My Pokémon Ranch
A virtual pet game for storing and viewing Pokémon on the Wii.
My Pokémon Ranch is a 2008 virtual pet video game developed by Ambrella and published by The Pokémon Company for the Wii, released on the WiiWare service. It is a spin-off of the Pokémon series that allows players to transfer Pokémon from Nintendo DS game cards to a 3D ranch environment, where they can view and interact with their Pokémon using Miis. The game is notable for its connectivity with Pokémon Diamond and Pearl versions internationally, while the Japanese version was updated to receive Pokémon from Pokémon Platinum.
Quick Facts
- Developer
- Ambrella
- Publisher
- The Pokémon Company (JP); Nintendo (WW)
- Composer
- Miki Obata
- Released
- March 25, 2008 (JP)
- June 9, 2008 (NA)
- July 4, 2008 (EU)
- July 4, 2008 (AUS)
- Genre
- Virtual pet, Simulation
- Series
- Pokémon
- Modes
- Single-player
- Platforms
- Wii (WiiWare)
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
My Pokémon Ranch is similar in concept to Pokémon Box, allowing players to transfer up to 1,000 Pokémon (1,500 with the Platinum update) from up to eight separate Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Nintendo DS game cards to a ranch run by Hayley, a friend of Bebe who runs the PC box system in these versions. Players can view their Pokémon rendered in 3D and use their Miis to interact with them. Players do not need to own a Pokémon DS game to play; those without a game are given six starter Pokémon and a new Pokémon at the start of each day. Hayley gives daily requests for certain Pokémon not in the player's Pokédex, with instructions on where to find them in Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum. Players can obtain a special Mew and Phione, and Hayley can trade certain Pokémon she already possesses. Adding more Pokémon unlocks new features and expands the ranch.
Reader's Guide
My Pokémon Ranch received predominantly negative reviews, with an aggregate rating of 46% at GameRankings. IGN gave it a 4/10, criticizing the graphics as 'absolutely hideous' and likening the gameplay to a screensaver, calling it a 'sit-n-stare experience,' though they praised the Nintendo DS connectivity. WiiWare World (now Nintendo Life) also gave it a 4/10, describing it as 'half-assed' and 'obtuse,' noting the flawed Pokémon storage system, but considered it ideal for younger Pokémon fans. The UK's Official Nintendo Magazine gave it a 48%, finding it hard to justify the 1000 Wii Points price and believing it only appeals to Pokémon completists. However, Nintendo Power gave it a 'Recommended' rating. The game's significance lies in its role as a storage and viewing tool for Pokémon from the fourth-generation games, with updates adding compatibility for Pokémon Platinum, new animations, toys, and expanded storage. Despite its poor reception, it remains a niche title for collectors and younger players.
Did You Know?
- Shaymin can transform into Sky Forme if it touches the Gracidea toy in the ranch, but reverts to Land Forme if removed from the ranch.
- Club Look-see membership increased from 37 to 40 with the Platinum update.
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