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Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia: Difference between revisions
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|developer=[[Creatures, Inc.]] | |developer=[[Creatures, Inc.]] | ||
|publisher=[[Nintendo]] | |publisher=[[Nintendo]] | ||
|gen_series=[[Generation IV]] [[Spin-off Pokémon games| | |gen_series=[[Generation IV]] [[Spin-off Pokémon games|spin-off]] | ||
|cero=A | |cero=A | ||
|esrb=E | |esrb=E | ||
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{{StrategyWiki}} | {{StrategyWiki}} | ||
'''Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia''' (Japanese: '''ポケモンレンジャー バトナージ''' ''Pokémon Ranger Vatonage'') is an action-adventure game for the Nintendo DS and the sequel to {{ | '''Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia''' (Japanese: '''ポケモンレンジャー バトナージ''' ''Pokémon Ranger Vatonage'') is an action-adventure game for the Nintendo DS and the second entry in the [[Pokémon Ranger series]], being the sequel to {{vg|Pokémon Ranger}}. It was released on March 20, 2008 in Japan, on November 10, 2008 in North America, on November 13, 2008 in Australia, and on November 21, 2008 in Europe. | ||
It was released for the [[Wii U]] [[Virtual Console]] in Europe and Australia on June 9, 2016, in Japan on July 27, 2016, and in North America on August 4, 2016. | It was released for the [[Wii U]] [[Virtual Console]] in Europe and Australia on June 9, 2016, in Japan on July 27, 2016, and in North America on August 4, 2016. The Virtual Console release became unavailable after the Wii U Nintendo eShop was discontinued on March 27, 2023. | ||
The game is set in a new region called [[Almia]] where the base of operations is a [[Ranger School]] that the main characters have just graduated from. The selection of {{ra|partner Pokémon}} has risen from solely {{p|Plusle}} and {{p|Minun}} to a choice between 17 different species, each representing the 17 types of [[Generation IV]]. Additionally, there are several side quests and a card collection system used to power up the [[Capture Styler]]. | The game is set in a new [[region]] called [[Almia]] where the base of operations is a [[Ranger School]] that the main characters have just graduated from. The selection of {{ra|partner Pokémon}} has risen from solely {{p|Plusle}} and {{p|Minun}} to a choice between 17 different species, each representing the 17 types of [[Generation IV]]. Additionally, there are several side quests and a card collection system used to power up the [[Capture Styler]]. | ||
Special missions were available from the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service, via [[Ranger Net]], prior to the service's discontinuation | Special missions were available from the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service, via [[Ranger Net]], prior to the service's discontinuation on May 20, 2014. | ||
== | ==Gameplay== | ||
* It takes place in the region of [[Almia]]. In the story, the player character starts out as a student in a Pokémon Ranger School. After a few tasks, | * It takes place in the [[region]] of [[Almia]]. In the story, the [[player character]] starts out as a student in a Pokémon Ranger School. After a few tasks, they then graduate. | ||
* The player can choose to play as a male or a female protagonist. Players can choose the name of their protagonist, the defaults of which are [[Kellyn]] (male) and {{ra|Kate}} (female). | * The player can choose to play as a male or a female protagonist. Players can choose the name of their protagonist, the defaults of which are [[Kellyn]] (male) and {{ra|Kate}} (female). | ||
* The game primarily features [[Generation IV]] Pokémon, but it does feature a few Pokémon from other generations. | * The game primarily features [[Generation IV]] Pokémon, but it does feature a few Pokémon from other generations. | ||
