Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs is one of those DS games that makes you wonder why more people don’t talk about it. Instead of throwing Poké Balls, you’re sketching loops around wild Pokémon with the stylus to befriend them—which sounds simple until a Pikachu starts zipping around like it’s had too much coffee. The better your loops, the quicker they’ll join your team, and you’ll need their help to clear obstacles (like using a Water-type to put out fires or a flying buddy to cross gaps).

What really sets it apart is the Guardian Signs—ancient symbols that let you summon legendaries for big battles or environmental puzzles. The first time you call down Latios to soar over the map, it feels ridiculously cool. The story’s got some cheesy villain dialogue, but the pacing keeps things moving, and the partner Pokémon add just enough personality. If you ever wanted a Pokémon game that’s more hands-on than turn-based, this is it.