Pokemon Sun and Moon Review (No Spoilers) - Printable Version

Pokemon Sun and Moon Review (No Spoilers) - Printable Version

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Pokemon Sun and Moon Review (No Spoilers) - RepentantSky - 11-23-2016

So before I get too into Dragonball Fusions and forget anything that happened in Pokemon Sun and Moon, I thought it would be wise to write down my thoughts. However, I also realize that nearly every active member on this forum is only just about to get the game, so even though there are story aspects that are worth mentioning and will have an effect on the overall review and score of Sun and Moon, I will only make mention of them in the sense of whether or not I like them, instead of explaining any aspects of them, hence spoiler free review. Once you've got the game, let me know what you think. Let's get reviewing.

Pokemon has been around for a long time, and in that time it has done several great things, some not so great things, and a little bit of the typical, just okay things. I am happy to say therefore, knowing that in my opinion, Pokemon's track record is not the best, but this is a step in the right direction, in fact, there's a lot of good steps being taken here.

First off I love the visual's of the game. They may not be the most detailed or refined in the 3DS' history, but they are still the best Pokemon has ever done on handheld. The islands are done incredibly well, the and do a wonderful job of making you feel like you are actually in Hawaii, far more than X and Y ever made you feel like you were in France.

The most important thing about a Pokemon game though is the gameplay, as that's what really moves the series forwards or backwards, and thankfully, despite a small misstep or two, Pokemon's battling system, which is the main attraction in gameplay, is moving forward marvelously. I will say it's not perfect though, as I am opposed to HP gauges depleting slower and slower the closer they get to zero. This may not seem like a big deal, but it does mess with the pacing enough to become irritable at times. Beyond that though, the system is better than ever. If you're like me, and sometimes have a hard time remembering what is strong or weak to what, no worries. After you encounter a pokemon one time, even if it's in the wild and you run from it, the game will show you what moves are best against that pokemon. You would think this would make the game easier, but I honestly think in the long run, Sun and Moon are the hardest games series so far. As to why that is, well I think that might actually be a bit of a spoiler, so I won't mention it, but the challenge is there. The typical turn-based system is pretty much the one we already know, but with the editions and/or replacement of horde battles in exchange for pokemon calling for help and Totem pokemon, there's a lot of changes in there that can add moments of challenge, and feel really good to complete. Small things like Pokemon refresh are also a nice change of pace when you want to slow down and Poke Pelago is great as well for collecting great items. I don't have much of an opinion on the Plaza, because it really feels like a refreshed version of the area you could manage in Black and White 2 only with less control, but I can see a lot of people enjoying it.

The story of the game is interesting, and actually might be the best Pokemon has ever done, and I'm sure if you've been watching reviews, you've heard that before, but seriously, it's really good for Pokemon game story standards. It does things like make you at first really dislike Team Skull, only for that to be turned around, and never mind the major twist of the game, it's really engaging. The best part of the story for me though, was the final battle of the game as presents the most interesting Elite 4 challenge to date, even if there is one small hole in there. The ending few minutes of the game are also really interesting, and I wish I could explain why here more than anywhere, but I'd hate to spoil it, even if anyone says it's okay to. Trust me though, the ending alone is reason enough to play the game. Admittedly, I haven't done much post game stuff yet, but even then, what I have done has the potential to be the most interesting part of all.

One aspect I really like, is the ability to ride Pokemon, because each one can do something interesting and make certain areas more fun and interesting to explore as a result. What I like most about being able to ride pokemon, is that they eliminate the needs for certain stereotypes in the series to keep appearing, which is a welcome change of pace, even though I kind of wish that there were certain areas that you could use them as a little more than a means to collect a few items are move faster along the map.

