Pokémon Rumble Blast, known in France as Super Pokémon Rumble, is the Nintendo 3DS sequel to the WiiWare game Pokémon Rumble. Released in Europe on December 2, 2011, it was the console’s first boxed Pokémon game. This beat ’em up populated by toy Pokémon gains a story, game modes and the Unova Pokémon, but remains a simple button-masher, best left to fans of the genre.
Toyland
In a world populated by wind-up toy Pokémon, the towns’ Light Springs are drying up one by one. The player, a small toy Pokémon, sets off to investigate, makes allies and follows the trail to the culprit. The plot is light, but it provides a thread the first Rumble lacked. The adventure crosses about ten regions, from Travelers’ Meadow to Mount Firespit, each divided into levels with a giant boss at the end.
A collecting beat ’em up
The principle hasn’t changed: you control a toy Pokémon with only two attacks, and chain battles against hordes of enemies. Defeated Pokémon sometimes drop their toy, which you can then use. Toys don’t level up: to get stronger, you have to find more powerful ones, possibly with a “nickname” that adds a bonus. All 646 Pokémon from the first five generations are there to collect.
The game adds several modes: the Battle Royale from the first installment, Team Battle, where you control three Pokémon that can stack, and Charge Battle, where you lead an army of toys. Local two-player play and StreetPass round out the package.
The limits
The battles remain very repetitive: two attacks, little strategy, and levels that look alike. The cute graphics barely tap the 3DS’s power. In January 2012, we noted that the game’s sales were disappointing, despite heavy promotion. The post-game World Rank, which levels out Pokémon power, and the many passwords do extend its lifespan, however.
Should you play it today?
For anyone who likes collecting and chaining battles without thinking, Pokémon Rumble Blast remains pleasant in short sessions. It can only be found as a boxed copy since the 3DS eShop closed in 2023. The follow-ups, Pokémon Rumble U and Pokémon Rumble World, use the same formula.
Our verdict
A fun game, generous with Pokémon, but too repetitive to hold your attention for long.
What we like
- 646 Pokémon to collect as toys
- A story and varied game modes
- A World Rank that balances the post-game
- Plenty of passwords
What we like less
- Very repetitive battles
- Levels that look alike
- Modest production values on 3DS
