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Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky – A Review

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky is an enhanced version of Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Explorers of Darkness, released for the Nintendo DS in 2009. It is a spin-off game from the main Pokemon series that features a different genre, gameplay, and story. In this game, you play as a human who has turned into a Pokemon and joins an exploration team in a world where only Pokemon live. You will embark on various missions, explore randomly generated dungeons, battle hostile Pokemon, and uncover the secrets behind your transformation and the fate of the world.

But is this game worth playing in 2021? How does it compare to other Pokemon games? And how can you download and play it on your device? In this article, we will answer these questions and more as we review Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky.

What is Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky?

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky is a game developed by Chunsoft and published by Nintendo and The Pokemon Company. It is part of the Pokemon Mystery Dungeon series, which is a sub-series of the Pokemon franchise that focuses on dungeon crawling and

roguelike elements. Unlike the main Pokemon games, where you catch and train Pokemon, in this game, you become a Pokemon and recruit other Pokemon to join your team. You can also communicate and interact with other Pokemon in the game world, which has its own society, culture, and history.

The game is available for the Nintendo DS, a handheld console that was released in 2004 and discontinued in 2013. However, you can also play the game on other devices, such as the Wii U, the Nintendo DSi, or your computer or smartphone, using various methods that we will explain later in this article.

What are the new features in Explorers of Sky?

New starter Pokemon and partner options

One of the most notable features of Explorers of Sky is that it adds five new starter Pokemon that you can choose to play as or have as your partner. These are Phanpy, Riolu, Shinx, Eevee, and Vulpix. Each of these Pokemon has its own unique personality, abilities, and evolution paths. For example, Phanpy is a friendly and cheerful Pokemon that can evolve into Donphan, a powerful ground-type Pokemon. Riolu is a loyal and courageous Pokemon that can evolve into Lucario, a rare and versatile fighting- and steel-type Pokemon. Shinx is a curious and energetic Pokemon that can evolve into Luxio and then Luxray, electric-type Pokemon with high attack and speed. Eevee is a cute and adaptable Pokemon that can evolve into one of eight different forms, depending on various factors. And Vulpix is a smart and elegant Pokemon that can evolve into Ninetales, a fire-type Pokemon with mystical powers.

In addition to these new options, Explorers of Sky also changes the way you select your starter Pokemon and partner. In previous games, you had to take a personality quiz that determined which Pokemon you would play as based on your answers. In Explorers of Sky, you can still take the quiz if you want to, but you can also skip it and choose any Pokemon you like from the 19 available options. You can also choose any Pokemon as your partner, regardless of their type or gender, unlike in previous games where you had some restrictions.

New items, locations, and dungeons

Another feature of Explorers of Sky is that it adds new items, locations, and dungeons to the game. Some of these are:

• Lookalike items: These are items that look like other items but have different effects. For example, a Reviser Seed looks like a Reviver Seed but instead of reviving a fainted Pokemon, it knocks out the Pokemon that eats it. Lookalike items can be used to trick enemies or trade with other Pokemon for better items.
• Spinda Cafe: This is a new place where you can exchange your items for drinks that boost your stats or abilities. You can also recruit new Pokemon to your team by befriending them at the cafe.
• Shaymin Village: This is a new location that is home to Shaymin, a legendary grass-type Pokemon. You can visit this place after completing the main story and unlock a new dungeon called Sky Peak, where you can find rare items and Pokemon.
• Destiny Tower: This is a new dungeon that is unlocked after completing all the special episodes. It is the most challenging dungeon in the game, as it has 99 floors, no checkpoints, and random rules that change every time you enter. You also cannot bring any items or money to this dungeon, and you will lose all your items and money if you fail. However, if you manage to clear this dungeon, you will be rewarded with a Destiny Knot, an item that allows you to evolve any Pokemon that normally requires a special condition to evolve.

