Pokemon Ruby

Review - Ben assures us that he really is quite an ordinary bloke.

Let’s get this out of the way right now. I am a male, I am 21 years of age and I lead a normal, healthy (to some extent) life. I do, however, from time to time, play video games. As you may expect, occasionally, I do stumble across games that may be designed for a younger audience than myself. But, and this is a big but, I would never discriminate against a game because of it’s target audience. A good game is a good game, and it’s as simple as that.

Way back in 1998 (I think) I travelled to the States and bought myself a Gameboy pocket to replace my massive, yet much loved, Gameboy. Whilst making the purchase, I noticed stacks of a certain game title behind the counter. ‘What’s that?’ I asked. ‘That’s Pokemon’, replied the cashier. I bought a copy of the game and toddled off back to the hotel to have a go. Three hours later, when my eyes began trying to recess into my skull, I stopped playing. I was hooked. Ever since then, I have bought every single version of this game available to me. I’m proud to say…*gasp*… that I ‘like’ Pokemon.

So, when I saw the latest version in my local store, I had to get it. But before I start saying what has changed, I think I had better explain what Pokemon is, just in case anyone has been hiding under a rock for the past five years and thinks I’m completely insane…

Pokemon means Pocket Monsters. Easy, eh? During this game, you must catch these ‘pocket monsters’ by fighting them against each other, and when sufficiently weakened, catching them in a special ball (Pokeball). The aim of the game is to catch as many as you can, or ‘Gotta catch ‘em, all!’ (I’m so sorry for this, really I am. I sound like a Digitiser reviewer). Eventually, you can challenge Gyms and leaders, so you can be recognised as the Pokemon champion and the best of the best. It’s incredibly simple, yet immense fun.

The Pokemon you catch grow as you use them, gaining more moves and evolving into a new pokemon when they reach a high enough level. It becomes rather addictive and strangely worrying as you await, sweaty palmed, for your monster’s evolution.

I’m sure that most of you have seen, played or at least heard of Pokemon, so I’ll get down to telling you what has changed. Firstly and most importantly, there is a new range of monsters. Granted some of the original and most favoured Pokemon make a return (Geodude, Koffing, Abra, etc.) but there is a whole new cast of monsters to keep you entertained. Including yet more ultra rare Pokemon, for you to trade via the GBA link cable.