Trom's Weekly Video Game Review Thread

[Trombonus]

Ok, so I wanted to do something special for my 10,000th post. It's a huge milestone for me at least, considering I've no more than fifty posts in all the other forums I visit put together. This was an idea I toiled around with for a bit before on my MySpace Blog, but I decided to try it here. So, here we go...

Review 1: Pokemon
Review 2: Final Fantasy XII
Review 3: Transformers
Review 4: Tetris DS
Review 5: Ogre Battle 64
Review 6: Mega Man Anniversary Collection
Review 7: Super Mario World
Review 8: N64 Poke-palooza

Guest Reviews
Guest Review 1: Bishoujo Sensei Sailor Moon ~ Written by Lady Reiha
Guest Review 2: Super Mario Bros. 3 ~ Written by Lady Reiha

Just to let you all know, there's currently an open chain going on where stories involve you putting yourself in a video game. You all should check it out.

Here's the link: Virtual Reality Chain

You can also check out the stories written so far via the link in my sig.

 

[MagicaPractica]

So, is this where a poor deprived girl gets an education on video games?

 

[Trombonus]

Week 1: Pokemon

Ok, this weeks review is gonna be done a bit diffrently than most others. I'm going to review several games, all in the same series. They're just so similar to each other that I couldn't separate them really, if I wanted to review all of them. So I'll give an overview of the series, then get into specifics on each game and give my ratings. So without further ado, here are my reviews for many of the games in the phenomenal Pokemon series.

I should note that though I will be reviewing alot of games, I will be leaving out a bunch as well, mostly because they're different enough to warrant a separate review. The games I will be reviewing will be the original Red & Blue, Yellow, Gold & Silver, Crystal, Ruby & Sapphire, Emerald, and Fire Red & Leaf Green.

This series of games ushered in an entirely new era of games, where developers tried to ride the coat tails of Pokemon's success. Some such games include Azure Dreams, Eternal Eyes, Jade Cocoon, Dragon Warrior Monsters, and perhaps the most well know, Monster Rancher.

So the thing that bothers me about the way people percieve Pokemon is they can't separate the game from the cartoon series. Pokemon are cutesy, and yeah the show is geared towards younger kids. However, if you sit down and play the game you get a much different experience. There's alot going on that people don't get simply because the cartoon is really kiddy, especially the last few years.

he cartoon aside, the actual game is really fun, espcially if you like collecting. There's three points to the game. The first is collecting all the different types of Pokemon. Like the catch phrase says, you "gotta catch 'em all." With every new addition to the Pokemon series comes a number of new Pokemon, the number of which now well exceeds 300. No one Pokemon game has all the Pokemon in it, so you have to trade either with another person, or get another game that contains the Pokemon you're missing and trade between them.

Now, once you get the Pokemon, you have to raise them up, just like in a regular RPG. The characters gain experience through battling, either against wild Pokemon or other trainers with their own Pokemon. Each Pokemon learns their own moves, and each one fits into a set of types, such as Fire, Water, or Ground. There are also combinations of two types for even more possibilities. Types are important because each type is strong against certain other types, and weak against other. For instance, Water type pokemon are stronger against Fire types, but Fire types are stronger against Grass types. It's important that you take this into account when you form your group, which can consist of up to 6 Pokemon. Since the game has well over 300, it's often a tough decision. In addition to types, Most pokemon also evolve, meaning that once they reach a certain point they change into a stronger version of itself. If you've seen the show you kinda know what I'm talking about.

The final aspect of this game is the story. Yeah the main point of the game is to collect your Pokemon, but it's also to use those Pokemon to become a champion trainer. You don't have to collect all the Pokemon to beat the game. If you pick the right ones, you can win the game with just a few Pokemon, though you should have a wide selection for whatever situation you'll be getting into.

You progress in the story by visiting different cities and challenging Gym Leaders, who have a team of strong Pokemon relative to the point of the game that you're in. There are 8 leaders in each game, and you have to beat them all in order to get to the Championship and face the Elite Four.

