Top 10 Pokemon Spinoff Games

10. Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Red/Blue Rescue Team

These dungeon crawling games weren't the best spin-off, but they were the starting point for the even better games that followed. This game had many issues: broken IQ mechanics, several 99 floor dungeons, and semi-broken graphics. Also, the plot leaves a bit to be desired. However, this massive game has so much replay value and difficulty that I have only beat it twice all the way through. Ridiculously difficult, by the way.
















9. Pokemon Conquest

What do you get when you cross Pokemon and Fire Emblem? This game. It had a decent setting and nice gameplay, but it sort of got old fast. Also, this game's plot is only one third of everything you can do. The special stories make this ridiculously hard to finish, and I never did. Maybe one day if I'm really bored and want to complete 30 insanely hard and long missions.









8. Pokemon Snap

I will get lots of flak for not putting this at the top of the list, but it's not top of the list worthy. Let's take pictures of 63 Pokemon! Hardly. Anyway, a good game and a childhood memory earn Pokemon Snap this spot. Some good gameplay, but it would be better if it had more Pokemon in it. Wii U Remake, Please? I would buy it.








7. Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia

The first Pokemon Ranger game that I played. It's got the Pokemon Ranger gameplay you know: draw circles around Pokemon. Granted, this gets old real fast, but you also face increasingly difficult Pokemon to make it more interesting. Sure, target clears and battling Team Dim Sun weren't the best parts of it, but it's got a good premise and it delivers.









6. Pokemon Ranger: Guardian Signs

The second Ranger game I played, this one gets a slight edge with better graphics, story, and mechanics. Also, who doesn't love summoning and riding Raikou, Entei, Suicune and Latios? Anyway, it's a little sillier than Shadows of Almia, but it's also more colorful and fun.









5. Pokemon Stadium

While Pokemon Stadium is outdated with only the first generation of Pokemon at this point, it still has the memory of insane difficulty if you didn't have your own Pokemon and great mini-games. Run, Rattata, Run, Magikarp Splash, Lickitung Lick...Great multiplayer fun, all of them.









4. Pokemon Battle Revolution

Essentially the modern Pokemon Stadium. While lacking mini-games or a plot, this game makes up for it with truly amazing 3D graphics and four generations of Pokemon to show off. I still can't beat the final boss on the hardest difficulty.










3. Pokemon Colosseum

Pokemon Colosseum is unlike any other Pokemon game (except its sequel). You start with Umberon and Espeon. You get to Snag Pokemon, and not just any Pokemon: Shadow Pokemon. This game, while boasting level curve issues, has several great things going for it. It's so much fun to play, and it has great graphics and music. You'll enjoy it.











2. Pokemon XD: Gales of Darkness

This game fixes several issues with Pokemon Colosseum. It provides an easier way to purify many Pokemon (which you'll need, because there are many more), fixes the level curve, and expands the game immensely. It's very good.











1. Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time/Darkness/Sky

Now this is what improved upon Red and Blue Rescue Team in every way. A bigger and better plot, better IQ mechanics, and Gen 4 Pokemon. Also, the third game is essentially the enhanced remake you've seen in Emerald or Platinum before. It's better in every way and almost blows away the originals.

Worst to Best Pokemon Generations

Pokemon is great. Mostly. So here are the Pokemon generations ranked from worst to best. Also, ratings on each generation for a highest rating by points at the end (scale of 1-10 in six categories).


*Disclaimer* I am aware that your opinion differs from mine. This is fine.

6. Generation V
Oh, Gen V. You had the misfortune of coming directly after the masterpiece that was Gen IV. A poor spriteset, an overcomplicated evil team, and very pixelated graphics, along with making no mechanical improvements (I wouldn't exactly call triple battles an improvement) make this generation sort of redundant.



And another thing: I found the region to be extremely linear and boring. Also, Gen V bucked the remake trend with sequels rather than the Grey Version we all wanted. Don't get me wrong: I like parts of Gen V. I like the legendaries, Zoroark, some of the gyms. I just feel like they took too many risks with these games and as a result, it falls short. I'm sorry to all the Gen V fans, but this Gen is the worst.



