Best $15 dollars I have spent in a LONG TIME
Like in the Pokemon games for the handhelds, there are plenty of pokemon to catch, and plenty of moves to learn. The ability to change moves, and collect rare pokemon (there are shinies and legendaries!), greatly adds to the replayability of this WiiWare game. I've played the game solely multiplayer, so it may not stay fun for hours on hours by yourself, but is a great game to play with a party of friends, even better if they bring their own pokemon into the group!
Another review commented that the main story mode is 1.5 hours long, however, that is due to the fact that normal mode can be completed quickly because you only need pokemon of a required level to proceed. In order to actually go to each region, the normal mode takes about 4-5 hours. IN ADDITION, the game doesn't end after that, and repeats in a new game+ mode on advanced, where you play for all new pokemon, and use your already acquired hoard of pokemon to play. And in order to catch all of the pokemon (i plan on it, its really fun just to play anyways), I guess it'll probably take me and my brother another 10 hours.
All-in-all, i give this game an 9 for smooth transition of pokemon into a new genre that has good controls, and satisfying new moves and combat (some moves just feel AWESOME to use! ex. SEED BOMB! Spammable explosive attacks are always great). THe 15 dollar price is worth it, considering many games are worse at $50, and this game is multi-player 10 minutes into it. Collecting and improving your pokemon is addicting and always fun. However, one thing i do critique is that the pokemon do not have levels, and you usually throw them away after you get a later pokemon that fills the same role but stronger power. This is rather sad sometimes when you know that your not going to use a really cool pokemon (ex scyther) because a new pidgeot has the same abilities. But other than that, a good game to play with friends.