Ever since the franchise started 15 years back, we have always dreamed of a 3D Pokemon adventure. The game works so well with sprites but just imagine the possibility of taking the experience to a 3 dimensional world. Well, with the 3DS as advanced as it is, our prayers have finally been answered. Pokemon X/Y is the Pokemon experience that we have been waiting for. Although the formula feels similar to past games, just exploring the Pokemon world in a whole new perspective is just enough reason to get hooked once more.
Well, the story sure holds no surprises yet again. It’s the same typical Pokemon story; you’re a kid (around 14 this time) who moved into a small town. You choose between one of 3 Pokemon given to you by the professor of the region, and you along with your friends set off on a journey around the Kalos region, collect all 8 badges and beat the Pokemon League while thwarting the plot of an evil terrorist organization. Yeah, there aren’t really any surprises here outside of you having 4 other friends this time, each with a different goal on what they want to do; one has the same interest as you (your rival), one is more interested in catching Pokemon, one is only interested in dancing Pokemon, and te last is simply just messing around. I will admit, your friends are the best part of the whole story, but once again, it’s basically the same song and dance, even Team Flare feels like a step down from the last team.
With the visuals, the first thing you will immediately notice is Pokemon is no longer using sprites. Yes, we finally have our first step into a true 3D Pokemon experience. The overworld is still in a birds eye view, but thanks to the new polygonal world around you, are are no long confined to a grid when walking. Yes, you can now move in any direction you want, making walking or riding a bicycle so much easier than before. Besides that, the new look really helps immerse you in the gorgeous Kalos region.
What’s even more impressive to look at are the battles. They basically work the same way as before; send out your Pokemon and choose between one of 4 of their given attacks. However, the fact that the battles are now in 3D polygons really makes them feel much livelier. Your Pokemon no longer look like lifeless 2D pictures pasted on the screen that just twitch when they attack, they have fluid animations for attacking, getting hit or just standing and waiting for your orders. The new look really does immerse you like never before, adding to the enjoyment, and each move looks fantastic.
The gameplay may seem fairly familiar to previous games too. You explore the new Kalos region with your very own team of Pokemon. How do you get more? Well just walk into the tall grass until you run into a random encounter with one. You will send out your own Pokemon to do battle, and then you have the option to make it faint (gaining experience) or by weakening it and then throwing a pokeball, catching it for your own use (which also gives your Pokemon experience now). Each Pokemon is unquie as each one has a different type that may be good against other specific types, and choosing the right one for battle is crucial. In addition, each Pokemon is equipped with their own moves that they learn by leveling up or being taught, and they can evolve into even bigger and stronger monsters. You can use your own team to fight other rival trainers scattered throughout the world, gym leaders (stronger trainers who you must defeat to get to the Pokemon League), the pokemon league and also, other players whether they be around the world or your local friends.
So yeah, you’ve heard it before, but we mustn’t forget the additions that Pokemon X/Y add. First off, the Mega Evolution is one of the biggest features. Only specific Pokemon can evolve into a Mega Evolution, and it can change the tide of each battle (sometimes). When given a specific stone to a specific monster, that Pokemon evolves into their mega form which is just a temporary evolution that boosts its stats, gives it an extra ability and sometimes change its type to help it out in battle. The Pokemon will originate to its previous form when the battle is over. This might sound kind of overpowering and for some, it is, but they’re not unbeatable, especially when you can only use one mega per battle. Still, the problem is they gave mega evolutions to Pokemon that were already pretty strong by themselves and with the right moveset, megas can be hard to beat and thus make the game too easy. Still, it’s an interesting experiment and multiplayer wise, they can change your battle strategy.
The other major gameplay element added was a brand new type; Fairy type. Nothing too much to say about this other than it seems a little overpowered, on account of its only two weaknesses are poison and steel, two types that don’t have many great moves and nobody uses, and it’s strong against dragon and fighting. Not a bad addition, but maybe a little strong, especially since they gave it to older Pokemon. Going away from the battles, this is also the first Pokemon game that allows you to customize your character; complete with changing hair style & color and especially clothes. The hair choices aren’t immense, but there are tons of clothes to choose from, allowing you to mix and match as you please.
As for the Pokemon themselves, never before has a game offered this many in one game. Well, overall anyway. The problem is there aren’t that many brand new Pokemon this time around; with about 69 added to the party. This might be either a good or bad thing for you personally. On the other hand, there’s well over 700 Pokemon to catch and train for your team, allowing for much flexibility on building your team, and most of those 700 are available in game. So with that being said, only 69 Pokemon, the smallest amount added yet, doesn’t seem like a big deal, especially since every area you visit will likely have its own unique selection of Pokemon.
It doesn’t end there, for there are also two features that will help strengthen your Pokemon physically and mentally; Pokemon Amie and Super Training. First off, Super Training is a handy side game for competitive players. For one thing, it eliminates the hassle of grinding when EV training and instead, creates a mini game that involves shooting balls at targets, which can help improve any stat of your monster. Trust me it’s more fun than it sounds. What’s also better than it sounds is Pokemon Amie. This is kind of a more giga pet approach as this feature allows you to pet, feed and play with your Pokemon. Seems childish and a waste of time, right? Well, it actually does have a purpose. Petting your Pokemon with your stylus, feeding it and playing one of 3 surprisingly fun mini games will increase the bond between the two of you. But why should you care about that? For one thing, it affects them in battle. As their friendship with you grows, they’ll try harder by recovering from status effects quicker, getting critical hits more often and survive hits that they normally wouldn’t, all just to show their love and dedication to you. It’s surprisingly a neat distraction that even adds to the game in the end.
For those of you thinking the main game is way too easy and want a real challenge, there is of course the biggest aspect of any Pokemon game; the multiplayer. Aside from, of course, the usuall fight or trade with players locally or around the world, the multiplayer in X/Y might just be the best yet. The biggest addition is the Player Search feature. On the bottom of the screen, once you are connected to the internet, you will see a list of players currently playing online from all around the world. Clicking on the person’s icon and choose to battle or propose a trade with them instantly. There is also a list of your friends listed, and it tells you when they are playing online, and the same features apply to them. This makes connecting easier and doesn’t force you to go all the way to a Pokemon Center to do battle.
How many years has Pokemon been around? And it’s still this much fun? Thanks to the new additions and finally taking the series into the 3D world, this could very well be the ultimate Pokemon experience. A few things hold it back, like the small amount of new Pokemon or the fact that the game is easier than before, but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying what is essentially the best Pokemon experience yet. With over 700 Pokemon to collect, a new immersive world to explore with a new polygonal look and the most amazing battles yet, Pokemon X/Y is a must have RPG experience that deserves a spot in your 3DS collection.