What if you woke up one day, and you were a Pokemon? What if all of the sudden you find yourself in a NEW world, where you can speak and interact with other Pokemon? The adventure begins when you and your partner Pokemon set out on rescue missions in a world ravaged by natural disasters. But what is your true purpose and destiny in this Pokemon world? That's the REAL mystery

You Come to the Rescue!

When the game begins, you'll take a quiz that determines what Pokemon you will become. You'll also get to pick a partner Pokemon, which is a very important decision. Be sure to pick a partner Pokemon that compliments your own type well.

After you make your decision, it doesn't take long for the action to get started. You'll be shocked to find that you wake up in the body of a Pokemon, and even more surprised to learn that you can communicate freely with other Pokemon. After recovering from this rude awakening, Butterfree will pay you a visit and ask you to rescue her Caterpie. When the rescue mission is complete, you form a rescue team with your partner Pokemon and embark on a mission to help as many Pokemon as you can.

Many Pokemon are in danger as natural disasters are devastating the land, and to find the truth behind all these disasters, you will need to explore one dank dungeon after the next.

Since there are no trainers around, you will need to lead your team into battle as a fellow Pokemon. Instead of reacting to orders from a trainer, your team will act based on the specific tactics you assign each team member. Based on your assignments, your team will perform in different ways.

No trainers means no Pok?? Balls. So, to get other Pokemon to join your rescue team, you'll have to convince them that you're a suitable leader. This is accomplished by defeating them in battle, and by having a suitable place for them to live when not on rescue missions.

Journey in the Dungeon

Dungeons are unique. Every time you enter a dungeon, it will have a new, randomly generated map. Item locations, stairs and enemies will change their location each time you explore. Since the maps are random, you won't be able to memorize the best way to reach your goal. It will take great intuition and a little luck to find the best way through each maze-like dungeon.

This is a new kind of Pokemon game, but many things remain the same as in previous Pokemon RPGs, including the diversity of Pokemon and the moves they learn. The game provides all sorts of new ways to confront your enemies. Your Pokemon still have their traditional moves, but those moves have new traits that let you customize complex strategies. You can link together moves and have them all execute in the same turn! Although these moves cost more points, the turn-saving combinations radically change how you view combat.

Friend Rescue

If you fail in a dungeon, there are serious consequences. You'll lose all your money, and many of the items you've gained during your expedition. But don't worry -- just as other Pokemon have called for your help, you can call for help from other Pokemon Mystery Dungeon players. They can then go into the dungeon where you met your match to rescue your party, allowing you to salvage the money and items you would have lost.

The game system you're using determines your options for how to connect the game versions. DS gamers can use the wireless mode; GBA users must use the GBA Game Link Cable. You can always write down and exchange passwords using a password system, which allows you to help other players no matter what version of the game they are playing.

Visit Pokemon Square

After you rescue a Pokemon, head to the Pokemon Square to take care of all sorts of business. The Pokemon-shaped buildings house all sorts of shops and services. You can buy items at the Kecleon Store, and Kangaskhan Storage is a place that will hold on to your items while you're in a dungeon. If you're looking to hone your fighting skills, go to Makuhita Dojo to get in some practice.

More than 380 kinds of Pokemon are available to travel with you, but first you need to make sure they have a place to stay. For this, you need to gain access to a variety of Friends Areas. You can go to the Wigglytuff Club to buy entry to a Friends Area. Sometimes you'll earn entry to an area as a reward or you can meet special Pokemon to gain access to their Friends Area. Once you've earned entry to a Friends Area, you can visit it and talk to the Pokemon who have joined your party.

*An exciting and dramatic story pulls you into an involving world of Pokemon never seen before

*Use various moves and items to complete your rescue missions and increase your rescue team's reputation

*Meet more than 380 Pokemon on your journey. Become friends with them and call upon them for help whenever you need to

*Strategic battles enhance the adventure as you explore deep dungeons and towering mountains