Pokemon X and Y

Pokémon X and Y is a two-part first installment of the sixth generation of the main Pokémon game series, being very similar in play to the other games. When asked about the meaning of the names of the games, Satoru Iwata, the President of the Nintendo company, stated that “The X and Y represent the X axis and the Y axis.” Iwata went on to explain that there are different dimensions that the people and Pokémon of the game live in, and somewhere along the dimensions they intersect, giving a mixed world of the dimensions.

Gameplay: Story

The player’s adventure takes place in what is known as the Kalos region. Within the Kalos region, the player has the ability to visit different areas, meet people, explore unique cities, encounter Pokémon, and take a rest after a long day in the central hub of the region Lumiose City.

Before setting out on their adventure, the player is given the option of character customization, an exciting feature in a Pokémon game. The player can choose the gender (boy or girl) and choose various features about the aspiring trainer to find a look that suits them.

Gameplay: Pokémon Battles

Being the sixth generation of the series, Pokémon X and Y feature a new type of Pokémon: fairy type (although released in 1999, this is the first time they are seen in the game). The fairy type was brought into the game to balance out the dragon and dark type Pokémon.

Along with new Pokémon type, there are new types of battles for players to experience. Sky battles between flying type Pokémon remove the ground element from the battles, making it unique to these types and a new battle style to the game. New Horde encounters also can give even the most experienced Pokémon players a worthy fight, with multiple wild Pokémon all at once fighting the player’s choice of Pokémon.

To make a player’s Pokémon fight better in battle, they have new options to strengthen the Pokémon and its bond with the trainer. The trainer can, with the Pokémon-Amie feature, play, feed, and pet their Pokémon to increase their bond and battle performance.

Along with this, Super Training, a new type of training that raises a Pokémon’s base stats, allows a trainer to get their Pokémon to Mega Evolution, a new type of evolution that unlocks new powers long dormant, even faster.

Personal Rating

With an incredible amount of new features and interesting battles to be held for trainers of all experience levels, Pokémon X and Y have a lot to offer the players.

Pros:

• Many new features in the game
• Good game for starters or long-time enjoyers of the game series
• Interesting meaning and lore in the two games

Cons:

• Split into two games
• Turn-based game (like other Pokémon games), can be boring to some

Pokemon X and Y lead us into the sixth generation of this beloved turn-based series, offering an all-new adventure and creatures to catch. Set in the new Kalos regions, players will embark on a colorful quest to catch every Pokemon and become the ultimate trainer. New gameplay mechanics and the transition into 3D graphics make this excellent RPG one of the best in the series. Containing hundreds of Pokemon to collect and some great changes that improve the battle system, Pokemon X and Y is a nearly perfect adventure!

Main Game Features

• Explore the beautiful region of Kalos
• Over 700 Pokemon to collect
• New 3D graphics and overworld

Story

The story of Pokemon X and Y hasn't changed much, sticking to the formula that was invented in classic games like Pokemon Yellow. As a young aspiring Pokemon trainer living in the Kalos region, your goal is to become the very best around. After moving to the small Vaniville Town with their mother, the hero meets with a group of local Pokemon trainers, including their rivals, Calem and Serena. Picking their starter Pokemon and heading out, the group travels to meet with Professor Sycamore in the central city of Lumiose.

Along the way, you'll meet secondary villains and characters, including Gym Leaders to battle. One of the big antagonists is Team Flare, an insidious group that plans to annihilate humanity and bring Kalos back to its natural state. In order to stop Team Flare, the hero must also uncover the mystery of Mega Evolution, an ancient power that will lead to assured victory. While the formula of the story is the same as ever, Pokemon X and Y offer a fun adventure with an interesting locale and cool characters.

Gameplay

For the most part, gameplay in Pokemon X and Y is the same as in previous versions, such as Pokemon Black and White. At the beginning of the game, you can customize your heroic trainer to your liking, choosing from various outfits, skin tones, and more. You'll also choose your starter Pokemon: Chespin, Fennekin, or Froakie. Every Pokemon belongs to a specific categorical “type”, where some types are stronger against others. For example, a fire-type Pokemon can easily beat a grass-type, but will crumble to a water-type attack. Pokemon X and Y introduces the new fairy-type, adding more complexity to the strategy.

As you travel around the Kalos region, you can find and capture wild Pokemon to add to your team. Each Pokemon has exclusive moves, so it's best to catch a good variety. There are over 700 Pokemon to collect, including 3 new legendary Pokemon, so catching them all will take some time. In addition to the fantastic new 3D graphics, the biggest change in Pokemon X and Y is the Mega Evolution mechanic. Mega Evolutions allow you to grow your Pokemon beyond their final evolution, resulting in super powerful new forms. There are 30 different Mega Evolutions to find, and each one is as powerful as the last.

Conclusion

Pokemon X and Y are another great addition to the Pokemon franchise, with quality 3D graphics, the new Mega Evolution feature, and a stunning area to explore.

Pros

• So many Pokemon to find
• Mega Evolutions are awesome
• 3D graphics add tons of detail

Cons

• More linear than other Pokemon games
• Story doesn't veer far from the formula
• Easy puzzles