I remember this game fondly but have to be honest. It was not a good time for most of the playthrough. Pokemon breaking your loop was an absolute rage fest. The core mechanic of the game wrecks your console (scratching the touch screen)
The story was alright as far as pokemon spinoffs go though.

Don't let mystery dungeon fans fool you this is peak spinoff

If anyone thinks this is the greatest Pokémon Ranger game, go play Shadows of Almia because you will flip out of your room in seconds. Who thought having to catch the Pokémon in ONE SHOT without any loop breakings was a good idea?? At least it was entertaining and short, I guess

I'm sure the story is as good and fun as the sequels, but MY GOD I hate how I have to loop a certain amount of times without getting the loop broken or the pokemon jumps out of the loop. If Nintendo decide to remake a Pokemon Ranger game I fucking hope it's this one

made me cry as a kid

This game is beloved by many people, but I just do not really get the appeal. The main gameplay loop is just drawing circles over and over again, and some of the pokemon's gimmicks are just so frustrating. I despise Mr Mime's reflect so much it just isn't enjoyable in the slightest. The pacing and story are also just whatever to me. I like pokemon though so it has that going for it.

Had it's moments and was a neat concept, but it was lowkey an infuriating game.