PREVIEW

The Most Ambitious Pokemon Ever? Early Thoughts on Pokemon X/Y

(Nintendo 3DS)

Game Freak goes all-out to trump the iPad this time around, and they might just succeed.

By Kat Bailey 01/08/2013

Well folks, what you just witnessed was Nintendo's atomic bomb. Not only are they releasing a new Pokemon generation for the Nintendo 3DS, but they are doing it within a year of the initial announcement. And it will receive a simultaneous worldwide release at that. For Nintendo, this couldn't come at a better time. The 3DS has managed to establish itself in both the U.S. and Japan, but it faces more competition than ever before. Pokemon is their trump card. Even more so than Mario, it's the one franchise with the power to trump the iPad and sell people on the idea of shelling out $200 for a dedicated handheld.

Knowing the stakes, it's not surprising to see that Game Freak has opted to go all out on this version. In the battles at least, the new 3D graphics look quite impressive. The cel shading in particular looks great and is a natural fit for a franchise defined as much by the anime (which is still going!) as the games. In a lot of ways, this is the fully-animated console Pokemon that people were pining for back in the days of the Nintendo 64 and the GameCube. The new graphics, however, probably won't bring with them a new format. Game Freak reps have told me in the past that they are comfortable with the 8 Gym/Elite 4 format as a way to gate progress and teach newcomers the basics. So in that, I expect Pokemon X and Y to be business as usual.

Where it will excel, as usual, is in the ways it will take advantage of the 3DS' innate capabilities. I expect StreetPass and SpotPass to be heavily featured and the online functionality greatly improved (hopefully the battle options will be much more customizable). DLC will probably exist as well, though Game Freak will have to be careful on that front lest they damage their existing gameplay model. Putting a popular legendary up for sale might seem like a good idea, but then you probably have to ban people from trading them. And once you go down that road, you start messing with the very core of the experience.

My own hope is that Game Freak will take some time to fiddle with mechanics that have existed since the franchise's inception on the Game Boy. For instance, do we really need random encounters anymore? Is there any way that battle ready Pokemon can be bred without resorting to hours of hatching eggs (RNG abuse not withstanding)? And after teasing me with Heart Gold and Soul Silver, will I get to have a Kyogre follow me around the world map while terrorizing the locals? Needless to say, there are plenty of ways Pokemon can be improved without junking the existing format or the old monsters.

In one sense, the sixth generation is already off to a good start. After a two year run with the exceptionally mediocre Tepig, Snivy, and Oshawott, the new starters are already looking great, particularly the exceptionally adorable Fennekin. A Pokemon generation is nothing without good starters, since they are the monsters that stay with you through the entire game. It's good to see that Game Freak has nailed that aspect of the equation, at least in the early going. And if you were hoping for a Dragon/Psychic starter? Well, prepare to be disappointed forever, because it's never going to happen.

As for the rest of the sixth generation monsters, we'll just have to wait and see. The new legendaries look nice enough, even if they follow the odd trend established by Kyurem and Reshiram of looking almost mechanical in nature. One thing that did jump out at me from the trailer, however, was the use of older creatures from Red/Blue, Ruby/Sapphire, and Black/White. Now, you can just chalk that up to Game Freak using familiar Pokemon like Pikachu to market their new game. But if you'll recall, Black and White was all about pushing the new 150 on everyone, with varying success. My feeling is that they are moving away from that approach for the new generation, which is probably smart. I like new Pokemon (especially the aforementioned fire-type starter), but not at the expense of oldies like Gengar. A good mix of monsters out of the gate will inspire the right amount of nostalgia for the old games while reinforcing the legitimacy of the newcomers

In fact, I think Game Freak will be leaning heavily on people's love of the older games to push this new version, which might explain the excessive amount of Pikachu in the debut trailer (yes, I know Pikachu is the mascot, but I don't recall seeing him in the Black/White trailer). I wouldn't even be surprised if, memory permitting, they found a way to squeeze in the Kanto region from the original Red and Blue. In the end, the major appeal of Pokemon X and Y will be seeing all of your favorites in 3D.

I don't expect Pokemon X and Y to lean entirely on nostalgia, however. Game Freak has long shown a great deal of creativity in maximizing the potential of Nintendo's mobile platform, and I expect that to continue with Pokemon X and Y. In particular, I think asynchronous multiplayer will be a big component of the new games. The excellent Join Avenue from Pokemon Black/White 2 is just the tip of the iceberg. Such innovations have gone a long way toward keeping Pokemon fresh over the years, and they are a big part of why I'm excited for the sixth generation. Beyond that, I get the sense that Nintendo and Game Freak are pushing their chips to the center of the table with this iteration. They know it has to be good, and they know it has to be striking to look at, or kids will go back to playing Angry Birds Star Wars on Dad's iPad.

