Anyone who knows me even a little knows my favorite game series is Pokemon. I've literally grown up with it in my pocket. From the time I was 6 years old, I've been training a team of 6 to be the very best!
The format hasn't changed in all these years. A lot of extra mechanics have been implemented, some for the good and some for the bad, but in no way has Nintendo dropped the ball even now, in their 6th generation of Pokemon games.
X and Y are the two newest titles, having been released for the 3DS in October of 2013. You can still choose to play as a girl or boy, and of course, you have your choice in a fire, water, or grass-type starter.
Setting
The region is Kalos. Designed to represent Europe, specifically France. You can definitely see that in the outdoor cafes, boutique style shops, background music and NPC character styling. It's a little more refreshing than Unova in my opinion. Maybe it's just because Unova is based on the US, and I've been here my whole life anyway, but Kalos has more of a sense of adventure attached to it. We also have an awesome balance of coastal, mountainous, and wintery regions.
SCORE: 9
Characters
You play as either Calum or Serena. Per usual, the other player character that you don't pick will be your rival. You also have 3 more friends that are also travelling, Shauna, Trevor, and Tierno.
I don't really like any of those 3. Kinda whiny.
So, the 5 of you are students of Professor Sycamore, this region's Pokemon Professor. (The fanfiction realm is blowing up over Sycamore's young features and romantic mannerisms. What do you expect, eh?)
The evil organization this time is Team Flare. Led by Lysander, who has massive red hair and a kick-butt battle theme.
Also, your mom is pretty much the most awesome mom to date. She's a Rhyhorn racer. No lie.
SCORE: 8.5
Story
This game is not as story heavy as B/W/B2/W2 was. But I don't mind that. There are optional story-driven quests, so if you're into that aspect, you can take advantage of them. But, if you're more of a "catch-em-all" or "battle-all-the-things" type player, then you can get through the game fairly quickly, and come back to those quests when and if you want to.
Of course, some story points can't be avoided, and those mostly have to do with Team Flare. I mean, you gotta save the world and get a legendary Pokemon at some point in the game.
SCORE: 9
Puzzles
Not a puzzle game. :) Although, you do get to change your character's clothes, hair, eye color so YAY!
Length
It took me roughly 40 hours to get through the story. However, I search every corner for items and NPC battles. My sister finished in about 27 hours.
Even after the ending, (to be discussed below) there's a very nicely sized post-game for you to take advantage of, and with the implementation of Pokemon bank, you can transfer and perfect your teams all the way back from Gen 3. That means that perfectly EV'd Gardevoir you have on Emerald? Transfer that sucker over to X or Y, get that Fairy type added, Mega Evolve that thing and BOOM. Those Bug Catchers will cower at your presence.
SCORE: 10!
Ending
A continuing theme for Pokemon is the "multiple ending" idea. It doesn't ever really end. But you have the defeat of the evil team - ending 1. Defeat of the Elite Four - ending 2. Completion of the Pokedex - ending 3. And so on. I think it's a comforting thing for veteran players to know the adventure never truly ends. We don't have to just reset and lose our team when the credits roll.
SCORE: 9
This is the game for those gen-wunners to pick up again. Don't you dare tell me "Pokemon sucked after Gen 2" until you play at least a few hours of X or Y. Pokemon has done nothing but improved. And you haven't lost any of your favorites.
New players - this is a good game to start with. The graphics have been vastly improved upon, which is a nice eye appeal. And raising a team can be easy due to a new mechanic.
Try it. And if you have it, up for a battle? ;)
~Victoria
The format hasn't changed in all these years. A lot of extra mechanics have been implemented, some for the good and some for the bad, but in no way has Nintendo dropped the ball even now, in their 6th generation of Pokemon games.
X and Y are the two newest titles, having been released for the 3DS in October of 2013. You can still choose to play as a girl or boy, and of course, you have your choice in a fire, water, or grass-type starter.
Setting
The region is Kalos. Designed to represent Europe, specifically France. You can definitely see that in the outdoor cafes, boutique style shops, background music and NPC character styling. It's a little more refreshing than Unova in my opinion. Maybe it's just because Unova is based on the US, and I've been here my whole life anyway, but Kalos has more of a sense of adventure attached to it. We also have an awesome balance of coastal, mountainous, and wintery regions.
SCORE: 9
Characters
You play as either Calum or Serena. Per usual, the other player character that you don't pick will be your rival. You also have 3 more friends that are also travelling, Shauna, Trevor, and Tierno.
I don't really like any of those 3. Kinda whiny.
So, the 5 of you are students of Professor Sycamore, this region's Pokemon Professor. (The fanfiction realm is blowing up over Sycamore's young features and romantic mannerisms. What do you expect, eh?)
The evil organization this time is Team Flare. Led by Lysander, who has massive red hair and a kick-butt battle theme.
Also, your mom is pretty much the most awesome mom to date. She's a Rhyhorn racer. No lie.
SCORE: 8.5
Story
This game is not as story heavy as B/W/B2/W2 was. But I don't mind that. There are optional story-driven quests, so if you're into that aspect, you can take advantage of them. But, if you're more of a "catch-em-all" or "battle-all-the-things" type player, then you can get through the game fairly quickly, and come back to those quests when and if you want to.
Of course, some story points can't be avoided, and those mostly have to do with Team Flare. I mean, you gotta save the world and get a legendary Pokemon at some point in the game.
SCORE: 9
Puzzles
Not a puzzle game. :) Although, you do get to change your character's clothes, hair, eye color so YAY!
Length
It took me roughly 40 hours to get through the story. However, I search every corner for items and NPC battles. My sister finished in about 27 hours.
Even after the ending, (to be discussed below) there's a very nicely sized post-game for you to take advantage of, and with the implementation of Pokemon bank, you can transfer and perfect your teams all the way back from Gen 3. That means that perfectly EV'd Gardevoir you have on Emerald? Transfer that sucker over to X or Y, get that Fairy type added, Mega Evolve that thing and BOOM. Those Bug Catchers will cower at your presence.
SCORE: 10!
Ending
A continuing theme for Pokemon is the "multiple ending" idea. It doesn't ever really end. But you have the defeat of the evil team - ending 1. Defeat of the Elite Four - ending 2. Completion of the Pokedex - ending 3. And so on. I think it's a comforting thing for veteran players to know the adventure never truly ends. We don't have to just reset and lose our team when the credits roll.
SCORE: 9
This is the game for those gen-wunners to pick up again. Don't you dare tell me "Pokemon sucked after Gen 2" until you play at least a few hours of X or Y. Pokemon has done nothing but improved. And you haven't lost any of your favorites.
New players - this is a good game to start with. The graphics have been vastly improved upon, which is a nice eye appeal. And raising a team can be easy due to a new mechanic.
Try it. And if you have it, up for a battle? ;)
~Victoria