Bienvenue Poké-fans.
On Oct. 12, Pokémon X and Y, a pair of similar games set in a fictional world inspired by France, debuted worldwide. This marks the very first time that a Pokémon game has been released all over the world at the same time. In addition, this also is the first time that a mainstream Pokémon game is available for not only retail, but for download as well. The games also allow playability in seven languages: Japanese, English, German, Spanish, French, Italian and Korean.
Not only do these games have completely new features, but they also sport new online social features that really shine. As long as you have access to Wi-Fi, you are never alone, as the Player Search System, or the PSS for short, allows players to compete against friends or randomized online players. X and Y breathe a breath of fresh air into the Pokémon franchise and, with the radically new 3D graphics, the games really revolutionize the standard for Pokémon games.
In previous installments of the Pokémon franchise, players were only allowed to walk in four directions: North, South, East and West. X and Y change that up by letting you walk in eight directions and giving you omnidirectional movement when skating or biking.
Among the many changes to the games, X and Y has a fast-paced introduction. Within a couple hours you can: leave your hometown, get your first two badges, evolve a few Pokémon and have a varied selection of Pokémon from every generation, allowing for diverse teams.
If you decide to slow down, though, this game also offers a new feature called Pokémon Amie. Pokémon Amie lets you play with your Poké-buddies to grow closer. Such bonds allow for your Pokémon to grow stronger in battle and various other effects that really make a difference.
Have you ever wanted to customize your trainer so that it looks more like you and less like everybody else? X and Y finally introduce trainer customization, allowing you to change your clothes, hairstyle, hair color, and style so you can provide your own flair and personality. Additionally, for the first time in four game generations, a new type is introduced. The new Fairy type was introduced to provide some balance against dragon types who were previously only weak to itself and ice-types.
The biggest improvements in X and Y are Mega Evolutions. Normally, when a Pokémon reaches a certain level or completes a certain requirement, the Pokémon can evolve and become stronger. However, Mega Evolutions take it a step further. If a Pokémon is holding a specific stone, it can Mega Evolve for the remainder of a battle and become stronger. Also, the Pokémon gains an interesting new aesthetic.
Gamefreak, the creators of Pokémon games, have really outdone themselves. X and Y have revolutionized the series in a style akin to how Ocarina of Time turned the Legend of Zelda into a 3D series. The innovative designs and style has restructured the old formulaic RPG into a fun, new experience and the many new game capabilities will make this game memorable for years to come.
