[DS] Pokémon Mystery Meat 2: WHAT'S IN THE SANDWICH

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon 2: Time & Darkness
ポケモン不思議のダンジョン
Developed by ChunSoft
Published by Nintendo
Release: Japan (09/13/07); Anywhere not Japan: TBA

Yes, it's Pokémon Mystery Dungeon 2, the sequel to 2006's GBA/DS title. It's new, it's fun, it's Pokémon, so you know you gotta play it!

Just like the first Mystery Dungeon game, MD2 has the main character (that's you) wake up one day to discover that you've become a cute, living marketing tool known as a Pokémon. After you've taken short and scientifically accredited personality test, you'll be transformed into whatever creature Nintendo decided was "curious" or "feisty" enough to fit the categories. Along the way, you'll encounter all the Pokemon from the games, including the new guys from Diamond Pearl as you build your team up from basically nothing to a veritable army. Just like the last game, there's lots of dungeons to explore, and the landscape has completely changed.

Click for fic!

Spoiler:

Log, Day 1

I'm writing today to record the events that will no doubt be extrodinary to any outside reader. And though I've experienced these trials firsthand, I must admit still don't believe them myself! It must have been a week ago today that it all started, to call it a life-altering event would be an understatement! Still, I'd rather I not forget. Lord knows it could be the story of the century. Oprah may be recommending this log to countless masses in paperback someday... but I guess that would mean I'd have to go on her show to plug it, and I'm not particularly found of her format... Plus, I'd have nothing to wear... But enough about that! I'll try and recall the events in the order they happened... Don't think I'm embellishing, either!

Several day ago I awoke in a grassy meadow. Couldn't remember a thing about the night before, naturally I assumed I had been drugged (despite what anyone tells you, I can handle my drinks just fine... usually, unless spritzers are involved), and sat up. The world seemed much larger today that usual, but before I could even get my bearings, I was approached by a curious onlooker...

It was a Mudkip! There was no mistaking it. And that's not the end, either - this guy TALKED! Couldn't even remember what he said, I was just so shocked he spoke English! ...Kinda.

"Hey, hey, what're you doin' out here, kip? Taking a nap?"

"Whoa! Hey! ...A talking Mudkip!" I said, probably looking about a derelect as one could.

"Wow. Are you baked or something, kip?"

"No, no... it's not that... I just..."

I paused for a second and gathered my thoughts, putting my hands on my head in a vane attempt to recall anything that would have happened to have me wind up here.

"Why don'tcha throw some what on your face." The Mudkip said, seemingly sensing my duress. "That always helps me." He motioned to a small pond nearby.

"Yeah... sure."

I waddled over to the pool, trying my best to regain my composure. I had only placed my flippers inside it when I sa.... flippers!? Certainly would've noticed those before.

"Whuzzuh? GHuuuhh!?" I shouted. Two noises I have never said and haven't been able to replicate since. I jumped back from the water and felt my face. Round, soft... a beak. Lordy lord, a beak. Gathering my courage, I looked back into the water - and what did I see? I was a Piplup! I didn't know whether to act surprised or what, but I did know one thing: I never wanted Fillet-O-Fish more in my life.

"What's wrong, water too cold?" The Mudkip asked.

I restrained myself. Still befuddled, but not willing to admit I was, up until a day ago, a human being and not wanting to be committed to whatever form of asylum Pokemon have, I flubbed a response.

"Oh yeah, heh, it's nothing. I just, uh, forgot to but in my night brace last night! You know what they say, if you don't keep it in you're teeth'll go right back to how they were."

"You don't have teeth, kip."

"Uh, yeah, exactly. 'Cause I didn't wear my brace."

The Mudkip looked at me the same way my father did when I told him I wanted to be a street organ grinder. I just knew my Pidgey was cooked.

"Haha! You're a peach, kip! What's you're name?"

I cleared my throat. "P...Pippy!"

Note to self, never go on improv.

"Pippy? What kind of a name is that?"

"What do you mean?"

"It sounds like a detergent or something, kip."

"Oh yeah, than what's *your* name?" I retorted. Pointing my wing forward in an ultimately silly attempt to look defiant.

