Pokemon FireRed Version

"Havn't I done this before?"

Hi Im new here to Gamefaqs.com and this is my first review so sorry if there are errors. But I have had a lot of experience with these games. Well, on to the review.

Intro-
Personally I am disappointed with Nintendo. They had the chance to create a brand new game (possibly with new Pokemon) and instead they chose to remake an old one. But that doesn't mean this game isn't good. It just means that you should expect a lot of old things that you have probably already done. Let's take a look at this new "improved" game and compare it to the other Pokemon versions Nintendo has released.

Sound-5
The sounds in this game are mostly repeats from the other games it's not that they're not good but it can get annoying after awhile. Most of the Music is from red version but slightly changed. Personally I play with the sound turned off because the music can give you headaches after awhile. One more thing that bugged me is that Nintendo still makes the Pokemon sound like they did in Red version. I think they should have taken things a step up and made them sound like they do on the show instead of these weird roaring sounds they make. If your new to the Pokemon games and you don't know what I am talking about then just compare your starter Pokemon's voice if you get this game to the ones on the show and you'll know what I'm talking about.

Graphics-9
Never has red version looked so awesome. Nintendo payed a lot of attention to detail for this game. Everything is nicely detailed and you can even see your reflection in the water. I would have liked it if they made the Pokemon move like in Crystal version but I wasn't disappointed. The graphics are basically the same as they are for Ruby and Sapphire. Fire red looks like what you would get if you took Red version and gave it Ruby or Sapphire graphics. Which isn't a bad thing but I would have liked to have seen slightly better graphics after a year.

Gameplay-8
Compared to the original red version this game blows it away with its new territories, features, and Pokemon. But if you own Ruby or Sapphire you should know what to expect for Gameplay. One nice thing I liked was the ablility to make your Pokemon hold items to be used in battle. Another fun thing is the double battles where you can face other trainers for a 2x2 battle. I went in thinking this would be easy but there is actually a lot of stratagy involved.

Story-5
Come on Nintendo you could have at least shook things up a little! Throughout the whole game you will feel like your going through dejavu because every thing is in the same spot as in Red version. Even the people in cities are in the same spot and say the same things as there red version counterparts. Not cool Nintendo.This would have cost the game a lot had they not added in the new islands you can unlock at the end of the game. These islands offer new pokemon that can't be found anywhere else in the game like Moltres.

Replay value-5
You could restart this game if you wanted but its hardly entertaining after the first round through the game. The only replay value this game could possibly have are Nintendo events where you can go unlock features in the game for a fee. This I have never done before so I don't know what to expect. Or you could have the fun of facing your friends in battles. But thats it the rest is rinse wash repeat gameplay. Only a huge Poke-maniac would find it fun to do this over and over again until a new version comes out. But you might restart once in a while if you haven't played in a long time.

Pros-
Nice Graphics
New Pokemon not found in the old red version
New Islands to explore

Cons-
You feel like you have done this before if your a Pokemon veteran
Not that much for new territory
Might not be as good as Ruby and Sapphire

Buy or Rent?-I would say if you like Pokemon you should buy it otherwise if your just looking into it I would say rent this game (If you can) and get the idea of whether you like this game or not. I don't think you'll be disappointed with this game.

Final Score (not rounded)-8

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 06/08/06