Pokemon FireRed Version

"Blastoise, Mewtwo, Charizard, Gengar and more return!"

Anyone remember the good ol' days? If not, then let me say this. Pokemon was invented as "Pocket Monsters" in Japan. It was unique in that you needed to "trade" with friends to obtain all 150 of these digital monsters. For instance, Erebuu (Electabuzz) was not in the Green version, while Red version players missed out on Utsubot (Victreebel). Next, they decided to create an anime based on the game, chronicling the adventures of Satoshi, Pikachu, Kasumi and Takeshi. The year after that, a Pocket Monsters movie was released featuring the legendary Mewtwo and monster 151, Mew. Viewers could also get a sneak peek at new Pokemon: Mariru (Marill), Buru (Snubbull), Donufanu (Donphan), Togepii (Togepi) and more. Then, the games and anime were translated into English and first appeared in September 1998 as "Pokemon". There were drastic name changes, like, say, Kamex became Blastoise, while Arbok kept its name. The year after that, sequels were released, Pocket Monsters versions Gold and Silver, promising 100 new Pokemon from Chikoritaa to Serebii (Celebi). In July 2001, lucky Japanese viewers got to go to theaters and have a glimpse of Hoeruko (Wailmer), Ruriri (Azurill) and Kakureon (Kecleon), three new Pokemon set to appear in versions Ruby and Sapphire. Ruby and Sapphire introduced 133 new Pokemon from Kimori (Treecko) to Rekkuaza (Rayquaza). However, only 67 old Pokemon returned (such as Pikachu and Bellossom). Pokemon Colosseum had super-rare Johto Pokemon nowhere in Hoenn, from Croconaw to Raikou, Suicune and Entei! It also introduced the rare Jirachi. Now, Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen serve as remakes of the Red and Green versions containing the first 150 Pokemon, and also introduced the ultra-cool, ultra-strong Deoxys. Now, on with the review!

Gameplay: 8/10
The game has tons of old and new features. Have you aced the Unknown Dungeon in your Blue game? Memorized Moltres' location? FireRed and LeafGreen have slightly tweaked the Unknown Dungeon so that its layout is different, and that Moltres is now on a place called Mt. Ember. The game also introduces nine islands home to Johto Pokemon like Skarmory and Heracross, a breeding center, and a new dungeon home to Moltres. The last two islands contain the legendary Ho-Oh, Lugia and Deoxys. There are also double battles, as well as the ability to freely connect to the Ruby and Sapphire versions. This game introduces three new attacks learned by Venusaur, Charizard and Blastoise respectively: Frenzy Plant, Blast Burn and Hydro Cannon. However, after a while, you get bored of stuff like "Wild EKANS appeared! Go! BLASTOISE!" Plus, while Eevee is in this game, Espeon and Umbreon are not unless you transfer Eevee to the Hoenn region, which takes a while. But if you want to truely catch 'em all, you need this game. For instance, you can obtain every legendary Pokemon from Kanto and Johto (excluding Mew and Celebi)!

Music: 10/10
The music consists of remixes from the Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver and Crystal games, and reuses the "Trainer Battle" theme from Ruby and Sapphire (used during multi-player link battles). The music is quite good, and there is now a more spooky theme to Lavender Town. I especially like the music for 7 Island.

Sound: 4/10
Most of the sound is a bunch of repetitive beeps, and Pokemon cries are the same as always. They could have been more creative though. Omanyte's cry sounds exactly like Machop's, and Aerodactyl's sounds similar to Vileplume's!

Graphics: 9/10
The character looks different, and no longer looks like a fat, big-headed version of Ness from Earthbound. If you are a girl, no problem! Professor Oak will ask what sex you are, and you can tell him either a made-up gender or your real gender. Some of the graphics are completely redone, others are modified from R/S. Also, in-battle, Pokemon (I'm looking at you, Articuno, Moltres and Zapdos!) actually look more like their artwork implies, adding a few points, though the R/S comment subtracts a few of them, leaving my final score a 9.

Story: 5/10
Same as usual. You start out in some random filler town, pick your starter, go on an adventure kicking evil people's butts, become the Kanto League champion, etc. However, interesting plot points appear. For example, Team Rocket cooks up a plan to force-evolve Pokemon (they actually do this in Gold and Silver), a scientist mentions Giovanni having a son, and one of Koga's daughters is hidden in the game.

Review:
Gameplay: 8/10
Story: 5/10
Graphics: 9/10
Sound: 4/10
Music: 10/10

Final Score: This game does a great job at retelling the original story of a boy (or girl) collecting Pokemon, and really helps you catch 'em all. However, the fact that a HUGE string of events must be completed in order to trade feels limited. But, the sooner you do it, the sooner you may catch 'em all! Now, as for the Diamond and Pearl games...

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 02/05/07