What else could Nintendo want from me? Have they not already taken enough of my money for Pokémon related crap? From the toys to the cards to the shows, and not to forget the games… the spinoffs from pinball to puzzle leagues—I was, needless to say, “worn out”. My Pokémon fatigue instantly came to an end with the release of Pokémon Conquest.
The title has a very different feel from any other piece of the Pokémon franchise. For instance, the setting is far more Japanese and takes place within a futile age of kingdoms and constant turmoil (which of course is brought on by Pokémon battles). The title has taken many of the hit creatures that you know and love and replaced the light RPG elements with surprisingly deep Turn based strategy game elements. The game feels similar to what Pokémon mystery dungeon was like yet extrapolates on every element. Behind every childlike colour or lighthearted design, lies enough depth to challenge even strategy veterans.
Pokémon Conquest Review
Pokémon Conquest
Developer: Tecmo Koei
Publiser: Nintendo
Release Date: June 18th, 2012
Platform: Nintendo DS
Multiplayer: N/A
Although it might be a no-brainer for Nintendo to have moved Conquest to the 3DS, add in a multi-dimensional gimmick and charge 10$ more, Pokémon Conquest is a Nintendo DS exclusive. For the still strong DS fan base around the world, this is definitely a worthy cartridge to carry around with you. One of the important questions to ask yourself when playing a Pokémon spin-off is, “If you replaced the Pokémon characters with stupid anime creations: would it still be a good game?” To this question I could absolutely answer “YES”. The game makes use of the fantastic licence it attaches itself to, but still delivers in new and interesting ways.
One issue with the game is that the licence does not fit overly well with the context of this game. If you remember the very first Pokémon movie (Mewtwo Strikes Back), the entire point of the movie is that Pokémon are never to be used as tools of war. Quite contrarily, in this game different kingdoms wage endless war using there Pokémon as tools rather than beastly friends.
The graphics in the game are adequate, for a DS game that is. The Pokémon included are nicely animated and are bright and colourful as they should be. Unfortunately, beyond the immediate foreground, it is pretty much just a bland background. The music in the game is strangely medieval and soothing as well—it’s not something you’ll remember, but it’s still better than Japanese Pop.
In conclusion, the game is not just for children: if you have the confidence to walk into a store and ask for a Pokémon game, then you definitely won’t be disappointed. The game brings to mind some of the best adventures in the Pokémon universe while displaying the mastery Nintendo displays over games like Advance Wars and Fire Emblems. For hard-core Pokémon and strategy fans, Conquest is another title you must add to your collection.
8/10
+ Deep gameplay
+ Strategic elements well implemented
+ Might be the last great DS game
- Poor backgrounds and visual fidelity
- Story does not fit the liscence
- Some game play becomes redundant and mundane
