Pokémon Rumble is the first installment in a series of beat ’em ups populated by Pokémon toys. Released on November 20, 2009 in Europe on WiiWare, at 1,500 Wii Points, it has you fight hordes of mechanical Pokémon, alone or with up to four players. A small downloadable game, simple and cathartic, which laid the groundwork for Super Pokémon Rumble, Rumble U and Rumble World.
Toys that come to life
Thanks to a magic key, Pokémon toys spring to life. The player starts with a humble Rattata and discovers a world centered on the Battle Royale, where only the strongest can become Master. After an initial defeat, you travel through six locations, from a peaceful forest to blazing furnaces, recruiting more powerful Pokémon and trying again.
A collecting beat ’em up
Each toy has one or two attacks. You chain together battles against dozens of enemies on screen, and defeated Pokémon sometimes stay on the ground: just touch them and they join your team. Releasing your Pokémon earns money and recruitment tickets, which let you obtain evolutions or legendary Pokémon. Only first- and fourth-generation Pokémon appear.
Better with friends
The game can be played with up to four players, in co-op or head-to-head. That is where it makes the most sense: the chaos of the battles becomes fun among friends. Playing solo, the repetition quickly shows.
The drawbacks
The content is thin: six locations, little variety in the battles, and a progression that relies on collecting ever more powerful Pokémon. The reasonable price made up for it in part.
Should you play it today?
The Wii Shop Channel closed in January 2019: the game can no longer be purchased. Those who downloaded it can still play it, on Wii or in Wii mode on Wii U. The richer sequels offer a better experience.
Our verdict
A small, downloadable stress-reliever, enjoyable with friends, which paved the way for an entire series.
What we like
- An original concept of Pokémon toys
- Cathartic four-player battles
- The clever recruitment tickets
What we like less
- Thin content: six locations
- Repetitive battles when playing solo
- Only two generations of Pokémon
- No longer on sale