For that reason, I say get ready. Between Fire Emblem, Monster Hunter, and Soul Hackers, we were already in for a great year for RPGs on the 3DS. With what could be the most ambitious Pokemon in years on the table as well, I think it's now graduated to ridiculous. I can't wait.

See all Pokemon X/Y Previews >

Comments (46)

3D Nostalgia
Posted: userComment.createdDate by BRVII

To have the stadium announcer from Pokemon Stadium 64 narrate your battles should totally be a selectable option.

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Already. . .
Posted: userComment.createdDate by Tryptamine

. . .training.
ruby though.

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the starter pokemon for this game looks awful.
Posted: userComment.createdDate by DarkdaemonPK2

Except for the fire type looking fox thingy.

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That's what it comes down to
Posted: userComment.createdDate by Dr_Corndog

Talk about the convenience and the low cost of games on the iPad and iPhone, but it's the software that makes the system.

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"trump the iPad"?
Posted: userComment.createdDate by JOYFUL_NOISE

The gameing industry loves making up fake enemies as to why they might be losing sales. Are there really people out there deciding to buy an iPad or 3DS? Are they even subsitutes, I wouldn't consider them as such. I have an iPad but it was NEVER a choice between that or a handheld. NEVER. Do parents debate buying a iPad over 3DS for their kids? Maybe the times have passed me by but parents shouldn't be buying their kids iPads. iPad games are not even at the same level as 3DS games. Whatever... That's my rant.
As for the game. It will score well. It will sell millions. The End.
P.S. Both legendaries look like Y's

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- some ipad games
  Posted: 01/10/2013 by sunmofo
  
  are literally old ds games. and parents do buy ipads and ipod touches as gaming systems for their kids. so yes, it's a viable comparison.
  
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- iPad
  Posted: 01/10/2013 by KellerWVU
  
  The iPad was one of the most asked for things by youths this past Christmas, so yes, I would say parents do have to make the choice of whether to throw down for an iPad or a 3DS for their kids.
  
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- Still though
  Posted: 01/10/2013 by JOYFUL_NOISE
  
  You never hear of computer sales affecting console sales.
  
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Where are all the milking complaints?!!
Posted: userComment.createdDate by JOYFUL_NOISE

Every time MS releases a Halo Game some little girl complains about milking. Pokemon releases a 6th generation of the same game and nobody cries foul? Let's not forget with each gen atleast 2 games are sold i.e. red and blue, black and white, ect. Not counting all the pokemon dungeon amd whaterver else games.

It really doesn't get that serious though. Just pointing out the Irony.

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- I can think of...
  Posted: 01/12/2013 by Shiranui86
  
  at least a hundred new additions every game. Two games are sold to encourage trading with friends, it'd be boring if you could just find every pokemon in the game. I've never bought both versions and I don't know anyone that has.
  
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excited but not too excited
Posted: userComment.createdDate by kingsharkboi

I'm looking forward because of the new perspective, the potential capabilities of the 3DS, the new Starter Designs, and the Freakin Legendaries look so sick! I might have to pick up a 3DS sometime down the road as my next system of choice just to join in on the fun (even though I still haven't finished all the DS games I want to play).
I'm not getting too worked up though. For one, I know not much about the gameplay design and its supposed innovations. If it's business as usual, I'd be down to play it but after the initial graphical freshness wears off it'll be no better than playing Pearl version. Also the prospect of DLC just doesn't entice me at all, especially since the addictive nature of catching them all would be tempting for Nintendo to make guaranteed cash with the addicts and kids. The reason Gold/Silver/Crystal was my favorite generation was because of the very useful tweaks and additions it made to the formula and battle system, with many extra things to do and utilize. Also, it had a whole 2nd region with an epic final boss, something I believe no other Pokemon has dared to do (and GSC was on the GameBoyColor!).
After playing G/S/C over a decade ago, I seem to be going the "every other generation" route with Pokemon. This means X & Y are gonna pull me back in since I'm already feeling this hype that I haven't felt in years. Hopefully I can feel the power that's inside.

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Nice.
Posted: userComment.createdDate by McMarbles

By October, the Pokemon craving should start setting in again. Totally picking Froakie for a starter.

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POKEMON
Posted: userComment.createdDate by Mudryknow

I picked up Pokemon White after not having played any pokemon game since Silver, and I was pleasantly surprised. I think the new monsters were great and creative, though some were a little silly, I didn't have any complaints. I was going to pick up Black 2, but maybe I'll wait 'til October and get some X going. Or maybe I'll get Black 2 to hold me over until then. Way to go GameFreak! Totally going for Chespin

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- black/white version 2 is definitely worth playing
  Posted: 01/09/2013 by sunmofo
  
  it has the most effortless story of any pokemon yet, and it feels like an actual sequel rather than a reiteration. if you enjoyed black, you'll enjoy v2, and there's plenty of time between now and october to get it played.
  