* The player will have a selectable Pokémon partner. After doing certain quests, the player can choose if | * The player will have a selectable Pokémon partner. After doing certain quests, the player can choose if they want the Pokémon to come with them. Selectable partners include {{p|Munchlax}}, {{p|Turtwig}}, {{p|Chimchar}}, {{p|Piplup}}, {{p|Kricketot}}, {{p|Mime Jr.}}, {{p|Cranidos}}, {{p|Shieldon}}, {{p|Croagunk}}, {{p|Machop}}, {{p|Pachirisu}}, {{p|Starly}}, {{p|Hippopotas}}, {{p|Snover}}, {{p|Misdreavus}}, {{p|Sneasel}}, and {{p|Gible}}. They can be changed by talking to them in the player's family farm south of the player's house. It should be noted that each Pokémon is of one of the 17 [[type]]s of Pokémon, and that each Pokémon has a different length of a Partner Energy bar. The partner's energy may also be filled faster when it is in a happy mood, signaled by black or multicolored music notes rising above it. | ||
* The [[villainous team]] is named [[Team Dim Sun]]. | * The [[villainous team]] is named [[Team Dim Sun]]. | ||
* [[Team Dim Sun]] uses computers called Miniremo Units to hypnotize Pokémon and put them under their control. | * [[Team Dim Sun]] uses computers called Miniremo Units to hypnotize Pokémon and put them under their control. | ||
* The game has sixty optional, non-story-progressing missions called | * The game has sixty optional, non-story-progressing missions called [[Ranger Quest]]s where the player helps citizens of Almia. | ||
* A player may only take on one quest at a time. | ** A player may only take on one quest at a time. | ||
* When a player completes each quest, they get a power boost to their [[Capture Styler]]. | ** When a player completes each quest, they get a reward, such as a power boost to their [[Capture Styler]] or a new partner Pokémon. | ||
* Quests are divided into two types: Pokémon befriending and Quests that players receive a power boost for their Capture Styler. | ** Quests are divided into two types: Pokémon befriending and Quests that players receive a power boost for their Capture Styler. | ||
* After capturing the first 266 Pokémon in the [[Adex|Browser]], the player can | * After capturing the first 266 Pokémon in the [[Adex|Browser]], the player can challenge {{p|Regigigas}}. The player must currently have in their party {{p|Regirock}}, {{p|Regice}} and {{p|Registeel}} to initiate the battle. Regigigas is found in a quicksand pit, hidden in the [[Hippowdon Temple]]. | ||
* A system of collectible cards can power up the Capture Styler. | * A system of collectible cards can power up the Capture Styler. | ||
* The player is able to ride on Pokémon in some environments, including lava, rivers and icy waters. | * The player is able to ride on Pokémon in some environments, including lava, rivers and icy waters. | ||
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==Plot== | ==Plot== | ||
{{Spoilers}} | {{Spoilers}} | ||
The game follows the protagonist, a young | The game follows the protagonist, a young {{OBP|Pokémon Ranger|Ranger series}}, as they graduate from [[Ranger School]] and take on the duties of a fully fledged Ranger. The male character is called [[Kellyn]] and the female character is called {{ra|Kate}}. | ||
Missions advance the story, which is centered around the antagonists [[Team Dim Sun]] and their unknown intentions involving Pokémon mind-control machines called [[Gigaremo units|Gigaremos]] powered by dark crystals. Quests usually consist of the player traveling around the [[Almia]] region, performing varying tasks requested by citizens in exchange for rewards. | [[Ranger Mission|Missions]] advance the story, which is centered around the antagonists [[Team Dim Sun]] and their unknown intentions involving Pokémon mind-control machines called [[Gigaremo units|Gigaremos]] powered by dark crystals. Quests usually consist of the player traveling around the [[Almia]] region, performing varying tasks requested by citizens in exchange for rewards. | ||
