Released in Europe on July 4, 2008, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Explorers of Darkness are the second story in the Mystery Dungeon series, and its first games exclusively on Nintendo DS. They take the formula of Rescue Team, polish it and add a story of rare ambition for a spin-off. A year later, Explorers of Sky offered an enriched version: it is the one to favor today, but Time and Darkness remain excellent games.
A guild, a town, a story
The hero, an amnesiac human turned Pokémon, is found on a beach. Together with their partner, they join Wigglytuff’s Guild, next to Treasure Town. The game lives to the rhythm of the guild: a meeting in the morning, missions during the day, a meal in the evening. This routine gives the world a warmth that the first game lacked, and every guild member has a personality of their own.
The story takes its time before it tips over. The Time Gears disappear, Grovyle is hunted and Dusknoir arrives in town. The second half of the game dares to tackle serious themes, and the ending ranks among the most memorable in the entire Pokémon series.
The refined formula
Dungeons are still randomly generated and explored tile by tile. Explorers of Time and Darkness add many features: move link chains at Electivire’s shop, Chansey Day Care for Eggs, Xatu Appraisal for chests, and training mazes at the Marowak Dojo. Recruiting is simpler, and ranks affect the capacity of Kangaskhan Storage. The fourth generation makes its entrance in the series.
Limitations
Dungeons remain visually bare, missions end up feeling alike, and a knockout makes you lose all the money you are carrying and some of your items. The mandatory personality test frustrates those who want a specific Pokémon. The two versions differ little: only a few Pokémon are exclusive to each.
Time, Darkness or Sky?
Explorers of Sky retells the same story and adds five starter Pokémon, five Special Episodes, dungeons and many improvements. If you are choosing today, pick Sky. If you already own Time or Darkness, the adventure is still complete and the story identical: our Explorers of Sky guide will accompany you from start to finish.
Our verdict
A great entry in the Mystery Dungeon series, whose story left a mark on a whole generation of players. Explorers of Sky has since made it a little redundant.
What we like
- A powerful story and an unforgettable ending
- Life in the guild and Treasure Town
- Many features: link chains, Eggs, dojo
- A post-game rich in Legendary Pokémon
What we like less
- Visually bare dungeons
- A knockout that costs all the money carried
- A mandatory personality test
- Superseded by Explorers of Sky
