That is to say, better graphics for new Pokémon presented in the standard gameplay formula. Did anyone not predict this? Readers already know whether or not they’ll be buying this game when it comes out. At this point, you should have been able to establish long ago whether you’re a complete glutton for the Pocket Monsters, or it’s just not your thing.
The trailer shows you nothing you couldn’t have imagined before. Walking around town, and then running around town. The female protagonist turns her head to look in a store window as she runs past. The male sits on a bench. The same music plays, and there’s not much sign of the story. Pokémon take turns using their abilities. All in glorious 3D. Fin.
Pokémon X & Pokémon Y, being the sixth installment in the main series of games, will still rely on the same addictive appeal that began the series. This isn’t inherently a bad thing. Why fix what isn’t broken? I’m sure many readers like myself who haven’t found any interest in the series as of late would very much appreciate any range of new additions, but there’s simply no good reason for Game Freak to change a basic structure which is blissfully perfect.
And while Nintendo is always one to experiment and try risky new ideas, it seems like there’s nowhere else for the Pokémon franchise to go in terms of basic mechanics. All that’s left is to make minor innovations and cosmetic upgrades (great ones here, even), all on top of this clearly stable and highly profitable series. Which, again, is not a bad thing in and of itself.
This isn’t to say things don’t change from game to game, but the changes are usually the same. New starter Pokémon, new regions, new minigames, new graphics for existing Pokémon, new story, a new Eevee, etc. The series has still seen great upgrades over its lifetime, including a greater depth of Pokémon types, and an expanded battle system allowing for much more than 1v1. Yet, the series has stayed true and with good reason. Players come to Pokémon to make new friends with critters, “catch ‘em all”, and enjoy a good leveling experience. Players who want different mechanics, depth or monsters can easily find those things elsewhere in other games. You come to Pokémon for the Pokémon experience, one which has been fine tuned over the years into one slightly better than the last great game. Same applies here, and it’s as solid as ever.
The biggest change here is certainly an enticing one; in fact, it’s the only change made in the past five iterations that has even remotely interested me since my initial obsession with the first games. The comprehensive 3D rendering in the game allows everything old to shine in a brand new light, which is very refreshing. Yet, what you’ll be doing with these new shiny features is the same thing we’ve been doing for the last 15 years. After all, that’s all each next Pokémon game really needs. Not any huge changes to that precious core; just a facelift and a refresh and we’re good to go for those solid ratings and sales.