The game starts at the [[Ranger School]], with the player enrolling as a student after expertly capturing a {{p|Pikachu}}. The player quickly makes friends with two of classmates, [[Rhythmi]] who dreams of being an [[Operator]], and {{ra|Keith}}, a rival, who dreams of becoming a Top Ranger. After the player and Keith nearly discover what [[Kincaid|Mr. Kincaid]], a teacher, is doing in the basement, Mr. Kincaid seals it off from all students. Both the player and Keith show strong potential as Rangers, and graduate with full honors after defeating two {{p|Tangrowth}}, that escape from the basement, at their graduation ceremony. The player stays in Almia, while Keith and Rhythmi go to [[Fiore]] as part of their training. The player's family moves into a nearby town known as [[Chicole Village]], and the player goes to live with them. | The game starts at the [[Ranger School]], with the player enrolling as a student after expertly capturing a {{p|Pikachu}}. The player quickly makes friends with two of classmates, [[Rhythmi]] who dreams of being an [[Operator]], and {{ra|Keith}}, a rival, who dreams of becoming a Top Ranger. After the player and Keith nearly discover what [[Kincaid|Mr. Kincaid]], a teacher, is doing in the basement, Mr. Kincaid seals it off from all students. Both the player and Keith show strong potential as Rangers, and graduate with full honors after defeating two {{p|Tangrowth}}, that escape from the basement, at their graduation ceremony. The player stays in Almia, while Keith and Rhythmi go to [[Fiore]] as part of their training. The player's family moves into a nearby town known as [[Chicole Village]], and the player goes to live with them. | ||
The next day, the player becomes an Area Ranger in the local village of [[Vientown]]. | The next day, the player becomes an Area Ranger in the local village of [[Vientown]]. | ||
After recovering a Partner Pokémon, {{p|Pachirisu}}, {{p|Munchlax}}, or {{p|Starly}} at the beach, the player begins | After recovering a Partner Pokémon, {{p|Pachirisu}}, {{p|Munchlax}}, or {{p|Starly}} at the beach, the player begins their first major mission by patrolling a nearby cave. The Pokémon inside the cave are unusually aggressive and resistant to capture by the Ranger's styler. At the back of the cave, the player finds a strange machine (later called a Gigaremo) that appears to be controlling the Pokémon. The rangers promptly destroy the device, freeing the Pokémon, and begin researching its abilities. Subsequently, the rangers discover that the Gigaremos are being set up by Team Dim Sun, suggesting wider criminal activities. The player travels to the Ranger Union, the headquarters of all Ranger operations in Almia, to warn the Rangers about the Gigaremo. On the way, the player sees [[Altru Inc.]], a powerful oil company that is building a massive tower in the center of the Almia region. | ||
Soon afterward, the player is informed of a forest fire in the [[Vien Forest]], north of Vientown. After going into the forest, the player will have to capture a {{p|Blastoise}} and use its {{m|Rain Dance}} move to douse the fire. Afterwards, the player is congratulated on how well | Soon afterward, the player is informed of a forest fire in the [[Vien Forest]], north of Vientown. After going into the forest, the player will have to capture a {{p|Blastoise}} and use its {{m|Rain Dance}} move to douse the fire. Afterwards, the player is congratulated on how well they have done, and can progress onto the city on the other end of the Vien Forest-[[Pueltown]]. | ||
A few days later, the player is sent on a mission to retrieve | A few days later, the player is sent on a mission to retrieve their missing team leader, [[Barlow]]. Barlow was last seen in [[Boyleland]] investigating a volcanic cave. The player will have to go to [[Pueltown]] and take a boat to [[Boyleland]]. Deep inside the cave, the player finds members of Team Dim Sun deploying new Miniremo devices to control all of the Pokémon on the island. The player dodges the guards and learns that Barlow has been captured and is being placed on a ship along with the Pokémon. The player sneaks on board, locates Barlow, and the two launch an assault on the ship's bridge. Although Barlow's Styler is destroyed in the ensuing attack, the player forces Team Dim Sun, including its leader, Mr. Kincaid, to abandon the ship, saving all of Boyleland's Pokémon. The ship crashes into the yard of the Ranger School, never to sail again. | ||
