Pokémon Ranger

About This Game

Gameplay

In Pokémon Ranger, rather than the traditional turn-based fighting mechanic and use of Pokéballs, the player’s character can capture Pokémon by using a Capture Styler, controlled by the stylus of the Nintendo DS. To capture a Pokémon, the player must draw consecutive circles around the wild Pokémon on the Nintendo DS touchscreen. To fight back, opposing Pokémon may attempt to flee or attack the Capture Styler. When a Pokémon is captured, it temporarily joins the player’s party. The player can use party Pokémon to interact with obstacles outside of battle, using them to solve puzzles by removing boulders, blowing fire, tackling, and other moves. These are called Field Moves. Party Pokémon can also use short attacks in battle to help the player, called Poké Assists. When a party Pokémon successfully uses a Field Move or is hit by an opposing Pokémon’s attack in battle, it will leave the party. The Control Styler has an energy bar, similar to an HP (health points) counter, that will lose points if hit in battle. Like the mainline games, the player can go to a Pokémon Center-like base to “heal,” or recharge, their Control Styler.

History

Information regarding Pokémon Ranger was first published in the July 2005 issue of CoroCoro Comic magazine. Little details were shared, but it was hinted that it would be a game and a movie. An announcement on Pokémon Ranger came as a short teaser at the end of the 8th Pokémon film, Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew. Promotion A few episodes of the Pokémon animated series "Pokémon (TV series)") have included Pokémon Rangers. They go on special missions to help preserve Pokémon and human relations, wild Pokémon’s wellbeing, and the environment. Solana, the female protagonist, has appeared in three episodes of the Pokémon animated series, in one of which she must stop a disturbed legendary Pokémon, Deoxys. Several Pokémon Rangers can also be battled in the mainline Pokémon games.