New special episodes and story elements

The final feature of Explorers of Sky that we will mention is that it adds new special episodes and story elements to the game. Special episodes are side stories that focus on different characters and events that are not shown in the main story. There are five special episodes in Explorers of Sky:

1. Bidoof’s Wish: This episode tells the story of how Bidoof joined the Wigglytuff Guild and how he met a mysterious wish-granting Jirachi.
2. Igglybuff the Prodigy: This episode tells the story of how Wigglytuff became an explorer and how he met his best friend and partner Chatot.
3. Today’s Oh My Gosh: This episode tells the story of how Team Skull, a trio of troublemaking Pokemon led by Skuntank, became who they are and how they met their rival Team Charm. This episode also features a cameo appearance by Team Raider, a famous exploration team.
4. Here Comes Team Charm: This episode tells the story of how Team Charm, a trio of glamorous and powerful female Pokemon led by Lopunny, went on a mission to find the treasure of a legendary explorer named Lucario.
5. In the Future of Darkness: This episode tells the story of what happened to Grovyle and Dusknoir after they returned to the future from the past. It also reveals the true identity and motive of the main antagonist of the game, Primal Dialga.

These special episodes add more depth and variety to the game’s story, as they explore different themes, perspectives, and emotions. They also provide more background information and character development for some of the supporting characters in the game. You can access these episodes from the main menu after reaching certain points in the game.

What are the pros and cons of Explorers of Sky?

Pros

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky has many positive aspects that make it an enjoyable and memorable game. Some of these are:

• The graphics are colorful, vibrant, and charming. The game uses a 2D sprite-based style that suits the tone and atmosphere of the game. The animations are smooth and expressive, and the environments are diverse and detailed.
• The music is catchy, emotional, and fitting. The game has a rich and varied soundtrack that matches the mood and setting of each scene and dungeon. The music is composed by Arata Iiyoshi, Atsuhiro Ishizuna, and Hideki Sakamoto, who also worked on other Mystery Dungeon games.
• The characters are lovable, funny, and relatable. The game has a large cast of characters that have their own personalities, quirks, and stories. You will meet many familiar Pokemon from the main series, as well as some original ones that are exclusive to this game. You will also form a strong bond with your partner Pokemon, who will accompany you throughout your adventure.
• The humor is witty, clever, and hilarious. The game has a lot of humorous moments that will make you laugh out loud. The game makes use of puns, references, fourth-wall breaking, and absurd situations to create comedy. Some examples are the antics of Team Skull, the personality quiz at the beginning of the game, and the dialogue options that you can choose from.
• The emotional moments are touching, heartwarming, and tear-jerking. The game has a lot of emotional moments that will make you feel for the characters and their struggles. The game deals with themes such as friendship, courage, sacrifice, and destiny in a mature and realistic way. Some examples are the endings of some of the special episodes, the plot twists in the main story, and the final farewell with your partner.

Cons

However, Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky also has some negative aspects that may detract from its overall quality. Some of these are:

• The gameplay is repetitive, tedious, and frustrating. The game follows a basic formula of accepting missions from the bulletin board or story events, going to a dungeon, completing an objective or reaching the end, returning to the base or town, and repeating. The dungeons are randomly generated each time you enter them, which means that they can be unfair or boring. The battles are based on luck and RNG rather than skill or strategy. The difficulty can spike suddenly or inconsistently depending on various factors. You can also lose all your items and money if you fail a dungeon or get defeated by an enemy.
• The lack of innovation is disappointing and noticeable. The game does not introduce any major changes or improvements to the gameplay or mechanics of its predecessors. It is essentially an enhanced version of Explorers of Time/Darkness with some extra content added to it. It does not take advantage of the Nintendo DS’s features or capabilities very well. It also does not offer much replay value or post-game content besides completing some optional dungeons or quests.
• The random elements are annoying and frustrating. The game relies heavily on random elements that can affect your gameplay experience in various ways. Some examples are:
  • The personality quiz that determines your starter Pokemon and partner can give you unexpected or undesired results. You can skip the quiz and choose your own Pokemon, but that may take away some of the fun and surprise of the game.
  • The recruitment system that allows you to add new Pokemon to your team can be very random and unreliable. You can only recruit Pokemon that you have defeated in battle, and the chance of recruitment depends on various factors such as your level, your team size, your items, and the Pokemon’s rarity. Some Pokemon are very hard or impossible to recruit, while others are very easy or common.
  • The weather and terrain effects that can occur in dungeons can be very annoying and harmful. Some examples are sandstorms that lower your accuracy, hail that damages you every turn, water currents that push you around, and traps that activate when you step on them. These effects can make your exploration more difficult or dangerous.

