Mystery Dungeon is More Than Pokémon 

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So basically what you're saying is we could of had a Zelda Mystery Dungeon game? I would love to play that.

There’s something so magical about early niche fandoms. You didn’t have the internet to share your love for a genre. You kinda just had to find others at your local arcade that liked the games you liked. I could just imagine some Japanese teens meeting at a local game club to discuss this new genre.

Shiren the Wanderer is actually so good. I wish more people discovered how good the series is. When you learn all the tips and tricks, you can appreciate how good the games are.

The JRPG 'Lufia 2' (1995) also has a roguelike dungeon in the post game, that temporarely resets your level to 1 and starts you with nothing and task you with climbing through floors. There's a whole mystery dungeon game hidden inside that game.

"Chunsoft was too small to approach Nintendo with the idea." *shows footage of BYG's Cadence of Hyrule* The joke is even better considering that Spike Chunsoft is the Japanese publisher for the game. Took 30 years, but they kinda made it happen.

I highly recommend Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island! It's incredibly fun and a great entry point to Shiren the Wanderer in my opinion.

Azure Dreams on PS1 was something of a spiritual sequel to the Mystery Dungeon games, except it also features townbuilding of sorts, monster raising and dating.

Dragon Quest really did the monster catching mechanic and Mystery Dungeon before Pokemon.

While not _officially_ a Mystery Dungeon game, Digimon World 2 is heavily inspired by the series and borrows a good number of mechanics, while fusing them with RPG and creature raising mechanics. Although ultimately Pokemon perfected this fusion, Digimon was _my_ introduction to it.

Still funny to me that Shiren the Wanderer 6 released in the West on Pokemon Day. There's no way that's a coincidence.

The Izuna games on DS are also really good mystery dungeon-like games that are worth checking out if you're a fan of the genre. A 3rd Izuna game is currently in the works for Nintendo Switch.

Fun fact, there's also a Japanese One Piece game that's very similar to Mystery Dungeon called Chopper's Big Adventure. And on top of the similar gameplay it even has the humans turn into animals and everything. And this was before Pokémon did it if I'm not mistaken.

I think ZHP the unloosing hero is a notable mention of a game doing the mystery dungeon formula

The Void Terrarium games (spelled differently but I can't be bothered to look it up right now) are also Mystery Dungeon-likes, and both titles in the series have demos on the Switch eShop. Check em out!

Final Fantasy Fables Chocobo's Mystery Dungeon was my 1st entry into the series.

There's also an extra game mode in Final Fantasy X-2 which is basically a mystery dungeon game!!

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Blue Rescue Team is THE game that got me into video games. After little me being used to simple and licensed games, I was surprised the a game can have a story in the same vein as a show or movie.

Like a lot of people, my Mystery Dungeon experience doesn't extend past Pokémon, but that's not for lack of trying. I bought Chocobo's Mystery Dungeon on Wii, but the disc was scratched. Ended up getting (and enjoying) A Boy and His Blob instead.

dont stretch 4:3 to 16:9

still miffed we didn’t get Etrian Mystery Dungeon 2 in the west.

Etrian Mystery Dungeon is highly underrated in my opinion. It’s not much on the story side, but I love the mechanics and the art style.

As a fan of Shiren the Wanderer, Chocobo Mystery Dungeon and Etrian Odyssey my first thought upon seeing this thumbnail was “Yeah, duh.” And then I remembered most people’s only exposure to the Mystery Dungeon format is via Pokemon.

Azure Dreams on ps1 was my first rogue-like game and I was hooked. Wish I'd picked up Torneko and Chocobo's mystery dungeon before they got insane priced, but there are still ways. LOVE that Shiren lives on, its such a cool series and super in depth randomness.

After playing Dragon Quest 4 I was quite surprised to learn Torneko had spin-offs, but he is a pretty charming character.

