Pokemon Rumble U

Genre: Action-RPG

Players: 1-4 Co-Op (Local)

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Review:

Pokemon Rumble U is an Action-RPG released on the Wii U in 2013. This is the third game in the Pokemon Rumble series, which features toy versions of Pokemon fighting in battles with multiple enemies.

The presentation in this game is decent, but not especially impressive. The fact that this series uses “toy” versions of its characters translates into really simple 3D character models, and the environments aren’t especially well-made either. At the very least, there is some nice lighting here, but overall this is a pretty underwhelming game, visually. Of course, as per usual, these lacking visuals are backed by the usual digitized Pokemon noises and an energetic but forgettable soundtrack.

The big addition to the series this time around is compatibility with Pokemon Rumble NFC figurines, which are apparently similar to Nintendo’s Amiibos, but… not Amiibos? Seriously, I don’t understand why Nintendo felt the need to make the distinction here, especially when some players undoubtedly already have Pokemon Amiibos that could find use if this game supported them. Anyway, I don’t have any of these NFC figurines, and didn’t want to spend money to get them just for this one game. However, the game is playable without them, so… I did.

Unfortunately, Pokemon Rumble is just as shallow and repetitive here as it was in earlier installments. Pokemon each have only two moves, and you don’t level them up directly, but instead simply collect stronger Pokemon. This game does at least add 4-player support (with solo players having PC-controlled buddies taking up the empty seats), and this does add a bit of Party Game-style enjoyment, but only until you and your friends get bored… which won’t take long.

If Pokemon Rumble U were an inexpensive time-waster, I could see some value here, I suppose. But at $18, this is far too shallow and repetitive to be worth the price tag. This game was released on a console with Super Smash Bros., Mario Kart, Mario Party, Nintendoland, and numerous other good Party Games. Why would anyone waste their time and money on this? My suggestion to you: don’t.

tl;dr – Pokemon Rumble U is the third entry in the extremely simple “toy Pokemon” Action-RPG, and it adds support for Pokemon NFC figurines, as well as 4-player play. While the 4-player gameplay does improve the game, it’s still so shallow and repetitive that it’s not a game likely to keep you entertained long, and certainly not long enough to be worth the $18 price tag. Skip it.

Grade: C-

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