Pokémon Conquest (Nintendo DS)
Pokémon Conquest is a genuinely clever mashup of Pokémon and tactical strategy that holds up surprisingly well — if you can track down a copy, it's worth every penny for the right player.
TL;DR Summary
Pros
- Clever tactical gameplay that's accessible but has real depth
- Huge amount of post-game content with varied side episodes
- Great for Pokémon fans ready for something more strategic
- Holds up well — the single-move system keeps battles snappy
- A unique, one-of-a-kind game with no real substitute
Cons
- Out of print and expensive — used copies run around $140
- Cartridge-only listings mean no box or manual in most cases
- Main story can feel short before the real depth opens up
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Extended Observations
Pokémon Conquest is a genuinely clever mashup of Pokémon and tactical strategy that holds up surprisingly well — if you can track down a copy, it's worth every penny for the right player.
Pokémon Conquest is one of those games that sounds weird on paper and then completely wins you over once you actually play it. It's a crossover between the Pokémon franchise and Nobunaga's Ambition, a Japanese strategy series — which, yes, is an odd pairing. But somehow it works beautifully. You're commanding Pokémon on a grid-based battlefield, building alliances, and conquering feudal kingdoms. It's more layered than the main series games, and that's a good thing.
The gameplay loop is genuinely satisfying. Each Pokémon has a single move, which keeps battles approachable without dumbing things down. You're still thinking about type matchups, terrain advantages, and which warlords to pair with which Pokémon. There's real strategy here, and it rewards patience. Kids who are ready to level up from the main series will find a lot to chew on, and adults who grew up with Pokémon will find this scratches a different, more tactical itch.
The post-game content is where Conquest really shines. After you finish the main story, a whole set of side episodes unlocks — each one starring a different warlord with its own objective and twist on the rules. It adds serious replay value and keeps the experience feeling fresh long after the credits roll. For a handheld game, the amount of content packed in here is impressive.
Now, the honest part: this game is out of print, and the used market prices reflect that. At around $140 for a cartridge-only copy, it's not a casual impulse buy. That's a real barrier, and it's worth knowing going in that you're likely getting the game without a box or manual. The cartridge works, but it's a collector's market price for what is ultimately a DS game.
That said, if you're a Pokémon fan who wants something a little different — or a strategy fan who wants an accessible entry point — Pokémon Conquest is a genuinely special game. It was undersold when it launched in 2012 and has only grown in reputation since. If the price fits your budget, don't hesitate.
Our Verdict
Pokémon Conquest is a genuinely clever mashup of Pokémon and tactical strategy that holds up surprisingly well — if you can track down a copy, it's worth every penny for the right player.
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What customers are saying
7 reviewsI was uncertain whether this title would live up to my hopes, but it surpassed them considerably. The gameplay is straightforward yet compelling—you'll find yourself unable to put it down. I appreciat...
This game is incredibly engaging and addictive in the best way. It's a fantastic contribution to the Pokemon franchise. The core concept of linking Pokemon with historical figures who battle for contr...
My son loves action-heavy games, and this title was ideal for him. The tactical elements also provided intellectual engagement. He encountered the issue of losing his collected Pokemon upon completing...
If you enjoy Pokemon and tactical strategy games like Fire Emblem or Final Fantasy Tactics, this will appeal to you. The grid-based battlefield satisfies strategic thinking, and the variety of Pokemon...
As a longtime Pokemon enthusiast since the original Red version, I've seen the franchise adapted into numerous game styles. Pokemon Conquest was unexpected for a Western release given its Japanese his...
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