"Kippy, kip".

Check. Mate.

"Um, yes. Soooo anyway, Kippy. Where is this place?"

"You're lost. I knew it. Don't be embarrassed, kip, it happens to best of us. Since you're not a local boy I'd think you better follow me back to the village. Maybe someone can give you some ideas on where you're supposed to be."

"Village...?"

Just then, a panicky Pokemon rushed up beside us, nearly checking me into a nearby tree.

"Hey-! Hey-! You guys! Anyone here on a Rescue Team?"

"Rescue Team?" I asked. "You mean like, 'search and rescue', that kind of thing?"

"Yeah, whatever! I just need help, and pronto!" He said, flailing his arms.

Kippy looked down for a moment. I could tell he was up to something.

"Sure! We'll be glad to help! We're a real experienced Explorer Team, aren't we, Pip". He said a little *too* jovially, finishing with a wink.

"Uh, yeah, that's us."

"Thank the PokeGods! Finally!" A look of relief rushed over him. "Okay, here's the deal: My friend, well, he's not really my friend, but I know him, got himself lost in the swamp. Said he was looking for a lost treasure of some kind. He's not much of an explorer yet, and I told him it was dangerous but it just didn't take! The poor guy's probably neck deep in mud by now!"

"And you want us to rescue him, right?"

"Pretty much." he said, winded from his little speech. "Oh, and the treasure. Gotta have that."

"Treasure!? Okay, okay. No need to worry, kip. We'll handle this! Come, Pip, to the swamp!" He charged off before I could even begin to wonder what I had gotten myself into. I never imagined Mudkips were so fast.

"Ah! Wait, the swamps that-a-way!" The Spinda yelled, wildly pointing in the other direction.

Kip quickly changed his direction, skidding across the grass before speeding off past us. "I knew that!"

The Spinda looked at me, confused. At least, I think he was confused. He had the same dizzying look on is face from the moment I saw him.

"Your friend's kinda... eager, huh?"

"Yeah, um, i guess!" I said before sprinting off after him. I wasn't about to be left alone with a crazy-looking teddy bear, no matter how harmless he looked. I just hope Kip knew what he was getting us into.

-Pip

Pokemon has always been about traveling the land, taking in the sights, and subjecting small creatures to whatever whims your game-adled brain can conjure. It's a formula that's proven successful time and again (it's true, we've got numbers... big numbers!) and fear not poke-fans, because PMD2 is all that and more! Except for the trainers, wide open spaces, and battling.

Dungeon-crawling is the name of the game, and if y- Hey! Wait! Come back! It's not that bad, I promise. I know, dungeon crawlers have a bad rep, but if you give it a chance, you'll see, like any Pokemon, it has inner potential. If you've ever played any Fushigi Dungeon games (Nightmare of Druaga, Chocobo's Mysterious Dungeon, or even the first Pokemon Rescue Team), you'll know the score. Unlike the previous game, you're not just concerned with rescuing hapless Pokemon, you're primary objective is exploring caves and what-not to find treasure and items.

Click for fic!

Spoiler:

Log, Day 2

As we made our way to the swamp, I couldn't help but notice two things: the fetid methane-soaked air, and Kippy's utter lack of any sense of direction. We must have passed by the same log a dozen times, and I was starting to get worried.

"Kip... are you sure y-"

"Shh... wait, what was that?" He said, stopping suddenly in his tracks.

I listened hard, but could only make out the faint sound of bubbles popping on the muck surface. Maybe Kip had inhaled too much swamp gas.

"I don't hear anything..."

I spoke too soon. No sooner had the words left my beak than a quick figure pounced from behind a clump of large weeds. It stood in front of me, scowling.

It was a Rattata! It may be the bottom of the Pokemon totem-pole, but he sure scared the bejeezus outta me.

"Hey! What's the big idea?" I said, my voice a little shaky.

"It's a wild Pokemon!" Kip interjected. "Watch out, it may try and fight us."

"Wait.. why? What did we do?" I asked, still in my ready position of standing on one foot while my arm covered half of my head.

"Some Pokemon are just big jerks I guess."

