Pokémon X and Y Review: Sixth-Generation Video Games Include Nostalgia, Beauty, and Changes to Repetitive Franchise [Video]

"Pokémon X" and "Pokémon Y" are officially available, and for nostalgia fans, the games might be a good fit.

The latest video games for the Pokémon franchise brings the player to the Kalos region, a region based on France. With the new region and sixth-generation, notables changes were highly anticipated such as Mega Evolution, new starters, Team Flare, and overall new Pokémon.

Cons:

With every Pokémon generation, there is usually an influx of new pocket monsters. In "Pokémon X" and "Pokémon X," the Kalos region seems to be scarce of new Pokémon.

For Johto, "Pokémon Gold Version" and "Pokémon Silver Version" introduced approximately 100 new Pokémon while Unova-based "Pokémon Black Version" and "Pokémon White Version" brought over 150 new monsters for fans to capture and evolve.

The Kalos region only introduces 68 new Pokémon.

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The fact only 68 new Pokémon were introduced, at least for now as more could be included in the third games of the sixth-generation, could be a sigh of relief to gamers as they attempt to capture and evolve a whopping 718 Pokémon ranging from the first and current generations. However, with only 68 new Pokémon, it negates "Pokémon X" and "Pokémon Y" to be original and standalone games as the reliance of past Pokémon are evident.

From trainer and gym battles to seeing wild Pokémon, Pokémon from the first five generations are immediately shown. For example, the first wild Pokémon I met, and captured, was Pidgey from the first generation. The second Pokémon was Fletchling, a new Pokémon from the Kalos region. There should be a stronger emphasis on the newer Pokémon as a new region should bring new surprises. A surprise did occur, however, as the third Pokémon I encountered was a Shiny Pidgey.

Mega Evolution brought mixed results as well. The new feature was touted as one of the top new features in the new video games, and while Mega Evolution does add a new flavor to the franchise, it only occurs for select Pokémon from the first five generations. It would be rational if the same feature were to happen to sixth-generation Pokémon since it includes in the sixth-generation games.

Pokémon X and Y Midnight Launch at Nintendo World recap, click here.

Mixed:

Team Flare, the evil organization that wants to bring "beauty" to the world.

Team Flare isn't set out to steal money and Pokémon like Team Rocket, or increase land or sea size such as Team Magma and Team Aqua, respectively. The red-cloth organization wants to get rid of people who make the word lazy, ugly, unproductive, and simply not beautiful.

With Team Flare Boss Lysandre, he seems more personable than Ghetsis in the fifth-generation and not as weird as Cyrus in Sinnoh. One negative about Lysandre is his Pokémon during battles, which were easy to defeat and can be considered as cliché boss Pokémon such as Murkrow/Honchkrow and Gyrados. The only sixth-generation Pokémon he uses is Pyroar. The sole moment Lysandre felt like a threat during battle was when Gyrados Mega Evolved.

The music in the game is hit and miss. The music in "Pokémon X" and "Pokémon Y," as expected has improved from previous games. While some themes are brilliant, such as Team Flare's and the rival battles, the Gym Leader music felt as if it was missing an element that would distinguish them such as Hoenn's trumpets. A missing element as well are the distinguished Gym tunes heard in "Pokémon Black 2 Version" and "Pokémon White 2 Version."

Also, the 3D gameplay is not on every aspect of the game. The 3D feature is on during battles and select scenes. The lack of a pure 3D game, however, may be good for one's eyes.

Pros:

A plus in the game is character customization. Instead of being restricted to the original attire the player starts with, the gamer can purchase new hats, shirts, pants, bags, and shoes. While the original attire for gamer are nice as well, the customization brings a plus in order for the player to feel more connected (more himself or herself) to the game.

Professor Augustine Sycamore has to be applauded. The new professor is nothing like Oak, Rowan, Juniper, etc. Prof. Sycamore brings his own style. First, he is the first professor to battle the player, has a unique theme tune reminiscent of France, and has an odd aura about him. Frankly, I thought he would have stronger ties to Team Flare or could've been Pokémon League Champion. Just something about Prof. Sycamore felt as if he was going to bring more to the game than no previous professor has.

The aesthetics in the game are definitely a plus. Regardless of setting, France is all around. From the signs, benches, architecture, to others, the creative team for "Pokémon X" and "Pokémon Y" focused on bringing elegance into the Kalos region. 

Conclusion:

Although it may be easy to nitpick "Pokémon X" and "Pokémon Y," a true fan will still play the video games. I, for one, will continue to play the games regardless of the lack and focus of the new Pokémon.

The fact fans have their first game in 3D, a new region to explore, new gym leaders, new faces, and aesthetics, "Pokémon X" and "Pokémon Y" is still worth the addicting hours of gameplay.

On a final note, while playing "Pokémon Y," Yveltal was caught on my third Poké Ball. Not a Great Ball or Ultra Ball, but a Poké Ball.

Can you beat that?

Rating: Four/Five Stars

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