It won't be long before Pokémon Link: Battle will be available in Europe and Japan, as the title will launch in just a matter of days. The game is quite different from the original title on the Nintendo DS in more ways than one. Unlike the previous game, where sliding the Pokémon in the right places was the main focus, this title takes a more straightforward approach such as games like Puzzle & Dragons.

Players of Pokémon Link: Battle drag pokemon to the correct spots on the playing field to create lines of three or more of the same Pokémon. Lines can be formed in horizontal and vertical positions which makes getting a set of three or more not too difficult. The big difference between Puzzle & Dragons and this game is accessibility, because Pokémon Link: Battle has a much better progressed learning curve. The various tutorials will teach you all the ropes and some quite important tricks. It won't be long before you will be making matches in quick succession which is quite satisfying.

It is also important to make as many lines as possible, because your end goal is to weaken the Pokémon and ultimately capture them. You do this by creating combos of lines, though there are other elements that you need to keep in mind. The types of the Pokémon play also a major factor in this adventure as using the right element type against an enemy Pokémon will be super effective. Water is strong against fire, fairy types will beat dragons to the ground and so on. The first type you create a line with, will be the one that will ultimately guides the combo, which adds an extra element of strategy into making your first move. However, you will be forced to use whatever move is given to you on said playing field, so you won't always have the greatest selection at hand.

At later points you will be to change the combo ever so slightly, as you can call forth Support Pokémon. The player will select these from the many captured Pokémon along the journey, making the game less frustrating. By frequently using Support Pokémon, they will become friendly towards you. This will have two handy effects: attacks will become slightly stronger if they are the Pokémon you start with, and these Pokémon will be more likely to appear at the later parts of a stage. That will be a big help, as the difficulty will ramp up in later zones and the wild Pokémon will become stronger. Some will even start appearing in groups, which is where the ability “Scatter Attack” is a life saver. By starting out with a line that contains five Pokémon or more, you will be to attack all enemies in an upcoming combo. Starting with a big pack will also raise the possibility of a Link Chance, in which even combinations of two Pokémon are allowed. It is also a chance to clear out the playing field entirety, which will have nifty effects of its own.

Attacking should not be your only key to victory, as you are going to have a difficult time elsewhere. The wild Pokémon will attack you as well and you will take damage if you are not careful enough. If you start a combo with Chansey, you will be able recoup your damage loss, and bring yourself that much closer to victory. Another strategy that the Pokémon will use against you is breaking the wall on the top of the screen and if they do that, the Pokémon will fall into the playing field. It will be your task to collect Mr. Mimes first, who will create a brand new barrier at the top. Little things like these really keep you on your toes.

With short levels that can be completed in rapid succession, Pokémon Link: Battle is looking like a promising puzzle game for the Nintendo eShop. The variety of creatures on display are a nice touch and I can't wait to walk with the game to the end. The question remains if it can keep us intrigued all the way through, but the first steps are fun and enjoyable.

The game will release in Japan on March 12 and on March 13 in Europe. North America will follow suit a week later, carrying the title Pokémon Battle: Trozei.