Dark Rising Re-cap
Dark Rising I
The story of Pokémon Dark Rising begins with the protagonist, either Oren (male) or Orena (female), having a mysterious dream. In this dream, a mythical Pokémon calls out to them, warning of an ancient evil, Darugis, that has begun to awaken. The Pokémon asks for help stopping this malevolent force from spreading worldwide chaos. You wake up in your hometown of Fells in the Core Region, puzzled by the strange dream.
Your best friend, Kaz, reveals that he had the same dream, and together, you set off to visit the town’s local Pokémon professor, Professor Mercury, who explains that disasters are occurring throughout the Core Region, seemingly tied to the reawakening of Darugis. The professor assigns you the task of discovering the cause of these events and stopping the evil entity.
Early Adventures and AlliesAfter receiving a Dragon-type Pokémon as your starter, you embark on your journey. Early on, you encounter a powerful wild Pokémon, which trounces your team. After waking up from this battle, you realize the gravity of the situation—the world is under siege by Darugis, a force that can control Pokémon and humans.
Throughout your journey, you meet various characters who become your allies or rivals in the fight against Darugis:
The Dark Force: DarugisThe game's primary antagonist is Darugis, a dark entity that was sealed away long ago. However, it has broken free, spreading chaos across the Core Region. Darugis has the terrifying ability to control the minds of both humans and Pokémon, which leads to a series of conflicts throughout the game. Its ultimate goal is to reshape the world in darkness.
Key Plot PointsAs the story progresses, you uncover more about Darugis’s plans and the history of its battle against legendary Pokémon. You also discover that your father was involved in a previous attempt to stop Darugis but was captured by the dark force. This revelation adds a personal stake to your journey, as you are trying to save the world and rescue your father from Darugis’s control.
You and your allies, including Team Dark Rising (the group of trainers you assemble), work together to fight back against Darugis’s puppets—powerful trainers and Pokémon under its influence. Along the way, you confront several major enemies, including:
The game leaves several mysteries unresolved, such as the exact nature of Kaz’s powers and the true connection between the three Chosen Ones.
Dark Rising II
Dark Rising II begins three days after the climactic events of Dark Rising I. The protagonist (Oren or Orena, depending on your chosen gender) and their group of allies, Team Dark Rising, have left the Core Region behind and arrived in the Omni Region. The central focus is still defeating Darugis, a dark force capable of mind control and chaos. The protagonist is also on a mission to rescue their father, who Darugis captured in the previous game.
The game builds upon the player's role as one of the Three Chosen Ones, characters prophesied to stop Darugis. The three of you hold the key to stopping the dark force, along with your best friend and rival, Kaz, and the mysterious Light.
New Setting: Omni RegionThe Omni Region introduces a new set of landscapes, cities, and challenges. This region has been equally affected by Darugis’s influence, and much of the plot revolves around uncovering the dark secrets of this new territory while continuing the fight against Darugis and his puppets. Along the way, you encounter old allies from the first game and make new friends who help you on your journey.
Key Characters
The Three Chosen OnesAs the game progresses, more is revealed about the Three Chosen Ones. You (Oren/Orena), Kaz, and Light are all central to the prophecy surrounding Darugis. Each of you has unique abilities necessary to defeat the dark force. While your ability lies in bonding with Legendary Pokémon and gaining their trust, You can bond with Pokemon; Light can create Pokémon, and Kaz’s abilities are destruction–Who ends up losing control, and you must defeat him to snap your friend out of it.
A devastating and unexpected twist occurs at the climax of Dark Rising II. Throughout the game, the protagonist is guided by an entity they believe to be Arceus, the creator of all Pokémon, who promises salvation if they sacrifice themselves to stop the dark force Darugis. Trusting this divine being, the protagonist prepares to make the ultimate sacrifice, believing it is the only way to save the world from destruction.
However, in a shocking turn of events, it is revealed that the entity posing as Arceus is Hoopa, the malevolent and cunning trickster Pokémon. Instead of saving the world by stopping Darugis, the protagonist's sacrifice fuels Hoopa’s escape from confinement and increases its powers. Hoopa, known for manipulating space and time through its magical rings, uses the protagonist's sacrifice to further its plans for chaos and domination.
