PHOTOS PROVIDED Pictured are the playable characters in “Pokemon Ranger Shadows of Almia” along with the Sinnoh starters.

PHOTOS PROVIDED
An example of the capturing system in which you create loops with your stylus is shown. This mechanic was upgraded to include extra powers in “Pokemon Ranger Guardian Signs.”

Since I did a review on my favorite main series Pokemon game, I thought it might be fun to talk about ALL of my favorite Pokemon games. The following list will not only include main series titles, but the various spin offs that have wriggled their way into my heart over the years.

I will do my best to keep my descriptions of each game brief. Feel free to check out any of these games yourself if my review appeals to you! Many of them have been taken out of the general market, so cross your fingers you find a used cartridge somewhere.

1. Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia and Guardian Signs

Both of the games in my number one slot (I couldn’t pick, sue me) are sequels to the original “Pokemon Ranger” game released in 2006. “Shadows of Almia” released in the states in 2008, and was followed by “Guardian Signs” in 2010. Both games are, in my humble opinion, the most fun games Pokemon has ever released. They’re different enough from the main series games, but still have the basic exploration that satisfies a need to explore. In this game, you use your Nintendo DS Stylus to capture Pokemon instead of the typical PokeBall.

With this game, you’re less of a trainer and more of a park ranger — going around to help wild Pokemon in the region. You begin “Shadows of Almia” at the ranger school where you learn to complete missions and make connections in the greater region. “Guardian Signs” is just as good, and introduces a few new mechanics including Ukulele Picho who acts as your partner Pokemon, and the ability to call upon legendary Pokemon to help you outside of battle. In both games you’re tasked with numerous missions and must restore peace in your respective regions.

I really REALLY wish The Pokemon Company would come out with a new Pokemon Ranger game for the Nintendo Switch. I have no idea how they’d do it, but I want it to happen so badly.

2. Pokemon Platinum + Pearl and Diamond

I’m lumping these three games together because technically they have the exact same storyline. I’ll keep this ultra brief because I already did a review on “Pokemon Platinum,” and my opinion has not changed. This installment of the main series is my absolute favorite. For an in-depth reasoning for why this is my favorite, check out my other column!

3. Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Darkness/Time

This matched pair of games were released in North America in 2008 as a sequel to “Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Blue/Red Rescue Team.” The premise of the game is that you are a human turned into a Pokemon, and you have to join an exploration society that explores ever-shifting dungeons to complete quests. The only difference between these two games is game-exclusive Pokemon and items.

These games were always super fun to me because they didn’t hold your hand too much. They gave you a basic direction and it was up to you to level up and bring proper items to assist you in the combat.

I always feel like the Mystery Dungeon games get overshadowed by the main series, but in my opinion the storyline in these games are really on par with the regular games! Definitely give them a try if you haven’t already.

4. Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver

As the only other main-series Pokemon Game in this list, this pair of games earned their spot by being the first game I ever played where Pokemon can follow you in the overworld.

These are 2010 remakes of the 1999 Game Boy Color games “Pokemon Gold and Silver.” The premise is the same as all other main series Pokemon titles — battle, get stronger, take down the Big Bads and move up the rankings of the Pokemon League.

On top of the regular story mode with the addition of a Pokemon following you, these games also added in a mini-game called the Pokeathlon that allowed your Pokemon to compete in events. For when you beat the Elite 4 it had a national dex too, letting you collect Pokemon from other regions as well.

Also a very underrated feature of this game was the PokeWalker, which allowed you to upload one of your Pokemon into a pedometer and let you walk with them in real life. I used to take it to school and rack up so many points in gym class.

These games are easily one of the best remakes of a main series game ever made.

5. PokePark Wii: Pikachu’s Adventure and PokePark 2: Wonders Beyond

The final game(s) in this list was really hard to choose. These games were two out of around eight Pokemon games that were released on Wii. For that reason alone I included them in this list. I was a big Wii kid, and in 2010 when the first installment of this was released I was very caught up in a Pokemon Craze.

Both of the PokePark games were centered around exploration. You were supposed to run around the park as Pikachu and collect Sky Prisms, making friends and completing minigames as you go. This game was short, but very fun to run around in! It is the only Wii game on this list, too — I think that makes it a little extra special.

BONUS

6. Pokemon X and Y

I couldn’t NOT include this one, but I’m not going to go in depth. This installment of the game was the first one released on the 3DS and was the first one with character customization. I was so excited to make my character actually look like me (even if it took a while to unlock the customization features that matched my own.) It also had a specific area that made it super easy to hatch eggs to shiny hunt using the Masuda Method (if you know you know.) It’s near and dear to my heart, but not nearly as much as the other games in the original list.

Honorable mentions

Below are games that didn’t quite make my Top 5 list, but are definitely worth checking out.

— “Pokemon Pinball” – Game Boy Color – A super fun pinball game released in 1999 that I downloaded on an emulator recently. It has so much charm to it!

— “Pokemon Magikarp Jump” – Android, iOS – A game that is exactly what it says on the tin. You catch a Magikarp and make it jump. Weirdly addicting, but not something I play often enough for it to make this list.

— “Pokemon Scarlet and Violet” – Nintendo Switch – The newest main series game. It was a lot of fun to play, but was a little clunkier than some of the older games were.

— “Pokemon Go” – Android, iOS – A Pokemon mobile game that encourages you to get out and walk! It was a hit in 2016 but has somewhat fizzled over the years. It absolutely drains your battery even with the battery saver on.

— “Pokemon Conquest” – Nintendo DS – A weirdly intense turn-based tactical RPG strategy game. It was a crossover between Pokemon and the “Nobunaga’s Ambition” game series. It was very fun, but I’m notoriously bad at tactical RPGs — even more so at 12.

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Breanna Hanley is a reporter for The Express.