Camp Pokémon
Is this kid-centric Pokémon title worth playing?
It may still feel quite weird to see Pokemon games on platforms like iPhone and iPad, but with the introduction of Pokémon Trading Card Game Online, we had to know more games would follow suit. They may not be full-fledged RPGs like the handheld brethren like the 3DS receives, but they're interesting nevertheless. Camp Pokémon is a fun collection of mini-games aimed toward children that's an interesting departure for the series, whether you're an adult or even a child at heart.
The Good
This is a free-to-play app that acts as an introduction, of sorts, to the world of Pokemon. It's clear it's very childlike in nature, offering activities like a Photo Booth, Find the Pokémon, Poké Ball Throw, and more. You complete these activities in order to collect pins, which can in turn be added to a pin book of over 100. So while the minigames themselves are simple, there's an interesting collection element to draw in older players who need some reason other than fun to continue playing. It's quick, simple fun to identify different monsters, and for small children who may not be quite old enough to play the actual Pokémon titles, these are decent training tools to prep them to do so -- or supplement learning, as there are plenty of identification processes.
The Bad
The game will undoubtedly be too simplistic for older players or the average Pokémon fan who enjoys the series because of its many challenges. The announcer, for instance, says things like "Look at you go!" as if this were a piece of edutainment, and other similar shouts of encouragement. Plus, there's not enough longevity to the activities themselves once you've played a few times. They don't get any more difficult, so you're just stuck playing the same things over and over.
The Verdict
Camp Pokémon is best suited to newcomers to the world of Pokémon or younger players, though the minigames themselves aren't bad for an hour or so of entertainment as they are. It's a friendly and frustration-free collection of games that should delight and entertain the younger set and offer some whimsical, momentous fun for everyone else. Plus, it's free -- you can't argue with that.
3/5
