Jamal Carswell
Staff Writer
“Pokémon X” and “Pokémon Y” are the newest installments to the Pokémon franchise. With these new installments come many new features.
X and Y are the first handheld Pokémon games in 3-D. This is groundbreaking among the handheld Pokémon games, giving X and Y graphics that can rival some earlier generation consoles.
The Player Search System is a new communication feature that will be added to Pokémon X and Y. The Player Search System (PSS) will allow players to find other players locally and globally to trade and even battle.
Players are now able to customize their characters, a feature never seen on earlier games. Not having to use the run-of-the-mill character given to you is an appealing concept only hinted at in previous installments. PokéCenters will have a changing room, allowing your character to change clothes and be further customizable.
Players are also now able to ride certain Pokémon in the game. This may seem like a small detail, but Pokémon players have long anticipated this feature. Another small, yet significant feature is that players will be able to run by holding down the B button from the very beginning of the game. Players are also given roller-skates before reaching the first gym. This will significantly speed up the beginning process of the game and, for veteran players, lower a high amount of annoyance.
As with each new generation, there are many new Pokémon to battle and collect. Of these new Pokémon, there are three new starter Pokémon. The final evolutions of these three starters will feature new type combinations that have never been featured in starters before. There is also a brand new typing for Pokémon: Fairy type. The Fairy type throws an entirely new twist to the strengths and weaknesses of Pokémon. Fairy type Pokémon will be super-effective against Dragon type Pokémon. Before X and Y, Dragon type Pokémon were only susceptible to other Dragon types and Ice types. Different Pokémon will be re-typed and have the Fairy type added to them, giving select Pokémon a fighting chance against powerful Dragon type Pokémon.
Select Pokémon will also receive Mega Evolutions. Each version of the game will contain a special item that will allow a Pokémon to change into its Mega Evolution form. The Mega Evolution form will grant different benefits, abilities and stat boosts to the Pokémon. The Mega Evolution will also change the physical appearance of the Pokémon, giving them ascetic boosts as well.
Horde and sky battles will also be introduced in Pokémon X and Y. Horde battles will occur like a normal Pokémon encounter, but instead of fighting just one opposing Pokémon, you will fight five. The payoff, in terms of experience, of defeating a horde will be significantly greater than just beating one Pokémon. Sky battles differ a bit because they can only be initiated by certain Pokémon certain trainers. Essentially, one has to have an appropriate Pokémon to fight a sky battle, those types being Flying types, some Ghost types and some Dragon types, so far.
One of the biggest new features is the installation of Pokémon-Amie. This feature allows players to feed, pet, and further bond with their Pokémon. In past games, friendship with your Pokémon played a minor role and gave only a few benefits. Friendship in X and Y, however, will garner many more benefits and play a much bigger role. Pokémon-Amie will also increase a Pokémon’s EV points, whcih increase a certain stat of your Pokémon.
Saturday, Oct. 12, will be a big day for Pokémon players worldwide. Pokémon X and Y are the Pokémon games that players have been wanting and waiting on. These new features will provide a unique and never before seen experience for old and new players alike.
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