  How does Explorers of Sky compare to other Pokemon games?

  Comparison to other Mystery Dungeon games

  Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky is the third game in the Pokemon Mystery Dungeon series, following Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team for the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS, and Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Explorers of Darkness for the Nintendo DS. It is also followed by Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity for the Nintendo 3DS and Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon for the Nintendo 3DS.

  Explorers of Sky is generally considered to be the best game in the series by many fans and critics, as it has the most content, features, and polish out of all the games. It also has the most engaging and emotional story, as well as the most memorable and diverse characters. It is often praised for its charm, humor, music, and gameplay, despite its flaws and limitations.

  Explorers of Time and Explorers of Darkness are very similar to Explorers of Sky, as they share the same story, gameplay, and graphics. However, Explorers of Sky has more content and improvements than its predecessors, such as new starter Pokemon, new items, new locations, new dungeons, new special episodes, new story elements, and bug fixes. Therefore, Explorers of Sky is usually recommended over Explorers of Time and Explorers of Darkness.

  Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team are the first games in the series, and they have a different story, setting, and characters than Explorers of Sky. They are also simpler and shorter than Explorers of Sky in terms of gameplay and features. However, they are still enjoyable and charming games that have their own appeal and charm. They are also more accessible and easier than Explorers of Sky for beginners or casual players.

  Gates to Infinity is the fourth game in the series, and it is the first one for the Nintendo 3DS. It has a different story, setting, and characters than Explorers of Sky. It also has some new features and improvements, such as 3D graphics, touch screen controls, online features, downloadable content, and a customizable paradise. However, it also has some drawbacks and limitations, such as fewer starter Pokemon, fewer items, fewer dungeons, fewer characters, and a more linear and simplified story. It is also more expensive and harder to find than Explorers of Sky. Therefore, Gates to Infinity is usually considered to be the weakest game in the series by many fans and critics.

  Super Mystery Dungeon is the fifth and latest game in the series, and it is also for the Nintendo 3DS. It has a different story, setting, and characters than Explorers of Sky. It also has some new features and improvements, such as all 720 Pokemon available, a new looplet and emera system, a new connection orb system, a new alliance attack system, and a new expedition society. However, it also has some drawbacks and limitations, such as fewer items, fewer dungeons, fewer customization options, and a more rushed and inconsistent story. It is also more difficult and challenging than Explorers of Sky for some players. Therefore, Super Mystery Dungeon is usually considered to be a mixed bag by many fans and critics.

  Comparison to other Pokemon spin-offs and main series games

  Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky is one of the many spin-off games from the main Pokemon series that features a different genre, gameplay, and story. Some of the other spin-off games are Pokemon Ranger, Pokemon Snap, Pokemon Colosseum, Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX, Pokemon Go, Pokemon Cafe Mix, and Pokemon Unite.

  Explorers of Sky is different from these games in various ways. For example, Explorers of Sky is a dungeon crawler game that focuses on exploration and combat, while Pokemon Ranger is an action-adventure game that focuses on capturing and controlling Pokemon with a stylus. Explorers of Sky is a 2D game that uses sprites and pixel art, while Pokemon Snap is a 3D game that uses polygons and realistic graphics. Explorers of Sky is a single-player game that has a long and complex story, while Pokemon Go is a multiplayer game that has a simple and minimal story.

  Explorers of Sky is also different from the main series games, such as Pokemon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum, which are the contemporary games of Explorers of Sky for the Nintendo DS. The main series games are role-playing games that focus on catching, training, and battling Pokemon in a turn-based system. They also have a different story, setting, and characters than Explorers of Sky. The main series games are more popular and mainstream than Explorers of Sky, as they have more sales, reviews, and recognition.

