Pokémon fans across the globe were treated to a special surprise on Tuesday, January 8. After much speculation about the next step for the Pokémon franchise, Nintendo's Satoru Iwata announced via a special "Pokémon Direct" live webcast, the 2013 release of the newest generation of Pokémon games: this time titled Pokémon X and Pokémon Y.
Fans' jaws dropped all over the world at the graphical advances their beloved franchise will now boast. The new titles will feature full 3D environments as well as (finally!) beautifully 3D rendered Pokémon designs. Five new Pokémon were also revealed: the three starters and possibly the two version mascots.
Personally, I loved everything that was revealed. The graphical advancements make full use of Nintendo 3DS hardware. As a result, the gameplay looks gorgeous and radically different. I liked two of the starter Pokémon, namely the Grass-type Chespin and the Fire-type Fennekin. As someone who usually chooses the Water-type, I'm not too fond of Froakie's design. But whatever, a year from now, I'm sure I'll love it just as much. The legendary Pokémon that were revealed are a strange red bird named Yveltal (ee-VELL-tall) resembling the letter "Y" and a stag-like creature that looks like Harry Potter's Patronus the letter "X" named Xerneas (ZURR-nee-us). Pretty tongue-twisting names.
The environment and region look similar to European- notably French- locations. A scene features our player character running along a path with a monument resembling the Eiffel Tower in the background. Looks like we'll finally be able to roam freely around 3D environments- not just in straight up-down-left-right lines.
And then we have the names themselves- X and Y. What do they stand for? DNA? Chromosomes? Genes? All we know for now is that for once, Pokémon isn't using a color, a precious metal or precious stones to name their games.
The biggest feature of the Pokémon Direct presentation was the fact that these games are releasing simultaneously across the world- a first for the Pokémon franchise. Gone are the days when players in America had to wait six months (or more!) for the English localization to arrive.
The two games are for the Nintendo 3DS, which till lacks a flagship Pokémon title. It's obvious Nintendo wants 3DS sales to pick up momentum (not that it's selling badly). A major Nintendo handheld console without a major Pokémon game is unnatural. Just ask the Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance and the Nintendo DS.
Pokémon is finally listening to fans who have been asking for significant change. X and Y look to overhaul the entire notion of a Pokémon game. I'm sure that despite all the changes and revolutions- it will be at heart a grand adventure for an unaccompanied 10-year old.
Now to decide which version to pick up- my Heart tells me X but my Soul tells me Y...
Pokémon X and Pokémon Y hit stores worldwide October 2013 for the 3DS.
Fans' jaws dropped all over the world at the graphical advances their beloved franchise will now boast. The new titles will feature full 3D environments as well as (finally!) beautifully 3D rendered Pokémon designs. Five new Pokémon were also revealed: the three starters and possibly the two version mascots.
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| Pick A Starter- Any Starter. |
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| Possibly Your X. |
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| Obviously Your Y. |
The environment and region look similar to European- notably French- locations. A scene features our player character running along a path with a monument resembling the Eiffel Tower in the background. Looks like we'll finally be able to roam freely around 3D environments- not just in straight up-down-left-right lines.
And then we have the names themselves- X and Y. What do they stand for? DNA? Chromosomes? Genes? All we know for now is that for once, Pokémon isn't using a color, a precious metal or precious stones to name their games.
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| It Starts! |
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| Ah...Pah-REE! |
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| Don't Run Past! Stop And smell the flowers! |
The biggest feature of the Pokémon Direct presentation was the fact that these games are releasing simultaneously across the world- a first for the Pokémon franchise. Gone are the days when players in America had to wait six months (or more!) for the English localization to arrive.
The two games are for the Nintendo 3DS, which till lacks a flagship Pokémon title. It's obvious Nintendo wants 3DS sales to pick up momentum (not that it's selling badly). A major Nintendo handheld console without a major Pokémon game is unnatural. Just ask the Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance and the Nintendo DS.
 |
| Some Old Buddies Look Brand New! |
Pokémon is finally listening to fans who have been asking for significant change. X and Y look to overhaul the entire notion of a Pokémon game. I'm sure that despite all the changes and revolutions- it will be at heart a grand adventure for an unaccompanied 10-year old.
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| Oh, We've Come A Long Way. |
Now to decide which version to pick up- my Heart tells me X but my Soul tells me Y...
Pokémon X and Pokémon Y hit stores worldwide October 2013 for the 3DS.