7 Unknown Pokemon Games You’ve Never Played

Unknown Pokemon Games

Since 1996, we’ve seen so many releases from The Pokemon Company and we’re here to talk about a few of the more unknown Pokemon games in their ranks.

We know it started with Red, Green, and Blue – then, pretty much every couple of years since we’ve had a new generation of Pokemon games to enjoy – but that doesn’t mean there haven’t been some duds in and amongst the hits.

So, that’s why below we’re going to shed some light on some of the more unknown Pokemon games in the series…

Unknown Pokemon Games You’ve Never Played

( We know this won’t apply to everyone, but there are some titles in here that you’ve definitely not heard of before – if not for a while!)

Pokemon Pinball – 1999

Okay, this might be one a few of you have played but it’s pretty obscure so we’re going to talk about it.

Pokemon Pinball (1999) is exactly what it says on the box; It’s a Pokemon-themed pinball game and like any pinball game the objective was to get points. What made this one interesting is, like the mainstream Pokemon games, you could also “collect ’em all” and complete a Pokedex!

READ MORE: Pokemon Myths We All Thought Were Real

It sold fairly well and was received well by critics, but we’re not sure why it’s just one of those games that don’t quite stick in the memory.

Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness – 2005

This role-playing game is the spiritual successor of Pokemon Colosseum and it never quite hit the mark, did it?

Credit: Gamelib

The main focus of this game, like its predecessor, is to capture and purify Shadow Pokemon using the Snag Machine. Each Shadow Pokemon also had a different set of moves to spice things up a bit! It’s a shame more people haven’t heard of it.

Sadly though, there’s a reason it didn’t do too well… It was a bit boring, to be honest, and a little bit of a grind compared to other Pokemon games of a similar ilk. If you knew someone with it, chances are they told you to avoid it unless you’re a hardcore fan. However, it sold well enough!

Pokemon Trozei! / Link! – 2005

Pokemon Trozei! is a Pokemon-themed puzzle title that was launched on the Nintendo DS under the “Link!” alternate title for European audiences.

This, in part, might be a reason why you’ve never played! However, on the flip side, you might not have played it because it seems a little… Gimmicky. It’s a Nintendo DS game that preluded the slew of mobile matching titles you can find today on the App Store ( or Google Play! Store if you have an Android device instead!).

This isn’t the first Pokemon puzzle game out there and it almost-definitely won’t be the last, but it might be one of them that gets lost in and amongst the rest.

Pokemon Battrio – 2007

This is one that everyone should have played but sadly people couldn’t. It’s an arcade game that was a Pokemon battler in the vein of Stadium or Battle Revolution.

It was marketed at younger audiences, so it’s gameplay mechanics aren’t too intense but they were a fun thing to play in-and-amongst the other arcade games. It featured three-on-three battles and utilised special pucks that affected the way in which the Pokemon are used. It’s a fun idea for sure but hardly competes with the core experience or the dedicated fighters.

READ MORE: Pokemon Generations Ranked from Worst to Best

Even still, it was sadly announced that Battrio would be discontinued in 2012 and replaced by Pokemon Tettra. So, that means you probably won’t be able to play it unless you know someone with a horde of decommissioned arcade machines.

Pokemon Ranger: Guardian Signs – 2010

We all know about Pokemon Ranger, but did you know that there were sequels?! Guardian Signs is the third title in the series and frankly, it shouldn’t really have been made. If you haven’t heard of it, you’re not missing out.

unknown pokemon games
Credit: The Pokemon Company

It followed the same gameplay beats of the previous two Pokemon Ranger titles but did little to elevate them. They added “Ranger Signs” which allowed you to summon Legendary Pokemon to aid you in each battle but it was hardly enough

It was a good way to get Deoxys on your other Pokemon games on the Nintendo DS, though. So, there was some reason to play it. Not a lot though… You would have much more fun playing the original Pokemon Ranger.

PokePark 2: Wonders Beyond – 2012

When we talk about Pokemon games on the Nintendo Wii, not many really spring to mind. Pokemon always felt like a handheld title, right? Well, there were a few that came out on the Nintendo Wii and one of those was PokePark 2: Wonders Beyond!

Credit: TheBitBlock

Sadly, though, if you didn’t play it you’re not really missing out on a lot! Like many Pokemon spin-off titles, it was a little bit strange and didn’t quite hit the mark. You play as Pikachu and any Pokemon game that has you playing as a Pokemon is a little unusual in our books.

What’s even weirder is that the three other Pokemon that you play when you’re taking on the foes of Wish Park are Oshawott, Tepig, and Snivy! What a weird bunch, right?

Pokemon Rumble Rush – 2019

Pokemon Rumble Rush was a free-to-play mobile game that followed on in the vein of the original Pokemon Battle Royale Game, Pokemon Rumble. It was wholly unusual and frankly we found it had a difficult time finding its identity.

It was the first Pokemon title to allow people to link their MyNintendo accounts to their phones though, although when you consider the fanfare around things like Super Mario Run and Mario Kart Tour… It was a bit of an under-the-radar title.

READ MORE: Worst Starter Pokemon: 5 Starters That You Shouldn’t Choose

Sadly, you’ll never be able to play Pokemon Rumble Rush if you haven’t already because it was shut down on July 22nd, 2020. But, let’s be honest, we don’t think you’re going to be missing this one!

Have you actually played any of these unknown Pokemon games? Are there any Pokemon games out there that you’re convinced no one else has played?

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