With the rising popularity of the Pokemon franchise, there's a great market to play towards fan's nostalgia. This is the driving force behind Nintendo and Game Freak's new duo: Pokemon: Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, the remastered remakes of Ruby and Sapphire (released in 2003 for the Gameboy Advance).
The game starts of in the usual Pokemon way; get a monster from the Professor, slip it in your pocket and begin your adventure. Soon, however, you'll face of against one of the two rival teams, squaring off with either "Team Aqua" or "Team Magma" depending on what game you choose. The story is much deeper than past games as well, with moral questions and very interesting villains.
When it comes to gameplay, there's nothing drastically different from the Pokemon "battling formula" of past games. Updated graphics make the game feel fresh, though, with very nice 3D capability and really impressive models for a handheld title (however, there is occasional lag, but it's mild). The game often feels very easy though, as the NPCs have lower-level Pokemon and bad AI. The real challenge comes with facing other players online, which is supported by the well-integrated online features and excellent player-made metagame.
Overall, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are very fun and entertaining, especially if you're a long time fan and can appreciate the nostalgic references, or you want to go pro with online multiplayer. It can feel a little easy at times, but new innovations and online make up for it. There are even more features I haven't even mentioned here, all of which are super fun. The final score for Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire is a stunning and well-deserved nine out of ten.
-Brom Eccles
The game starts of in the usual Pokemon way; get a monster from the Professor, slip it in your pocket and begin your adventure. Soon, however, you'll face of against one of the two rival teams, squaring off with either "Team Aqua" or "Team Magma" depending on what game you choose. The story is much deeper than past games as well, with moral questions and very interesting villains.
When it comes to gameplay, there's nothing drastically different from the Pokemon "battling formula" of past games. Updated graphics make the game feel fresh, though, with very nice 3D capability and really impressive models for a handheld title (however, there is occasional lag, but it's mild). The game often feels very easy though, as the NPCs have lower-level Pokemon and bad AI. The real challenge comes with facing other players online, which is supported by the well-integrated online features and excellent player-made metagame.
Overall, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are very fun and entertaining, especially if you're a long time fan and can appreciate the nostalgic references, or you want to go pro with online multiplayer. It can feel a little easy at times, but new innovations and online make up for it. There are even more features I haven't even mentioned here, all of which are super fun. The final score for Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire is a stunning and well-deserved nine out of ten.
-Brom Eccles