"An awesome remake of the original."

~ Introduction ~
The new Pokemon game, Fire Red version is a great, new addition to Pokemon. In case you didn't know, it is a solid remake of the original "Pokemon Red" version for Game Boy. This one is on Game Boy Advance now, and has already swept the nation with its awesomeness! I purchased this game right when I saw it on a shelf at my local Wal-Mart. It didn't even have time to collect window dust, I was so there. I gladly handed over the cash and went home and immediately began playing it. Being a true Pokemon fan that I am, I ended up playing my first game about 12 hours - yeah, I'm that dedicated. I know that may not be much compared to some other gamers out there, but it is to me, having to hold down a job at the same time. Meep. Pokemon is truly an addicting sequence of games and deserves a righteous place in history. For it has consumed a lot of time from people, but for a better cause - learning. Pokemon Fire Red is a great RPG (as all other Pokemon games are, too). I will now move on to the popular rating sequence, be prepared to read; a lot!

~ Storyline 9/10 ~
As with the original game, it holds a very good storyline. One of the best RPG storylines I have ever witnessed. You know you're playing a good game when you've put in almost 1000 hours on a single file and you are still playing it as if you just got it. Or is it just me? Anywho, I find the storyline to be quite the fun example of a really good game that is held by many, including me, as a treasure. Traveling the world, capturing Pokemon, buying Potions and Pokeballs, all while training your PokePals to be stronger and help you overcome challenging battles and dizzying puzzles in order to obtain greatness - the Pokemon League Championship! That is what a Pokemon game is all about.

~ Gameplay 9/10 ~
I find the gameplay to be very fun and exciting. Especially since the game is remade to be exactly like the original was, except completely different. I think that most people who dislike this game that will TRY playing it will think the same way I do if they do try it. I give Gameplay a 9/10 rating for a good playout. Gameplay is rendered even better with the new addition to the game: the Wireless Adaptor! It lets you amazingly battle, trade and even CHAT wirelessly (as well as play games at a certain town)! You must try this. Find a friend who has a GBA and a copy of either Leaf Green or Fire Red and find out what is new!

~ Sound 8/10 ~
Truly remade and perfected over its original game. The battle noises rock, as does everything else that emits sounds. The music is even better, being remastered and all. The battle music is good and so is the Gym Leader and Elite Four (and even the Rival) music. They give a good feel to the game as you're playing it. It's almost like an insight to keep going even if you lose - encouragement equals success! Sound receives an 8/10.

~ Graphics 10/10 ~
One of the best adjustments GameFREAK has made to the new version. The graphics are rendered awesome in this game, and so is the terrain, having built the game using Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire's game engine. It's awesome. Everything from throwing Pokeballs, to riding your bike, to swimming with your Pokemon - all of the graphics have been digitally remastered as if it were a prized DVD! I give Graphics a 10/10 rating! Four stars!

~ Challenge? 7/10 ~
As with the original game, this game holds promise of challenges if you play the game right or wrong. It all depends on how YOU play it. That determines the way the game is laid out. I personally enjoy a good challenge, so I rarely train to the extreme so I can have a balanced battle with my opposition. It makes it more fun that way. And fun = wheee! For even more of a challenge, consult a friend and get a Game Link Cable for the Game Boy Advance and link together to battle or trade Pokemon! Or just use the Wireless Adaptor.

~ Replay Value 8/10 ~
As with most other Pokemon games, you can't rebattle Gym Leaders. Or Team Rocket, so that takes out a lot of the fun, but that's okay, because you can still rebattle the Elite Four forever, as well as your rival, and now you can even rebattle other trainers who you have already defeated! Using a special device, it allows you to rebattle certain trainers depending on if they want to or not. You can only wait until they are ready; patience is a virtue. Btw, the item that allows rebattles is called a "VS Seeker", get it and use it. A lot. Replay Value earns an 8/10.

~ Buy or Rent? ~
Buy it. Period. I shouldn't even have to say anything more. Renting leads to lost files, buying leads to long-lasting files. It's that simple.

~ Conclusion ~
Go out right now and buy this game if you haven't already. Start playing it and if you need some assistance visit the boards and/or the FAQs, as they will surely help you out. I might not always be available on the boards, but there are many others there who would be glad to assist you. Just have faith. Enjoy!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10 | Originally Posted: 12/12/05

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