This betrayal leaves the protagonist devastated as they realize they were manipulated into enabling a greater evil. Hoopa’s rise to power marks a significant shift in the narrative, revealing that while Darugis was a major threat, the real enemy has been lurking in the shadows all along.
Dark Rising: Order Destroyed
The game picks up after the events of Dark Rising II, where the protagonist of the first two games is no longer the main character but has become your rival and friend, Kaz. The protagonist’s sacrifice, believed to stop the dark force Darugis and save the world, was revealed to be a trick orchestrated by Hoopa, a powerful and manipulative Pokémon. Hoopa used the protagonist’s sacrifice not to save the world but to gain its freedom, setting off a chain of events that would plunge the world into further chaos.
Kaz must navigate a world ravaged by Hoopa’s manipulation in this new installment. The once great order of balance is shattered, and Kaz must try to survive in an increasingly hostile environment.
Key Characters
Narrative and Key Plot PointsThe story revolves around the protagonist’s survival in a world where order is destroyed, and the world is cursed. Trainers who fight in battle end up dying because of the Trainer's Curse—a way to eradicate humanity so Pokemon can rule the world under Hoopa. After the disastrous sacrifice from Dark Rising II, Kaz must now pick up the pieces and deal with the consequences of Hoopa’s freedom. Hoopa’s manipulation of space and time means that the protagonist will encounter various anomalies worldwide—fractures in reality caused by Hoopa’s power.
Dark Rising: Rebirth
Seven years ago (in the concluding events of Order Destroyed), the mischief entity known as Hoopa trapped the god of all Pokémon, Arceus, in an endless slumber. Arceus's chosen trainers suffered the same fate, leading to chaos and distortion.
Order in the universe is destroyed.
Now, humans are nothing more than tools and food for Pokémon, pushed to either rebel against Hoopa's rule, or become a slave for their new god. You play as 'Z' a mysterious woman forced to become the latter; a grunt with no recollection of her past.
As you work your way up the ranks, you'll discover memories that may hold the key to unlocking the shackles on humanity.
Dark Rising III: TBA
The story of Pokémon Dark Rising begins with the protagonist, either Oren (male) or Orena (female), having a mysterious dream. In this dream, a mythical Pokémon calls out to them, warning of an ancient evil, Darugis, that has begun to awaken. The Pokémon asks for help stopping this malevolent force from spreading worldwide chaos. You wake up in your hometown of Fells in the Core Region, puzzled by the strange dream.
Your best friend, Kaz, reveals that he had the same dream, and together, you set off to visit the town’s local Pokémon professor, Professor Mercury, who explains that disasters are occurring throughout the Core Region, seemingly tied to the reawakening of Darugis. The professor assigns you the task of discovering the cause of these events and stopping the evil entity.
Early Adventures and AlliesAfter receiving a Dragon-type Pokémon as your starter, you embark on your journey. Early on, you encounter a powerful wild Pokémon, which trounces your team. After waking up from this battle, you realize the gravity of the situation—the world is under siege by Darugis, a force that can control Pokémon and humans.
Throughout your journey, you meet various characters who become your allies or rivals in the fight against Darugis:
- Kaz: Your childhood friend and primary rival. Like you, he can bond with Pokémon.
- Sydney: A young woman who watched her family and village be destroyed by Darugis’s reawakening. She is driven by revenge and becomes one of your closest allies. She also has a connection with the legendary Pokémon Kyurem.
- Dray: A cocky, self-proclaimed top trainer in the world. He becomes a valuable friend in your quest and is the comic relief during dark moments (he can often break the fourth wall). He is also the boyfriend of Florina.
- Florina: A technological genius and top Pokémon trainer. She assists you in your fight against Darugis, Dray's girlfriend.
- Kayo: A former enemy who turns into a reluctant ally. He has a past with Sydney.
