The Pokémon franchise has had numerous spin-off games over the years, exploring the various aspects of the Pokémon universe besides the journey of a typical trainer. One of these spin-off franchises is the highly regarded Pokémon Ranger series. Despite the critical acclaim, however, this franchise hasn't seen another entry ever since Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs released all the way back in 2010, meaning that many modern fans have never gotten to experience it.

The Pokémon Ranger games were created for the Nintendo DS in the mid to late 2000s, and introduced Pokémon fans to a completely new aspect of the franchise they had come to love. By introducing brand new game mechanics and never-before-seen regions, these games brought players an immense sense of both wonder and adventure. There have been many fans who have been hoping for a new entry in the franchise, though that might be rather difficult with the Switch.

Ranger Games Provide Insight Into The Work Of One Pokémon Trainer Class

A Career Path That Started With Gen 3 Games

Pokémon rangers are a trainer class that was first introduced in Generation 3 games, and many have appeared in numerous mainline Pokémon games since, with various alterations to their designs based on the region they were found in. Only a few years later, in 2006, the first Pokémon Ranger game released, providing further insight into what rangers exactly do and where they work. Since then, players have been able to learn about the various heroic and often dangerous duties of Pokémon rangers in brand-new regions such as Fiore, Almia, and Oblivia.

Unlike regular Pokémon trainers, Pokémon rangers capture Pokémon in an attempt to protect nature from both natural disasters and any evil individuals or organizations who seek to harm it. Their tasks include solving various ecological issues, defeating criminals, and also helping civilians within the region with various problems.

Ultimately, these games show that humans in the Pokémon world aren't limited to career paths that are just those of a Pokémon trainer or professor, opening up many possibilities to further explore what other careers are possible when working with Pokémon.

Unique Game Mechanics To Capture And Battle With Pokémon

A Completely Different Take On Pokémon Battles

Pokémon rangers also have a completely unique way of capturing Pokémon that vastly differs from the mainline games. Rather than using Poké Balls like trainers do, rangers utilize what is known as a capture styler to tame and bond with wild Pokémon. This device resembles a spinning top, and it captures wild Pokémon by constantly looping around them, transmitting friendship until they are inclined to help the ranger with their tasks.

The Pokémon Ranger franchise really stands out from the other spin-offs thanks to its completely unique game mechanics and use of familiar Pokémon in brand-new regions.

Although rangers do not primarily use their Pokémon for battling like trainers do, they are still able to utilize the Pokémon they've befriended to help them with capturing wild Pokémon. Rather than utilizing attacks to damage other Pokémon, the ranger's Pokémon utilize moves for what are known as Poke Assists. These assists can imbue a ranger's capture styler with more power, increase a wild Pokémon's friendship bar, or immobilize a wild Pokémon for the sake of easier capture.

Why Pokémon Ranger Hasn't Been Brought To Modern Consoles

Modern Consoles Are Missing Key Features From The Nintendo DS

Unfortunately, despite the numerous fans the Pokémon Ranger franchise has, it has yet to be brought to any modern consoles like the Switch after more than a decade. The main reason for this is that the prior games were fully reliant on the player utilizing both the DS touchscreen and stylus to draw their capture styler circles.

Without these components, it would be very difficult for developers to properly convey how the ranger's capture styler works, leaving many fans waiting without knowing if a new game will ever be made. The Pokémon Ranger franchise really stands out from the other spin-offs thanks to its completely unique game mechanics and use of familiar Pokémon in brand-new regions.

Although more modern consoles might not be able to completely recreate the original experience of playing the Ranger games on the Nintendo DS, it is undeniable that there are many out there who have high hopes for a new entry at some point in the future. Ultimately, ti cannot be understated just how much many Pokémon fans want to re-experience the exciting life of a Pokémon ranger in the modern day.