Started off with PMD Red Rescue as a young boi, and then played EoS before I sorta fell off the franchise for some time. Then I was drawn back into the franchise thanks to some Japanese youtubers, and I began again with Shiren 1 and Torneko 1, before buying 5+ and then trying out 2 and Asuka Kenzan via translation patches before 6 released. Just yesterday, I was able to complete my first 99F dungeon at 188 hours in, which was a heart stopper at the end, to say the least. But I really do appreciate everything that Shiren does, and at the same time can’t really look at the Pokemon side the same way ever again. Getting used to ID’ing and utilizing items in ways Pokemon never could, playing around monster abilities that can be a potential run ender, it’s addicting. I will say Shiren 6 does have a cute little nod to PMD tho in the form of an alternative playstyle, unfortunately it’s currently a one time deal that you can’t utilize outside of the first clear of the dungeon, but with Spike Chunsoft confirming they’re working on updates, it’s possible we’ll be able to use the form outside of that dungeon or, at the very least, be able to rerun the dungeon with it.

i used to play the mystery dungeon on ds back in the day but i recently really got me in the series was Shiren The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island my favorite game released this year hopefully we will see more games in the future or even some dlc for it

My (USA resident) first Mystery Dungeon was actually Torneko. I got into the Dragon Quest series right around when VII came out and only had 1, 2, 3, and Monsters 2 on GB and VII. When trying to expand out, I found Torneko and insisted my parents buy it on ebay, as Dragon Quest didnt seem to be in any stores anywhere I ever saw. Then again, this was like 2002 or something, so even knowledge of where to find games was hard to get - very limited internet reach at that time. To be honest, I am actually quite upset that there havent been all that many Mystery Dungeon games. I feel like it is sorta a Tactical RPG cross with Roguelikes and it just comes off masterfully. If you like to play older RPGs, planning out equipment or strategizing for battles... Or even if you want effectively the most Dungeons & Dragons type exploration. Mystery Dungeon is where it is at!

I would be really interested in a video that highlights other games in the genre that just aren't officially branded as "Mystery Dungeon" games. Games like Void Terrarium 1 & 2 offer unique twists on the same basic game design formula, but they tend to fly under the radar because they lack the "Mystery Dungeon" moniker.

Derrick, you *really* need to try Void Terrarium. It's Mystery Dungeon in everything but name.

My first Mystery Dungeon game was Blue Rescue Team and because I'm in Europe, the Pokemon Mystery Dungeons were pretty much all I knew of the genre for a while. I did eventually find out about Shiren and also Izuna: Legend of the Unemployed Ninja, but the customizability aspect of the Pokemon Mystery Dungeon games pulled me in way more, as they had more permanence between runs and more variety between runs thanks to learned movesets and the many MANY different pokemon. I later got Etrian Mystery Dungeon as well because I knew the Etrian titles for their customizability. That said, I never got far in that one because party-based gameplay in Mystery Dungeon feels so SO cumbersome and the AI of your comrades is bad enough that many skills just don't make sense to use. If I could have a Mystery Dungeon title that combined the lone character style of the originals with the customization of PMD and EMD, that would be my ideal title, I think.

Mystery Dungeon games are some of my absolute favorites. I love the gameplay style in all its forms. It's also not the most popular genre and I fear for it fading into obscurity at times. This video was refreshing to see someone give praise to the genre as a whole, and makes me glad that we have as many releases as we do. Even if not all of them are easily accessible.

Void Terrarium is kino, it's not officially mystery dungeon but it basically is.

Amusing that Torneko pioneered the Mystery Dungeon games. Rather fitting because his chapter in Dragon Quest 4 is essentially a mystery dungeon like experience without the randomized dungeon elements 😅

Chocobo Mystery Dungeon on the Wii is how i got into them. My favorite newer take is probably the Void Terrarium games.

this context helps so much. Chocobo's dungeon for wii was by far my favourite game as a kid, and a few times I rented pokemon mystery dungeon from the video store and never really understood the connection or history!

My connection with the Mystery Dungeon series started with Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity. It's widely regarded as the worst one (barring the WiiWare games), but I loved it. Playing as an actual Pokemon for once was a much-appreciated feature. They have such deep stories that really go above and beyond what you might expect for a dungeon-crawler spin-off. Since then, I've picked up Chocobo's Mystery Dungeon 2 & Every Buddy and Shiren & the Dice of Fate, but I'm still looking for another PMD game, new or remake. Alternately, a MD game based around the thief from DQ11 would be a fun time. I'd also love to see a Zelda MD, which I think would work very well. I guess Cadence of Hyrule can scratch that itch a little.