  However, Explorers of Sky also has some similarities with these games in some aspects. For example, Explorers of Sky uses the same Pokemon species, types, moves, and abilities as the main series games, as well as some of the same items and mechanics. Explorers of Sky also has some crossover and references with the main series games, such as the appearance of Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina, the legendary Pokemon of Diamond/Pearl/Platinum, or the mention of the Sinnoh region, where Diamond/Pearl/Platinum take place.

  How to download and play Explorers of Sky?

  Downloading from official sources

  The best and safest way to download and play Explorers of Sky is from official sources, such as the Nintendo eShop or DSiWare. These are digital platforms that allow you to purchase and download games for your Nintendo devices. To do this, you will need a Nintendo device that supports these platforms, such as a Wii U or a Nintendo DSi. You will also need a Nintendo account and a credit card or a prepaid card to make the purchase.

  Here are the steps to download and play Explorers of Sky from official sources:

  1. Turn on your Nintendo device and connect it to the internet.
  2. Access the Nintendo eShop or DSiWare from the main menu or the home screen.
  3. Search for Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky in the search bar or browse through the categories.
  4. Select the game and click on the purchase button.
  5. Enter your Nintendo account details and your payment method.
  6. Confirm your purchase and wait for the game to download.
  7. Once the download is complete, you can launch the game from the main menu or the home screen.

  Downloading from unofficial sources

  Another way to download and play Explorers of Sky is from unofficial sources, such as ROM websites or emulators. These are online platforms that allow you to download and play games that are not authorized or licensed by Nintendo. To do this, you will need a computer or a smartphone that can run these platforms, as well as an internet connection and a storage device.

  However, before you proceed with this method, you should be aware of the legal and ethical issues involved in doing so. Downloading and playing games from unofficial sources is considered to be piracy, which is illegal in most countries and regions. It is also considered to be unfair and disrespectful to the developers and publishers of the games, who spend time and money to create them. Therefore, we do not recommend or endorse this method, and we advise you to use it at your own risk and responsibility.

  Here are the steps to download and play Explorers of Sky from unofficial sources:

  1. Find a ROM website that has Explorers of Sky available for download. Some examples are Emuparadise, CoolROM, or Rom Hustler. Make sure that the website is safe and reliable by checking its reviews and ratings.
  2. Select the game and click on the download button. You may have to go through some ads or surveys before you can access the download link.
  3. Wait for the game file to download. The file should have a .nds extension, which stands for Nintendo DS.
  4. Find an emulator that can run Explorers of Sky on your device. An emulator is a software that mimics the functions of a console on another device. Some examples are DeSmuME for computers or DraStic for smartphones. Make sure that the emulator is compatible with your device and with Explorers of Sky by checking its specifications and requirements.
  5. Install the emulator on your device by following its instructions.
  6. Launch the emulator and locate the game file that you downloaded earlier.
  7. Select the game file and click on the play button.

  Playing with ROM hacks or mods

  A third way to play Explorers of Sky is with ROM hacks or mods that alter or enhance the game in various ways. A ROM hack is a modification of the original game file that changes its data, such as graphics, music, text, or gameplay. A mod is a modification of the emulator that changes its settings, such as speed, cheats, or save states. To do this, you will need a computer or a smartphone that can run an emulator, as well as an internet connection and a storage device.

  However, before you proceed with this method, you should be aware of the legal and ethical issues involved in doing so. Playing with ROM hacks or mods is considered to be piracy, which is illegal in most countries and regions. It is also considered to be unfair and disrespectful to the developers and publishers of the games, who spend time and money to create them. Therefore, we do not recommend or endorse this method, and we advise you to use it at your own risk and responsibility.

