PokeRogue is a game that focuses entirely on battling. There is no exploration or overworld, just pure battling, which makes it uniquely addictive. Players begin by selecting their team from a wide range of starter Pokemon from Gen 1-9, each rendered in beautifully animated sprites. Each starter is worth three points, and the starting party cannot exceed ten.
During the game, players can catch more Pokemon, which become available for future selections. Winning battles earns players points and allows their team to be fully healed. In between battles, players can spend their earnings on items such as Potions and Revives, and progress to the next battle by picking a freebie. PokeRogue incorporates various items from different Pokemon games, creating interesting interactions.
Lures from Pokemon Go, for example, increase the likelihood of finding double battles, and there are level caps on each floor. Players can use Rare Candies to surpass the level cap and strategically use items to power up their Pokemon and gain advantages in battles. Shinies, rare and differently colored Pokemon, increase the chances of obtaining better items between battles. Players can find shinies in the wild or use in-game tickets to hatch eggs from Legendary or shiny machines.
While obtaining powerful Pokemon through these machines is not guaranteed, it adds depth to the game. Despite the differences in gameplay from the main series Pokemon games, PokeRogue remains relatively easy to understand, and its simplicity adds to its appeal. PokeRogue is a testament to the passion of its developers, evident in the stunning sprites, music, and gameplay. It is a labor of love created by dedicated fans of the Pokemon franchise.