The Dark Force: DarugisThe game's primary antagonist is Darugis, a dark entity that was sealed away long ago. However, it has broken free, spreading chaos across the Core Region. Darugis has the terrifying ability to control the minds of both humans and Pokémon, which leads to a series of conflicts throughout the game. Its ultimate goal is to reshape the world in darkness.
Key Plot PointsAs the story progresses, you uncover more about Darugis’s plans and the history of its battle against legendary Pokémon. You also discover that your father was involved in a previous attempt to stop Darugis but was captured by the dark force. This revelation adds a personal stake to your journey, as you are trying to save the world and rescue your father from Darugis’s control.
You and your allies, including Team Dark Rising (the group of trainers you assemble), work together to fight back against Darugis’s puppets—powerful trainers and Pokémon under its influence. Along the way, you confront several major enemies, including:
- V: A former assistant of your father, now one of Darugis’s top commanders.
- Adrian: The champion of the Omni Region and a puppet of Darugis.
The game leaves several mysteries unresolved, such as the exact nature of Kaz’s powers and the true connection between the three Chosen Ones.
Dark Rising II
Dark Rising II begins three days after the climactic events of Dark Rising I. The protagonist (Oren or Orena, depending on your chosen gender) and their group of allies, Team Dark Rising, have left the Core Region behind and arrived in the Omni Region. The central focus is still defeating Darugis, a dark force capable of mind control and chaos. The protagonist is also on a mission to rescue their father, who Darugis captured in the previous game.
The game builds upon the player's role as one of the Three Chosen Ones, characters prophesied to stop Darugis. The three of you hold the key to stopping the dark force, along with your best friend and rival, Kaz, and the mysterious Light.
New Setting: Omni RegionThe Omni Region introduces a new set of landscapes, cities, and challenges. This region has been equally affected by Darugis’s influence, and much of the plot revolves around uncovering the dark secrets of this new territory while continuing the fight against Darugis and his puppets. Along the way, you encounter old allies from the first game and make new friends who help you on your journey.
Key Characters
- Kaz: Your childhood friend and rival who shares similar powers to yours. He is also one of the Three Chosen Ones. His powers remain somewhat mysterious but are critical to the overall narrative.
- Light: A young man with the power to create Pokémon using energy. He is also one of the Three Chosen Ones and plays a significant role in the battle against Darugis.
- Darugis: The main antagonist from the first game, whose presence continues to loom large. Darugis has grown stronger and is intent on controlling Pokémon and humans. His ultimate goal is to bring the world under his domination, using chaos and destruction as his tools.
- V: A former ally of the protagonist’s father, now one of Darugis’s most trusted commanders. He plays a significant role as an antagonist in the story. He also has two children who exact revenge on you for the death of their father.
- Pete: Your childhood friend who continues to help you throughout the journey. He remains a loyal companion and vital to the storyline.
- Sydney, Florina, Dray: Returning characters from the first game who remain allies in the fight against Darugis.
The Three Chosen OnesAs the game progresses, more is revealed about the Three Chosen Ones. You (Oren/Orena), Kaz, and Light are all central to the prophecy surrounding Darugis. Each of you has unique abilities necessary to defeat the dark force. While your ability lies in bonding with Legendary Pokémon and gaining their trust, You can bond with Pokemon; Light can create Pokémon, and Kaz’s abilities are destruction–Who ends up losing control, and you must defeat him to snap your friend out of it.
A devastating and unexpected twist occurs at the climax of Dark Rising II. Throughout the game, the protagonist is guided by an entity they believe to be Arceus, the creator of all Pokémon, who promises salvation if they sacrifice themselves to stop the dark force Darugis. Trusting this divine being, the protagonist prepares to make the ultimate sacrifice, believing it is the only way to save the world from destruction.
However, in a shocking turn of events, it is revealed that the entity posing as Arceus is Hoopa, the malevolent and cunning trickster Pokémon. Instead of saving the world by stopping Darugis, the protagonist's sacrifice fuels Hoopa’s escape from confinement and increases its powers. Hoopa, known for manipulating space and time through its magical rings, uses the protagonist's sacrifice to further its plans for chaos and domination.