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wow
Posted: userComment.createdDate by Togegawa1

could have use this game for the WII

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super-duper excited by this
Posted: userComment.createdDate by sunmofo

and completely blown-away surprised.
but...i haven't even come close to finishing white 2 yet :/
i guess now i have a better excuse not to bother porting all my pokemon over, tho. i'll just wait and get em on x/y.

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I've played every Pokemon
Posted: userComment.createdDate by SoloRogue

Since The original Read and Have continued to play all of em and still be impressed. But so far this looks like it's one of the best since 3rd gen (Though I was REALLY hoping for a 1st gen or 3rd gen remake for the DS) I love the speculations that Bailey has made in this article and I really hope that everything comes true. I can already tell there is going to be plenty of haters due to "Oh the pokemon look weird" or "They have stupid names" or.. "They have too many regions".. I'd love to see those whom hate on the game to come up with their own name, and own design for a pokemon. This game has plenty of Promise and I surely cannot wait for it to come out this October. It'll finally take me away from White 2 and DQIX.

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Almost
Posted: userComment.createdDate by whats_a_cow

Every blog has been about this today. Ah well, it looks good enough to justify it.

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I'm keen
Posted: userComment.createdDate by bottled_whimsy

This looks gorgeous, and I hope it manages to be new and different enough to justify buying it. Last pokemon game I got was black, and it just didn't manange to have the same kind of effect on me as some of the older ones. I mean, I just got bored and stopped playing it, didn't even bother to beat the elite four. Hopefully this will be the one that get's me back into them!

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Looks like a DS game
Posted: userComment.createdDate by EKGTrooper

Graphically, I've seen better looking PS1 games. This is a 3DS, the same system that produced Resident Evil Revelations, and this was the best they could do? And it doesn't even look like you'll have real 3D controls in a 3D environment. It looks like they are forcing you onto a grid, which just completely turned me off. No thanks. Get in touch when you release a real 3D Pokemon game, Nintendo...

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- I Caught One...
  Posted: 01/09/2013 by Hunterman328
  
  Looks like I found my first 6th Gen Pokemon, Complaintor! It must have just evolved from a
  Troll-ums.
  
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- Could have
  Posted: 01/09/2013 by SoloRogue
  
  Sworn that this game is still in development. It still has months of sweat blood and tears to go through before the game is complete. It's too early to Judge the game based on what the very FIRST trailer looks like. That was rather ignorant ( In my opnion at least) to just judge so quickly. I'd imagine that You don't enjoy much games ? This pokemon shows plenty of Promise from what I've seen and read so far. Imagine seeing a Glaceon or a Giratina (With the Gresious orb) in 3D ?
  
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- Clueless
  Posted: 01/09/2013 by Mr_Smiff
  
  Seriously? You buy Pokemon games for the cutting edge graphics? Really? Yeah, that life-like Pokemon graphical style ala RE would work great... It's a Pokemon game and the style fits and looks great doing so. Go troll Sound Shapes for the Vita with the same argument, it'll be just as relevent.
  If you don't know what the hell you're talking about then just keep your mouth shut. You'll look less like a fool.
  
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- @ mr_smiff
  Posted: 01/09/2013 by Iamsmartyouarenot
  
  considering this article talks about 90% of the article talks about how the graphics will be different i think its a pretty valid comment. look at the other comments. almost every single one of them on this site and others talk about the graphics and it being the first 3d pokemon. i think ur comment is actually a bit clueless
  
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Looks Great.
Posted: userComment.createdDate by rand0mZer00

I agree with Kat that they will most likely find a balance between nostalgia & starting something new for the next generation of gamers playing their first Pokemon game. I haven't played a Pokemon game since Heart Gold so I'm really looking forward to playing again, in 3D no less.
Count me in!

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Anxious for October
Posted: userComment.createdDate by Tarutaru

Having played all the main pokemon games I am so excited for this first 3DS pokemon game. Love the anouncement and can't wait to get my hands on it. Have already a couple of friends going to get it.

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Incredibly Pumped (With One Concern)
Posted: userComment.createdDate by PaulSometimes

While I am incredibly excited at the prospect of a region inspired by Paris/France, the ability to customize one's avatar, and the dazzling new graphics, I'm a bit concerned that only a portion of the Pokémon roster will be included in this latest generation. With fancy models, move animations, and unique animations for when every Pokémon takes a hit, I'm worried that Game Freak just won't have the space to fit all of my favorite pocket monsters. Throw in the fact that Iwata stated that "some old favorites" would return in today's Nintendo Direct and I have more than a feeling that we might have another Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald on our hands.

Still pumped, but it'd be such a shame not to have Magneton (my favorite Pokémon!) rendered in glorious 3D.

