Finished playing Pokemon Sun

Finished playing Pokemon Sun (2017, Gamefreak, Nintendo 3DS) on 10/17/2017.

Gameplay Hours: 130

The Alola region is teeming with exotic new Pokemon to be found and a new type of challenge for young Pokemon trainers! Embark on another 'Gotta catch'em all!' adventure as you travel through the various islands of Alola in search of new species and even old ones with an Alolan twist! And with those new friends take on the Island Challenge, unique to this new region!

Human characters in the Pokemon games have always been represented in tiny sprites and eventually evolved to child-like 3D models in the 6th generation of core games. Those models have evolved yet again this time around to more closely resemble actual human anatomy, forgoing the traditional "chibi" style. This is a very welcome change to keep things fresh.

And as the franchise evolves to freshen up itself, so do its traditions. Sun and Moon have switched from the usual 8-badge challenge to the unique new Island Challenge, where a Pokemon trainer must undergo different Pokemon trials throughout the islands of Alola. These trials, maintained by trainers known as Trial Captains range from search-and-defeat goals to puzzle-solving objectives which ultimately lead to a battle against a Totem Pokemon, an alpha-leader guarding each trials' locations. And once those trials have been cleared, a chief Pokemon trainer known as an Island Kahuna must test out the trainer's abilities in battle, rewarding them with a stamp on their Trainer Passport as proof.

And along with a more complex storyline and many other new features, those are only some of the more significant tradition-breaking changes that this generation has brought to its fans.

9/10 - Pokemon Sun and Moon go down as a very important step forward for the franchise and I was glad to experience it.

Finished playing Pokémon Omega Ruby

Finished playing Pokemon Omega Ruby Version (2014, Gamefreak, Nintendo 3DS) on 5/17/2015.

Gameplay Hours: 130

Young Pokémon trainers set out of their hometown of Littleroot to journey the region of Hoenn training their very first Pokémon and meeting new ones along the way as they battle through hordes of many other trainers with the ultimate goal to prove themselves champions against the Elite Four challenge. But the journey is not so easy as a group of evildoers known as Team Magma plan to awaken a legendary Pokémon to dry up the seas of the planet. However, our heroes are not alone in the fight as Team Aqua teams up with them to stop Team Magma's plans.

8.5/10 – OMG DEXNAV ADDICTION!!!

That was the first thing I got addicted to right away with this game. I couldn't put the DexNav down until I found that perfect, three star Seedot for my party! The DexNav alone goes a long way for me as it makes it easier to find wild Pokémon with good IVs. Cuz, y'know, what's a shiny Pokémon without good IVs, amirite? #shinyponytavideo

And here's the funny thing. The original games weren't really my favorite and I didn't really care much for Secret Bases or Contests back then. But the added storyline for ORAS got me interested. The Contests were fun and had their challenge. But I really enjoyed the Secret Bases and I really want to get to 1000 Flags captured. I found myself spending several minutes redecorating and redecorating my base until I achieved perfection - a Strip Club Secret Base by the name of Lusty Busty. Ridden with Beauty Trainers and complete with Smoochum mascot. If you ever StreetPass me, you're in for a good laugh.

Lastly, I just wanna say that I changed my playing style with this game as I decided to go through "story mode" with a main team of three Pokémon and two HM slaves. Because apparently it's what everybody does. I've been playing with a full team of six my whole life (as a trainer). But this time it was only three, and, as I expected, it cut grinding by half and got me through the game much quicker and easier. Just a thought.

I've gone and made this review too long, the game was great! #toomuchlava

Finished playing Pokémon HeartGold Version

Finished my second play-through of Pokémon HeartGold Version (2010, Gamefreak, Nintendo DS) 2/4/2015.

Hours: 113

A young Pokémon trainer is given his first Pokémon and sets out on a journey so the both of them can grow stronger and make new friends along the way, with the final goal to take the Elite Four challenge and prove themselves champions. But an old threat doesn't know when to quit and resurfaces in the darkness with its nefarious plans to steal and use Pokémon for money.

8/10 – Boy, this game was long. Talk about post-game content! Built on the 4th Generation Pokémon engine, this remake was long overdue. The graphics aren't as bright as the ones in DPPt, but that's a good thing. Specially when it comes to HeartGold and SoulSilver. I say that because these game's themes are based on old, Japanese-like legends and lore. Specially when you have areas like the Bellsprout Tower and Ecruteak City. The soundtrack is terrific too. The tracks from the original are still perfectly recognizeable even though they've been rearranged. And then you have the Pokéwalker. It is so much fun! Connecting it with your friends' Pokéwalkers and battling their teams at the Battle House at your own leisure? Love it. Love it. And of course, let's not forget that climatic battle at the top of Mount Silver. This was a well made remake of Gold and Silver and I enjoyed it throughly.

Finished playing Pokemon Platinum Version

Finished my second playthrough of Pokémon Platinum Version (2007, Gamefreak, Nintendo DS) on 11/25/2014.

Gameplay hours: ~200

Young kids leave their hometown on a long and adventurous journey as they receive their very first Pokémon. Along the way they test their mettle against the region's top Pokémon trainers to prove themselves worthy of the Elite Four challenge and beyond! But sinister enemies known as Team Galactic lurk in the shadows with a plot that transcends time, space and even alternate dimensions...

8.5/10 – This game is not only longer, but also a bit harder than Diamond & Pearl. Wow, did I get frustrated with these people's over-leveled teams. Not that it's a bad thing. The game is certainly challenging, which is good. But if you have a hard time getting yourself a Lucky Egg then you're in for some long hours of grinding. Personally, I'm not a big fan of that. A little grinding is welcome, but at the same time I want to just move on. Buuuut... I guess I should keep in mind that I always go through Pokémon games with a main team of six, equally-leveled Pokémon. Perhaps that only makes it more time-consuming. Aside from that this game has a lot of offer comparing to its basic counterparts, naturally. Even the storyline was a bit extended, and a bit may be an understatement. All in all, great game. Onto the next one.

Finished playing Pokemon Pearl Version

Finished my third playthrough of Pokémon Pearl Version (2007, Gamefreak, Nintendo DS) on 9/23/2014.

Gameplay Hours: ~100

Young kids leave their hometown on a long and adventurous journey as they receive their very first Pokémon. Along the way they test their mettle against the region's top Pokémon trainers to prove themselves worthy of the Elite Four challenge and beyond! But sinister enemies known as Team Galactic lurk in the shadows with a plot that transcends time and space...

8/10 – You can really see this series improve with each new generation, and Sinnoh is no different. I remember this was the generation that got me back into the franchise after the Johto games and maybe that's why this is also my favorite generation. I also really enjoy all the new Pokémon - Turtwig, Pachirisu and Chatot being some of my top favorite ones. I always enjoy playing every new generation that comes out and this one just happens to be one of the ones that really stuck with me. The graphics are quite vivid, but not an eyesore. The soundtrack itself even shares that same personality, and I really enjoy it! Plus there's so much more to do after the endgame I clocked at about 100 hours before I really considered myself done with this game.