Pokemon Emerald Version

"No wonder this game was shining like a jewel when I took it out of the pack!!"

Pokemon has four generations; 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th. Personally, I think that the 2nd generation was the best generation out of the four. But if you were going to choose the best version in this 3rd generation, then I would choose Pokemon Emerald. This third installment to the 3rd generation was a smash hit, and I think any Pokemon fan would agree, but it is a good game.

Music 9/10

The music has definitely upgraded from the 2nd generation, and with new places you can visit and new cutscenes that you couldn't see in the other two versions, this is just a new way of putting in new music that isn't boring to the ear and is in fact entertaining.

Controls 10/10

Who can argue about this? Really, it's the same as all of the other generations, except for some new moves you can do on the bike and secret bases that you can make. But other than that, the controls in battle, out of battle and controls in general is all the same and simple. Easy to learn, easy to remember, and there's really no point of arguing.

Storyline 10/10

Yes, I know, the storyline is the same as all the previous generations and versions. But, this one is a little different. It's different because in the 1st and 2nd generations, it was Team Rocket that tried to take over the region and get the legendary Pokemon/Pokemon's. But this time, it's Team Magma AND Team Aqua that you have to stop from getting Groudon AND Kyogre. See, in the previous versions, you only had to stop ONE legendary Pokemon, but this time you have to stop two. See, it's different. Anyway, it's still a good storyline and it's entertaining.

Graphics 10/10

Now, the graphics, FOR THE TIME, is good. It's actually not that bad if you have a look at it today. The graphics in the cutscenes are especially impressive, especially the cutscene when Rayquaza comes out between Groudon and Kyogre. That cutscene is COOL!! Still, the graphics are cool and good.

Replay Value 9/10

Okay, there is a slight problem when it come to the replay value of this game, and that's that if, in your file, you have a lot of rare, shiny or legendary Pokemon, then it's a bit hard to just press the ‘Start A New Game' button. That's the one problem that Nintendo made when creating Pokemon; there is only ONE file. If there were three different files like in Kirby or Final Fantasy, then it will be much better to start a new game, without the fear of losing good, rare Pokemon.

Pokemon in general, is a good, enjoyable game. Just a couple of flaws cost this game, but I guess that can be said for all of the versions and generations. Pokemon really deserves to get a perfect score, but I guess that can't be helped. It's still a good, fun game to play.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 06/24/09

Game Release: Pokemon Emerald Version (AU, 06/09/05)