View source for Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia

{{Infobox_game |
name = Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia|
boxart = [[Image:PokemonRanger2 Package.jpg|250px]] |
caption = Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia boxart |
category = Action RPG |
players = 1 |
release_date_ja = March 20, 2008 |
release_date_au = November 13, 2008 |
release_date_eu = November 21, 2008|
release_date_na = November 10, 2008 |
release_date_kr = TBA|
publisher = [[Nintendo]] |
developer = [[HAL Laboratory, Inc.]]/[[Creatures, Inc.]] |
esrb = E for Everyone |
staff = no |
stafflink = Staff of Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia|
website_en = [http://www.pokemonranger.com/ Official U.S Site] |
website_ja = [http://www.pokemon.co.jp/special/ranger/index2.html www.Pokémon.co.jp: ポケモンレンジャーバトナージ] |
}}
'''Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia''' (Japanese: '''ポケモンレンジャー バトナージ''' ''Pokémon Ranger Vatonage'') is an action-adventure game for the Nintendo DS and the sequel to {{ga|Pokémon Ranger}}. It was released in Japan on March 20, 2008, and it was released in America on November 10, 2008.

The game is set in a new region called [[Almia]] where the base of operations is a Ranger School that the main characters have just graduated from. The selection of partner Pokémon has risen from solely {{p|Plusle}} and {{p|Minun}} to a choice between 17 different species. Additionally, there are several side quests and a card collection system used to power up the [[Capture Styler]].

Special missions can be downloaded from the Nintendo Wi-Fi service by using the [[Ranger Net]].

==Basic information==
* It takes place in the region of [[Almia]]. In the story, the player character starts out as a student in a Pokémon Ranger School. After a few tasks, he or she then graduates.
* The player can choose to play as a male or a female protagonist. The male protagonist is known as [[Kellyn]], and the female, {{ra|Kate}}.
* The game features [[Generation IV]] Pokémon.
* The player will have a selectable Pokémon partner. After doing certain quests, the player can choose if he or she wants the Pokémon to come with them. Selectable partners include {{P|Munchlax}}, {{P|Turtwig}}, {{P|Chimchar}}, {{P|Piplup}}, {{P|Kricketot}}, {{P|Mime Jr.}}, {{P|Cranidos}}, {{P|Shieldon}}, {{P|Croagunk}}, {{P|Machop}}, {{P|Pachirisu}}, {{P|Starly}}, {{P|Hippopotas}}, {{P|Snover}}, {{P|Misdreavus}}, {{P|Sneasel}}, and {{P|Gible}}. They can be changed by talking to them in the places south of the player's house. It should be noted that each Pokémon is of one of the 17 [[elemental types]] of Pokémon.
* The [[villainous team]] is named [[Team Dim Sun]] (Japanese: '''ヤミヤミ団''' ''Team {{tt|Yamiyami|Darkness darkness}}).
* [[Team Dim Sun]] uses computers called Gigaremo Units to hypnotize Pokémon and put them under their control. 
* The game has sixty optional, non-story-progressing missions called quests where the player helps citizens of towns. 
*After capturing the first 266 Pokémon in the Browser, the player can go up against {{p|Regigigas}}. The player must currently have in their party {{p|Regirock}}, {{p|Regice}} and {{p|Registeel}}. Regigigas is found in a quicksand pit, hidden in the [[Hippowdon Temple]].
* A system of collectible cards can power up the [[Capture Styler]].
* The player is able to ride on Pokémon in some environments, including lava, rivers and icy waters.
* There are three Pokémon unlocked in this game by ''Special Missions'' in [[Ranger Net]], in the vein of the {{p|Manaphy}} {{pkmn|egg}} mission in the prequel. These Pokémon are a second Manaphy egg, a {{p|Riolu}} with {{m|Aura Sphere}} and {{p|Darkrai}} with {{m|Dark Void}}.
* In addition to the aforementioned special missions, there is another group of missions called ''extra missions''. The rare Pokémon encountered during these missions are {{p|Dialga}}, {{p|Palkia}} and {{p|Shaymin}} (Land Forme). Unlike in the special missions, the Pokémon captured in extra missions are not allowed to be transferred to {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}} and {{v2|Platinum}}.
* The game can utilize the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection for unlocking both special and extra missions, but only for a limited period of time. They won't work for different regions, only the specific game version when the event is held. 
*Missions can be repeated but sending the Pokémon can only be done once.

==Reception==
Shadows of Almia received mixed reviews in the press. It was described as being "more accessible and enjoyable than its predecessor" by Offical Nintendo Maganzine UK [http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=6507] and as "a no-nonsense fun game" by N-Europe Magazine. [http://www.n-europe.com/review.php?rid=428] However, it was criticized for its similarities to the original Pokémon Ranger, with IGN commenting that "for the Pokemon fans that already got their fix two years ago, this isn't necessary" [http://uk.ds.ign.com/articles/929/929109p1.html] and GamePro stating that "there's nothing compelling or new enough." [http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/208296/pokemon-ranger-shadows-of-almia/] The game received a average score of 67% on [http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ds/pokemonrangershadowsofalmia Metacritic], 2% lower than the first Pokémon Ranger.

==Trivia==
*[[Fiore]] is mentioned many times in the game, as are characters from the previous games.
**The main character's family moved from the Fiore region.
**{{ra|Keith}} and [[Rhythmi]] were originally stationed in Fiore.
**Marcus, an Operator in the Ranger Union, says he's in charge of Rangers in Fiore.
**Professor Hastings returns, as does [[Murph]], though he isn't a Ranger anymore.
**There are references to {{ra|Spenser}} and [[Elita]] on the Pledge Stone in the outdoor class; they both wrote their goals on it.
**The [[Go-Rock Quads]] return as a famous band; they also mention that their name isn't "[[Go-Rock Squad]]".
*The Ranger Browser no longer gives ''flavor text''. It only gives the Pokémon's attack data now.
*When describing the quest "Murph's Ranger Contest", Murph uses the word "[[Eeveelution]]", which had never previously been used in the games, despite longtime usage as fan terminology.

==In other languages==
* '''French''': ''Pokémon Ranger: Nuit sur Almia''
* '''Spanish''': ''Pokémon Ranger: Sombres de Almia''
* '''German''': ''Pokémon Ranger: Finsternis über Almia''
* '''Italian''': ''Pokémon Ranger: Ombre su Almia''
==External links==
*[http://www.pokemon.co.jp/special/ranger/ Official Japanese Site]
*[[n:Pokémon Ranger Batonnage announced in February Coro Coro|Bulbanews: Pokémon Ranger Batonnage announced in February Coro Coro]]
*[http://www.serebii.net/ranger2/ Serebii.net: Pokémon Ranger Shadows Of Almia]
*[http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/yp2j/ Nintendo's Official Japanese Site]
*[http://www.pokemonranger.com/ Official Site]

{{Side series}}
{{Project Games notice}}
[[Category:Games]]
[[Category:DS games]]

[[de:Pokémon Ranger: Finsternis über Almia]]
[[fr:Pokémon Ranger : Nuit sur Almia]]
[[ja:ポケモンレンジャー バトナージ]]