Pokemon: 6
Music: 4
Region: 3
Evil Team: 3
Graphics: 6
Mechanics: 1
Total: 23/60




5. Generation I
The generation that started it all. I've never played the original games, but as I understand it, they were filled with glitches, broken enemy AI, and an unbalanced typing system. Also, the Special stat. Enough said. Now don't get me wrong--I love Gen I a lot. It's the reason all the greater games came along and they're cultural classics. All Pokemon Generations are great (except for V), but one of them had to take fifth place.

Anyhow, I've explored the remakes thoroughly enough, and I found that Kanto is a great enough place, but with Gen III graphics and mechanics, it's even better than before. In closing, the first region is great, but the first games aren't.











Pokemon: 10
Music: 7
Region: 9
Evil Team: 7
Graphics: 5
Mechanics: 6
Total: 44/60



4. Generation II
Gen II fixed many of the mechanical problems with Gen I by introducing the Dark and Steel types and by splitting Special into Special Attack and Defense. These games include two regions, sixteen gyms, the final battle with Red. It also brought many great Pokemon to the roster. Not to mention color graphics.




One issue I do have with this generation is that the region isn't quite as good, the storyline is still fairly weak, and the team (remnants of Rocket) is even more forgettable than the first time around. Gen II has several amazing things going for it; however, they are outdated at this point. Nostalgia makes these games seem better than they are. Just play the remakes. They're the same games, but better in every way.




Pokemon: 10
Music: 6
Region: 7
Evil Team: 4
Graphics: 8
Mechanics: 10
Total: 45/60



3. Generation VI

Ah, yes. Finally, handheld consoles have the three-dimensional graphics capabilities that we saw on the GameCube so long ago. While Pokemon X and Y have no real postgame and add only 70 Pokemon to the roster, they handle the jump to 3D quite well and fix many of the graphical issues that plague Gen V. Not to mention Mega-Evolution and Super Training. Team Flare could be less silly, but it's just fine in my book. All in all, a great set of games. (Pokemon Z, please). They also set the stage for even greater games (Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire).

Pokemon: 7
Music: 7
Region: 8
Evil Team: 5
Graphics: 10
Mechanics: 7
Total: 44/60



2. Generation IV
Gen IV was a milestone in Pokemon. The first games to have built in wireless connections. The Physical/Special move split. The introduction of huge number of awesome Pokemon to the roster. Many accuse Gen IV of playing it safe and not taking any risks, but risks are precisely what made Gen V so outlandish and bad. Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum are standard and by-the-numbers Pokemon games, but they're so well done you can't complain.



Granted, Diamond and Pearl have their fair share of problems, but any of those problems were more than rectified in Platinum. It's what Emerald was to Ruby and Sapphire: it took two decent games and perfected them by fixing their several errors. All in all, Gen IV has great mechanical advancements, great Pokemon, and a great third game that has a bigger and better plot. The Gen II remakes don't hurt Gen IV either. It would be my number one if I didn't like the next generation on this list even more.





Pokemon: 10
Music: 8
Region: 10
Evil Team: 10
Graphics: 9
Mechanics: 10
Total: 57/60


1. Generation III
All right, complaint time! Too much water! Stupid villainous teams! A weak spriteset! Child, please.
Gen III is amazing. It's the region that feels less urban and more like an adventure. The other generations are about bouncing from city to city. This place has tiny towns. It focuses you on going places like a volcano, a desert, even the seafloor. Granted, Ruby and Sapphire aren't amazing, but Emerald took their problems, fixed them, and blew Ruby and Sapphire out of the water.

Gen III was very mechanically groundbreaking. Overhauling EV's and introducing natures, abilities, berries, and double battles hugely expanded the way you could battle. Not to mention all the great Pokemon. Who said that Gen III's spriteset was weak? Best starters, best legendaries, best everything. Also, Gen III is the first game to truly have an amazing plot. The evil teams, their impact on nature, and (if you played Emerald) the final showdown between the legendary Pokemon is still the best story in Pokemon to date. Anyway, this Gen has several great Pokemon and utterly amazing music. TRUMPETS. It's my favorite Gen and the greatest.






