Which Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Game Should I Play First?
The Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series is a spin-off of the main Pokémon series, offering a unique and exciting adventure experience. With several games in the series, it can be daunting to decide which one to start with. In this article, we will guide you through the various options and help you decide which Pokémon Mystery Dungeon game is best for you.
A Brief Overview of the Series
The Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series began with the release of Torneko no Daibōken: Fushigi no Dungeon in 1993, a roguelike game developed by Chunsoft. The series gained popularity with the release of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team and Red Rescue Team in 2005, which was followed by numerous sequels and remakes.
Chronological Order or Start with the Best?
One approach is to play the games in chronological order. However, this may not be the best approach for new players. A more suitable option is to start with Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky, which is considered one of the best games in the series. Explorers of Sky is a remake of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Darkness, and it combines the best elements of both games.
Games to Consider
Here are some of the notable games in the series that you may want to consider:
- Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team and Red Rescue Team (2005): The first games in the series, offering a more traditional Pokémon experience.
- Pokémon Mystery Dungeons: Explorers of Time and Explorers of Darkness (2008): A new direction for the series, with improved graphics and gameplay mechanics.
- Pokémon Mystery Dungeons: Gates to Infinity (2012): A 3D version of the game, with new features and a unique storyline.
- Pokémon Mystery Dungeons: Super Mystery Dungeons (2015): A spiritual successor to Explorers of Time and Explorers of Darkness, with new graphics and gameplay mechanics.
- Pokémon Mystery Dungeons: Rescue Team DX (2020): A remake of the first games, with updated graphics and gameplay mechanics.
Key Differences Between Games
Here are some key differences between the games to help you decide:
| Game | Graphics | Gameplay | Storyline | New Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Rescue Team and Red Rescue Team | 2D | Turn-based | Traditional Pokémon adventure | – |
| Explorers of Time and Explorers of Darkness | 2D | Turn-based | New storyline, improved gameplay | – |
| Gates to Infinity | 3D | Action-oriented | Unique storyline, new features | – |
| Super Mystery Dungeons | 2D | Turn-based | Spiritual successor to Explorers of Time and Explorers of Darkness | – |
| Rescue Team DX | 3D | Turn-based | Remake of the first games, updated graphics and gameplay mechanics | – |
Which Game Should You Play First?
Based on the above information, here are some recommendations:
- If you’re new to the series, start with Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX, which is a remake of the first games and offers updated graphics and gameplay mechanics.
- If you’re looking for a more traditional Pokémon experience, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team and Red Rescue Team might be the way to go.
- If you prefer a new storyline and improved gameplay mechanics, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Explorers of Darkness is a great option.
In conclusion, the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series offers a wide range of games with unique features and gameplay mechanics. By considering the key differences between the games, you can decide which one to play first and start your adventure in this exciting spin-off series.