Pokédex 3D Pro (Nintendo 3DS) Review

Pokédex 3D Pro's major difference over its predecessor is that it has a complete database of every single Pocket Monster to date. Including the different variations of certain creatures, the total number spans more than 700, compared to the original amount that only covered the new creatures of Pokémon Black and White's Unova region. Also, unlike the initial version, all of the monsters here are unlocked for immediate reference, as opposed to the SpotPass and AR functionality needed to gain their data before, and as previously, there is a comprehensive moves list that covers all known battle techniques. Aside from that, the layout of information on each Pokémon is largely identical, providing all the Pokédex facts and figures one would expect, as well as possible Abilities, Type Advantages, Evolution Paths and Techniques they can learn, be it naturally or through breeding and Technical Machines.

Presentation of the creatures themselves has been given a boost, with a number of Pokémon from the first three generations having new animations over what were previously used in the home console Pokémon Stadium and Pokémon Colosseum games, and a higher number of backgrounds, menu designs and accompanying music to choose from when viewing the critters. When scrolling to the page of a monster, a quick voice over of its name is heard instead of the identifying sound effect of before (this can thankfully still be heard by touching a button on the page). Although jarring at first, this pronunciation of each Pocket Monster's name can be quite useful in learning how to pronounce some of the more complicated ones properly.

The Augmented Reality feature is still here and better than before, allowing for multiple Pocket Monsters to be captured in one photo, provided a copy of a particular monster's identifying AR Marker is present. Players can make Pokémon perform their animations for a better shot, or quickly see which monsters naturally has the better statistics in each field, be it Hit Points, Attack, Defence, and so on. Individual photo shots for each Pokemon's stats page can also be assigned, if wanted, making for a personal touch.

Completely new to the Pro edition, and being the main 'game' part of the experience, are the Pokémon Challenge quizzes; a subsection of question packs that test fans' Pocket Monster knowledge by choosing one of four possible answers. Categories include: identifying regional creatures; picking which monster the one in question evolves into; guessing which Pokémon is only being shown partly; and a few dozen other topics, making for a lengthy endeavour in completing them all perfectly. Very few of them will be a true challenge to any Pokémon fan that has been playing the series since the start, however, and this section is in no way comprehensive or entertaining enough to make for a sole reason to buy Pokédex 3D Pro.

As it stands, Pokédex 3D Pro is undoubtedly one of the most accessible and convenient databases on Nintendo's Pocket Monster franchise, and although it does not dive into the seedy underbelly of the franchise in regards to effort and individual values, it is nonetheless an essential tool for long time Pokémon players, despite the slightly drastic £13.49 asking price and limited amount of actual gameplay.