I'm not sure what to say about this. It really is for young children. I think my 9 year old will quite enjoy it for a while, but my 11 year old will probably never go on it.
The graphics are very N64 - in fact the pokemon in this ranch look more blocky than those on Pokemon Stadium on the N64, so I was quite disappointed.
So what does this game involve? Well, you get to meet Hayley, who runs the ranch, and she tells you that initially she will put 6 pokemon into the ranch, and each day she will add a new one. You are able to put 5 of your Miis onto the ranch to play with the pokemon (you will be allowed more as you get more pokemon), and you can upload pokemon from Diamond or Pearl on the DS, although initially you are only allowed a maximum of 20 pokemon.
Obviously the quantity allowed increases with the success/happiness of the ranch. Hayley says you can insert toys for the pokemon to play with, take photos of them, allow others with the game who are in your address book to visit your ranch, and even hold parades where all your Miis and Pokemon march around the ranch.
Occassionaly she will put up a Wanted poster of a particular pokemon that she would like you to upload from your DS, and you will be rewarded with a gift if you can do this. She hints that she might give you a surprise pokemon for your DS game in return.
And that's about it.
So I would say this is strictly for under 10's and real die-hard pokemon fans. It's cute, but boy is it shallow!
5/10
My Pokemon Ranch: Brief Review
Linear Mode
