Video Game Review: Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire

Courtesy: Nintendo/The Pokémon Company

Publisher: Nintendo

Developer: Game Freak/The Pokémon Company

Platform: Nintendo 3DS

ESRB Rating: E

My Rating: ****1/2:5

After 11 years since the release of the original “Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire” on

Game Boy Advance; “Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire” not only do a great job

updating already great games for a new generation, but provide satisfying entries in the

“Pokémon” series on their own merits and mark yet more must-own titles for the 3DS.

The story once again concerns you, the player; moving into a small town in the Hoenn

region to be closer to your father Norman; leader of the Petalburg Gym, and your infirm cousin

Wally. Once your journey begins, you will be given access to a large amount of Pokémon from

not only the past games these ones are revisiting; but ones culled from the entire franchise via

new features such as “Mirage Spots” (known to have encounters with legendary Pokémon).

Depending on which version you play, there are one of two villain groups who seek to

awaken the legendary Pokémon for their own misdeeds. Team Magma, led by Maxie; seek to

use the power of Primal Groudon to expand the earth's landmass. Team Aqua, led by Archie;

want to use the power of Primal Kyogre to expand the oceans and flood the earth. Thus, it falls

to you and the help of archeologist Steven Stone to stop them.

While the initial mechanics will be familiar to those who have played past entries; your

abilities will be tested among newcomers and true believers alike. The new ability of sneaking

up on Pokémon with a feature called the “Poké Radar” does take quite a bit of mastering. The

entire battle system has been revamped with the new mechanics from “Pokémon X and Y;”

yet again making the games easy to play, but tough to master. The graphics make good use of

the cosmetic upgrades; from character redesigns to Pokémon and attacks that have been lifted

from Ken Sugimori's drawings. The PokéNav has been upgraded with new features that will

greatly expand your journey in Hoenn's longevity.

Above all, “Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire” have both remained faithful

to the titles they remake as well as updated them for a new generation to enjoy. They are highly

recommended for fans of the franchise and 3DS owners looking for great RPGs. The power's

in your hands.