You also have battle with a criminal organization, bent on taking over the world by using Pokemon. The group changes depending on the game your playing, but they're all a nuisance and a big part of the story progression.

Then, after you beat the game, you usually have extra areas and new Pokemon available to you. The game never truly ends, with more Pokemon to catch, train adn win with. Part of the fun is challenging the Elite Four over and over again, using different Pokemon. Sure you can win easily with your strongest Pokemon, once they've been trained up enough, but try challenging yourself by using Pokemon that aren't so strong, or are of a single type. There's always a way to challenge yourself. Anyways, lets get into the specifics of each set of games.

Red & Blue
System: Gameboy

The original Pokemon game for the original Gameboy. Yeah the original black and white Gameboy. The game did have Super Gameboy compatibility, but back then it was very limited in the way of color. Being a Gameboy game, the srprites were kind of blocky. That's to be expected, but even so the game looks fantastic. The close ups of the Pokemon during battles aren't great though. They're very blocky, and don't look great, but at least you can tell what it is. The game has a total of 150 Pokemon, but in order to get every Pokemon you need both games so you can trade between them. The storyline is the same for both games.

Graphics: 85
Sound: 85
Gameplay: 97
Storyline: 91
Overall: 89.5

Yellow
Gameboy Color

Yellow version is an upgrade over the original Red and Blue games. The main difference is that the first Pokemon you get is a Pikachu, just like in the tv series. It follows you around and you can talk to it to see how happy it is. Also the bad guys, Team Rocket, are represented by the characters in the show as well. The only other real difference is that the graphics are a bit better. In essence it's the same game, but a little jazzed up. Something for fans of the show.

Graphics: 87
Sound: 85
Gameplay: 97
Story: 91
Overall: 90

Gold & Silver

The official sequel to the first set of Pokemon games. This game adds another hundred Pokemon to the series, as well as two new types: Dark and Steel. You can capture some of the older Pokemon too, but now you have a lot more variety to choose from. The graphics are much better in the game. More color and better looking Pokemon make this a major improvement over the first game. It also introduces the concept of time, where certain Pokemon are available at certain times of the day. Certain Pokeomn only come out at night, while others are only up in the morning. Time is measured in real time, so whatever you set the clock to will be the same as actual time. Daylight savings is a problem though, as it's a real hassle to change the clock. The story is much the same, this time with two sets of gym leaders to work through.

Graphics: 89
Sound: 87
Gameplay: 97
Story: 93
Overall: 91.5

Crystal

Again, Crystal is an upgraded version of Gold & Silver, this game focussing around the Pokeomn Suicune. Suicune is a legendary Pokemon, and alot of the story has to do with a new character trying to catch him. Other than that this game is no different from G & S. A major change however is Crystal is the first Pokemon game that gives you a choice of being a boy or a girl. Previously you had to be a boy.

Graphics: 89
Sound: 87
Gameplay: 97
Story: 94
Overall: 91.75

Ruby and Sapphire
Gameboy Advance

The first Pokemon game for the Gamebou Advance, and a huge step up over G & S. R & S adds even more Pokemon to the mix, but the biggest addition are the new 2-on-2 battles. This concept requires even more strategy as certain Pokemon go well with each other, and you can create vicious combo attacks based on certain moves and Pokemon types. This makes choosing your Pokemon and what order they're in even more critical than ever before. This game looks amazing. It completely blows the previous games out of the water, with more colors and smoother graphics available.

The storyline gets a boost too, as now you have two criminal organizations fighting against each other, trying to capture the legendary Pokemon they need to not only rule the world, but change the landscape itself. Team Magma wishes to create more land using the ground Pokemon Groudon, while Team Aqua wants to produce more water by using Kyogre. Both groups think that their actions will help the world, but they are seriously misguided, and it's up to you to fix things. Also there's the new Pokemon Contests, which are extra competitions you can enter. These are different from battles because you are n't necessarily battling, but are judged on the types of moves and how skilled you Pokemon is in a given ctaegory. You win ribbons when you are judged to be the best in a ctegory, and there are several different Contests to get involved in.

