BY JACOB FERREIRA
Since 1997, children across the globe have been obsessively collecting, trading, and battling Pokémon. Even now, after 16 years, the phenomenon shows no signs of slowing down. Pokémon X and Y not only marks the Pokémon series’ debut on the Nintendo 3DS but also features a stunning new graphic style and 70 new creatures to catch and train. The Kalos Region (the new land explored in the game), is quite expansive and while the 70 new Pokémon may initially appear scarce, you realize later on that they are joined by previous Pokémon completely redesigned in 3D (this includes but is not limited to the original three: Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle).
One of the biggest features in Pokémon X and Y is the the PSS, or player search system. This system greatly improves the entire connectivity aspect of Pokémon by allowing the PSS to display the profile of any other gamers playing nearby. With this instant internet connectivity, players can communicate with friends, request to trade/battle, or give them temporary perks such as catch rate increases and battle prize money. You can also do the same for friends who you have registered on a 3DS system. Basically this new and improves technology allows what would usually just go down at the playground in ’97 to occur wherever you have an Internet connection.
Another upside to the game is the Pokémon-Amie and Super Training, both of which focus on your Pokémon specifically. Pokémon-Amie allows for closer bonding between you and your Pokémon through petting them, feeding them “Poke-puffs”, and playing mini-games with them. While it may seem like a pointless Nintendogs-like feature that only some players would actually use, increasing your Pokémon’s affection through Pokémon-Amie can lead to them getting boosts in experience during battle.
Super Training on the other hand, focuses solely on increasing your Pokémon’s statistics through various mini-games. As you play, your Pokémon has a chance of finding punching bags which can either increase statistics or give you an edge on the next super training game you play. In Pokémon X and Y, you have the choice to assist your Pokémon in beating down the bag by tapping the screen or allow them to hit it once a minute while you explore the game world.
Nevertheless, while all of these features are impressive, the most drastic, and exciting change to the series is probably the move to 3D graphics and also spurred an introduction to fairy types and mega-evolution. Primarily introduced to balance the typical dragon type competitive battling scenes, these creatures are completely unique. Fairy types are not only immune to dragon attacks, but are super-effective against them as well. Mega-Evolution, which is achieved by giving certain Pokémon special stones to hold while in battle, allows them to temporarily evolve even further than their final stage, giving them massive statistical increases and new abilities. To keep things from getting too insane, only one mega-evolution is allowed per battle, forcing players to choose carefully based on the situation they’re in. Together, fairy types and mega-evolution have changed the game forever, allowing for players to come up with countless new strategies and combinations.
Pokémon X and Y are fantastic additions to the series. It is the perfect chance for both someone who’s only just heard of Pokémon, and someone with nostalgic memories of playing when they were younger.
