However, if you don't mind perpetually getting rid of your Pokémon, and the repetitive linear structure doesn't bother you, what you are left with is a pretty entertaining game. In addition to the regular story mode, Pokémon Rumble Blast also includes a multi-cart two-player mode where you can battle your best toys against one another or play through the story cooperatively. The game also has a fairly robust StreetPass feature that allows you to view and fight Pokémon passively as you encounter other players. And should you win, you'll be rewarded with a special in-game prize.

Visually, Pokémon Rumble Blast is a delight. The Pokémon themselves look amazingly cute, and they're rendered in 3D wonderfully. Though the toy models aren't as detailed as those you see in Pokédex 3D, all 649 Pokémon look great. The environment in the game is fairly simplistic, but the different layers are presented with some considerable depth. Though the 3D effect in the game isn't incredible, there's enough "pop" during boss entrances and collection sequences to make the game a decent showpiece for the 3DS.

The audio is also fairly good, but not great. The background music can be grating after awhile, and is not terribly varied from stage to stage. However, one thing longtime fans will appreciate is that all the sound effects that you've grown to love over the years have been preserved. Hearing the signature electronic calls of Pokémon from as far back as the Red/Blue era certainly has some nostalgic value and is the best feature of the sound design by far.

Though Pokémon Rumble Blast isn't exactly the deepest Pokémon one-off tile I've ever seen, it does have a certain undeniable charm to it. Plus, having the ability to play as all 649 Pokémon in one game is quite the feature for the hardcore Pokémon fan. The lack of any real meaningful content beyond a linear action-based story mode does hurt this title, and makes it somewhat forgettable in the grand scheme of things. However, if you are just looking for a fun action game with some great 3D, Pokémon Rumble Blast fits the bill quite nicely.

By Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Senior Contributing Writer

Game Features:

Engage in intense, all-out action as a Toy Pokémon! Switching between Toy Pokémon is fast and fun. Simple, intuitive controls make Pokémon Rumble Blast easy for new and experienced players alike to pick up and enjoy.

Two new battle modes add excitement for newcomers and veteran Pokémon fans alike. In Team Battle, players are joined by two of their own Toy Pokémon as they battle numerous mini bosses in a quest to defeat a Boss Pokémon. In Charge Battle, two large battalions of Pokémon collide in an explosive event that challenges the strength of the player's team.

Pokémon Rumble Blast includes more than 600 Toy Pokémon to collect. Each Toy Pokémon has its own unique stats and power levels, and players can decide which one is best suited for each battle.

The giant Boss Pokémon - which are much stronger than typical opponents - add a unique and intense challenge as players battle their way through each stage. In Battle Royale, players strive to be the last Toy Pokémon standing in a fast-paced free-for-all where Toy Pokémon attack each other.