Graphics: 95
Sound: 95
Gameplay 99
Story: 95
Overall: 96

Emerald

An upgrade over R & S, introducing the new Battle Tower, creating tons of new battles for you to get involved in. Otherwise it's mostly the same.

Graphics: 95
Sound: 95
Gameplay: 99
Story: 95
Overall: 96

Fire Red & Leaf Green

These two games are remakes of the original Red and Blue Pokemon games. Basically the same story as the originals, but revamped big time. Plus you have the option of picking a girl to play as, which wasn't an option in the first game. There's a ton of new options available to you in this version, and basically these games blow the originals out of the water.

Graphics: 95
Sound: 95
Gameplay: 99
Story: 95
Overall: 96

 

[Trombonus]

So, is this where a poor deprived girl gets an education on video games?

Heh heh. Sure, but you'll get to learn first hand later.

 

[Guest]

Our kids have Gameboy DS's now.

We've made our way through all of these Pokemon games.

We buy them in pairs, one for each kid, so they can link with each other to play. They have added more to the overall collection with allowance money at the used gaming outlets.

Gold - but it's in sad shape - one of the first games they had
Silver

Ruby
Sapphire
Emerald

Leaf Green
Fire Red
Mystery Dungeon

Diamond and Pearl are coming out soon - for the DS only. They're excited, I'm really hoping we don't have to buy them.

 

[Trombonus]

Diamond and Pearl are coming out soon - for the DS only. They're excited, I'm really hoping we don't have to buy them.

Oh you will. Once you're hooked that's it, there's no turning back. I have almost every Pokemon game ever made, even the photo taking one. I'm only missing a few like Hey You Pikachu and Pkemon Channel (which I don't intend on getting), and the newer Pokemon Trozei and Pokemon Dash. My sister already has both Diamond and Pearl reserved, and I'm sure gonna be getting them once I can afford it.

 

[rgraham666]

Pokemon's not available for the Mac.

I'm on a Knights of The Old Republic kick at the moment.

 

[Liar]

Pokemon is one of those great mysteries of the world. My kid brother was obsessed by it for a few years. Read comics, watched movies, collected playing cards and played some video games. He knew all the characters, all the internal mythology and and could relate in an instance exactly what little critter held what superpowers and who it would beat in a fight. So in order to have something to talk to him about, I tried to read up a little on what it was.

And failed miserably. Trying to make sense of what is what and who is who and what it is all those things actaully do (not to mention why), is the most confusing thing. Ever. In the history of things. If that universe has an internal logic, it eludes me on every level.

 

[Trombonus]

Pokemon is one of those great mysteries of the world. My kid brother was obsessed by it for a few years. Read comics, watched movies, collected playing cards and played some video games. He knew all the characters, all the internal mythology and and could relate in an instance exactly what little critter held what superpowers and who it would beat in a fight. So in order to have something to talk to him about, I tried to read up a little on what it was.

And failed miserably. Trying to make sense of what is what and who is who and what it is all those things actaully do (not to mention why), is the most confusing thing. Ever. In the history of things. If that universe has an internal logic, it eludes me on every level.

lol, try playing it. I learn best by doing, and that's how I got Pokemon. Plus years of prior video game experience and strategy guides.

 

[Guest]

Pokemon is one of those great mysteries of the world. My kid brother was obsessed by it for a few years. Read comics, watched movies, collected playing cards and played some video games. He knew all the characters, all the internal mythology and and could relate in an instance exactly what little critter held what superpowers and who it would beat in a fight. So in order to have something to talk to him about, I tried to read up a little on what it was.

And failed miserably. Trying to make sense of what is what and who is who and what it is all those things actaully do (not to mention why), is the most confusing thing. Ever. In the history of things. If that universe has an internal logic, it eludes me on every level.

I think the logic is the catch phrase, "Gotta catch 'em all."

Merchandising.

 

[rgraham666]

I think the logic is the catch phrase, "Gotta catch 'em all."

Merchandising.

It's a good thing.

 

[Trombonus]

Pokemon's not available for the Mac.

