When the first Pokemon Ranger came out, I picked it up almost solely for the bonus, transferable Manaphy. Unfortunately, as 2007 showed us, Manaphy is probably the most widespread event Pokemon to date, and I feel pretty stupid. BUT - for those of you who enjoyed the game as something new to the franchise, you’re in luck this week!

Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia launches in stores today. Obviously, it’s a new place, new story, blah blah blah. On the plus side, it’s a bigger area, you can take more Pokemon and use new abilities. For those of you who just wanted the Manaphy last time, there’s a Manaphy and Riolu for your copy of Pokemon Diamond or Pearl, as well as a few more surprises.

Press release after the break!

POKÉMON RANGER: SHADOWS OF ALMIA LAUNCHES FOR NINTENDO DS

Players Protect Nature, Rescue People and Help Pokémon in Need

REDMOND, Wash., Nov. 10, 2008 – The new Pokémon™ Ranger: Shadows of Almia action-adventure game for Nintendo DS™ launches today and lets players capture Pokémon in a fun, new way: by circling them on the touch screen with a “Capture Styler.” Capturing a Pokémon allows players to use its abilities to overcome various obstacles and challenges they face along the way. As the game progresses the stylus-controlled Capture Styler is upgraded with new abilities.

“The first Pokémon games launched in the United States more than 10 years ago, and new fans are created every day,” said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “To date, the Pokémon franchise has sold more than 60 million games in the United States. Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia gives fans new challenges and new adventures.”

In Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia, players take on the role of a Pokémon Ranger, who works to help people, Pokémon and nature. Along the way, players meet and capture all kinds of different Pokémon who can help them overcome various challenges, such as fighting wildfires, rescuing people or delivering important packages. Different Pokémon have different powers that can help players as they progress through the game.

Players get to travel through a larger land, go on more Missions and experience more adventures than in the original Pokémon Ranger game. The game is set in Almia, a new region that has locations such as oceans, forests and deserts not found in the original game. Players can start the game as a boy or girl Ranger, and add up to 17 Partner Pokémon (special Pokémon that remain with the Ranger even after their powers are used) to their team as the game progresses. Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia features Pokémon from the Pokémon® Diamond version and Pokémon® Pearl version games (each sold separately).

For more information about Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia, visit www.PokemonRanger.com.

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