All that trekking around with a trainer, battling all and sundry can take it's toll on a Pokemon - every now and then, they need to get away from it all, take the weight off their feet, and take a break - free of their trainers, pokeballs, and worries. We're not entirely sure whether it's intended to be a getaway or it's where they "live", but the titular PokePark certainly seems to be where all the Pokemon under the sun like to gather. In the kid-friendly PokePark 2, it's up to you (or your little ones) to take control of the Pokemon themselves, as you explore, adventure, chat with and befriend the various 'mon, and take part in a variety of - you guessed it - hilarious mini-games.
There's a vague story line tying things together here too, as poor old Pikachu's pals have gone missing. Being the helpful little yellow electric mouse that he is, it's up to him to help find them, and discover the mystery of an enchanting new world. What that actually involves remains to be seen, but we're pretty sure it'll have something to do with making friends with Pokemon by beating them badly at the various games they like to play, or performing various tasks for them - like collecting wood to build a dam. What's new this time round is that up to four people can join in on a co-operative quest, playing as Pikachu and the three starter Pokemon from the latest Black and White Pokemon games. Cute Pokemon, positive messages, and a co-op mode for the whole family? It's certainly ticking all the boxes.
With all the attention they get, you'd think Pikachu, Snivy, Tepig and Oshawott were veritable super heroes themselves - with all the fame, fortune, and cuddly versions of themselves that that entails - not to mention the lady Pokemon... But there's always been one thing missing for the Poke-crew - something Batman, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Flash Gordon all have in common, and we're not on about a hefty dose of cheese. Up until now, poor little Pikachu, unfortunate Oshawott and co haven't had a catchy theme tune - sure, they've had the Pokemon theme, but Batman gets his name in his song, so why should it be any different for our Poke pals? Well, it seems Nintendo have bowed to the Pokemons' diva like demands, and have come up with theme tunes for each of the superstar Pokemon - which, handily enough, also tell you a fair amount the characteristics of each Pokemon. Not sure about the whole "catchy" bit, mind you.
First comes the quintessential electric rat, Pikachu, who's shocking skills prove useful when it comes to kick-starting a load of devices you'll come across on your travels:
Followed by the perpetually cheerful, warm-hearted Tepig, who's destructive tendencies will prove useful when it comes to getting past certain obstacles:
Then there's Oshawott, who's sad face seems to beg for a hug - as expected from a water-type, he's an excellent swimmer, which is sure to come in handy:
Finishing up with snooty smugleaf, also known as Snivy, who loves to show off by moving faster and jumping higher than the rest of the bunch:
While they may not tell you all that much about the game, at least the trailers have funky some tunes. PokePark 2: Wonders Beyond launches this Friday, on the 23rd of March, for the Nintendo Wii.