Recognizing the threat posed by Team Dim Sun, the Ranger Union promptly promotes the player to the rank of [[Top Ranger]]. At the Union, the player discovers that Keith has also been promoted to Top Ranger, and that Rhythmi has achieved her dream of becoming a Top Operator, where she serves as the player's guide. During the player's first mission as a Top Ranger, | Recognizing the threat posed by Team Dim Sun, the Ranger Union promptly promotes the player to the rank of [[Top Ranger]]. At the Union, the player discovers that Keith has also been promoted to Top Ranger, and that Rhythmi has achieved her dream of becoming a Top Operator, where she serves as the player's guide. During the player's first mission as a Top Ranger, they help another Top Ranger, named [[Sven]], investigate a Dim Sun mining operation in the Chroma Ruins, east of the Ranger Union. They discover that Dim Sun is searching for dark crystals for powering the Gigaremo devices. | ||
After defeating a {{p|Spiritomb}}, they also discover a massive hole, apparently left from removing the legendary "Shadow Crystal" whose current location is unknown. While studying the dark crystal retrieved from a captured Gigaremo, several Union workers accidentally discover that the crystals can be neutralized by a set of red, blue, and yellow [[shard]]s. The player and Keith go on to separately collect the sources of these shards; the blue gem from Almia Castle, the red gem from Boyle Volcano, and the yellow gem from the [[Hippowdon Temple]]. Although the player takes both the blue and red gems, Keith is captured by a member of Team Dim Sun's [[Sinis Trio]], who uses him to blackmail the player into surrendering the yellow gem. | After defeating a {{p|Spiritomb}}, they also discover a massive hole, apparently left from removing the legendary "Shadow Crystal" whose current location is unknown. While studying the dark crystal retrieved from a captured Gigaremo, several Union workers accidentally discover that the crystals can be neutralized by a set of red, blue, and yellow [[shard]]s. The player and Keith go on to separately collect the sources of these shards; the blue gem from Almia Castle, the red gem from Boyle Volcano, and the yellow gem from the [[Hippowdon Temple]]. Although the player takes both the blue and red gems, Keith is captured by a member of Team Dim Sun's [[Sinis Trio]], who uses him to blackmail the player into surrendering the yellow gem. | ||
Meanwhile, Sven raids Dim Sun's undersea base, stealing plans for an "Incredible Machine". The plans reveal that [[Altru Inc.]]'s tower is actually a massive Gigaremo powered by the Shadow Crystal and that Altru has been behind Dim Sun's activities. Realizing that the tower will become operational within hours (i.e. during the tower's "opening ceremony"), the Ranger Union orders all of its Rangers to attack the tower. Equipped with a specialized Styler designed to overcome the Gigaremo's influence, the player succeeds in deactivating the tower's force fields and rescues the yellow gem, allowing the other Rangers to launch an airborne assault on the Shadow Crystal at the tower's top. However, the tower reaches operational capacity before the Rangers can reach the Shadow Crystal. Altru Inc.'s president, [[Blake Hall]], takes the chance to destroy the Rangers' only hope of disabling the tower (the three colored gems) by charging the crystal to its maximum power level and summoning his strongest Pokémon, {{p|Darkrai}}. Darkrai instead goes insane from the intense power overload, attacks Blake, and darkens the area, preventing the rangers from approaching the Shadow Crystal. By empowering | Meanwhile, Sven raids Dim Sun's undersea base, stealing plans for an "Incredible Machine". The plans reveal that [[Altru Inc.]]'s tower is actually a massive Gigaremo powered by the Shadow Crystal and that Altru has been behind Dim Sun's activities. Realizing that the tower will become operational within hours (i.e. during the tower's "opening ceremony"), the Ranger Union orders all of its Rangers to attack the tower. Equipped with a specialized Styler designed to overcome the Gigaremo's influence, the player succeeds in deactivating the tower's force fields and rescues the yellow gem, allowing the other Rangers to launch an airborne assault on the Shadow Crystal at the tower's top. However, the tower reaches operational capacity before the Rangers can reach the Shadow Crystal. Altru Inc.'s president, [[Blake Hall]], takes the chance