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Since September 1, 1998 Pokemon Red and Pokemon Blue came out to the states and for the past 15 years America and the rest of the world has experienced Pokemon as well as the main series’ evolution. Pokemon X and Pokemon Y were released worldwide on October 12, 2013 for the 3DS and the main series has been upgraded, refined, and perhaps even mega evolved.

The main story is a simple one but it’s kept strong with its cast of characters. This time around the player travels around the Kalos region with four friends to help Professor Sycamore with the new Pokedex. After the main cast has introduced themselves the journey for Pokemon collecting and the Pokemon League begins. At reachingLumioseCitya sub plot for Mega Evolutions, a temporary evolution which a certain Pokemon gains increased stats and new abilities and types, is added to the journey and eventually adds new strategy to the game. As with all main series Pokemon games the new sinister organization, Team Flare, is out to make the world fabulous in their image. While the team’s agenda is rather simple the climax reveals a rather disturbing turn of events. Overall the story, while kept simple, was enjoyable thanks to the colorful cast of companions the player travels with as well as a bit of references from past games. 

The jump to 3D on a portal system is a fantastic transition despite the lag issues when there’s a split screen during battle or when the 3D effect is turned on at certain points. The music is great with a sound track of nice remixes and inspirational songs that drives battles and exploration. As the back of the box says the Kalos region is majestic and with the artistic design for the whole region the word majestic is not an understatement. Kalos is perhaps the most artistically designed region since Johto while having its own distinctive look.

Gameplay has remained intact since the first generation games, going with the “if it’s not broke don’t fix it” saying for the most part. The major changes include the new Mega Evolution to change up battles for both in-game and online battles and the new Fairy type for better tactics against Dragons. Other changes include how status effects work such as an electric type Pokemon can’t be paralyzed, giving more depth to strategies. Connectivity has drastically changed with the addition to the PSS, Player Search System. The PSS lets the player battle, trade, give O-Powers (powers that increases stats or other actions for a limit time), and use the GTS and other wireless and WiFi features at any time during the game without being in aPokemonCenter. The new Pokemon Amie allows players to bond with their Pokemon, allowing them to feed and pet their beloved companions while showing the player’s happiness via the inner camera. A major addition for the competitive player is the Super Training program. By using Super Training the player can train their Pokemon for Effort Value points by playing a challenging mini game and using specialized punching bags for Core Training.

The Pokemon franchise has been around for 15 years and with six generations in the main series there’s no sign of stopping. While fans will always pick their favorite generation, whether it’s for their Pokemon or their innovations, Pokemon X, and it’s paired version Pokemon Y, is a welcomed addition to the Pokemon family.

Until next time, smell ya later.