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PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond is a sequel to PokéPark Wii: Pikachu’s Adventure. Like the first game, this Wii game is set in the Pokémon game universe with players taking on the role of Pikachu. Pikachu explores the park, makes friends with other Pokémon, and is challenged to different mini-games along the way. PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond is a nice combination of a vaguely RPG-style adventure game with the mini-game format featured in games like Wii Party. Unlike those games, where players can choose whatever mini-game they want, this game integrates the mini-games into the story. They must be passed to move the story along. PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond is a fun way to interact with the Pokémon characters while exploring the world of PokéPark.
There is a lengthy prologue to the game that sets up the story. It seems evil forces want to take over PokéPark and wreak havoc on the Pokémon. Pikachu heads to PokéPark with his friend Piplup for what is supposed to be fun day of frolicking in the sand. Pikachu and Piplup learn Pokémon have gone missing. Pikachu is tasked with the responsibility of finding the missing Pokémon. Along the way he is challenged to skill games by other Pokémon. Winning these challenges allows Pikachu to befriend his challenger and earn berries. Berries serve as the currency of PokéPark. Berries are essential for gaining admittance to new attractions and increasing Pikachu’s powers.
The different areas of PokéPark that Pikachu visits are varied, making it fun to see what’s coming next. One of the first areas visited is Wish Park. It is promised to Pikachu and his friend Piplup that they will be able to eat all the cake they want in Wish Park. Of course, both are anxious to visit. However, things are not what they seem in Wish Park. The cake acts as some sort of drug that hypnotizes the Pokémon. Pikachu manages to escape, but Piplup is left behind. Pikachu learns at this point that Pokémon have been disappearing all over PokéPark. Pikachu must solve all the puzzles in order to get to the bottom of the mystery.
Game play is fairly simple. The regular Wii controller is held sideways to navigate through the park. The game instructs players how to use the controller before each challenge. The most common game played in order to win Pokémon friends is Chase. It seems all the Pokémon love this game. Basically you dash after one of them as fast as you can, charge into them headfirst, and send them sprawling. If you are successful at this, they become your friend. Friends are stored in a notepad Pikachu carries. Players can choose to control Snivy, Oshawott, and Tipig in place of Pikachu during the game. There are certain times where it is best to switch to one of these other characters to complete a task. Pikachu is unable to swim, so when it is necessary to cross water, you switch to Oshawott, who can swim. There are also certain challengers that can only be defeated by switching to a different character.
PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond is an enjoyable adventure game for any fan of the Pokémon universe. The game is even fun for people unfamiliar with Pokémon. The many different levels offer enough variety to keep players interested. The mini-games are not too difficult, but do offer enough challenge that they are not boring. Overall, this is an entertaining game aimed at young kids. The game has a lot of repeat playing value because the mini-game challenges can be played multiple times, and Pikachu can make different choices as he traverses the levels. Talking to different Pokémon at different times will yield different results. The many different characters to meet and areas to explore will keep players entertained for a long time.
PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond is rated E (Everyone) by the ESRB for Cartoon Violence and Comic Mischief.
