Previews

Hands-on with Super Pokemon Rumble on Nintendo 3DS

Wind-a-chu

Hands-on with Super Pokemon Rumble on Nintendo 3DS
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3DS
| Super Pokemon Rumble

As of now, there has been no word from Nintendo regarding the next Pokemon RPG. There's no doubt that it's on the way and that it will obviously be for the 3DS, but that doesn't mean we wouldn't mind a quick confirmation to set our minds at ease.

Until then, it's good to know there is at least some kind of Pokemon action inked in for 3DS. Super Pokemon Rumble is a sequel to Pokemon Rumble, released for WiiWare back in 2009.

I was fortunate enough to get some hands-on time with Super Pokemon Rumble at GAMEfest, Birmingham, and can confirm it's rather different from your average Pokemon game.

If you've played the Pokemon Mystery Dungeon series, you'll have a rough idea of what to expect. You control a band of toy Pokemon as they fight their way towards eternal fame as the Battle Royale Champions.

Many of the inhabitants of Toyland are also vying for this title, however, so you'll need to up your game if you want to be crowned the victor.

Rumble in the jungle

Super Pokemon Rumble begins with a quick tutorial, high above the clouds, before it drops you into the thick of it.

Through a series of jungle levels, you quickly learn that it's a case of run, dodge, then bash the A button to attack. While it all feels satisfyingly powerful, there isn't much more to it than that.

As you smash Pokemon into oblivion, some may fall down to the ground. You can then walk right on into these to add them to your party.

Switching Pokemon is very easy, indeed. You simply hit X, scroll down your list, and select one to throw it into the fray. You can only have one Pokemon out at a time, so making sure you choose the right one for the job is essential.

Super effective

Any Pokemon fan will know which critters to use in each circumstances. On the jungle levels, for example, plenty of grass and bug Pokemon pop up. Grab your fire Pokemon, and you can easily knock them all out with a single hit.

At the end of each level, there's a huge boss battle. These are a little more tricky, as the huge Pokemon cover a large portion of the arena, but it's essentially the same play as the rest of the game - dodge, hit in the back, repeat.

This, perhaps, perfectly encapsulates the overall gameplay in Super Pokemon Rumble: rather repetitive and slightly samey.

Rumbled

Levels are made up of linear paths with different textures over the top, and there isn't much more to do other than smash Pokemon in the face.

The story seems quite cute and very Pokemon-like, mind, and Pokemon fans will no doubt enjoy the spin on the usual action.

For many, Super Pokemon Rumble will fill that empty hole until the main event finally rears its head. It's due to be released on December 2nd in Europe.

Mike Rose
Mike Rose
An expert in the indie games scene, Mike comes to Pocket Gamer as our handheld gaming correspondent. He is the author of 250 Indie Games You Must Play.