Chocobo and shiren are the best mystery dungeon games. And the most slept on unfortunately

I had no idea that Shrien was a Mystery Dungeon series, I will definitely give it a try. Don't know when though

SHIREN SWEEP

Shiren the Wanderer 6 is phenomenal! I really, really recommend it for anyone who's curious about the series. It's also worth mentioning that all Shiren games are available in English through translations patches. This series is wonderful, challenging and highly strategic, and with lots of charm.

Glaring omissions of other Mystery Dungeon-like games from this video: - *Sorcery Saga: Curse of the Great Curry God:* Based on the original franchise the Puyo Puyo series was spun from but only with Ersatz version of the trademark characters, best-known for having a collector's edition which included a plastic plate, a spoon and a bib to eat curry with - *The Omega Labyrinth series:* First game was too hot for the West, second game was planned to come to the West but was scrapped after Sony blocked the game in US and Europe, third game finally came to the West but had to drop the "Omega" from the title on PlayStation alongside all of its mature content - *Yuuna and the Haunted Hot Springs The Thrilling Steamy Maze Kiwami:* A licensed game based on the manga/anime of the same name

It’s rather interesting that the mystery dungeon concept was originally used for Dragon Quest before Pokemon, same with DQ5 and it’s monster recruiting mechanic (which came out a few years before Red and Green released)

Weirdly enough, the only mystery dungeon game I ever played was the Etrian Odyssey one. I really should give the Pokemon Remake or the new Shiren game a try.

Mystery Dungeon is pretty good!

Pokemon Mystery Dyngeon was fairly big on my childhood. I had a poster from the first game on my wall. I loved the idea of the series so much. Good memories.

I know that Mystery Dungeon games started with Shiren, but Pokémon MD: Explorers of Sky remains my favorite MD game. It's like the best in the Pokémon MD franchise, too. I wish that they remade it, DX style.

Thanks for covering it. Actual roguelike history is fascinating (lot of computer nerds and math), so it's great at least the console side was discussed well

Dude I JUST got off Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon this timing is *hilarious*

It's strange, I recall Derrick saying on one of his streams that he couldn't really get into Pokemon Mystery Dungeon. Perhaps he's changed his mind since then?

Izuna Legend of the Unemployed Ninja on the DS was my first Mystery Dungeon game, which got me into Pokémon Mystery Dungeon right after!

I'm very curious about the sources used for the segment on Taloon's Mystery Dungeon. I remember reading long ago about Chunsoft's involvement with OG Dragon Quest itself as well as some other juicy developer lore, but the websites hosting the information closed down sometime between then and now.

It's funny that Rogue is one of the few games still to have a genre named after it. Metroid and Castlevania to be the others I guess. Funny we haven't made a new name for those genres. Reminds me of the whole "doom clone" era

I love mystery dungeon and to see how is truly created give me so much joy & love for how much people odea can influence each other.

My Mystery Dungeon journey began with Blue Rescue Team on the DS, and I have always loved the series. One of my favorites is "One Way Heroics", which you briefly mentioned during the video. The game put a really cool indie spin on the Mystery Dungeon formula. I've only played the original Playism version on Steam, but it has a really soft spot in my heart.

Didnt know about the newest Shinren, getting that ASAP lmao

13:45 Er, outside of Japan, that is. It released in 2005 in Japan.

Theres actually a One Piece Mystery Dungeon game with Chopper as the protagonist and the other straw hat pirates turned into animals too! It never got translated but it seems awfully fun and I think it even predates Pokémon’s mystery dungeon games.

My first Mystery Dungeon before I even knew what those were was Evolution Worlds, the compilation port on the Gamecube. Never saw the end, maybe its time to replay it from start to finish!