All right, call me nostalgia blind if you want, but I still prefer Emerald to Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. Now, I know I'm contradicting myself because I said the next generation remakes are better--and they are. No question, these are the better games, but Emerald is still my favorite, if that makes any sense. Anyway, these great games only further prove how great Generation III truly was and is.


Pokemon: 10
Music: 10
Region: 10
Evil Team: 8
Graphics: 9
Mechanics: 10
Total: 57/60

The ranking by points differs from my favorite games, but rather where I think they rank in the grand scheme of Pokemon. (Okay, it's slightly influenced by my opinion. Be quiet.) 

Point Rankings:

6. Gen V (23/60)

5. Gen I (44/60) tied

4. Gen VI (44/60) tied 

3. Gen II (45/60) 

2. Gen IV (57/60) tied 

1. Gen III (57/60) tied 

Top 50 Pokemon (Non-Legendary)

50. Samurott

49. Shedinja

48. Dragonite

47. Nidoking

46. Pikachu

45. Lapras

44. Hitmonlee

43. Castform

42. Rhyperior

41. Jolteon

40. Kecleon

39. Eevee

38. Wailord

37. Aerodactyl

36. Machamp

35. Aggron

34. Drapion

33. Torterra

32. Steelix

31. Gengar

30. Staraptor

29. Bulbasaur

28. Squirtle

27. Crobat

26. Mudkip

25. Espeon

24. Swampert

23. Flygon

22. Rampardos

21. Aerodactyl

20. Armaldo

19. Toxicroak

18. Kabutops

17. Absol

16. Snorlax

15. Salamence

14. Scyther

13. Tyranitar

12. Spiritomb

11. Typhlosion

10. Blastoise

9. Empoleon

8. Charizard

7. Garchomp

6. Metagross

5. Scizor

4. Umbreon

3. Grovyle

2. Infernape

1. Blaziken

Top 25 Legendary Pokemon

25. Regigigas

24. Reshiram

23. Zekrom

22. Mew

21. Entei

20. Suicune

19. Raikou

18. Moltres

17. Palkia

16. Registeel

15. Articuno

14. Heatran

13. Deoxys

12. Ho-oh

11. Groudon

10. Latios

9. Lugia

8. Zapdos

7. Arceus

6. Darkrai

5. Mewtwo

4. Kyogre

3. Dialga

2. Giratina

1. Rayquaza

Best Pokemon Songs

25. Team Plasma Grunt (Black/White)

24. Ice Path (HeartGold/SoulSilver)

23. Fuchsia City (FireRed/LeafGreen)

22. Route 209 (Diamond/Pearl/Platinum)

21. Trainer Battle (Pokemon Colosseum)

20. Pyrite Town (Pokemon Colosseum)

19. Legendary Pokemon (FireRed/LeafGreen)

18. Route 123 (Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald)

17. Hoenn Elite Four (Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald)

16. Cipher Peon Battle (Pokemon Colosseum)

15. Nimbasa City (Black/White)

14. Route 11 (FireRed/LeafGreen)

13. Gym Battle (FireRed/LeafGreen)

12. Gym Battle (Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald)

11. Route 110 (Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald)

10. Hall of Fame

9. Goldenrod City (HeartGold/SoulSilver)

8. Trainer Battle (Diamond/Pearl/Platinum)

7. Surf (Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald)

6. Pokemart (Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald)

5. Team Aqua/Magma Battle (Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald)

4. Lance/Red (HeartGold/SoulSilver)

3. Four Island (FireRed/LeafGreen)

2. Miror B Battle Theme (Pokemon Colosseum XD: Gales of Darkness)

1. Route 104 (Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald)

Top 10 Pokemon Games

10. Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia/Guardian Signs


I'm technically combining two games into one here, but the games are essentially the same game with a different storyline and Pokemon. Also, I like them both enough that I can't decide which one to pick. Anyhow, these are both excellent spin-off games. I like the mechanics, the plot, and the characters. It's a fun break from catching them all, to say the least.







