Pokémon Spinoff Games That Deserve Remakes
by Anthony GramugliaPokémon is a long series with a great deal of distinct, fascinating games. While the core games in the series are beloved in their own right, there are many other spin-off games that have developed devoted cult followings of their own. While the franchise has a history of remaking the main series games, these side games often are never mentioned again by The Pokémon Company after release.
This is one of the reasons why announcement of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX, a remake of the 2005 titles Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team and Red Rescue Team, came as such a surprise. Though the games received sequels, the latest one came in 2015, and many believed that, if the side-series were to make a return, it would be with a brand new game. After all, no Pokémon spin-off had ever received a remake. Now that The Pokemon Company appears open to revisiting these games, it begs the question: what other Pokémon titles should be next?
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Pokémon Snap
Undeniably one of the most beloved Pokémon spin-off games ever, Pokémon Snap is a photography game for the Nintendo 64 that featured Todd Snap, a photographer hired by Professor Oak to go to Pokémon Island to study the unique breeds of Pokémon living there. The game is a short adventure that can be finished in a single sitting if you know what you're doing, but for children growing up in the Pokémon popularity boom, it offered a unique safari experience.
Pokémon Sun and Moon incorporated a photography mini-game into it that reminded some players of Pokémon Snap. With the roster of Pokémon so much greater now than in the late-90s, there is potential for a new Snap to offer players a far more expansive experience than ever before. As recently as 2019, Game Freak Producer Junichi Masuda has discussed the possibility of a sequel to this cult classic game. While it doesn't seem like anything is planned, it's clear that The Pokémon Company is aware of the love for this 21 year old game.
Pokémon Puzzle League
Another N64 Pokémon title, Pokémon Puzzle League is a Tetris Attack-styled puzzle game featuring a Pokémon aesthetic. Tetris Attack is a game where two players play competing games of Tetris, matching up similar blocks in order to send heavy blocks to their opponent on the other side of the screen. The first player to reach the top of the screen loses. Puzzle League spiced up the Tetris formula by making it a Pokémon battle, featuring characters, music, and animation from the anime.
The Puzzle genre is one that never really goes out of style, but Pokémon Puzzle League's unique aesthetic led to it gaining a huge cult following. Most compelling of all was its 3-D battle mode, where players had to cycle through a three-dimensional puzzle, matching up blocks in order to defeat their opponents. With the popularity of games like Tetris 99 on the Switch, an online Pokémon Puzzle League might be hugely popular today.
Pokémon Ranger
Similar to Mystery Dungeon, Pokémon Ranger is a popular Pokémon RPG for the Nintendo DS. Set in the Fiore Region, you play as a Pokémon Ranger, going on missions to maintain and protect the Pokémon living in the region. The unique game was popular enough to warrant two sequels set in new regions: Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia and Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs.
However, since 2010, the Pokémon Ranger franchise has remained dormant. With Pokémon Mystery Dungeon returning to the Switch, perhaps it's time to return to Fiore and become a ranger once more.
Pokémon Conquest
This unusual crossover between Pokémon and the tactical RPG franchise Nobunaga's Ambition combines Japanese historical figures with Pokémon battles. Pokémon Conquest was released for the Nintendo DS in 2012 to positive reviews, but sold less than expected. However, the game has garnered a cult following for its unusual interpretation of Pokémon lore.
With the increasing popularity of tactical RPG franchises like Fire Emblem, a remake of Pokémon Conquest could bring to life this epic game for a new generation of game fans. Also, there is just something strangely wonderful about any game where historical warlord Kenshin Uesugi fights alongside a Mewtwo.
Hey You, Pikachu
In recent years, Hey You, Pikachu has somewhat become a joke in the Pokémon spin-off library. Few people really take the game seriously. Its microphone-based gameplay has aged poorly, both as a novelty and as a viable gameplay mechanic. However, with many modern games playing up the interactive element between your Pokémon, Hey You, Pikachu might be due for a revisit.
It would have to incorporate all of the Pokémon-Player mechanics from Pokémon Sword and Shield, updating them to center a whole game around you taking care of a Pokémon. It will also have to avoid the banality of Pokémon Channel, a game that tried to bring the Hey You, Pikachu experience to the Gamecube by allowing players to watch television with their Pikachu. It was not very good.
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