I'm debating whether I should start this post by saying that I like Pokemon, or by saying that Pokemon is highly misunderstood. I guess I just started with both. I like Pokemon games. Specifically, I enjoy the mainstream Pokemon games released on Nintendo handhelds. Pokemon is highly misunderstood (where I live anyway). You have no idea how many skeptical looks I've gotten by revealing my liking for Pokemon. The question I want to ask skeptics is: Have you ever played a Pokemon game all the way through?
A complex battle system that forces the player to consider types, moves, stats, abilities, effectiveness, items, dual-types, and experience points, all at the same time...does this seem like something that could appeal to a 7-year-old intellectually? Players ages 7 and up can effectively enjoy a Pokemon game. Creating the perfect team of six Pokemon alone involves an incredible amount of strategy. Add to that other activities like contests, catching 'em all, and growing berries, and the replay value of any contemporary Pokemon game skyrockets above even the deepest action-adventure game.
I own both Yellow & Emerald, and my sis has Diamond & Black - without mentioning the awful console games.
ReplyDeleteI love the concept of Pokemon, but I have too many problems with it to become an actual fan.
For starters, as the more recent games are released, they're more finely polished, which is awesome, but the pokemon get uglier and less interesting. I've always said that the last game in the series should just focus on the cooler pokemon of past and have all the worthless ones - and there are hundreds - go extinct.
I also have a huge problem with the '4 attacks' limit. Ugh! I'd sooner play Final Fantasy Tactics Advance because at least then you get to keep all of your new moves as you also learn now job classes!
I also don't care for 'trading' being a requirement for certain types of evolutions. I grow attached to my pokemon but I have to let it go in order to let it become stronger? Pointless.
Leveling up takes a ridiculous amount of grinding, just so you can reach the elite four and have to resort to catching fighting and ice-type pokemon anyway. Sigh.
Smaller complaint, but still one anyway... the legendary pokemon! They're uber powerful bastards, that is until the new generation arrives. What happened to Mewtwo? A little continuity would be nice.
As I said, I really do love the actual concept behind pokemon, but the games have these serious issues which prevent me from actually enjoying the games much.
@ Martin Alexander
ReplyDeleteI certainly agree with your first point. I mean, seriously: Luvdisc? Easily one of the most worthless ideas out there, and probably the worst in the history of Pokemon. I love Pokemon Diamond, however: I guess I just got attached to the fourth generation after spending some time with them.
As for the rest of your qualms, they are all very true. I guess they're just easy for someone like me to overlook.
Ah, I totally understand the appeal behind it.
ReplyDeleteAlso, http://graphjam.memebase.com/2011/04/02/funny-graphs-this-knowledge-wont-help-you-pick-up-chicks/
But yep, you should totally check out FF Tactics A2 on the DS. It should be right up your alley. I mean, the story is practically non-existent, but I've logged a ridiculous number of hours into that game!
@ Martin Alexander
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recommendation! I'll put it on my to-buy list!
Not just for little kids. I like Pokémon! :)
ReplyDelete