According to Charles Darwin, evolution is a gradual change that occurs over thousands of years. Some might argue, however, that it takes place in a matter of seconds, as it does in Pokemon X and Pokemon Y.
Pokemon X and Y are the latest installments of the popular handheld role-playing game (RPG) series by Game Freak. Set in the new French-inspired Kalos region, X and Y look amazing thanks to the introduction of full 3D graphics. Players will surely get lost admiring the beauty and the magnitude of the game as they go about capturing and training their own Pokemon.
For those of you unfamiliar with Pokemon, the premise of these games is simple: to assume the role of a Pokemon trainer and capture, befriend and battle alongside Pokemon. While it may sound like these games glorify animal violence and abuse, Pokemon is a lot more light-hearted and cheesy than it sounds. Goofy characters and incompetent villains frame a simple story that highlights the importance of friendship and teamwork, both with people and with Pokemon.
With that said, the major appeal of Pokemon games is to capture and train as many Pokemon as possible, an aspect that X and Y excel at. Unlike previous games, X and Y feature a balanced roster of new and old Pokemon, giving players plenty to choose from. Fans will rejoice at the fact that they can capture a Pikachu early in the game while new players will get a chance to fall in love with Pokemon’s adorable little mascot.
While X and Y may stick to the same basic formula that has made Pokemon successful, it’s little changes that arguably make this the best generation of Pokemon yet.
The introduction of Horde Battles and Sky Battles, for example, add a twist to traditional battles that’ll keep players on their toes. Horde battles are 5-on-1 battles that can happen at any time while players are exploring the world of Kalos. Sky Battles take advantage of X and Y’s 3D graphics to display Pokemon battles that happen mid-air.
In addition, the introduction of the fairy-type upsets the balance that has been established in previous games and will force players to adapt to it. These new Pokemon are devastating despite their soft and sweet appearances. Players should be prepared for the challenge the fairy Pokemon bring.
The most controversial change to Pokemon in X and Y is the addition of a new mechanic called “Mega Evolution,” which serves as a power-up for Pokemon from previous generations. Some love it while others hate it. No one, however, can deny the effect these will have on both single and multiplayer gameplay.
All of these changes make the games fun for the lone player, but they are even better once you connect and play with others. The new player search system makes it easier to connect, trade and battle with other players from around the world. It displays your registered friends, acquaintances and people who happen to be online at the same time as you. Trust me when I say Pokemon is better when you play with others.
Pokemon X and Y are, without a doubt, the best Pokemon games to date. With all the best features from the past with new ones to keep things interesting, fans should definitely pick up a copy of these games, and those interested should take a chance and see what Pokemon is all about.
