Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire (2002) > Pokémon FireRed & LeafGreen (2004)
Pokémon Diamond, Pearl and Platinum (2006, 2008) > Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver (2009)
Pokémon players would have notice the remakes are modelled after the theme according to the versions before them in terms of the graphics and music styles.
According to the pattern of the remake releases, this remade has been highly anticipated ever since the release of Pokémon Black2 & White2, But instead, Game Freak decided to quickly release the Sixth Generation, which was Pokémon X & Y. This generation, introduced in 2013, featured a brand new Pokémon experience by switching the 2.5D graphics to an entirely new 3D space. Hence, allowing the developers to induce more depth into the gameplay and battle system. This is probably why Game Freak decided to push the release of RS remakes until last year.
And there we go, Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire has been announced shortly after the release of XY.
I had been contemplating about if I would want to buy this game because Pokémon RS has been my least favorite game of all generations. And why would I think so?
1. The style of the background music was totally uncalled for. The trumpet-prominent music was too irritating and really brought down the gaming experience.For a person that could remember all the BGM of the games I have played, I could totally not remember the music at all.
2. The journey that a player takes is too non-linear. I know a linear journey might be very boring. But the path this game has set is all over the place. The player has to backtrack, chase Team Magma and Aqua all over Hoenn, jump here and there. So it could be quite confusing finding the path. I may be quite stupid if I was confused by this, but the other titles were not as confusing as this.
3. The story was not well developed. I shall not go into too much detail. But one good example is the part after Brendan/May has successfully saved Hoenn by subdued the Ancient Pokemon. After exiting the Cave of Origin, no one is there to welcome the hero back, and everyone seemed to ignore the fact that you just saved the world, other than some petty words from Steven.
4. The Pokémon design is getting worse... I am still take aback by the fact the Regi Trios are Legendary Pokémons... Period.
Finally back to the main topic. The remake of Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire, Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire. The reason why I still bought it in the end is because I know it will be modelled after Pokémon XY, and by which it means that the top reason of why I dislike Pokémon RS will be eradicated. The trumpet music style will be replaced by the Orchestra style from the XY versions.
After playing Pokémon Alpha Sapphire, I would say that this remake made me feel like I am playing a totally new game. The developers made fully use of the 3D graphics and improved the game greatly. Besides the journey route and the Pokémon design (which they cannot change anymore), they have completely changed the story of Team Magma and Team Aqua. Technically, they did not change the whole story, but they did a few changes to the story to make it more dramatic and epic, a story more tuned towards RPG style. Of course, I am totally satisfied with the story after I have saved the Hoenn region and emerged from the Cave of Origin. The story is more complete as a whole. Ending the part where the Team Leaders of Magma and Aqua have reached a common consensus and stopped their plans.
Game Freak has also added multiple features to improve the whole gameplay.
1. AreaNav
This serves as Trainer Eye, Berry Watcher, and Secret Base Location Indicator. This is a good tool for player to easily look out for Trainers for rebattling, find out which Berry is ready to be picked, etc.
2. PokéNav
This is like a in-game guidebook. It shows which Pokémon is available or has it been captured when a player has entered a particular area. It also serves as a real Pokédex. When a player is standing near a Pokémon in city or town, the navi will automatically scan and tell the player which Pokémon it is.
3. Eon Flute
This flute is used to summon Latias or Latios, and a short segment will show how the player hops onto it, Mega Evolved and fly up to the sky, Player then can navigate the flying Pokémon and see the whole Hoenn from the sky. This is specially featured in the game for players to reach areas that are unreachable using HM Fly. These areas are secret areas to capture Legendary Pokémon from other regions. As such, this is also a great way to substitute HM Fly. But you will have to see the short footage of the Eon Pokémon keep mega evolving.
4. Flying to Individual Routes
In previous titles, even in XY, you can only use Fly to go city or town. But now, you can fly or use Eon Pokémon land on individual routes! Of course, the prerequisite is that you have passed by the signboard of the route.
Similar to the formula of Pokémon XY, this side story will only be unlocked after defeating the Champion Steven. It depicts the connection of Rayquaza and Deoxys. During the course of the story, you will be able to capture those two Pokémons. I quite like this story, and it helps to train my Pokémon a bit more if I want to challenge the Pokémon League once more.
These are some of the main features I quite like about this game. With the improvements and the additional features, this remake is definitely worth playing. With the feature of Eon Flute, it would be useful if the future Pokémon games would rely less on the use of HMs. Like how Pokémon Black & White versions are less reliant on HMs. Probably it would be great if Game Freak can look into such gameplay.
The final verdict on this game.
Gameplay: 8.5/10
Music:9/10
Overall: 8/10
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