Pokemon X and Y have been out for a bit more than a day now (or two if you live in Japan) and, so far, I’ve discovered some interesting… facts about the new games.
Read on, intrepid viewers!
#7. Everyone in Japan is Playing Pokemon
I don’t know about you, but when I sign into the internet on my Pokemon X version, all the “passerby” people are Japanese. I rarely see anyone who speaks English (or any other language for that matter).
I only have one explanation. The ENTIRE country of Japan is currently playing Pokemon.
News reports tomorrow will talk of the collapse of the Japanese economy as everyone races to complete their Pokedex or trade for a Modest Fennekin.
#6. In the 8th Generation, You Will Have 50 Rivals
Back in the good ‘ole days, when you started on your Pokemon journey, you had one rival. In Ruby and Sapphire, that was expanded to two with the introduction of Wally.
In X and Y, you have FOUR Rivals.
Things can only escalate from here.
#5. Generation I is the Best Generation
Despite being the next generation of games, I’m feeling a lot of Gen I nostalgia as I play.
I mean, it’s so obvious. You can catch a Pidgey on Route 2. The “forest” has Caterpie, Weedle, AND Pikachu. There’s a youngster down the road who explains to you why he really likes “shorts”.
Game Freak is tugging on my hearstrings.
#4. The Music is Fantastic
Pokemon never really astounded me with the game music since the original tracks were limited by the technology. It’s certainly improved as better game systems were released, but I never felt it really wowed me.
Until now.
There is a beautiful (and perhaps romantic) scene that takes place on a balcony after you perform a good deed. The accompanying score is absolutely amazing and I hope that Pokemon fan composers and musicians create many renditions of this piece.
#3. What Do You Mean I Can’t Leave the Gym!
Yes, I admit it. I freaked.
I defeated all the gym trainers and, like any smart strategist, and attempted to leave the gym to heal my Pokemon before the gym leader. Except I couldn’t. I couldn’t leave. I’M STUCK IN THE GYM.
…
Nuzlockers are going to love this.
#2. There is No Second Gym
Well, there is. If you get there. The time it takes to reach the second gym from the first is absolutely ridiculous.
I mean, if you went straight there, ignoring everything except what you needed to do, you could reach there very quickly. But this is Pokemon and so you’re going to talk to every person you meet and walk through every patch of grass.
Mt. Moon was shorter than this.
#1. There are a Million Pokemon Everywhere
I’m serious. On Route 2 alone, you can catch enough Pokemon to hit your maximum carrying capacity. The forest afterwards is brimming with creatures of all types and don’t get me started on every route beyond.
In every generation before this, you’d just barely be able to field a full team before the first gym leader. In Pokemon X and Y, you can capture an entire army before you try for the badge. AN ARMY.
Brings new meaning to “Gotta Catch ‘Em All”.
Have any other observations or think I’m crazy? Feel free to discuss your XY game experiences below in the comments!