I'm on a Knights of The Old Republic kick at the moment.

lol, it is if you get an emulator.

 

[JamesSD]

So the thing that bothers me about the way people percieve Pokemon is they can't separate the game from the cartoon series. Pokemon are cutesy, and yeah the show is geared towards younger kids. However, if you sit down and play the game you get a much different experience. There's alot going on that people don't get simply because the cartoon is really kiddy, especially the last few years.

I'll agree with you there. Back in college I bought a Super Gameboy to keep me entertained between classes (beats studying!), and got a used copy of Pokemon Blue for cheap. The game is kind of a hybrid between a classic RPG and collecting game. One of the game's greatest strengths is how customizable it is. There's so many different pokemon to select from. There was no need to use the ones you didn't like, and you could focus on improving the ones you did. The "story" was a little weak, but it gave you reason to explore the world of the game.

Interesting choice for your first review; I'm curious what else you have planned.

 

[Trombonus]

I'll agree with you there. Back in college I bought a Super Gameboy to keep me entertained between classes (beats studying!), and got a used copy of Pokemon Blue for cheap. The game is kind of a hybrid between a classic RPG and collecting game. One of the game's greatest strengths is how customizable it is. There's so many different pokemon to select from. There was no need to use the ones you didn't like, and you could focus on improving the ones you did. The "story" was a little weak, but it gave you reason to explore the world of the game.

Interesting choice for your first review; I'm curious what else you have planned.

The problem with many of the clones of this game that I had mentioned before is that they story is way too weak. Yeah the main emphasis is collecting and battling, but Pokemon doesn't neglect the story to the point where there really isn't one. For the kind of game that it is I thought the story was great, and has gotten better in time.

As for what else I have planned, you'll just have to wait and see. Truth be told I'll problably be pulling some old reviews I did on MySpace at first, but I'll be adding some new ones in as well. As it is, I only did 4 on MySpace, so I'll have to do new ones sooner or later. As it is, I'm thinking of doing a new one for next week. We'll see. This one was an older one.

 

[scriptordelecto]

Trying to keep spreading the corruption?

Love the thread Trom!

 

[Trombonus]

Trying to keep spreading the corruption?

Love the thread Trom!

It's only a matter of time before I get to FFXII

 

[Darklove666]

well this thread should build up the ol' post count. (for both of us)

 

[Trombonus]

well this thread should build up the ol' post count. (for both of us)

Heh heh, one can only hope. Course, you need it more than me (10,000+ vs. 200+) lol

 

[Darklove666]

Heh heh, one can only hope. Course, you need it more than me (10,000+ vs. 200+) lol

again I bow to your superiority.
I checked out the Transformer game. It looks awesome!

 

[Trombonus]

again I bow to your superiority.
I checked out the Transformer game. It looks awesome!

Yeah, I saw some screen of the upcomming DS games too. There's one that focusses on the Autobots and one that focusses on the Decepticons. aparantly you can even scan and change your alternate form during gameplay! That would be so cool!

 

[Darklove666]

Yeah, I saw some screen of the upcomming DS games too. There's one that focusses on the Autobots and one that focusses on the Decepticons. aparantly you can even scan and change your alternate form during gameplay! That would be so cool!

Totally. And I've been addicted to my DS here recently too. (FFIV, puzzle quest, and mario kart.)
I bet they'll have some kind of wi-fi support too.

 

[Trombonus]

Totally. And I've been addicted to my DS here recently too. (FFIV, puzzle quest, and mario kart.)
I bet they'll have some kind of wi-fi support too.

can only hope so.

 

[Darklove666]

Allright bro, I got to call it a night. Looking forward to the next review. C-ya.

 

[Trombonus]

Allright bro, I got to call it a night. Looking forward to the next review. C-ya.

Later bud.

 

[TheeGoatPig]

again I bow to your superiority.
I checked out the Transformer game. It looks awesome!

Post count isn't important...

___

I'm still playing Stalker: Shadows of Chernoble. The underground parts really scare me. I have to go into an underground part of the game (the third one so far) for the next mission. I'm scared...