Gotta Catch 'em All? Sure Go Right On Ahead...

It's almost scary how Pokémania has swept the US, and looking at the origins, it's hard to see why. At best Pokémon is average: Average graphics, average writing, and pretty much average sounds. So how does one get hyped up about this game. Look deeper.

Pokémon is a pretty deep RPG, yet so simple and elegant in its execution. There are no active time battle systems, no TAS, not much of anything makes up the game's battle system. It's turn based, always one on one, and fun. The charm lies in figuring out which one of pets can whup the opponent and when you do, watching their life meter dwindle to almost nothing. And taking into account that there are 15 types of monsters, and some monsters have two types and you've got some experimenting to do.

A Storyline Worthy of an Oscar

Like any good RPG, Pokémon has storyline for you to follow. You're a boy who wants to be a trainer, so you go out and try to capture as many wily beasts as you can while also getting the 8 badges to get you into the Pokémon league. Simple enough, right? Well, there's also that sect of people called Team Rocket getting in your way and tons of trainers, really tons of trainers. To complement the story is also simplistic dialog. But according to the box, you don't even have to read to enjoy the game. That's false advertising. While the writing is simplistic, still you have motivation to get you through the game. As areas are opened up, so are new Pokémon, ready to be caught. As well towns offer up new items to be bought or given to you, something you'll look forward to, when you find your Pokémon getting whipped. Like any good RPG, you'll smile when you get to a town.

I Love Limits

Part of Pokémon's challenge comes from the limits it imposes. While there are 150 Pokémon, and while you can store 240 of them, you can only carry six of them at any given time. Furthermore, you can only teach them 4 moves. You have to make your Pokémon forget one of the current moves to make room for the new one. Also take into account you can carry 20 items with you, and you can see just how important those towns become. However with those limits comes one of the more cumbersome management systems around. Things in storage can't be manipulated. And since items have no descriptions, to find out what a TM (which teaches a new move to a Pokémon) does, you have to take it out, use it and then decide whether or not you want it. Should the answer be no, then you have to reconnect and put it back. Also, a chart telling you what TMs and HM work with which Pokémon would be helpful too. But learning to adjust to these things take time.

Wait! Enough Already...

One thing about Pokémon is that at times, it almost gets tedious. Sure the whole concept of training these furry critters is that they evolve and get stronger, but the level building can bog you down. Sure there's a daycare center, but the Official Pokémon Strat guide has nothing bad things to say about it... Another thing is that a few of those attacks can get cheap. That technique that mows down opposing enemies, rest assured it can mow you little animal army down too.

The encounter rate in caves gets a little irksome too, relying on taking 10 steps and then fighting. Stock up on that repel, you'll need it. One final knee to the groin are those trainers, sometimes you have to be pretty clever to avoid unnecessary trainer fights. Although one has to wonder about walking about, beating the crap out of Pokémon trained by others and taking their money, seems a little wrong to me.

Sights and Sounds: A Pallet Tour

Remember, this game was made for the Super Gameboy, so the graphics aren't the most vibrant around, and some of those Pokémon are just plain ugly. In battle animations also are little simplified, but does the job anyway. Strangely enough, looking at these visuals, you almost get a nostalgic feeling about the old NES days. We're talking really old school. After awhile, though, I can see people getting tired of looking at the same visuals over and over again. The music isn't terribly bad, and matches with the anime (or cartoon) fairly well. To say that it's epic, I'd be lying to you. To say that it's catchy, you'd better believe it, with each area having its own theme. The sounds and growls of your Pokémon sound a little rough, but hey, at least each one has a different scream.

Mutilplayer? But it's an RPG?!

One thing that Pokémon does well and that's facilitating multiplayer play. Find a friend, or a total stranger if they're all too mature and challenge each other in the coliseum mode. Better yet, strike up a friendly gesture and trade Pokémon. Traded critters get a boosted 50% bonus when they're traded. No friends? Don't worry there are a few people willing to trade Pokémon in the game, if you have the right one. And in sheer marketing brilliance, capturing all 150 Pokémon requires trading with someone else, otherwise you'll be saying gotta catch all 139...

Finally...

Don't be fooled by the game's kiddy audience. This is a pretty deep and involving RPG, although basic in execution and look, and it's pretty long too. Think of Pokémon as a kid's cereal: Sure you might think you're too grown for it, but when start chowing down, man you can't stop.