Revealed by surprise during the Nintendo Direct of 13 February 2014 and released a month later, on 13 March, on the Nintendo 3DS eShop, Pokémon Battle Trozei is the sequel to Pokémon Trozei!. Developed by Genius Sonority and sold for 7.99 euros, it brings together the 718 Pokémon of the time in a puzzle game that is more strategic than it looks.
Line Up to Battle
The principle differs from the DS game: you no longer slide whole lines, you move a Pokémon to swap it with another. Three identical Pokémon lined up disappear, then, during a combo, two are enough. Each link attacks the wild Pokémon shown on the top screen, taking types into account: an Electrike hurts a Pidgeot, but not a Donphan. Once its HP reaches zero, the Pokémon is caught. See how to play.
More Strategic Than It Looks
Wild Pokémon strike back and drain the energy gauge; lining up Chansey refills it. Before each level, you choose your allies, the Pokémon that will appear in the grid, according to their type and special ability. Many species only show up under precise conditions: a high combo, a catch in one go, a super effective attack, a particular ally. Aiming for rank S and completing the Pokémon list takes real thought.
718 Pokémon and Thirteen Zones
The island has thirteen zones and more than eighty levels, plus the Safari Jungle, whose Pokémon change every day of the week, and Pokémon that appear by day or by night. There is no story mode: you progress from zone to zone up to the Eternal Ruins, where the legendary Pokémon await. See the zones.
A Style of Its Own
All the Pokémon have been redrawn in a cute style, with big round heads. It is readable and charming, even if the presentation stays plain, and the lack of a story makes the whole thing a little cold. Multiplayer, local for up to four, and StreetPass add a bit of life.
Today
The game dropped to 4.99 euros in Europe as early as July 2014. Since purchases closed on the 3DS eShop in March 2023, it can no longer be bought. Its formula was taken up and developed by Pokémon Shuffle.
Our verdict
A very good puzzle game, accessible and more strategic than it looks, which only lacks a narrative thread to keep you hooked in the long run.
What we like
- A puzzle gameplay deeper than it looks
- 718 Pokémon to catch
- Varied catch conditions
- A very gentle price at launch
What we like less
- No story mode
- A plain presentation
- Levels that feel alike
- No longer on sale today
