Pokémon Dash

Pokémon Dash
Developer	Ambrella
Publisher	Nintendo
System	Nintendo DS
Release Date	JP December 2, 2004 EU March 11, 2005 US March 15, 2005 AU April 7, 2005 KO March 22, 2007
Rating	ESRB: E

Pokémon Dash is a racing game for the Nintendo DS that is spun off from the Pokémon series. It was the first Pokémon game for the DS and so far is the only Pokémon racing game. Dash was also a DS launch title in Japan and Europe.

Gameplay

The player controls Pikachu from a top-down perspective. Pikachu races against a variety of other Pokémon from the first three generations (as well as Munchlax from the fourth generation) and is guided using the DS's stylus between a series of chekpoints. There is a variety of terrain that can slow down the racers, but there are also power-ups that can try to make up for that. The courses also have portions where the Pokémon can race in the sky using balloons or using a Lapras to cross a body of water.

The player must first complete a practice mode to unlock the Grand Prix. This mode has six different Cups, which each consist of the five courses and can unlock additional features when completed. Pikachu will only compete against Pokémon that are the same size until Expert GP is unlocked, which adds larger Pokémon to the races. A Time Attack mode is also present, and there is a multiplayer mode which allows up to six players to race wirelessly. There were also Nintendo events through which special courses could be downloaded which starred Munchlax, Flying Pikachu and Surfing Pikachu.

Connectivity

Pokémon Dash is compatible with the five color versions from the Game Boy Advance: Pokémon: Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed and LeafGreen Versions. The presence of either cartridge in the GBA slot will unlock new courses based on the Pokémon in the player's team. It could also unlock special courses featuring the 28 types of Unown, the four formes of Deoxys and a Pokémon egg.