The Pokémon franchise started over 15 years ago in 1996, and every iteration since has improved and polished the formula. Pokémon version’s X and version Y present more changes than ever before.
Review Score 4.5/5
Pokémon’s biggest and best change is the visual shift from sprites to 3D models. The models look fantastic as they’re cell shaded providing the game with a balance between realism and cartoons.
The move to 3D doesn’t slow anything down; in fact the entire game is faster than ever. Random Pokémon battles are quick to load up and just as fast to move through. Movement in the over-world has also sped up. Running is available from the start and within minutes of starting, the game players are given roller skates to move even faster.
The visuals are great and smooth, but the world mechanics are largely unchanged just as the battling mechanics themselves.
Battles are still turn based and Pokémon can still only learn four attacks. The battle system of type match up receives the biggest change with the introduction of Fairy types, giving dragons a weakness and changing other type match-ups.
Pokémon training also received a big update and several changes. A pokémon’s individual stats have usually remained a hidden mechanic found only by dedicated tournament players, leaving casual players in the dust. Versions X and Y have pulled the statistics to the forefront revealing them and making them more accessible for casual trainers. The new versions have even gone ahead and made the direct training of stats even easier, as opposed to the older way of tracking down specific battles and items, by introducing super training.
Pokémon versions X and Y have even more features like Pokémon-amie, which is a nintendogs-like mini game and the Player Search System (PSS), an update that makes online trading and battling easier and smoother than ever.
With all the new updates and features, versions X and Y are the best iteration yet, making them the best starting point for new people as well.
The rest is still the same, going from town to town challenging gym leaders, collecting all the Pokémon and battling for experience. If you have never been attracted to the franchise, these versions might not present a big enough shift to bring those individuals in, but if you’ve ever wanted to try the series out or are a series veteran then this is the best version to date.