to destroy the Rangers' only hope of disabling the tower (the three colored gems) by charging the crystal to its maximum power level and summoning his strongest Pokémon, {{p|Darkrai}}. Darkrai instead goes insane from the intense power overload, attacks Blake, and darkens the area, preventing the rangers from approaching the Shadow Crystal. By empowering their Styler with the gems, the player stops Darkrai's rage, allowing the other Rangers to disable the tower by converting the Shadow Crystal into a "Luminous Crystal" which undoes the mental torture inflicted on Almia's Pokémon. In the end, peace returns to Almia and its inhabitants, and the characters enjoy a concert originally planned for Altru Inc. (ironically played by the [[Go-Rock Quads]] from the original {{vg|Pokémon Ranger}} game) while the player returns home to their family. The game ends showing Darkrai circling the Luminous Crystal, signifying the return of peace. | ||
==Blurb== | ==Blurb== | ||
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==Reception== | ==Reception== | ||
Shadows of Almia received mixed reviews in the press. It was described as being "more accessible and enjoyable than its predecessor" by [[Official Nintendo Magazine]]<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100716081411/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=6507 DS Review: Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia - Official Nintendo Magazine] (archive)</ref> and as "a no-nonsense fun game" by N-Europe Magazine.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20081209011102/www.n-europe.com/review.php?rid=428 N-Europe: Review: Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia] (archive)</ref> However, it was criticized for its similarities to the original Pokémon Ranger, with {{wp|IGN}} commenting that "for the Pokémon fans that already got their fix two years ago, this isn't necessary"<ref>[ | Shadows of Almia received mixed reviews in the press. It was described as being "more accessible and enjoyable than its predecessor" by [[Official Nintendo Magazine]]<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100716081411/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=6507 DS Review: Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia - Official Nintendo Magazine] (archive)</ref> and as "a no-nonsense fun game" by N-Europe Magazine.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20081209011102/www.n-europe.com/review.php?rid=428 N-Europe: Review: Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia] (archive)</ref> However, it was criticized for its similarities to the original Pokémon Ranger, with {{wp|IGN}} commenting that "for the Pokémon fans that already got their fix two years ago, this isn't necessary"<ref>[https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/11/11/pokemon-ranger-shadows-of-almia-review Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia Review - IGN]</ref> and {{wp|GamePro}} stating that "there's nothing compelling or new enough."<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110607104516/http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/208296/pokemon-ranger-shadows-of-almia/ Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia Review from GamePro] (archive)</ref> Gaming magazine {{wp|Famitsu}} gave Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia a score of 32 out of 40. The game holds an average score of 71.00% on {{wp|GameRankings}}, based on 23 reviews.<ref>[https://www.gamerankings.com/ds/944533-pokemon-ranger-shadows-of-almia/index.html Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia for DS - GameRankings]</ref> | ||
===Sales=== | ===Sales=== | ||
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====Japanese sales==== | ====Japanese sales==== | ||
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia sold 241,663 units on its first week on the Japanese market. | Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia sold 241,663 units on its first week on the Japanese market, with a {{wp|sell-through}} of 53.72%. By December 29, 2013, the end of its 302nd week, it had sold 662,155 copies. | ||
