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Pokemon Sun and Moon Review

Pokemon Sun and Moon Review

From Dusk ‘Til Dawn

With a twenty year tenure under its belt, the fact that the core gameplay of Pokemon has gone relatively unchanged and has retained a broad appeal through multiple generations is a testament to the quality of the series. Content additions and tweaks have graced each new entry, but Pokemon Sun and Moon have easily used the broadest brush stroke of feature alterations. The purest Pokemon diehard fans may cling to nitpicky criticisms, but the fresh perspective and simple improvements provide relief to some of the series’ redundant foundations. And yet for all the uproar of change, there are still many familiar and comforting elements that should assure lifelong fans they have not been cast aside.

The game starts you off in traditional fashion, as a young boy or girl recently relocated to a new region, with an eager spirit, a flair for adventure, and an innate proficiency at handling Pokemon that catches the eye of the local Professor. After a short introduction to some key characters, you are given the arduous task of choosing your Grass, Fire, or Water type starting Pokemon, and with your mother’s blessing are set free to uncover the mysteries of the gorgeous Alola region.

This Hawaiian inspired paradise consists of four main islands. Each contains specks of terrain that match the various Pokemon types, though you are never too far from perky palm trees, golden sandy beaches, and translucent blue ocean waters. The laid back atmosphere permeates into the personalities of the region’s inhabitants, with most of the people you encounter infused with vigor and a lust for life. The antagonizing Team Skull could have brought a severe contrast that befits their moniker, but most of the goons who attempt to impede your progress are full of bumbling bluster, with more bark than bite.

You’ll find more of a challenge in the Island Trials, the game’s major replacement of the Pokemon Gyms of old. Each of the four islands presents a selection of activities that culminates into a marquis battle against the Kahuna of the island as well as Totem Pokemon (essentially regular Pokemon stuffed with steroids). Trials consist of chores such as foraging for ingredients, following clues to solve mysteries, and taking snapshots of Pokemon. It lacks the gladiatorial spectacle of taking on a gym leader to taunt your prowess to the audience, but the varied tasks provide a multifaceted approach which breaks up the linear structure veterans have grown accustomed to.

Pokemon Sun and Moon Screenshot

It becomes apparent early on that Pokemon Sun and Moon pays heavy attention to the narrative, with cutscenes and conversations at nearly every turn. For the most part it is a predictable plot, with a few moments that will surprise and confuse only those who have been spamming the A button through all the text. Despite the vanilla storyline, it still provides some exciting showdowns and introduces a few characters with enough style and personality that I hope to see them in future Pokemon adventures.

Pokemon Sun and Moon Screenshot

Another thing I would like to see going forward in the series is the wonderfully laid out user interface. The breakdown of menu screens is still categorized into familiar headings such as the item screen, Pokédex, and summary pages, but the ease of access in navigating these screens, especially during combat, is a smooth process rather than a time consuming chore. For example, a Poké Ball icon located right on the main touch screen allows you to quickly choose and toss a Poké Ball at a weakened wild Pokemon rather than fumbling through menu screens to grab one. But perhaps the simplest and most welcome addition, especially for newcomers, is the move effectiveness indicators. No longer do you need the encyclopedic memorization of what element types are vulnerable to others. After a single battle against a new Pokemon, your entire move list will indicate which moves are “super effective” and which are not effective at all. This glorious sight persists even when swapping Pokemon mid-battle, allowing you to choose the most valuable Pokemon in your party to tackle the opponent across the field.

Pokemon will gain XP and level up from combat, but with a little extra care using the new Pokemon Refresh feature, you can increase their productivity. Using this Nintendogs inspired minigame you can rub them, feed them treats, cure ailments, and groom them to increase their affection level, which in turns makes them more receptive to your commands in battle.

One tedious new addition are the super-powered Z-moves. After obtaining a Z Crystal compatible with specific Pokemon, they can unleash a devastating attack once per battle. It’s useful for draining your enemy’s health, but the animations, while exciting, are far too long and cannot be skipped. When you are simply trying to grind out levels, you will likely forego these power moves and opt instead for regular, effective attacks.

Pokemon Sun and Moon Screenshot

The aesthetic of the Alola region is pleasing and soothing, making this the most gorgeous looking Pokemon adventure to date. There are vibrant colors throughout the archipelago, with the contrasting black and white shades of the opposing Team Skull playing well against the palette. The music selection is also infused with instruments and melodies often typecast to tropical paradises, but pleasant and well composed. I enjoyed the unique calls of the new Pokemon, however I grow ever more weary with the developer’s stubbornness in keeping some of the antiquated sounds. Seriously, please make a new sound for when a you enter or exit a building or area, I implore you.

Digressing from my initial criticism about nitpicky fans, Pokemon Sun and Moon makes it difficult to keep anything but a casual, easygoing attitude while playing. The wonderful creatures are given a spotlight not only in combat, but through your free exploration as they wander close to their owners and bear affection through many scripted dialogues. As the game displays, you are encouraged to enjoy the company of your Pokemon companions through keeping them healthy and happy.

With a zest for life and a fresh impression, Pokemon Sun and Moon feels like a new introduction to the series, and not a weary inclusion to simply capitalize on the brand. Whether you are devout follower, a jaded former trainer, or a fledgling enthusiast, now is the perfect time to embrace the Pokemon splendor, pause the real world, and take a paradise vacation to the Alola region.

RATING OUT OF 5 RATING DESCRIPTION 4.5 Graphics
It is by far the best-looking Pokemon game made for a Nintendo handheld. The move animations are flashy and at times overdone, but every element is an expressive display. 4.7 Control
A infinitely more approachable user interface than any other Pokemon game give Sun and Moon a solid score in the controls category. 4.2 Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The music score matches the laid back Hawaiian style, and new Pokemon are given clever vocal calls. Some of the recycled noises from prior generations, however, need a serious retuning. 4.6 Play Value
It’s not the longest journey or the most memorable story, but the appeal and addiction is stronger than ever, making it hard put down your quest to catch ’em all. 4.5 Overall Rating – Must Buy
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 – 1.9 = Avoid 2.5 – 2.9 = Average 3.5 – 3.9 = Good 4.5 – 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 – 2.4 = Poor 3.0 – 3.4 = Fair 4.0 – 4.4 = Great 5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

  • Set out on an adventure as a Pokemon Trainer in the all new Alola Region.
  • Befriend one of the three new Partner Pokemon Rowlet, Litten and Popplio.
  • Discover the mystery behind the new Legendary Pokemon Solgaleo and Lunala.
  • Discover all-new Pokemon to catch, battle and trade.

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