Pokemon Ruby Version

"The Newest Edition of the Pokemon Series is Here!"

Well, there is finally a Pokemon game out for the Game Boy Advance. HORRAY! This is the third installment of this series. First there was Pokemon Red and Blue, with a third version Yellow. Here you had to get 151 Pokemon and beat eight gyms. Then, the people wanted more. And Nintendo delivered Silver and Gold, with a third version Crystal. These versions had an addition 100 Pokemon, bringing the total up to 251 Pokemon. Plus, there was a way that you could trade to the “past” (the older versions) for other Pokemon. And finally, Nintendo created Ruby and Sapphire, with an almost certain third version soon to come. However, while they added 135 Pokemon to the game (386 for those of you who lost count), unless you have a cheating device, you will only have access to 200 Pokemon, possibly 202 for Special Events sponsored by Nintendo.

Gameplay (9/10)
The gameplay is like most other Pokemon games: Catch em’, Train em’, and Beat em’. The one part of this game that lowers its score is the you can no longer trade with Red/Blue/Yellow/Gold/Silver/Crystal. This is a major disappointment to many who had favorite Pokemon on the older versions (such as the many Eevees). Other than that, the game itself is very good. Pokemon now have personalities, and there are now many different types of Pokeballs to catch them with.

Sound/Music (10/10)
The music in this game is appropriate. There is suspense during a battle, unwariness while in a cave, and a nice melody while along the coastline. The sounds go the distance as well. There’s always some sort of sound that’s made (like when a Pokemon attacks, or when you find an items) that you can’t seem to play without. This is on of the few games that I enjoy playing with the volume on.

Control (10/10)
The control in this game is as simple as its predecessors. Up is up, down is down, left is left, and right is right. You can register certain items (Such as the bike) to the SELECT button for easy access. Managing through your pack of items has never been this easy. There areas sections for Key Items, Berries, TMs/HMs, and all around items. It is very easy to get from one place to another on the map. All in all: very good control.

Graphics (10/10)
Wow… the graphics on this game are to die for. Never has a Pokemon game been represented so beautifully. In fact, this is one of the best graphics that I have seen in a Game Boy Advance game! The pure fact that you can see your reflection in the water is amazing, and leaving behind footprints in the sand are just two ways that these graphics are like real life. While the aspect of day and night is gone (meaning the screen won’t dim at night), the graphics in this game are simply un-describable. You will just have to play the game yourself to find out how wonderful they are.

Difficulty (8/10)
Actually, for a Pokemon game, this game is fairly difficult. However, it is meant to be for children of all ages, so it is not too tough. The battles from gym to gym require to train not just a little, but a good amount (especially by the time you get to the seventh gym).

Storyline (10/10)
The storyline here is the same in the other editions of this game: You want to be the best. And, of course, you still “Gotta Catch’em All!” In Ruby and Sapphire, there are many noticeable differences from the other games.

First of all, you travel in a brand new region: Hoenn. Never in the game will you see Kanto or Johto. Secondly, just like in Pokemon Crystal for game Boy Color, you get to pick a gender. The one you do not pick, however, will become your rival. The rival in this game is a lot friendlier than in the others, a quality that I would like changed for the next one. Another point that I do not like is that you cannot catch all 351 Pokemon unless you have a cheating device (such as action replay or gameshark). If you do not have any of these devices, you can only obtain 200 Pokemon. Some old Pokemon make an appearance, but most of them are new.

Another new part to the game is that instead of battling Team Rocket, you battle a Team, depending on which version you get. If you choose sapphire, you will be battling Team Aqua. If you choose ruby, the you will be battling Team Magma. Both storylines are similar and have the same outcome, but the dialogue is different.

The last new things on this include Pokemon Contests, Pokemon Abilities, and 2-on-2 battles. The 2-on-2 battle are self-explanatory: You have two Pokemon out at a time, battling two of your opponents Pokemon. It provides for a new way of battling. Pokemon Contests are for breeders, or people who want their Pokemon to be “cool” or “tough” or “cute” in the contests. Finally, every Pokemon has one ability (some have two). Things like Blaziken’s BLAZE will increase its fire attacks when its health is below 1/3. all of these items greatly change the way that the game is played.

Replay Value (10/10)
Well, it should be obvious, but the replay value in this game is high. If it’s not enough to just beat the Elite Four, you should also try to obtain all 200 Pokemon. This means trading with friends, and searching high and low. Also, trying to obtain the “perfect” team can keep you occupied. Not only the highest level, but also for the best stats and team possible. And, if you really have a lot of free time, you can try to get every Pokemon as a “Shiny.” Every Pokemon has a shiny counterpart—same stats, but different appearance. Finding one of these is extremely hard, and even for Pokemon that you find alone (Such as the starters or Groudon), you will have to try for days. Or it might be the first time you play the game that you encounter one. Either way, this game is sure to be around for a while.

Rent or Buy? BUY IT!!!
this is a stupid question. Of course you should BUY IT! If you only rent it, then you will feel like a little part of you is missing at all times… well, not really, but you will miss the game. Even if you leave it alone for a month and then start playing it again, you will see why you should buy it. Just trust me on this one.

Overall (10/10)
Overall, as you can tell by the review, this game is a must have. It has spread away from the older versions, while still keeping the main idea intact. If you think that this game is for “little kids,” then you are sorely mistaken. And if that’s the reason that you do not buy this game, well… then you will be missing on of the best game to arrive on the Game Boy Advance!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 09/12/03