  Here are the steps to play Explorers of Sky with ROM hacks or mods:

  1. Find a ROM hack or mod that you want to play with Explorers of Sky. Some examples are Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky – Definitive Edition, which adds new features and improvements to the game; Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky – Hard Mode, which increases the difficulty and challenge of the game; or Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky – Randomizer, which randomizes the game’s elements such as Pokemon, items, dungeons, and events. Make sure that the ROM hack or mod is safe and reliable by checking its reviews and ratings.
  2. Download the ROM hack or mod from its source. You may have to go through some ads or surveys before you can access the download link.
  3. Extract the ROM hack or mod file from its compressed format. The file should have a .nds extension for ROM hacks or a .zip extension for mods.
  4. Find an emulator that can run Explorers of Sky on your device. An emulator is a software that mimics the functions of a console on another device. Some examples are DeSmuME for computers or DraStic for smartphones. Make sure that the emulator is compatible with your device and with Explorers of Sky by checking its specifications and requirements.
  5. Install the emulator on your device by following its instructions.
  6. Launch the emulator and locate the ROM hack or mod file that you downloaded earlier.
  7. Select the ROM hack or mod file and click on the play button.

  Conclusion

  Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky is a game that has a lot to offer for fans of Pokemon and dungeon crawlers. It has a captivating and emotional story, a charming and humorous presentation, a diverse and lovable cast of characters, and a rich and varied gameplay. It also has some flaws and limitations, such as repetitive and frustrating gameplay, lack of innovation and polish, and annoying and random elements. However, these do not overshadow its strengths and merits.

  If you are looking for a game that will make you laugh, cry, and feel for the Pokemon world, then Explorers of Sky is a game that you should try. You can download and play it from official sources such as the Nintendo eShop or DSiWare, or from unofficial sources such as ROM websites or emulators. You can also play it with ROM hacks or mods that alter or enhance the game in various ways. However, you should be aware of the legal and ethical issues involved in doing so.

  Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky is a game that will take you on an unforgettable adventure with your Pokemon partner. It is a game that will make you appreciate the beauty and mystery of life. It is a game that will make you love Pokemon even more.

  FAQs

  • Q: How long is Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky?
  • A: The game’s length depends on how much you explore and complete in the game. The main story takes about 20 to 30 hours to finish, while the post-game content takes another 10 to 20 hours. The total playtime can range from 30 to 50 hours or more.
  • Q: What is the best starter Pokemon and partner for Explorers of Sky?
  • A: The best starter Pokemon and partner depend on your personal preference and playstyle. However, some general tips are to choose Pokemon that have good stats, moves, abilities, and type advantages; to avoid choosing Pokemon that have similar types or weaknesses; and to balance your team’s offense and defense. Some examples of good starter Pokemon and partner combinations are Riolu and Vulpix, Shinx and Phanpy, or Eevee and Pikachu.
  • Q: How can I evolve my Pokemon in Explorers of Sky?
  • A: You can evolve your Pokemon after completing the main story and the post-game story. You will need to go to Luminous Spring or Miracle Sea and have the required items or conditions for evolution. Some Pokemon can evolve normally, while others need special items such as stones, ribbons, or scales. Some Pokemon cannot evolve at all, such as legendaries, unown, or ditto.
  • Q: How can I get legendary Pokemon in Explorers of Sky?
  • A: You can get legendary Pokemon by completing certain dungeons or quests in the game. Some legendary Pokemon will join your team automatically after you defeat them in the story, while others will require you to recruit them with a high enough level, team size, and recruitment rate. Some legendary Pokemon are exclusive to certain starter Pokemon or partner Pokemon, while others are available to all. Some legendary Pokemon are also hidden in secret dungeons or areas that require special items or actions to access.
  • Q: How can I transfer my save data from Explorers of Time/Darkness to Explorers of Sky?
  • A: You can transfer your save data from Explorers of Time/Darkness to Explorers of Sky by using the Nintendo DS wireless connection feature. You will need two Nintendo DS devices, one with Explorers of Time/Darkness and one with Explorers of Sky. You will also need to have completed the main story in Explorers of Time/Darkness and have an empty save slot in Explorers of Sky. You can then select the option to transfer data from the main menu of Explorers of Sky and follow the instructions on the screen.

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