Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia Critic Reviews

A handful of niggles, but not enough to stop this from being more accessible and enjoyable than its predecessor.

While majorly different from ‘traditional’ Pokémon fare, Shadows of Almia provides a satisfying RPG-lite adventure for players of all ages. Varied puzzles and a wide range of Diamond/Pearl era creatures to chase give the game widespread appeal and charm.

When you cast back the shadows, this Ranger emerges as solid, engaging fun for Pokemon fans of all ages.

A simple game which doesn’t require much brain power, a no-nonsense fun game.

Ranger fans will like it, as it’s essentially more of the same. We love the tweaked touch-screen features.

Ultimately, Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia is a great follow-up to an already original blueprint.

Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia improves upon its predecessor just enough to make it a fun, solid addition to the spin-off series.

While the Pokemon series of games and anime is not my preferred style, there are some cool aspects of Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia that I enjoyed.

Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia is an entertaining spin-off of the original franchise and a sequel of the first Pokemon Ranger, with a similar look and feel in graphics and playability. The capture technique has improved being more easy to play with better results. This sequel is a good and fresh option for the pokemon fans.

Shadows of Almia hits the standard of the series without adding anything new.

If you're in the mood for a more simplistic romp through the world of Pokemon, you'll likely enjoy Shadows of Almia. Those looking for a more traditional Pokemon experience, though, might feel a bit let down.

Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia is the Pokémon series at its most professional and polished, but non-fans will find it as linear and repetitive as ever.

I really wanted to enjoy Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia, but it was really the repetitive nature of the game that weakened the overall package.

While older audience might find the plot and story (especially the dialogue) to be overly simplistic, predictable and childish; a younger audience will thoroughly enjoy the mystery involved.

If you never played as a Ranger the first time around, and are jonesing for a Manaphy, go for it. But for the Pokemon fans that already got their fix two years go, this isn't necessary.

Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia is a relatively simple game which has its charms, but may not be deep enough for some players.

Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia feels like an expansion to the previous game. Its graphics and audio haven't changed, still immersing the player in a bland Pokemon universe.

It's just that what it does still isn't that exciting or memorable, and without the lure of permanently capturing your Poképals, it falls to the rather dull storyline to try and keep players engaged.

Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia is an entertaining adventure and a solid pickup for fans of the series, but it feels too much like its predecessor to warrant spending $35.

Overall, Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia is a solidly produced title, but given its close resemblance to its predecessor and the lack of more substantial or dynamic gameplay and narrative elements, its appeal will be limited mostly to those Pokémon enthusiasts eager to see the creatures from Diamond and Pearl represented elsewhere.