Really like the Mystery Dungeon formula, Shiren 6 is so far my GOTY, and the Void Terrarium games have been some of my favs for the past few years as well. BIG shame they weren't brought up in this video, as they feel like they do enough new/different with the format to stand out, but don't get enough recognition, especially among this already niche subgenre. Also, most PMD fans (or just Pokemon fans in general) don't really care much about the gameplay of MD, so they are kind of a lost cause

Mystery Dungeon was just one of many attempts at capturing the magic of Rogue on consoles. Sega Genesis had several from Fatal Labrynth to Toejam&Earl which both predate Mystery Dungeon by a couple years

Worth mentioning Dragon Crystal from 1990 too. Feels very similar to Mystery Dungeon.

Holy crap a Derrick video!

I had NO idea this was a whole genre?? Probably then because I'm in Europe and a lot of those games didn't releaee here. PMD were my favorite games growing up. I listen to the soundtrack at least once a month.

Torneko is my favorite Dragon Quest character. I need to get around to trying out one of his Mystery Dungeon games.

Mystery dungeon games are awesome

Dude, this was an awesome, interesting and well researched video. Congrats on the amazing content and thank you for sharing!

Can we hope in the future for an even more detailed video about the entirety of the mystery dungeon series (like all the games, differences, successes...)? I always dreamt of learning more about it but being mainly released in Japan, it is fairly difficult to do, but this video definitely scratched an itch.

Silly question, but does anyone know exactly what track is being played in the background at the start? I can't seem to find it ;;

Missed my favourite digimon world 2 baby. I was addicted to it as a child and it was brutally hard I never got far!

Always loved these games growing up (Pokemon Mystery Dungeon), and I think it helped shape my interest in RPG games in general today. I am definitely going to try Shiren the Wanderer now! Thanks for the video GVG

Mystery dungeon explorers of sky not being remade yet IS A FUCKING CRIME

This was a great video Derrick. Keep up the good work!

For me it was Castles of the Wind on PC in the early 90s followed up by Nethack.

Another mystery dungeon series on switch is the touhou genso wanderer games

Crown Trick is a roguelite with mystery dungeon elements. I was interested in MD games but got Crown Trick hoping it would be less grindy and repetitive. I enjoyed it a lot, though it didnt hook me quite as much as the best roguelikes have.

I'm reminded I bought Explorers of Time years ago but never put a lot of time (heh) into it. It admittedly didn't immediately grab me the same way the first one did, and I question if maybe I should've gotten the third version instead, but there's enough hype for it that I do need to give it another shot someday.

Chocobo Mystery Dungeon was so much fun.

I am currently playing torneko and pokemon mystery dungeon on my R36S, I forgot about chocobos dungeon so i might snatch that rom up somewhere too! in a big mystery dungeon phase atm lol

Theres also the 1990 Sega Genesis "Fata Labyrinth" game

Just when i was starting to think of this game again, and i foudn this vid soon after it released. cool vid!

Lol I have been a mystery dungeon fan (Shiren and Torneko) since way back in the day I actually did not know there were pokemon versions.

Just as hack and slash games use many existing franchises to make and sell games. like Zelda or Persona 5. Mystery Dungeon does that too, but Mystery Dungeon is just lucky to have the biggest multimedia franchise in the world on their side. No wonder they almost exclusively make Pokemon mystery dungeon games

I could see like a Zelda, Metroid, or even a Granblue Fantasty mystery dungeon

I wish we had a multiplayer pokemon mystery dungeon

Void Terrarium and Izuna are also great MD games.

Did this guy work for Gamexplain? If so, good for him for having his own channel

As someone who's never played a Mystery Dungeon game but have always been interested, I loved this video!

Whoo, another Derrick video! 😊

loved explorers of time. play the game a thousand times.

I never played a single one of them but might try it now :)

Hands up if your Roguelike experience started w/ Castle of the Winds.

You forgot to look at and include Digimon World 2

Torneko for the win!

Guys I literally just started my second playthrough of Every Buddy last night what the actual fuck lol

First one I knew was Chocobo. Could never get very far in it.

I grew up with chocobo's Dungeon 2 it was so good the wii one was just ok I enjoyed going though dungeon walls just to break my claw just to get a summoning feather i miss breaking walls in chocobo's Dungeon 2 the other mystery dungeons games are just not the same

Mystery Dungeon is PEOPLE!

Ol plkolokeyMenz, my favorite retro game

I would love to see another mystery dungeon game with the new region pokemon incorporated