Game Review: Pokémon Omega Ruby

I was lucky enough to pickup the recently released Pokémon Omega Ruby this Thanksgiving break and holy did I play it! This game is a remake of the original Pokémon Ruby released for the Game Boy Advance in Japan in 2002 (2003 in America) and was highly anticipated amongst Pokémon fans. The game is updated to fit the more advanced technological capabilities of the Nintendo 3DS and after playing through it, I'm ready to leave my thoughts on the game in the form of a review.

Gameplay:

The box art to Pokémon Omega Ruby

COMPETE. The game holds true to traditional Pokémon games. Players go through the game capturing numerous monsters and raising them by battling against other trainers and wild Pokémon. Battles scenes are smooth and quick-paced, ensuring that the battling aspect of the game does not seem too tedious. Dialogue with NPC's is unique for  the hundreds of characters that the player encounters throughout the game and is both witty and humorous. Characters' lines are taken right from the original game leaving for nostalgic moments for players of the original Pokémon Ruby. Additional elements were added to the gameplay, including my personal favorite, the DexNav, which allows the player to capture Pokémon with rare moves and their Hidden Abilities. The new additions prompt the player to take a more complete approach to the game in order to enjoy all of its features.

Visuals and Soundtrack:
STUNNING. The game received a much needed graphical update to fit the 3DS' graphical capabilities. Cut-scenes run flawlessly and are a much-welcomed addition that were absent in the original game and complement the story of the game nicely. Character and Pokémon models are now in 3-D and are depicted in motion. Backgrounds are very detailed and leave for an overall more in-depth feel to the game and its setting of the Hoenn region. Much emphasis was put into underwater locations in the game as they were the grand innovation to the overworld when the original game was released. The soundtrack of Omega Ruby fits the bill for bringing back the nostalgic feel its predecessor. The music is crisp and clear, while staying true to the original game. The very upbeat soundtrack is characterized by lively trumpets, while also mixing in a few mellower tracks that add to its diversity that fetches no complaints from me.

Story:
CLASSIC. Playing it this time around, instead of as a partially-literate five-year-old, I still felt the same feelings of suspense and excitement of the adventure-packed plot. A sentimental friendship aspect is emphasized between the main character and his or her rival with the new dialogue added in the cut-scenes. Personally, I really liked the relationship that develops between the main character and Team Magma (the antagonists of the Hoenn region who wish to expand the landmass of the world), as it adds character development to the villains while portraying the story in their point of view. An epic surprise in the plot awaits the player after defeating the Elite Four and the Champion so be ready!

The Verdict:
Overall Pokémon Omega Ruby is an amazing game that I would recommend to original players and new players alike. The game captures the best of both worlds by staying true to the original game plot-wise and setting-wise, while installing much needed upgrades that make for the complete Pokémon game in 2014. If you haven't played a Pokémon game before, then Omega Ruby is a great game to introduce you to the series, such as the way Pokémon Ruby was a great game that introduced my generation to the series.

 

Final Score: 9.5/10