9. Pokemon Battle Revolution

Oh yes. While I loved Pokemon Stadium, the game was just a tad slow and a bit outdated, as it could only use 1st Generation Pokemon. However, this game brought 3D Pokemon Battling to new heights. Allowing you to fight other Pokemon or your friends with your own Pokemon from your games, this game is incredible. It has amazing 3D graphics, wonderful animations, and while it lacks a plot or mini-games (shout-out to Stadium), the graphics and gameplay will be more than enough to compensate.










8. Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver Version



HeartGold and SoulSilver are excellent remakes of what many consider to be the best generation of Pokemon. Personally, I've never been a huge fan of Gen 2, but I do enjoy the remakes quite a bit. With Gen 4 mechanics and graphics, Gen 2 gets that much better. It's not enough to be my favorite, but it's still WAY better than Black and White.

7. Pokemon Fire Red/Leaf Green Version

Now here's a remake that turned out to be a pretty sweet game (and started the trend of Pokemon remakes). Kanto, the first region--though not my favorite region--was a nice place once you got past Mt. Moon and Diglett Cave, and the graphics were a nice update from the old black and white colors in Red and Blue. Plus, who doesn't love a game with Charizard on the cover? All in all, a quite suitable remake.









6. Pokemon Diamond/Pearl Version

Oh yes. I loved the Sinnoh Region, and while these games don't quite measure up to the glory of Platinum, it opened our eyes to the fourth (and one of the best) generation of Pokemon. This game had the most advanced graphics of Pokemon, along with some of the greatest Pokemon ever, legendary and starter alike. Combine this with an epic plot and even better gameplay than before, this makes one of the coolest Pokemon versions ever.







5. Pokemon Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire Version

These remakes are incredible. All the people who hated on Gen III can eat their hearts out now. Take everything that was amazing about Hoenn, add gorgeous 3DS graphics, Mega-Evolution, updated mechanics, and expand the plot and character development, and you've got a near masterpiece on your hands.








4. Pokemon Colosseum/XD: Gales of Darkness


Now, while Pokemon Battle Revolution has slightly better graphics and runs more smoothly than this one, this game and its sequel actually have a story--and what a story it is. This time, you gotta catch 'em all, but not for your Pokedex. This time, it's to free them from Team Cipher, an evil organization that makes Pokemon more powerful by shutting the door to their heart, turning them into Shadow Pokemon. Dodgy premise notwithstanding, this game makes for an incredibly fun experience. You get to Snag them all, fight team Cipher, and wouldn't you know it, your two starters are Espeon and Umbreon. If that isn't enough to convince you, you're too hard to please.








3. Pokemon Explorers of Time/Darkness/Sky


Oh yes. Explorers of Time/Darkness/Sky. While I loved the old Red and Blue Rescue Team, this game surpasses it in every way. You're still the Pokemon and this game has a twice as epic and easier to follow storyline, amazing gameplay, better graphics, and just overall greatness. This game will make any Pokemon lover happy. This is one of the few games that will make me laugh out loud, cry, and feel in awe all within a few minutes of each other. I just love this game, and it is one of the best outside the typical RPG.




2. Pokemon Platinum Version

Aw yeah. This game retained all the glory of Diamond and Pearl--then added some of its own. With a new place called the Distortion World, where you discover Giratina's incredibly awesome true form as seen to the left, this game is as epic as it gets. This game has all the charm of the previous Sinnoh, but then added some, because this game added so much with its expansion that it gets twice as good. The story gets better, and the gameplay is so much better than before. Definitely one of the greatest games ever.




1. Pokemon Emerald Version

Emerald is literally the crowning jewel of Pokemon games. Call me nostalgia blind if you want, but I can't think of another remake that blew the first games so far out of the water (aside from Platinum). Improved graphics, story, and content make Ruby and Sapphire pale in comparison. This game has the best legendaries, the best starters, and quite a plethora of great regular Pokemon as well. Also, it has one of the coolest Pokemon ever on its cover. What more could you want? If that's not enough, after beating the Pokemon League, you get to explore several more amazing places and then finally meet the incredibly awesome Battle Frontier. This is the perfect Pokemon game and one of the greatest games of all time.