I tried to pacify the Rattata. What if it tried to bite me? I had no idea where that mouth had been. Do they have tetanus shots in this place? Would my HMO even cover wild rat bites?

"Hey pal, listen I don't wanna-"

"Rattaaaaa~!"

"Hey, hey, cut it out!" I yelled, attempting to shield myself from its rampant blows.

"Hang in there, kip!" I heard from the side.

"Do something, doggone it!" I yelled between grunts.

"I'm cheering you on aren't I? Can't you handle one wild Rattata?"

"Oof!" That was all I could stands, I could stands no more.

"Aggghhh! Knock it off!" I yelled. I slapped the rat right across the cheek in frustration. The onslaught ceased. A sudden silence followed, with my attacker bursting into tears.

"Oh... oh! Hey, I'm sorry little guy! I didn't mean to hurt you so bad. I, I guess I'm still getting used to these wing things and..."

"No, fool!" I heard Kippy yell. "That's his Fake Tears attack! He's trying to throw you off!"

"Say wha...?"

Just then, the Rat's demeanor changed, he head-butted me right in theguy, sending me topping down into the muck. I scrambled to my feet, trying to keep my footing.

"H, hey, you... rat... guy" I said, winded, "Why dontcha... fight fair, huh?"

He stood still, I couldn't tell what he was going to do next, but I back away slowly.

The rat moved one space up.

I backed away again.

He moved forward.

I paused. He paused.

I moved forward, he backed up.

"Wait a sec... what's this?"

"It's Fushigi no Dungeon, kip!" Kippy chimed in.

"Fo' shizzle no wha-wha?"

"Mysterious Dungeon, man, Mysterious Dungeon".

"Oh."

The rat suddenly spoke. "It means everything on the current level performs actions at the same time. When one action is performed, be it movement, attacks, or just waiting, everything else gets a turn, too."

I paused, waiting for him to sucker punch me or something.

"I..is that so..."

"Yeah. You have to pay attention to your position and surroundings."

"Okay, so, what now?"

"Oh, I'm done with you now. I was hoping to find an Explorer Team to join, but you guys don't look strong enough yet. Best of luck to ya!" And with that, the rat was gone, just as he appeared.

"...I give up, what happened?"

"He ran off, kip. He must've thought we weren't good enough yet. If we increase our clan rank, more Pokemon will want to join us."

I sighed. "Ranks, dungeons, Fu...fuhhh...."

"Fushigi no Dungeon."

"Yeah, that. It's all a little to much for me..."

"You'll learn, kip, everyone has to.

Just then, we heard a noise, it sounded like a yelp, coming from beyond some trees.

"Hey, you think that's..."

It was. A Spinda, neck-deep in mud, was struggling to free itself from it's icky trap. Beside him lay an equally submerged treasure box.

"Oh God, finally! Hey, guys, help me outta here, OK? I've been stuck like this for hours and I have to scratch myself in two places at once!"

Kip's eyes rested solely on the treasure, coming to senses only after a moment of greedy anticipation. "Oh...! Oh, sure, we'll help you out. No problem at all.:

"Alright, alright, hold on." I instructed, getting behind him. "Kip, you get on that side and..."

A flash a light appeared, teleporting the Spinda and treasure chest away. If I hadn't of seen it, I would of totally punched the guy who told it to me, I can tell you that much.

Kip answered the question he just knew I was going to ask.

"It's our Explorer Badge, kip. When we hold it up, we can teleport any Pokemon or treasures back to town!"

"That's... nifty." I said.

"And it beat dragging their battered, almost assuredly lifeless bodies all the way out these dungeons, kip."

"So, we can use it too right?"

"You'd think so, wouldn't you? Yes, we can, but only after we complete a mission."

"But how does it..."

"I don't know, kip, I just don't know. Don't think too hard, it might hurt your head."

"Well, we finished our job, so let's get outta here. I'm getting a weird vibe off this place."

And with that, we whisked away on a beam of light. That thing really takes it out of you, too. I thought I was gonna lose my lunch for sure. Still, we made it back in one piece, and we saved somebody. Not bad, I suppose. These dungeons may be the stuff of nightmares, but I guess it's an adjustment. Not as much of an adjustment as learning to floss with flippers, but whatever.