The new pokemon in this game can be hit or miss depending on what you prefer, but overall, I like this generation. There's no fluff like last gen, but there's more reason to decide between using old forms of Pokemon, and using 7th gens exclusively, or even mixing them up depending on what you want to do. One thing I don't like, is that the best Ghost Pokemon of all is either a contest between the final evolution of a starter, or a Gen 1 Alolan form. Speaking of Alolan forms, they can also be pretty hit and miss. I for one really like Golem's Alolan form, but like most I really don't enjoy Diglett and Dugtrio, even though certain moves become available to Alolan form pokemon that weren't there before.

Overall, I really do think Sun and Moon are great games. They may not be my favorite on the 3DS this year, heck they aren't even my favorite RPG this year, but they are fun, harmless and a good use of your time. Whether you are a new fan to the series or an old one, there is something here to enjoy. My rating for Pokemon Sun and Moon, is 4.5/5. There are some flaws but most of them are minor. Even the few points of lag I never faced were pretty far apart, so I don't really get why people kept mentioning them like they were a problem.

Remember one thing guys can gals, do not save the game in Pokecenter's. There's a glitch in the system that can delete data like in gen 6. It will be patched I'm sure, and the odds aren't as great, but do be careful, and enjoy the game.

RE: Pokemon Sun and Moon Review (No Spoilers) - Hexadecimal - 11-23-2016

My copy just shipped today. I've fallen very much out of Pokemon, and yet still have an interest (if that makes sense), so I do pay attention to new game releases. I've watched two LPers I like try the games out and immediately I regretted not pre-ordering them.

It looks like they changed up enough to make me not feel like I'm playing a rehashed version of the same game over and over again. It's still too bad I don't have an asshole for a rival, but I like Team Skull! I've complained about the new bad guys being so incredibly stupid for awhile, so I like that Skull takes it and runs with it from what I've seen. They look like a group of teens that are upset the island didn't have a Spencer's or Hot Topic.

I've also seen that only Litten stays looking so dumb out of the three starters. Now I'm actually torn between the owl and seal.

Changing up Pokemon types/appearances for older gen creatures was a really good idea and I actually really want to raise a Rattata. LOL.

So yeah... Just eager to get my copy!

Also, now I've seen claims floating around that the save glitch was put in on purpose. It will NOT affect you if you play the game normally and don't use cheats to get stronger Pokemon.

RE: Pokemon Sun and Moon Review (No Spoilers) - AngelPixieNinja - 12-07-2016

I personally like how this game is a lot different than the previous ones. Like yeah, gym battles are cool and yes, no matter where I go I always have to train for hours just to get barely anything done but I personally love the island challenges. Sure they can be a bit annoying at times but they can also be super fun.

One thing I noticed that I've been cringing about that happens 99.9% of the time is when an opposing Pokemon uses a move against your Pokemon that is supposed to be not very effective, it takes like a fourth of your health still. Even if your Pokemon has a 5 level advantage. It just drives me insane every time.

I like being able to ride the Pokemon around the island or how you use Charizard to fly from previous areas you visited. It feels more like you're connected to the Pokemon this way.

I'm not sure yet if I love it or hate it but the fact you have to go back to previous areas to use the new rideable Pokemon seems to be a common theme I'm seeing. I mean, it could be great since I will need to go back through and try to find Pokemon I had missed in the area but at the same time, I don't know if I would want to actually go back unless I had to.

The new map system that points out where you're supposed to go next is really helpful for me. I tend to either hit through the dialogue too fast and miss where I'm supposed to go or completely forget after a few minutes of running around doing other things. I also don't feel like I have to go there right away, it's just kinda like the quest markers on most RPGs. I find it helpful for me and probably for kids as well but I can see how a few people might not enjoy it as much.

Overall, the game is pretty solid, there are a few things I dislike that I don't want to go into due to spoilers but I'm enjoying it and that's really all that matters with games.

RE: Pokemon Sun and Moon Review (No Spoilers) - Arjahn - 12-08-2016

Gonna agree with the consensus that it's a really solid entry that does a lot in moving the series forward, just gonna offer a few (mostly negative) opinions not expressed yet. Not really Plot but still decent Spoilers below, enter at your own risk.

