28.7.2012

**This review is based on the US release of Pokémon Conquest**Pokémon Conquest represents the newest spinoff of the Pokémon series. The special thing about this time is that this is the first time a Pokémon game has been crossed with another series (namely the Nobunaga's Ambition series). However, just because an amazing series is being crossed with another very renowned series does not guarantee success. However, in this case the creators hit the mark just perfectly.The story in this game is a rather simple one; you are the new Warlord of the Aurora region of the island/continent of Ransei. Your objective is simple: capture all of the regions of Ransei and legend has it that he legendary Pokémon of Ransei will reveal itself.Having only played roughly 7 hours of the campaign I still haven't finished the campaign. There are 17 regions to conquer and there are many other Warlords, hell-bent on capturing all of them, in other words, you'll have lots to do. At the time of this writing I've only captured 11 regions, but there's still lots for me to do...The general gameplay of this game is very simple and always well explained by the game. The game starts off simple by you defending Aurora against an oncoming army of the region of Ignis. The way you "fight" your battles is simple. Each of your armies can have a maximum of 6 warlords. Each of these warlords is paired (or as the game puts it, linked) with one Pokémon. This means that each of your armies can have a maximum of 6 Pokémon. This may not seem like much considering that this is a strategy game and other strategy games let you have dozens of units on the field at once, but as it turns out having a maximum of 6v6 is actually a very nice number fight your battles with. The battles themselves are fought on various stages that range from simple rice fields to ones with moving platforms with portals. There is a lot of variety and you will surely find your favorite ones quickly. The battles themselves are played out very similarly to games like Advanced Wars. Each Pokémon can move a certain amount of squares to the front, back left or right, has a certain range with their attacks (some deal area damage etc.), certain attacks inflict status effects like poisoning. Although this is a strategy game the basics of Pokémon still apply, fire Pokémon will always be stronger against leaf and water will never be good at defeating leaf. All Pokémon types are present and although not all Pokémon made the cut into this game (there are only 200 Pokémon in this game from the existing 649) you will not be let down by which Pokémon have made the cut. Although the action is obviously focused on the Pokémon the Warlords haven't completely been left out either, in fact they mean a great deal to the overall battle as each Warrior has a special ability which can have a positive effect not only on his Pokémon but those around him too as well as being able to hold items like Potions and other status affecting objects. One of their most important features however is being able to link themselves with Pokémon found in the wilderness.The island/continent (its not quite clear to me which it is) of Ransei is not freely traversable. Instead you are only able to visit and move to the individual Regions' Capitals. For those who have played the main Pokémon games it is as though there were no Routes connecting the individual cities and you were only able to go from city to city. But then how do you get new Pokémon and new Warlords? Simple. Each of the towns has a "field" were you can always fight against random Pokémon to train your armies (this is a vital component to being able to compete against other Regions). It is here too were you can fight other Warriors. For most of them the rule applies that if you beat them within two turns they will join your army, whilst others (those with stronger Pokémon) might have some more specialized requirements such as taking no damage from their Pokémon to defeating them with a certain type. The main issue here is that the game does not tell you what the requirement is, so you are left to simply defeating them as quickly and as effectively as possible in hopes of them deciding to join you. This tactic usually works rather well but there are a few exceptions. Luckily there are websites dedicated to helping you "Catching `em all" so there is always a way to find out. However, in my opinion, I shouldn't have to go look elsewhere to find the information the game should be giving me. However, this is a common complaint with Pokémon and its what people have come to expect from Pokémon games. It's a small gripe in an otherwise amazing game.Leveling your Pokémon happens the same way it does in the main games. You play battles and your Pokémon gain experience, although in this game its called link. How much link your Pokémon can have depends solely on how much of a perfect link the Pokémon and the Warlord have. Some Warlords and their Pokémon can only have a maximum of 70% link, whilst others (that represent a perfect link) can have up to 100%. Finding these perfect links can be a little tough however, it is represented, in game, when you are attempting to link with another Pokémon, just how much of a perfect link these can form, so you will always have an idea as to which Pokémon are better suited for a warlord to link with. As you level your Pokémon, just like with the main games, their stats increase too. This time around however it is a little more simplified than the main games. Pokémon have three stats: attack, defense and speed (which affects accuracy). Pokémon can evolve too and trust me watching that Charmander I got way at the beginning evolve into a powerful (but slow) Charizard is in no way less emotional than when it happens in the other games. Evolving Pokémon is also a very interesting thing in this game. As each Pokémon only has one attack these attacks change with each evolution. Take Charmander for instance, his attack is ember, a long range attack that hurts only the Pokémon that is two squares in front of it. Charmeleon (its evolution) has an attack called Fire Fang, which only hurts the Pokémon right in front of Charmeleon. And finally, Charizards attack is Flamethrower that attacks all three squares in front of it. These differences between evolutions happen with all Pokémon. Oh and in case you are wondering, yes there is a Magikarp in this game, and yes, its only move is splash and no, its not useful in any way; but as we all know, its evolution, Gyarados, is more than powerful.By now I've gone on and on about the gameplay and I really don't feel like there is much left to say. Everything that really makes Pokémon what it is, is in this game. You can create your perfect army, with the perfect set of Pokémon, you have items, your Pokémon evolve, they gain levels, and there are shops to buy things at. What's not to like? What about the graphics? Everything is typical for Pokémon, the sprites are well animated and the attacks look flashy enough. Its nothing that pushes the DS hardware in any way, but it is what we have come to expect from Pokémon by now. There are free, downloadable missions to play if you download them and from my brother (who has played this game for roughly 30 hours already) I know that once the game is over there are multiple side missions and quests to complete after the main campaign is over and of course, you can play locally against other people. It's a shame you can't fight them online but at least the game gives you the option of playing against your friends locally. Another slight disappointment is that the game isn't particularly difficult. It provides a nice challenge here and there and yes, there have been times when I've needed to start a battle again, but it was never really difficult.Summary:All in all I think everything that should be said about this game has been said. For Pokémon fans who would like to take their favorite little critters all into battle at once and conquer entire kingdoms this is the game to get. If you like strategy games this is also a great game for you as it is sufficiently challenging for the occasional couch strategist. Everything that makes Pokémon so great is in this game. Right now id say I'm about halfway done with the game and I haven't even really bothered "catching `em all" and I've already gotten a fair share of hours out of this game, add to that side quests of which there are many and you've got a game that can really last you a long time. All in all, this is simply put a fantastic game with almost no real weaknesses that will definitely satisfy the crowd it was intended for.

