The games let you play as your favourite pokémon, determined by a personality test they conduct at the start of the game. There are 16 to choose from - including four from Diamond and Pearl - while a sidekick pokémon is also selectable to help on the game's quest, which takes place in limitless randomly generated dungeons.

Options in the game include being able to invite pokémon you've defeated along the way to join your team and also a new option to send an SOS mail via wi-fi to friends if you faint in a dungeon.
This Friend Rescue request allows them to enter the dungeon to try to rescue you. If successful, your defeated team won't lose money or items and can continue from where you fainted.

Other wi-fi features include being able to share missions and advice, and also swap items and team members.