Mii from your Mii plaza, Street Pass plaza, or friends list will drop by the store once a day and you can also invite more to come using 10 play coins each. Doing so will net you some money and one encounter that will count towards unlocking the legendary Street Pass Pokémon toys.

    Lasting Appeal
    Normal players can expect upwards of 20 hours in the main story of this game, with even more hours of (relatively) more challenging gameplay after that. You can probably speed run though the story in about 10 hours but it would be difficult. Once the main story is complete you will find all the previous levels have been increased in difficulty, allowing you to befriend even stronger Pokémon toys. Once you’re confident a series of tough Battle Royales and Battle Fortresses can be challenged in the World Axle’s top floor.

    If that isn’t your thing, multiplayer co-op and street pass are still great reasons to keep you in the game, even if only from time to time. Then of course it wouldn’t be a Pokémon game if there wasn’t the lofty goal of befriending one of each Pokémon in the game. Considering Pokémon from all generations are available at some point in this game that does mean 600+ Pokémon toys can be collected in total.

    Conclusion
    Though the game’s ease is regrettable at times, the fact remains Pokémon Rumble Blast is an enjoyable experience. Pokémon fans can expect to find a pleasant detour that is definitely fun and packed with gorgeous 3D level design. Pokémon Rumble Blast may not be an excellent game but it is a good game and is sure to please 3DS owners looking for a simple way to unwind… get it?

    Score:
    7.5/10

  • Review Scale

    Score 10- Flawless Victory: A score not handed out to every game. Games earning this rare score sit at the very pinnacle of excellence. These games act as the examples for which all others should be measured with. They are instant classics from the beginning. These games not only deliver what was expected of it, but also exceed the player’s expectations. The game’s features are innovative and original. No game is without its absolute flaws, but the finished product you bring home surpasses the anticipation the game has formed. A day one buy is a must. The game you hold in your hands with this score is a video game jackpot.

    Score 9 - 9.5- Outstanding: Games earning scores such as these absolutely must be played. Games that achieve this high ranking do so because they define the genres that they are in. Flaws are few and barely noticeable. Features seen in the game have been renovated to provide something new and fresh. The story, gameplay, graphics, and lasting appeal are all fantastic and is reason enough to bring the game home and to enjoy with family and friends. Every penny you spend on the game is so worth it.

    Score 8 - 8.5- Great: Any flaw the game may possess is overshadowed by its fun factor. These games would be great for gamers to play. These great games appeal to gamers more and more outside its normal player base because of what it brings to the table.

    Score 7 - 7.5- Good: Flaws do exist in these games, but the positive features of the game can counterbalance the flaws. Additionally, players who are predisposed to liking a game of a particular series or genre with this score should enjoy the game. These are in no way bad games, and much fun can be had with them. An overall good game is worth taking a look at, whether you are willing to buy the game or rent it first. That or you can also wait for the game to reach a good price.

    Score 6 - 6.5- Decent: Games falling into this category may suffer from numerous flaws (for example, graphics or gameplay), but are still worth playing. Granted, the player should be aware that a game with these scores may not guarantee them full satisfaction.

    Score 5 - 5.5- Average: An average game is one in which a game’s features are neither good nor completely terrible. Instead, the finished product is manageable. Little has been done to hold the player’s interest. If anything, rent this game before you consider buying it so that you can at least get a feel for the game’s overall experience.

    Score 4 - 4.5- Poor: Games falling into this category may only keep gamers entertained for a short while. While the game may seem enjoyable for moments at a time, it can quickly grow old and may never be revisited again. The game’s overall function is lacking in quality and may not hold the player’s attention for long. The game leaves little or nothing else to return back to.

    Score 3 - 3.5- Bad: If any positive qualities about a game in this category exist, it is not enough to redeem the game for its shortcomings. Sure you may find yourself playing it, but for how long? You will wind up not giving the game a second glance.

    Score 2 - 2.5- Horrible: Games such as these may not be totally unplayable, they nearly are. Additionally, they may lack, or greatly suffer in, the fundamental functionality of the software as a whole. The game simply does not come close to meeting industry standards at the time of its release.

    Score 1 - 1.5- Appalling: Gamers should avoid this game at all costs. The game was clearly not ready to make its way to store shelves in its status. Save your money and find something else. See it in the bargain bin? No! Stay away! Keep moving and look for something else.