-Pip

So what are your thoughts? Has anyone played the game yet, or are looking forward to it? I personally really liked the first one, and I'm definitely going to give this a look. Oh, and about the stories, I just wanted to do something a little different . This is also my first thread, so be nice!

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I don't know if I'll get this game. I liked the first game, but I stopped playing it after I beat it, just like I do with the standard games, so it doesn't really have any staying power to me. I had lots of fun while it lasted though.

However, I thought the story was very good (see my Chocojournal entries from way back), much better than anything else having to do with Pokémon (I even got teary-eyed at one point). If the sequel delivers on the story, I'd probably end up getting it.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Eh, the first game wasn't the best Pokemon spinoff (that would be Pokemon TCG on the GBC), or even the best Pokemon spinoff on the DS (Pokemon Ranger), but it was still pretty enjoyable. I only bought the first one when it came out because it was on sale, so this one is really gonna have to wow me if it's only available at full price.

Any word on the multiplayer? If it's better this time around, it may be worth giving it another look.

How ya doing, buddy?

Oh hey, now that both versions are on DS this time, maybe we can have co-op multiplayer, or use wi-fi connection instead of those uber-lame passwords when we need to send an SOS.

I remember pestering StarmanDX all the time to rescue me 'cause I kept dying in the dungeons. Gawd, I sucked :3

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Time has Celebi, Darkness has Mewtwo.

These are the only two that are supposedly unobtainable in the other version through normal means.

The first one was charming after a while... but I guess I'll just have to see how it turns out eventually.

The story for the most part is not that much different than the first game. So at least the story will keep me interested.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Originally Posted by Lacerta

Time has Celebi, Darkness has Mewtwo.

Well, I know which version I'm getting if I do get this game. Mewtwo is one of my favorite Pokemon ever.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Hmm...sounds interesting...makes me want to get the first game too....

I like the dungeon crawling type of game, so I might be picking this up.

I don't care much for Mewtwo, so I'd be getting Time then...assuming it comes out in the US.....or if I learn Japanese...whichever happens first.

FELIPE NO

People (or you) JUST discover the second installment NOW? XP

Anyway, I heard the "Wi-Fi" features are just for sending "mails" and downloading new maps/dungeons... but I might be wrong. @_@

How ya doing, buddy?

No, I had heard of it before, but never bothered checking into it further. My fave Pokémon spin-off is Puzzle League/Puzzle Challenge, followed by MD.

I don't care for either Celebi or Mewtwo sd I am not a Legendary fan. I'll get the one with the most exclusives I like.

Glad the story's similar.

I'm gonna be a Totodile again, with a Charmander partner haha. Definitely going to have Garchomp on my team :D

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I really enjoyed the first game despite the so-so reviews it got. The story was actually really charming despite coming from a series that's mostly moving from point A to point B with some battles in-between. Apparently this version's plot will be a little more elaborate, with you and your partner actually coming at odds with each other from time to time. It'll sure be interesting to see how that works out.

I haven't heard much about the Wi-fi features, either, but somehow it's used to help friends stuck in dungeons, either in place of or in addition to using passwords. Passwords will still be used to access secret dungeons and events, though.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

does anyone know when it is coming out in the U.S.A. plz tell me quickly

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

There's still no official release date for the game. I'd imagine Serebii.net [http://www.serebii.net] or Nintendo.com would be first to let us know, though.

...23 minutes. Was that quickly enough?

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Originally Posted by unimas

yes that was quick enough thanks so does anyone know what the questions are that you take to decide what pokemon you become

There aren't any guides that I know of online for this game yet. GameFAQs would be the place to the check when they do come up, though. I'd recommend asking Serebii or some other Pokemon-specific site for help with these games. They could probably help you out a lot better than we could.

