Released in Europe on October 12, 2012 on the Nintendo 3DS eShop, at €2.99, Pokémon Dream Radar accompanies Pokémon Black 2 and White 2. This little augmented reality shooting game, developed by Creatures and GAME FREAK, lets you capture Pokémon all around you and send them to your game. Above all, it is the only way to get the Therian Formes of Tornadus, Thundurus and Landorus in Black 2 and White 2.
Chasing dreams
Professor Juniper is studying the Dream World. With the 3DS camera on, you turn around to spot Dream Clouds, which you aim at and shoot to release Dream Orbs, items or Pokémon. To capture a Pokémon, you have to keep it in the viewfinder long enough while it moves around. It’s simple, fun for five minutes, and not very deep.
The Forces of Nature in their true form
The main appeal lies elsewhere: collecting Dream Orbs unlocks Refiners that bring out Tornadus, Thundurus and then Landorus in their Therian Forme, which can’t be found anywhere else. Inserting a fourth-generation cartridge then brings in Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Ho-Oh or Lugia. All of them have their Hidden Ability. See the Forces of Nature and legendaries.
A companion to Black 2 and White 2
Captured Pokémon are sent to Black 2 or White 2. Their level depends on the number of Badges: from level 5 with none to level 40 with all eight. See how it works.
The verdict
Pokémon Dream Radar is repetitive and quickly exhausted, and the augmented reality makes you turn around with the console in your hands. But for €2.99, it offered rare and useful Pokémon. It is no longer on sale since purchases on the 3DS eShop closed in March 2023.
Our verdict
A small, repetitive utility, but essential at the time for completing Black 2 and White 2.
What we like
- The Therian Formes of the Forces of Nature
- 4th-generation legendaries with their Hidden Ability
- A very low price
- Fun augmented reality
What we like less
- Very repetitive
- Few Pokémon
- You have to turn around to play
- No longer on sale
