Pokemon Conquest

Prior to everyone getting the game today, the main gripe on this board was that Nintendo felt this game would fail so did not produce as many copies. This also explained the weird shipment schedule, lack of official street date policies, and incorrect availability announcements. A select few actually went to say that Nintendo knew this game would fail so just let it go as a failed product to fend for itself.

I thought I'd share my perspective so that people who really love Nintendo and Pokemon don't feel so slighted by the difficulties they had in getting this game. After all, kids read this board, and I'd hate to think that they believe everything we say when we're disappointed.

1. Distribution of this game was limited by retailers
Pokemon spin-off games typically fulfill the void left between major releases. The same age group is expected to be interested in the entire suite of Pokemon games, and thus sales are expected to be relatively high and consistent. This title actually scared retailers a bit.

It's a children's game still, but there are no children to play as. The cover is also a bit more epic, as if it is a novel tale rather than a short story. It's a game with the whimsy of Pokemon, but the decoration of a more serious title. Retailers did not feel this would sell as quickly as the other more "kid" advertised titles. I believe they were correct in their assessment, but the game is selling quite well; whether this is because there's low stock or because it is actually selling really well is beyond me.

2. This game was released at a prime time to sell
Summer is the time when some major blockbuster titles are released, but generally only towards the beginning and the end. That means that many titles can be purchased and last you all summer! Pokemon conquest is being released a week after most schools get out for summer. It is expected to sell.

3. This game was released on the perfect system to sell
The DS is legendary for its market penetration. A lot of people have this system; most have it sitting around collecting dust! Not only that, but 3DS users are steadily gaining numbers as well. This game is being marketed to a very, very large audience who is looking for a reason to dust off the hardware.

Quick Review:
If you are new to the strategy RPG genre, this game is perfect. If you are already a seasoned SRPG player, the gameplay will leave you with a desire for more, BUT the story is fun and the overall title's pokemon theme is great as well.

In the end I think players of all skill levels will find it fun, even if it isn't as deep as everyone else's starting SRPGs (FFT for instance?).
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X360 GT: Souloni
Playing: Gears of War 3, SSF4:AE, SF3