Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Games On 3DS: A Complete List

Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into the enchanting world of Pokemon Mystery Dungeon on the Nintendo 3DS? If you're a fan of the Pokemon franchise and love a good dungeon crawler, then you're in for a treat. The 3DS boasts some fantastic Pokemon Mystery Dungeon titles that offer unique gameplay, compelling stories, and, of course, tons of Pokemon to befriend and battle alongside. Let's jump right into a complete list of these awesome games, shall we? This article will explore each game in detail, providing insights into their storylines, gameplay mechanics, and why they're worth adding to your 3DS collection. Whether you're a seasoned Mystery Dungeon veteran or a newcomer to the series, there's something here for everyone. So, grab your 3DS, get comfortable, and let's explore the Pokemon Mystery Dungeon universe together!

1. Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity is the first Pokemon Mystery Dungeon game released on the Nintendo 3DS. In Gates to Infinity, you become a Pokemon and embark on a grand adventure to save the Pokemon world. The game starts with you waking up as a Pokemon, and you soon discover your mission is to stop a mysterious force threatening the world. You team up with other Pokemon, explore dungeons, and battle enemies to progress through the story. This installment introduced several new features to the series, including the Pokemon Paradise, a customizable town that serves as your base of operations.

Storyline and Gameplay

The storyline of Gates to Infinity is quite engaging. You begin as a human who mysteriously transforms into a Pokemon. Partnering with a local Pokemon, you set out to create a Pokemon Paradise, a haven for Pokemon to live and thrive. However, your peaceful endeavors are soon disrupted by a looming threat that endangers the entire Pokemon world. As you delve deeper into the mystery, you'll encounter various characters and explore intricate dungeons, each filled with unique challenges and enemies. The dungeons are randomly generated, ensuring that no two playthroughs are ever the same. This adds significant replay value, as you never know what to expect when you enter a new dungeon. The turn-based combat system is intuitive, allowing you to strategically plan your moves and utilize your Pokemon's abilities effectively. Additionally, the Pokemon Paradise feature allows you to build and customize your own town, adding a layer of management and personalization to the gameplay.

Key Features

Gates to Infinity brings several notable features to the table:

• Pokemon Paradise: A customizable town where you can build shops and facilities.
• Team Skills: Special abilities that can be used by your team during battles.
• Magnagates: Use the 3DS camera to find Magnagates in the real world, leading to special dungeons.
• Downloadable Content: Additional dungeons and quests available for download.

The Pokemon Paradise is a standout feature, allowing players to create a personalized space where they can interact with other Pokemon and build various facilities. These facilities provide useful services and bonuses, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. Team Skills add another layer of strategy to battles, allowing you to coordinate your team's abilities to overcome challenging opponents. The Magnagates feature is a unique addition that blends the real world with the game, encouraging players to explore their surroundings and discover hidden dungeons. The availability of Downloadable Content ensures that there's always something new to experience, even after completing the main storyline. Overall, Gates to Infinity offers a rich and engaging gameplay experience with plenty of content to keep you hooked.

Why It's Worth Playing

Gates to Infinity is worth playing for its engaging storyline, unique features, and the sheer joy of exploring the Pokemon world from a Pokemon's perspective. While it may have some criticisms, such as a slower start compared to previous Mystery Dungeon titles, the game's charm and innovative features make it a worthwhile addition to any Pokemon fan's collection. The ability to build and customize your own Pokemon Paradise is a particularly appealing aspect, offering a sense of ownership and creativity that is not found in other Pokemon games. The randomly generated dungeons ensure that each playthrough is unique, providing endless replayability. The engaging storyline, filled with twists and turns, will keep you invested from beginning to end. If you're looking for a Pokemon game that offers a different perspective and a unique gameplay experience, Gates to Infinity is definitely worth checking out.

2. Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon

Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon is the second and arguably more popular Pokemon Mystery Dungeon title on the 3DS. Released in 2015, this game aims to improve upon its predecessor with a more expansive world, a deeper storyline, and a vast roster of Pokemon. In Super Mystery Dungeon, you once again start as a human who transforms into a Pokemon. You soon find yourself joining the Expedition Society, a group dedicated to exploring the world and solving mysteries. The game features all 720 Pokemon that existed at the time of its release, making it a Pokemon collector's dream. This game offers a more polished and refined experience, addressing many of the criticisms leveled at Gates to Infinity.

Storyline and Gameplay

The storyline of Super Mystery Dungeon is both captivating and emotional. You begin your journey as a Pokemon with amnesia, enrolled in a Pokemon school. As you progress, you join the Expedition Society and travel the world, solving various incidents and uncovering a sinister plot that threatens to turn all Pokemon into stone. The game's narrative is more complex and mature than its predecessor, delving into themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the importance of standing up for what's right. The gameplay in Super Mystery Dungeon is refined and engaging. The turn-based combat system is enhanced with new strategic elements, allowing for more tactical battles. The dungeons are diverse and challenging, filled with traps, enemies, and hidden treasures. The Connection Orb is a key feature, allowing you to befriend Pokemon by completing quests for them. This not only expands your team but also unlocks new areas and opportunities.

Key Features

Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon includes several key features that enhance the gameplay experience:

• Connection Orb: Befriend Pokemon by completing quests and expanding your team.
• Emeras: Temporary power-ups found in dungeons that can boost your stats.
• Looplets and Emera Slots: Equip Looplets to hold Emeras and gain additional benefits.
• All 720 Pokemon: Every Pokemon available at the time of release can be recruited.

The Connection Orb is a standout feature, encouraging players to explore the world and interact with different Pokemon. By completing quests for Pokemon, you can add them to your team and unlock new areas. Emeras provide temporary power-ups in dungeons, adding a strategic element to exploration. Looplets and Emera Slots allow you to customize your Pokemon's abilities and enhance their performance in battle. The inclusion of all 720 Pokemon is a major draw for collectors, providing a vast roster of characters to recruit and train.

Why It's a Must-Play

Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon is a must-play for any Pokemon fan, especially those who enjoy the Mystery Dungeon series. Its engaging storyline, refined gameplay, and vast roster of Pokemon make it a standout title on the 3DS. The game's emotional depth and mature themes set it apart from other Pokemon games, offering a more profound and meaningful experience. The Connection Orb system encourages exploration and interaction with the world, while the strategic combat and diverse dungeons provide plenty of challenges. If you're looking for a Pokemon game that offers a unique and compelling experience, Super Mystery Dungeon is an excellent choice.

Comparison: Gates to Infinity vs. Super Mystery Dungeon

When comparing Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity and Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon, it's clear that Super Mystery Dungeon is generally considered the superior game. While Gates to Infinity introduced the series to the 3DS with innovative features like the Pokemon Paradise, it also faced criticism for its slower pacing and less engaging storyline compared to previous Mystery Dungeon titles. Super Mystery Dungeon addresses these criticisms by offering a more expansive world, a deeper storyline, and a vast roster of Pokemon. The gameplay is also more refined, with enhanced combat mechanics and more diverse dungeons. However, Gates to Infinity still has its merits, particularly for those who enjoy the Pokemon Paradise feature and the unique Magnagates mechanic. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on personal preference, but Super Mystery Dungeon is widely regarded as the better game overall.

Conclusion

The Pokemon Mystery Dungeon series on the 3DS offers a unique and engaging experience for Pokemon fans. Whether you choose to explore the Pokemon Paradise in Gates to Infinity or embark on a grand adventure with the Expedition Society in Super Mystery Dungeon, you're sure to have a blast. Both games offer compelling storylines, strategic gameplay, and the joy of befriending and battling alongside your favorite Pokemon. So, grab your 3DS and dive into the world of Pokemon Mystery Dungeon – you won't be disappointed!