Maqqy

Being a long time fan, I recommend either going for Explorers of the Sky or this game to start. Dx really felt right though they really don't give you much to get the full experience. This game was part of my childhood so I do have some nostalgia kicking in, but I really recommend this one being the easiest in the series to complete. The journey is very well worth it for any of them though.

explorers of time/darkness is for most intents and purposes the direct upgrade from blue/red rescue team in mechanics. explorers of sky is the (extremely polished) version of time/darkness. super isnt a bad game but its mechanics differ a bit, and part of what it does is nostalgia-pandering from previous pmd games.

we dont talk about gates its the ugly duckling.

overall id recommend sky since most people (including me) see it as the best mystery dungeon game by far. its got a really long postgame, fantastic soundtrack, great story, everything tbh. highkey my favorite mons game ever made and i replay it like every year.

I remember the time when I played it too! The Red/Blue Rescue Team owns a special place in my heart since it was a big turnover to me who was used to the main game series. I enjoyed playing as a Machop and most of my answers led me to this Pokemon almost everytime! 

The first Pokemon Mystery Dungeon games were pretty awesome in terms of gameplay, and on the other hand, Explorers of Time/Darkness was very inovative in terms of storyline! (You'll never be forgotten, Grovyle ) Speaking of Time & Darkness, the last two chapters were also very challenging, the difficulty was above the previous games in my opinion! (Those Bronzor/Bronzong took forever to be defeated and those Porygon2/Porygon-Z in Temporal Tower with the Agility+Discharge combo were a PITA)

All in all, this game was a good surprise to me! Probably one of the most charming love letters ever written and sent to those who love both Pokemon and roguelike video games