Name: Pokémon Battle Revolution
Genre: RPG
Platform: Nintendo Wii

The Pokémon series has always had very high standards which, for the most part, are always met. I do of course mean the real Pokémon games. The traditional RPGs that Nintendo keeps exclusive to handhelds like the most recent Pokémon Diamond/Pearl. The same standards do not apply to the console versions of the games as Pokémon Battle Revolution shows.

Just like every other Pokémon game for the consoles it lacks the heart that the handheld versions hold dear. It feels manufactured and incomplete and this may be because it is completely incomplete in every way. It features a single aspect of the Pokémon universe jam packed into a game that doesn’t need to exsist.

However, if you are a Pokémon fan, the game is damn cool. It contains every single little pocket monster and each is represented with slick graphics that do look like a step above GameCube. You can use all of the Pokémon already captured in the DS version of the game in this one by copying them over, a process that takes under a minute and keeps them locked in your Wii for further use.

The game sports a single player that is more robust than the previous Pokémon Coliseum and Stadium games – but not by much. The coolest feature is the ability to buy clothing and accessories for your trainer. When a game banks on virtual dress up to sell you know it is reaching.

The game also is the Wii’s first true foray into the world of online gaming. It uses friend codes (not tied to Miis , sadly) but that does not hinder the amusement to be had in seeing the same Pokémon you have tirelessly trained for hundreds of hours on the DS get destroyed by some kid in Japan. Sure, it was possible to do this on the DS, but now you can do it in 3D.

As stated above: the game doesn’t suck. If you have the DS version I highly recommend getting this game just to extend its gameplay. Pokémon Battle Revolution should never have been made. Instead, Nintendo should spend the time and money it could to make a complete Pokémon game for the Wii. As of now we need to settle with this.