The Ultimate Hidden Gem: Unveiling the Elusive Lost Pokemon Spin-Off Game

As consoles near the end of their life cycle, gamers unfortunately must anticipate the closure of online storefronts that allow them to buy and download digital games. This means that digital-only games may be lost once the stores permanently shut down. One particular Pokemon spin-off game has already suffered this fate, leaving fans concerned about losing access to Pokemon Bank.

Prior to the eventual closure of the Wii U and 3DS eShops, gamers mourned the discontinuation of the Wii Shop Channel in 2019. While this greatly impacted fans of the Virtual Console titles available on the store, the shutdown of the Wii Shop Channel arguably had an even more detrimental effect on one of its major offerings. This includes the WiiWare games exclusively developed for the console, and unfortunately, one unique Pokemon spin-off game called Pokemon Rumble is no longer obtainable for purchase.

Remembering Pokemon Rumble

Pokemon Rumble, a delightful Beat 'Em Up game, had players beginning their journey as a humble Rattata. This particular Rattata, however, was a wind-up Toy Pokemon that sprang to life with a Wonder Key, eager to prove itself. Sneaking into the Battle Royale of other creatures, it faced disappointment initially. Determined to overcome this setback, our Rattata enlisted the aid of newfound toy companions and gradually grew in strength, ultimately emerging victorious in the Battle Royale. This captivating tale not only served to explain the inclusion of small, adorable models from My Pokemon Ranch, but also added a touch of charm by representing lives as wind-up keys and having the creatures tumble and bounce like toys.

On the downside, critics found the gameplay loop of Pokemon Rumble to be somewhat repetitive due to its simplicity. Offering 4-player co-op, the game also introduced an element of unpredictability by randomizing the availability of certain critters for players to acquire. The objective was to navigate through a multitude of ranked stages, culminating in a climactic Battle Royale, while collecting new creatures along the way in order to exploit Pokemon's type weaknesses. Despite its simplicity, Pokemon Rumble proved to be an endearing and enjoyable experience, especially when shared with a close friend or sibling, garnering a devoted following.

What Happened to Pokemon Rumble

Pokemon Rumble, despite having several sequels, such as Pokemon Rumble U, Pokemon Rumble World, and Pokemon Rumble Rush, did not achieve the same success and charm as the original. Critically, each subsequent installment received less favorable reviews, disappointing the devoted fans of the original WiiWare title. The dissolution of the lead developer, Ambrella, and its acquisition by Creatures Inc contributed to the decline of the Rumble series, causing it to fade into obscurity.

The mobile game, Rumble Rush, had a short lifespan, with its servers being shut down in 2020. Additionally, the closure of the Wii Shop Channel in 2019 meant that the series' last moments only lasted slightly longer than the original game. Regrettably, this also means that Pokemon Rumble is currently not available for purchase, except for those willing to buy used Wii consoles that already have the game downloaded, which can be quite expensive.

Nintendo may possibly release WiiWare games on a platform like Nintendo Switch Online in the future. However, fans should not expect it anytime soon, as the company is currently focusing on releasing its collection of classic games. Despite not being a groundbreaking title, the original Pokemon Rumble had a distinct and endearing appeal to those who played it, and its absence will be felt.