{| class="roundy" style="text-align:center; border:3px solid #{{SoA color dark}}; background:#{{SoA color}}" | {| class="roundy" style="text-align:center; border:3px solid #{{SoA color dark}}; background:#{{SoA color}}" | ||
| Line 217: | Line 217: | ||
| - | | - | ||
| - | | - | ||
|- style="background:#fff" | |||
| 41 | |||
| December 28, 2008 | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| 645,778 | |||
|- style="background:#fff" | |||
| 94 | |||
| January 3, 2010 | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| 660,005 | |||
|- style="background:#fff" | |||
| 302 | |||
| December 29, 2013 | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| 662,155 | |||
|- | |- | ||
| style="background:#{{SoA color light}}; {{roundybottom|5px}}" colspan="5" | | | style="background:#{{SoA color light}}; {{roundybottom|5px}}" colspan="5" | | ||
|} | |} | ||
==Gallery== | |||
===Virtual Console icons=== | |||
<gallery> | |||
File:PRSOAEVCIcon.png|Wii U Virtual Console icon (English) | |||
File:PRSOAJVCIcon.png|Wii U Virtual Console icon (Japanese) | |||
</gallery> | |||
==Staff== | ==Staff== | ||
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==Trivia== | ==Trivia== | ||
* According to the game's director, Katsuyoshi Irie, as written on the {{TCG ID|Cry from the|Uxie|Mysterious}} card printed in the {{tcg|Pokémon Card Game 25th Anniversary Creatures Deck}}, the game's Japanese subtitle "Vatonage" was suggested by [[Tsunekazu Ishihara]] as a homage to the winemaking term "{{wp|Lees (fermentation)|bâtonnage}}." | |||
* [[Fiore]] is mentioned many times in the game, as are characters from the previous games. | * [[Fiore]] is mentioned many times in the game, as are characters from the previous games. | ||
** The main character's family moved from the Fiore region. | ** The main character's family moved from the Fiore region. | ||
** {{ra|Keith}} and [[Rhythmi]] were originally stationed in Fiore after graduation. | ** {{ra|Keith}} and [[Rhythmi]] were originally stationed in Fiore after graduation. | ||
** Marcus, an Operator in the Ranger Union, says he's in charge of Rangers in Fiore. | ** Marcus, an Operator in the Ranger Union, says he's in charge of Rangers in Fiore. | ||
** [[Professor Hastings]] returns, as does [[Murph]], though he | ** [[Professor Hastings]] returns, as does [[Murph]], though he has since retired as a Ranger. | ||
** There are references to {{ra|Spenser}} and [[Elita]] on the Pledge Stone; they both wrote their goals on it. | ** There are references to {{ra|Spenser}} and [[Elita]] on the Pledge Stone; they both wrote their goals on it. | ||
** The [[Go-Rock Quads]] return as a famous band; they also mention that their name isn't "[[Go-Rock Squad]]". | ** The [[Go-Rock Quads]] return as a famous band; they also mention that their name isn't "[[Go-Rock Squad]]". | ||
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* Failing to stop the sinking of the [[Cargo Ship]] is the first occasion the player character in a Pokémon game can die. | * Failing to stop the sinking of the [[Cargo Ship]] is the first occasion the player character in a Pokémon game can die. | ||
* Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia is the only Pokémon Ranger game in which the opposite-gender counterpart of the main character does not appear in the game. | * Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia is the only Pokémon Ranger game in which the opposite-gender counterpart of the main character does not appear in the game. | ||
* The Virtual Console release of the game incorrectly gives it the title "Pokémon Ranger: '''Shadow''' of Almia." | |||
==In other languages== | ==In other languages== | ||
{{Langtable|color={{SoA color light}}|bordercolor={{SoA color dark}} | {{Langtable|color={{SoA color light}}|bordercolor={{SoA color dark}} | ||
|zh_cmn=神奇寶貝保育家 風湧篇 ''Shénqíbǎobèibǎoyùjiā Fēngyǒngpiān'' | |||
|fr=Pokémon Ranger: Nuit sur Almia | |fr=Pokémon Ranger: Nuit sur Almia | ||
|de=Pokémon Ranger: Finsternis über Almia | |de=Pokémon Ranger: Finsternis über Almia | ||
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[[it:Pokémon Ranger: Ombre su Almia]] | [[it:Pokémon Ranger: Ombre su Almia]] | ||
[[ja:ポケモンレンジャー バトナージ]] | [[ja:ポケモンレンジャー バトナージ]] | ||
[[zh: | [[zh:寶可夢巡護員 風湧篇]] | ||