On the one hand, it’s the same roguelike gameplay that’s been trod by Torneko, Shiren

the Wanderer, and any number of Chocobos in the past. On the other hand, it’s an opportunity

to explore a completely fantastic Pokémon world, untainted by human trainers trying

to be the very best like no one ever was. These games take an entirely different viewpoint,

where Pokémon are left to their own motivations, as observed by a human transformed by mysterious

forces. AND SO, LET US JOIN THE ADVENTURES OF SMUGLEAF AND BACON, ALREADY IN PROGRESS.

Awright, so it’s the same old randomized dungeons, but with Generation V Pokémon!

This time, though, you have a side-goal of transforming this rocky, barren plot of land

into a haven for adventurous souls like yourself, through the use of various items and a particularly

energetic band of contractors. The usual mission-based gameplay returns, with treks through mysterious

dungeons to deliver items, rescue lost friends, and/or bludgeon evildoers for justice and

cash and building materials. While you’re getting your SimCity on, though, there’s

deviousness afoot, as some strange occurrences and stranger Pokémon have been showing up

near Post Town and your partner’s just the kind of dope to go sticking his nose into

it. Unlike earlier games in the series, you get to choose which Pokémon you control from

the outset, and can take a team of up to four along for the ride.

But the new shiny feature - the ability to search for Magnagates in the real world - deserves

its moment in the sun. You can find dungeons all around you - pretty much any circular

object will do, like my coffee here - which will become a dungeon, based on its color

and size. These are separate from the main quest - so you can play them if you get knocked

out in the actual campaign and you’re waiting for a friend to streetpass you back to life

- and any items you manage to obtain will transfer over to your party’s deposit box

upon completion of the mission. These one-offs are nice, especially since you don’t actually

have to deal with the glacially slow pacing of the story or the non-adjustable text speed.

You’re getting a decent tale, don’t get me wrong... but these hindrances, combined

with the fact that you can’t do multiple missions in a single run as in earlier entries

in the series, prevent Gates to Infinity from being all it could’ve been. Fortunately,

with the abundance of Instagram users documenting everything they eat, no one will look at you

strangely when you make Pokémon jump into your pancakes at Denny’s and start exploring.

Also: no crappy photo filters.