30.4.2013

The game begins. You are a solitary warrior with an Eevee for company. You are befriended by Lady Oichi and her Jigglypuff. Together you defeat neighbouring kingdoms and recruit warlords and warriors along the way.After you have gained the first few kingdoms, you are shown how to recruit new pokemon by "linking" with them. All warlords specialise in certain types of pokemon, and each warrior will be able to form a "perfect" link with certain pokemon. The pokemon that a warrior has when you recruit them is not usually a perfect match for them. If the pokemon they have to start with is rare, think carefully before releasing it if it's maximum link is low.You may never see it again.Warriors have certain abilities that give them an advantage in battle. They can also hold an item that improves the pokemon's strength, speed, energy, defence etc. Some items help the pokemon to evolve. All pokemon will evolve eventually, no need to trade to get higher evolutions, but it will take a lot of patience.If you need a special item to get your pokemon to evolve, you will have to wait for the travelling merchant. In my game, a travelling merchant has appeared twice in 7 years so far (the game is divided into months). Items tend to cost 5000 coins or more, so save your money and wait for the merchant to appear. If you collect gift boxes on the battle field, you can sell the items to the merchant to raise money.People have complained that this game is short. However, if you read around on the internet, you will find that there is more to this than just conquering all 17 kingdoms, defeating the arch-enemy and Arceus. Once the main part of the game is completed, six warrior adventures will be unlocked, and when these are completed, more will become available.A word of warning. I have heard that after the main game has been completed, you will not control the 17 kingdoms any more and all warriors you have recruited will go home. The percentage of link that has been developed with each pokemon will be reset to it's original level, but any pokemon that have been recruited will be retained by their warrior, and if they have evolved, they will stay evolved. Any warrior you have previously recruited will be your ally in the warrior adventures that are unlocked after the main game.I could have taken on Arceus and the Infinite Tower a long time ago, but based on this information, I am still playing, in an attempt to recruit as many warriors as I can, and get as many suitable pokemon for each warrior as possible, and evolve them. This will mean I will have stronger allies in the second part of the game.This game will suit players who want to complete it in 20-30 hours, but will also suit players who are willing to put in more effort for a better end game. Do search the internet for more information. I found a Perfect Links list and an Evolution Guide particularly helpful.

30.7.2012

If you like peas, and you like cheese, you'll love Cheesy Peas!!Well, a bit like that unlikely idea, this game combines Pokemon with a turn based action/strategy game in the style of Advance Wars. And it's very likely that you will love it, even if Pokemon make you feel slightly queasy.The goal of the game is to conquer 17 kingdoms, after which the legendary Pokémon Arceus will appear. Each kingdom corresponds to a pokemon type - it will come as no surprise to Pokemon players that the first three are Fire, Grass and Water.Battles take place in areas which are divided up into squares, with each side taking turns to move their players around - it's a bit like chess, although far less complex (but more fun,

31.7.2012

when I bought this game I bought it as a a fill in untill the black and white sequels. I did not expect the game I got, you get the almost compulsion to catch 'em all that the main series is famous for, combined with the battle animation that the main games lack.There are points in the game the depth of strategy is almost chess like. You have the option taking a complete six pokemon in to battle, with the freedom the make alliances as you see fit. You get to start off with one of the coolest little guys from the first generation, Eevee becoming attached to little guy making the options of whether or what to evolve him into more dire .

