The second entry in the Pokémon Ranger series, Shadows of Almia once again finds gamers offering help to people, Pokémon, and nature as they work their way up to the rank of Top Ranger. As always, much of the gameplay is derived from capturing Pokémon creatures by using the stylus to encircle them, and then taking advantage of their unique abilities to complete quests. The various quests entail activities such as dousing forest fires, rescuing stranded people, and delivering packages, and successfully completed missions earn players power-ups and rank advancements. Gamers can only make use of a captured Pokémon's skill once, using the "Poké Assist" for help with capturing another creature, or the "Field Move" for help with environmental challenges. However, there are hundreds of permanent sidekick "Partner Pokémon" from which to choose, including creatures from Pokémon: Diamond and Pokémon: Pearl.