Pokemon
Reviewed by Pokemaniac
The Pokemon Craze has hit Japan about two years ago. Now, finally, we can also
experience Pokemon. Just exactly what is it about these little "pocket monsters"
that gets everyone hooked to the game? I'm not really sure, but I do know that
Pokemon is so much fun, you just can't stop until you "catch 'em all".
Graphics 7 out of 10
The graphics are a lot like the old Zelda games, just walking around collecting
stuff. However, when you get into battle, they do improve a little. When your
pokemon uses an attack called bubble, they show bubbles come out of its mouth
and attack the opponent. The graphics are pretty good, especially when enhanced
with color on the super game boy.
Music and Sound 6 out of 10
The sound is usually fitting, like in the town full of ghosts you have the eerie
ghost music. When battling, whenever a pokemon comes out it gives a cry. Every
pokemon type has it's own cry, check the pokedex to hear them. The only time I
wouldn't agree with the music is when you get on the bike. The music then gets
all happy and jingly, even when in a harsh environment.
Game Challenge 9 out of 10
The game is actually quite challenging, even if it doesn't seem like it. The
actual goal of the game is to catch all 150 pokemon, some of which are so
rare you have only 1 chance to catch them (moltres, articuno, zapdos, mewtwo).
If you mess up, you won't have the info on them. Not only that, but to get 150
pokemon you have to trade via game link. Some pokemon (oddish, growlith) are
only found in the red version of the game, and others only in the blue (vulpex,
bellsprout). Nintendo sure knew what they were doing when they created
two versions.
Game Play-Fun 8 out of 10
This game is a lot of fun, even if you don't manage to catch all 150 pokemon.
You still have to beat 8 gym leaders, team rocket, the elite 4, and your rival.
It's also fun to catch pokemon. It's a lot about strategy. If you realize your
battling a pokemon that runs away, it must be weak. Or that one blow from
water will cause rock pokemon to faint. The game is great fun either way!
Frustration
It can get annoying when pokemon you already have keep popping up, or
when the pokemon you really want faints or uses self-destruct. But this
does add to the game play value. If the pokemon faint, you have to use a
weaker one to battle it, and so forth. Or if you pokemon faint or run away
scared, use a stronger one. This game is really frustrating at one point,
safari park, because you see all of these rare pokemon but your chances
to catch one are lowered due to the fact you can't do actual battle there.
But don't worry, even if you don't catch them, you can always trade.
Replayability 10 out of 10
This game can be replayed over and over until you catch all 150 types of
pokemon, which is virtually impossible. You may beat your rival, the gym
leaders, and the elite 4, but the game isn't over until you "catch 'em all".
Plus, you can always start a new record and start with a different pokemon
than you did last time, and see if you have improved.
Game Value 10 out of 10
At the moment, pokemon is priced at $30. This game is defiantly worth it!
This game is for all rpg lovers. Easy enough for beginners to play, with
enough challenge to keep you on your toes for a loooooong time. Although
some people don't quite agree with me (3/4 of the people in my class hate
the plot and idea of the game), I believe this game to be the best Game Boy
game to be released yet. I can't compare it with other Game Boy RPG's,
although I do believe Zelda is a bit more challenging. This game is worth
the price, everyone don't diss it just cause it looks kiddy.
Overall 9 out of 10
Pokemon is a game for all ages, for beginners and people looking for challenge.
The easy part: finding pokemon. The hard part: catching them, beating the elite
4 and your rival. The even harder part: having all 150 pokemon! You never know
what category you fall in. I surprised myself by beating the elite 4 (I'm not
the best gamer)! A fun and challenging game, this game earns every ounce
of credit it gets.