Pokemon X and Y is an incredible addition to the beloved franchise which, just like the series, has spanned many generations. These two entries bring to the hands of players many things they’ve wanted since the original Red and Blue games back in 1998. X and Y is a great encouragement for returnees to the series such as myself or people who never played them before but wanted to give the franchise a chance. As a veteran of the franchise, I can safely say there’s a lot to check out.
First comes 3-D, the biggest innovation to the franchise since the original games themselves. These are the Pokemon games to let us journey through a fully three-dimensional world that looks great. The developers chose a unique route; instead of going with a hyper realistic look like most games do now a days, the decision was made to go with a cel shaded, or hand drawn animation that fits perfectly with the artwork the franchise is known for.
The creatures we always imagined are now fully alive, showing their power as they attack or expressing pain when they take a hit. Characters within the game also show life whether it’s a friendly face saying hello or a bitter rival’s stare; you actually feel like you’re communicating with people and not just bits of programming.
The region of Kalos is itself major eye candy. With its main inspiration from France along with minor influences from other parts of Europe, dynamic new camera angles give a more immersive feel than the simple overworld view. This game also gives the player an audio experience with its terrific soundtrack that symbolizes everything from a casual stroll to the intensity of battling a Gym Leader.
Along with a leap in graphic choice, many technical changes bring this game a better rating than those of the past. One of the biggest new features battle-wise is the introduction of a new type, something that hasn’t been done since Pokemon Gold and Silver, which was released in 1999. This new type is known as the Fairy type and it blends perfectly into battle mechanics.
Mega Evolution is another introduction into the franchise. It brings out Pokemon’s true strength by allowing further evolution in battle as it changes its appearance and stats. Then there’s Pokemon-Amie and Super Training, two optional choices that further enhance the experience of raising your Pokemon and gives them an even greater advantage in combat. The first is a pet simulator where you play and give treats to your little creature and in turn increases the bond of friendship.
The second, Super Training, lets players focus on what stats they want to increase specifically. Both training methods show the effort put in when your Pokemon enter the battlefield.
Lastly comes a personal favorite: character customization. It’s only fitting that a world based on France would allow you to show your fashion as you finally get the option to dress your avatar the way you wish and show off the type of trainer you are.
This new release features an awesome blend of nostalgia as many monsters return from the past 5 generations as well as new ones to encounter on your quest to be the very best. All of the designs are excellent and range from absolutely loveable like the starters of the generation, to majestic and sheer powerful like the title’s legendaries, and some of the best designs to date.
A major theme in the series is getting together with fellow players to trade and battle, but that was difficult at first due to the limitations at the time. As the 4th generation games came, they brought access to the Internet and in turn the first chance to connect with others worldwide. This was further improved in generation 5, Pokemon Black and White.
In X and Y Internet connectivity is truly honed. All the new features, along with tweaks to the Internet interaction, make players feel like this isn’t just a single journey, but a journey connected to a world that allows you to cross paths with others.
On the negative, the games stick to tradition with having a villainous organization that you have to stop, and while that story can be intriguing and even at some points heartfelt, it still has a slow start and doesn’t pick up until after the second half. While the designs of the new Pokemon monsters are absolutely fantastic, developer Game Freak chose to go ‘Quality Over Quantity’ and released fewer than in previous generations.
The developers say ‘X’ and ‘Y’ represent the axis of thought. To me this is a beautiful intention not only for the world, but also for the series itself. There are always going to be people who agree and disagree on this series, whether it be which region is better or which Pokemon has the worst design, but in the end we all have a love for these games and a connection to one another for that. All of this is why I can rate this game to casual gamers as a 9/10 and to those who join me as fans of the games a 9.5/10. Pokemon X and Y, I choose you.