This betrayal leaves the protagonist devastated as they realize they were manipulated into enabling a greater evil. Hoopa’s rise to power marks a significant shift in the narrative, revealing that while Darugis was a major threat, the real enemy has been lurking in the shadows all along.
Dark Rising: Order Destroyed
The game picks up after the events of Dark Rising II, where the protagonist of the first two games is no longer the main character but has become your rival and friend, Kaz. The protagonist’s sacrifice, believed to stop the dark force Darugis and save the world, was revealed to be a trick orchestrated by Hoopa, a powerful and manipulative Pokémon. Hoopa used the protagonist’s sacrifice not to save the world but to gain its freedom, setting off a chain of events that would plunge the world into further chaos.
Kaz must navigate a world ravaged by Hoopa’s manipulation in this new installment. The once great order of balance is shattered, and Kaz must try to survive in an increasingly hostile environment.
Key Characters
- Hoopa: The primary antagonist in Order Destroyed, Hoopa’s manipulative power is central to the narrative. Having tricked the previous protagonist into sacrificing themselves, Hoopa is now free and wreaking havoc on the world. Its ability to manipulate space and time and its chaotic nature make it a significant threat.
- The Pied Piper is an underling of Hoopa who can lure unsuspecting individuals with the power of music.
- Zyro and Zyree: The protagonist encounters these two green-haired children along the way. For a time, the protagonist becomes their caretaker, protecting them from the dangers that now engulf the world. Zyro and Zyree are essential to the story's emotional heart, as they add a sense of innocence in contrast to the darker elements at play.
- Joel: Another character the protagonist meets and ends up caring for after accidentally killing his sister because of the “Trainer’s Curse.” Alongside Zyro and Zyree, Joel becomes part of a surrogate family that the protagonist must protect.
- Sludge: A biker thug who works with Hoopa to survive. He had children before the world ended up turning for the worse. Now, he sees no good path and resorts to doing evil deeds.
Narrative and Key Plot PointsThe story revolves around the protagonist’s survival in a world where order is destroyed, and the world is cursed. Trainers who fight in battle end up dying because of the Trainer's Curse—a way to eradicate humanity so Pokemon can rule the world under Hoopa. After the disastrous sacrifice from Dark Rising II, Kaz must now pick up the pieces and deal with the consequences of Hoopa’s freedom. Hoopa’s manipulation of space and time means that the protagonist will encounter various anomalies worldwide—fractures in reality caused by Hoopa’s power.
- Hoopa’s Influence: Hoopa’s role in the story is that of a grand manipulator. It plays both puppet master and destroyer, actively working against the protagonist while sowing chaos across the region. The player learns more about Hoopa’s motivations and desires to unravel the world’s order.
- Zyro, Zyree, and Joel: These children represent the game's emotional core. As the protagonist becomes their guardian, they provide the player character with a sense of responsibility and redemption. Protecting them from the dangers of the world—both natural and supernatural—adds personal stakes to the story beyond just stopping Hoopa.
- The Rival’s Struggle: As the previous protagonist, the rival’s journey in Order Destroyed is one of regret and guilt. They must confront the fact that their well-intentioned actions led to greater chaos and the empowerment of Hoopa. This character’s arc is self-discovery and redemption, paralleling the protagonist’s quest to stop Hoopa.
Dark Rising: Rebirth
Seven years ago (in the concluding events of Order Destroyed), the mischief entity known as Hoopa trapped the god of all Pokémon, Arceus, in an endless slumber. Arceus's chosen trainers suffered the same fate, leading to chaos and distortion.
Order in the universe is destroyed.
Now, humans are nothing more than tools and food for Pokémon, pushed to either rebel against Hoopa's rule, or become a slave for their new god. You play as 'Z' a mysterious woman forced to become the latter; a grunt with no recollection of her past.
As you work your way up the ranks, you'll discover memories that may hold the key to unlocking the shackles on humanity.
Dark Rising III: TBA
