You’ll be forced to play your main character, an unevolved starter Pokemon, in all the storyline missions you undertake. The only downside to this tremendous team roster is that it’s not available at first. Each species has a distinctive personality, though necessarily broadly drawn since there are over 700 of the suckers. They even move through the dungeon the way you’d expect them to, from Dragonite’s ponderous wobble to Victini’s hyperactive scamper. Most importantly, the Pokemon you meet are vibrant and detailed. The dungeons, while still a bit repetitive-looking, have more personality and variety than they did in previous Pokemon Mystery Dungeon games. The lively soundtrack sets the tone of each kind of dungeon quite well. This more challenging approach to dungeoneering hasn’t sucked the charm out of the game, however. It’s usually a wandering traveler or a Pokemon in trouble who will join you once you find it.
Also make sure to stick around in a dungeon if you’re told there’s still something available after you’ve finished your quests.
If you’re looking to collect as many Pokemon as possible, check around town and at the tavern every day - you might meet somebody new who will join you in exchange for a friendly chat. That means every single Pokemon, ever (including every form of most multi-form Pokemon, like all 28 Unown symbols).
You really can catch ‘em all in Super Mystery Dungeon.