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thanks for the help

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

so when does anyone know when the release date is around Christmas or in januaruy

FELIPE NO

Originally Posted by unimas

so when does anyone know when the release date is around Christmas or in januaruy

Is anyone here anymore

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

There's no official date just yet. Knowing Nintendo, this'll probably be released sometime in early 2008 -- around March or April.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

thank you for someone who leesons and answers me

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Sorry to bump this dead thread, but hey, the game is out. Has anyone gotten it yet? I wasn't going to get it, but after reading all the new changes to the sequel, I want it now. They made things a lot more easier!! Things include:

Quote:

POKEMON RECRUITING
- Friend Areas are gone, you can recruit whatever whenever
- When you recruit a Pokemon, it immediately joins instead of being a guest until you escape
- You can take up to 4 Pokemon into most story dungeons
- You can still recruit even if you have 4 Pokemon, the new recruit teleports home
- Recruited Pokemon stay in your party even when you go to bed

ITEMS
- Your bag holds more as you progress, and can hold more than PMD1
- Items given to Pokemon to hold are still in your inventory
- Held items are put back after returning to town
- Storage space increases as you progress
- Quest rewards are put immediately into storage regardless of bag space
- Gummies provide statups inside dungeons, as opposed to outside
- New item type: Lockboxes, contain random items, unlock in town
- New item type: Eggs, hatch into Pokemon depending on where the egg was found

AROUND TOWN
- New jobs let you take on outlaw Pokemon as minibosses
- Footprint-identifying minigame on some days, gives great rewards
- Item Swap Shop: used to trade type- and family-specific items for more powerful ones
- Lockbox Opening
- Egg Hatching

CONNECTIVITY/MENU
- Rescues: local multiplayer, password, and Nintendo WFC
- You can explore previous dungeons for items while waiting for rescue
- Team trading (fight NPCs of somebody else's team): local multiplayer, Nintendo WFC
- Wonder Mail: local multiplayer, password, and Nintendo WFC (downloadable requests only)
- Item trading: local multiplayer
- Email notification of SOS, A-OK, and Thank You mails
- Can rename your rescue team from the menu

I'm getting Time for Lucario. I don't care for any of the other exclusives. I'm counting on you guys to help me if I ever run into a bind XD I asked Star a gazillion times for help in the first game!

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

I nabbed both versions, but haven't really decided on one to settle with yet. Blah insists I bend space/time to my whim to play games so maybe I'll stick with Time.

Then again, Darkness has Lopunny. More than likely I'll end up going with Darkness.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Time has Lucario? Fuck, then I need to switch up the one I downloaded. ;_;

Is it just me or is it hard as hell to get a Charmander as your starter?

I was speaking idiomatically.

Is Cubone in it and is he still the best starter?

EDIT: Nope, now there's Munchlax. Yawn. At least Snorlax would probably be beastly, but who knows when you get to evolve (in the first games, you really couldn't do it until you beat the game).

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

@ Chaotic: Hell yes I was trying to get Charmander for so long I lost count of how many attempts I underwent. >_> (me wanted a docile Charmander, and that's what me gots)

I'm apparently not a huge fan of these dungeon games, but I made it most of the way through the other game (Blue for the DS, I played), so I may as well at least give this a go. I chose Time by the way, not for that lame-ass Lucario but for Combee 'cause it's so very awesome. ^.~ Not expecting to be blown away by it or anything, although I have high hopes for the muzak. Also when the hell are Nintendo going to announce Pokemon Ranger: Batonnage for US audiences? I want that game so bad it hurts. I want it so bad I would even pick this retarded piece of crap as my starter Pokemon:



See how serious I am, Nintendo? Bring it ovah here right now plz~ (Ranger was the most fun I've had in a Pokemon game for quite a while)

FELIPE NO

Originally Posted by Generic Badass

Is Cubone in it and is he still the best starter?

Cubone is no longer a starter, although I'm sure you can get one in a dungeon though.

It took me 6-7 tries to get Charmander. I wanted Charmander/Totodile and I didn't care what I got first since it takes forever to get the Starter you want.

I named myself Aero (after my AeroVeedramon in Digimon Dawn) and my Totodile partner Zero (after Tai's AeroVeedramon partner in one of the Digi manga). I named my exploration team Digimon.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

I settled for a Torchic (add in any KFC comments if you wish), and picked a Piplup partner.

Named him Sakabadger and he keeps getting me killed. Not a good partner >:(

Jam it back in, in the dark.