19.3.2013

I'd recommend it to anyone who loves turn-based tactical strategy multi-characters RPGs, Pokemon fan or not. Its a very elegant game which uses that makes great use of the elemental type system used in the Pokemon series.In simple terms you control a warlord who recruits warrior (trainers). Every human character has a special ability which can be used once per battle, and has the ability to acquire their own team of Pokemon. They all start with one Pokemon and they all have the ability to link with (catch) new wild ones if you go hunting for to find some.The player can only send in one Pokemon per playable human character in that kingdom, and each Pokemon has their own stats.

28.7.2012

i was expecting something that would resemble the main pokemon series but instead this offers something new and more interesting, it does still maintains a deep connection with pokemon. the artwork is much more impressive and beautiful to look at, and the format is simple once you get the hang of it but i must admit this is possibly the best pokemon game i have played in a long time! its just something better new and fresh i love everything from the artwork to the turnbased style of play.But i will admit i have one small problem with this game (and it is small) and that is the fact that if you rush through it (like my friend did) you can complete the game quickly it is short so be aware.

27.7.2012

Pokemon Conquest is FINALLY here and with it REAL, TURN BASED ACTION. Released in Japan, March 17, this year, the game has been an CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED success. It's the SLEEPER HIT you won't want to miss. Half a Million copies already sold WORLDWIDE, yet perhaps the best Pokemon game in the last 10 years. I applaud Nintendo for only taking 4 months to translat and be released in the UK and wow was it worth the wait.It's primarily an RPG with Turn Based Action which forces a player to skillfully think about every move and oppurtunity. The soundtrack is one of the best I've heard EVER, it's very 80's synthesiser, high pitch wave of sounds. The graphics are BRIGHT and very COLOURFUL and fun to look at.

20.11.2012

If you're tiring a little from the main series Pokémon games and are looking for something equally battle-orientated but with different battle mechanics, this is definitely the game for you.Basically you move around the kingdom, conquering areas and making a bigger and bigger army. But instead of it being "You attack, your opponent attacks", in this game you can move around the battle area, giving you control of who you hit and which attacks you dodge, which is a refreshing change.And not all battles are based around making the opponent faint, some of them are more strategic and involved taking control of flags on the field, and once you have all of the flags, you win.

29.9.2012

If you're looking for something different to the typical pokemon games you'll love this. If you've grown up loving Blue, Red, Yellow, Gold, Silver etc, you'll be glad of the change with this game.Not really great for younger kids I wouldn't say, it's complicated game, you need to use a lot of tactics and strategy to get through it and the instructions are very vague and sometimes tell you nothing about certain aspects of the game.You will need to use an online walkthrough for certain evolutions, how to use items etc.On the other hand this makes it great for the 20 somethings looking for a game a bit more challenging from pokemon.You can easily get hooked on this game as you're constantly

23.8.2012

People are calling this the best pokemon spin-off game ever, and I agree. But it may be even better than the worst main series game (imo Diamond and Pearl). At £23 Amazon are selling it for now, you can't go wrong. Thoroughly addictive, this game has you catching and actually using dozens of pokemon, rather than just using 6 as in the main series. This means you get to use pokemon you never would have done before, and grow to love them. If you're not a pokemon fan, the game is still a very good strategy rpg. It's kind of comparable to chess in its gameplay. You're missing out if you don't at least try this.Sequel please!

28.10.2012

This great game differs from the mainstream Pokemon game in that the character (ie you) have to protect the region Ransei from being destroyed by the bad warlord.. Your chosen character has to build up a powerful kingdom by training up various pokemon in order to become stronger to attract, recruit and work alongside other "good" warlords to fight against the bad guys..Perfect for my daughter, who although still a massive fan of Pokemon, is starting to become a little bored with the same styled pokemon game storyline time and time again.Comes with loads of special episodes once the main storyline has been completed.

31.7.2012

Turn-based strategy pokemon game. Each warlord and warrior can have multiple pokemons, but only one at a time. Battles can support up to 6 vs 6 pokemon on many different and interesting maps. Lots of sub stories for after main story.Main story is a bit short, as I finished it in two days. But you can continue playing and finding many other pokemon and warriors which you never touched.

6.2.2013

This is actually pretty decent game. It's yet another move away from the traditional Pokémon game, but having played all of the others, this isn't actually that far behind the rest of them. Probably not a must-have for a hardcore Pokémon fan, or hardcore strategy gamers, because it really isn't that complex or taxing, but would recommend to casual gamers.

29.8.2015

Amazing game, for those who enjoy pokemon and tactical RPGs its certainly a hidden gem. Although not EVERY pokemon is available theres a great roster to select from and surely you wont be disappointed. No internet features since Nintendo has shut down the wii and DS' wifi features but it doesn't take away from the fun of the game.

21.5.2013

I loved playing this game : the graphics are really nice for the DS, the gameplay is rich, etc. But it's mainly a more "adult" Pokémon game, it was missing in the franchise. Pokémon Conquest features a variety of areas within the overall region of Ransei, and it was amazing to "conquer" it with my favourite Pokémon.

Pokémon: Conquest (DS) - Reviews

Info

Analysis

Detail