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The Framerate is pretty awful at different points in the game. While Totem battles are a super fun challenge, they shouldn't drop your frames into the teens in a game made in 2016. It's clear that they're pushing the system to its limits, but cmon guys, this wasn't an issue in XY and you're using the exact same engine.

The Post Game is honestly really bad. It's just the Battle Royales really, and the AI and previously mentioned Framerate for those are a joke. Even if they worked perfectly, it's still a bizarre format that's hard to take seriously, as well as pretty much the only way to earn late-game currency.

There's some weirdness with the Elite 4 where 3 of the members are NPC's who've helped you throughout the game, which is a really cool idea and it feels good defeating them and sort of surpassing your elders, but then one of them is just some random chick with birds. The fuck? She has a golf club... and throws birds at you. Could they not think of other NPCs to throw at you? Cuz I can, and I didn't even pay that much attention to the story. Just really out there and not in a good way.

At this point, I feel like we NEED a "I've played this game since I was seven I don't need a tutorial" option. The beginning of this game is an absolute chore, taking hours and hours to get through crummy dialogue. The story picks up a bit, sure, but at the start it's just the same old crap. Compare it to Leaf Green, my personal favorite in the series, where the intro is going to be, at most, 45 minutes. Here it's an entire island of invisible walls and clunky dialogue.

Speaking of invisible walls, they're **everywhere** in this game. We've had a few in previous games, but usually those were to close off the only path to an entirely new area of the map, and they had an in-universe explanation like "oh the power's out" or "you need badges to get through to the elite 4". Here it's just random dudes standing by knee high fences, or the worst offender is this asshole kid riding a doggy pokemon who's sniffing around and says "Sorry, Stoutland needs to be real thorough!" while he blocks off a fucking highway for a solid 5 hours of the game. Even if it was a problem before, that's no excuse for this level of contrived bullshit in a modern game.

Don't get me wrong, the game is full of great stuff, but damn is it annoying from time to time.

RE: Pokemon Sun and Moon Review (No Spoilers) - BumblebeeCody - 12-11-2016

I am really enjoying it but it feels more like a side entry rather than the next mainline in the series.

It's seems like The Pokemon Company gave as much as they could when it came to X/Y and then only expanded on this in OR/AS. But then they've taken basic and helpful features out such as the use of the touch screen, player connectivity and overall just player interacting within the game.

For some reason the touch screen is now only used to display a map. I'm not too sure why this is when when in OR/AS the touch screen had a newscaster with updates, quick access to Pokemon items and ability to connect to other players. To connect to other players now, you have use Quick Link or go into a festival plaza which is huge halt on exploring the world. For example in X/Y, you can be connected to the Internet and see a list of players both local to you and online but while you're playing in the main world. I don't know why this was taken out.

It's understandable that the new Pokemon are the main focus but I'm not too sure why only Kanto Pokemon have Alolan forms but not the other generations.

It's also clear there is less focus on battling since the trials, while fun, aren't about fighting and there's barely any trainers out in the wild to fight.

I'm also playing on a New 3DS XL and the frame rate is pure arse. The original 3DS is even worse so I'm not too sure why this was accepted by Nintendo.

Wouldn't mind that Cry for Help going too.

RE: Pokemon Sun and Moon Review (No Spoilers) - Hexadecimal - 12-11-2016

I'm actually enjoying the new Pokémon so much I am having the HARDEST time deciding who to put on my team! I remember it being the opposite problem when I bought Diamond; I hated almost everything and couldn't even build a team of six Pokémon I wanted. The mix of having so many old and new to pick from is really nice to make old timers like me feel at home and then be encouraged to pick out newer Pokémon team members.