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- every pokemon game they've put out
  Posted: 01/09/2013 by sunmofo
  
  has every pokemon up to that point in its code. the code for all of the pokemon exists in ruby/sapphire/emerald, even if you can't catch most of them in the game.
  i don't know any more about x/y than anybody else, but i can almost assure you that every pokemon will be present, and they will probably come up with some way (probably downloadable eshop pokemon box) to transfer ds pokemon to the 3ds game.
  
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- question
  Posted: 01/10/2013 by monkeyking92
  
  how do you transfer your pokemon from black and white or pearl onto this game?
  
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- don't know yet
  Posted: 01/12/2013 by sunmofo
  
  but it'll probably be a program you can download and store pokemon on and then retrieve them.
  
  or maybe you can just straight-up transfer them without something like that. i mean, the ds and the 3ds can communicate with each other already, so...maybe!
  
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Finally!
Posted: userComment.createdDate by ButterPeanut

Looking forward to playing the long-awaited sequel to Sega's breakout DS hit. Pokemon XX/XY: Feel the Effort Values.

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I haven't bought a Pokemon game since...
Posted: userComment.createdDate by MikkiSaturn

Ruby. But I'll get this. I am sad to see the pixel art go though. Goodbye fair pixel art! The last major franchise to use you has let you go! May you live forever amongst the stars and the indie developers...

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- Pixel Art
  Posted: 01/09/2013 by Mudryknow
  
  R.I.P.
  
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Nice
Posted: userComment.createdDate by donstarlancer

Definitely looking forward to this. Looks awesome. I haven't played Pokemon in a while and I've been waiting for a chance to get back in. Can't wait.

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So pumped
Posted: userComment.createdDate by Hellslinger1

And this was the reason I waited to buy a 3DS.

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Might be the reason I get a 3DS
Posted: userComment.createdDate by ClydeBarrow

Haven't yet, but boy...this is sorely tempting. I love that awesome looking deer legendary in X (I assume, based on the logo look). This one will be on my Watch list for sure.

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Welcome, Pokemon X/Y
Posted: userComment.createdDate by Dr.Cossack

What a pleasant surprise. Ready for a preorder.

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Not since red..
Posted: userComment.createdDate by Retro_Redemption

have I played a Pokemon game... this may bring me back into the franchise.

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Looks okay, but changes need to happen.
Posted: userComment.createdDate by noah364

I've been waiting for a really good reason to buy a 3DS, and this is definitely not it. The new graphics (the cutscenes excepted) look like somthing form the N64 or GameCUbe, and I know that the 3DS can do better than that. Also, it would be so much better if the Pokemon battles were more like those in Ni No Kuni, where you can actually move around freely. 3-D Pokemon battles would be so cool, but it seems here that they're just putting a prettier, more panoramic skin on what already exists on the DS. I'll definitely have no regrets missing this one. Call me when a new Zelda comes out.

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- Reply
  Posted: 01/09/2013 by Hunterman328
  
  About the battles: If they changed to what you're suggesting then you lose all of the set mechanics of battling, which for many reasons has to work with past Gen games. You're idea might be good for a spin off title, but changing the battle mechanics in the main games would never work and would kill the series.
  
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This is
Posted: userComment.createdDate by ngamer-90

Already my most wanted game of 2013, it was before it was announced, and it definetily is now that it's announced. I so can't wait for, all I want is this game this year even though I don't buy a different game.

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pokemon
Posted: userComment.createdDate by AJAPAM_34

... It's been ages since I've played a Pokemon game. I'm talking Pokemon Stadium 2 and that one on the Game Boy Advance. If I ever get back into the series, it'll probably be with one of these

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I'm not a pokemon fan
Posted: userComment.createdDate by Erdricks_Boxers

But this looks awesome. I enjoyed the only Pokemons I played (Soul Silver and Pearl) but the series has been so stagnant I didn't feel like there was any point in playing every iteration. XY looks like the series is finaly practicing what it preaches and evolving. I can't believe I'm saying it, but this is probably a must-buy for me in 2013.

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I'm not a pokemon fan
Posted: userComment.createdDate by Erdricks_Boxers

But this looks awesome. I enjoyed the only Pokemons I played (Soul Silver and Pearl) but the series has been so stagnant I didn't feel like there was any point in playing every iteration. XY looks like the series is finaly practicing what it preaches and evolving. I can't believe I'm saying it, but this is probably a must-buy for me in 2013.

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I can't wait for this
Posted: userComment.createdDate by Epic Greenman

I've been waiting 14 years for this Pokemon game and I am stoked. Also think the starters are the best ones since Totdile/Cyndaquil/Chikorita.

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Looking forward to this.
Posted: userComment.createdDate by Coarse_Limely

I skipped the Black & White generation, so it'll be great to get back into Pokemon with X or Y. Hopefully a couple of my Pokemon fan friends can snag 3DSes when they come out!

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