As it stands my current Pokémon are all three Sun/Moon starters, Pikachu, Gengar, and that lizard that will only evolve if it's female, but I think I'll drop her for Mimikyu.

I'm just honestly having a blast exploring. It was the best decision ever made to get rid of HMs and just let you call the Pokémon you're in need of. It eliminates the need to get an "HM Slave" or waste move slots.

The quirky dialogue some characters is have is really fun too; great writers for this game!

Ah, and also nice to kind of get my Pokémon Snap 2!

It was already mentioned, but wow this game will chug during some battles. Even if I'm battling someone one-on-one I've had the game stutter and take awhile to register my battle input.

The map is irritating because sometimes it doesn't understand I want to look around. I touch it and the Pokedex decides to talk to me about my next goal instead.

Since I've been screwing around so much I've only just completed the ghost trial and got the Mimikyu. I'm always so excited to be able to play more and I can't wait to see more of Team Skull. Guzma is the most entertaining boss the games have ever had.

RE: Pokemon Sun and Moon Review (No Spoilers) - Arjahn - 12-11-2016

Oh and one more thing that irks me is that the Camera provides a grid for using the Rule of Thirds, which is a pretty big deal in photography, but the game punishes you for using it and instead wants you to just shoot everything at the center of the frame. It's really weird and I don't even understand why they included the grid if they're just going to ignore it.

RE: Pokemon Sun and Moon Review (No Spoilers) - Berry - 12-12-2016

Damn, all these long post looks quite intimidating...

I like the game very much and all that sweet jazz. Favorites so far is the no HM slaves and just using Pokémon but hotdamn is the safety suit the ugliest thing I have ever seen. Is it bad enough that the main character is always a child and gets treated as a child like in every game but is this taking the cake so far. What is it with the pandering to children, Nintendo?!?! I get that safety guideline must be followed but this taking it to a whole new level. Like shit:

[Image: ride_fix_RGB_300dpi.0.jpeg]

[Image: ride_fix_RGB_300dpi.0.jpeg]

ARE YOU TRYING TO GET ME CAUGHT BY THE EFFING FASHION POLICE?

Also, Glad they toke that 3D feature out, seeing as it was a wasted junk.

That is all.

RE: Pokemon Sun and Moon Review (No Spoilers) - Hexadecimal - 12-16-2016

Man... I doubt my friend who lives in Japan as a teacher is a good enough source, but I'm learning about localization stuff that might make good trivia.

For example, a certain character's father outright says his kid "black and blue" when he tried to "set him straight" in the Japanese version and that's way softened up for what he says in English.

Also, Guzma's "It's your boy" is a localization of the rude masculine pronoun Ore-sama, literally "Lord I", according to her. She said the only other characters she could think of who uses it is are Dio from JJBA and Kon from Bleach.

RE: Pokemon Sun and Moon Review (No Spoilers) - Hexadecimal - 01-06-2017

Well... The title of the thread does say "no spoilers", but does that apply even if I put it in tags? TBH that post I made that's still making the rounds pertaining to Guzma. It is pretty spoilery; should I put it here or elsewhere? I'm kind of curious to hear what you guys think.

RE: Pokemon Sun and Moon Review (No Spoilers) - RepentantSky - 01-06-2017

(01-06-2017, 01:10 PM)Hexadecimal Wrote: Well... The title of the thread does say "no spoilers", but does that apply even if I put it in tags? TBH that post I made that's still making the rounds pertained to Guzma. It is pretty spoilery; should I put it here or elsewhere? I'm kind of curious to hear what you guys think.

You can put it here without tags. The only reason I put no spoilers in the title was because I wasn't intending to spoil anything in my review.

RE: Pokemon Sun and Moon Review (No Spoilers) - Hexadecimal - 01-11-2017

This is pretty funny. OK, so, the move Sparkling Aria cures burns. For some reason Hau's AI wants to makes this work extra well if it happens to your Pokemon and uses a Z Move instead.