Pokemon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire Reviews
Remaking one of the lesser appreciated entries to the Pokémon juggernaut could have been a risky endeavour, yet with adding all the improvements to the mainline games since to Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire makes even the preserved negatives of the originals seem smaller in hindsight. A worthy choice for people new to the series, yet providing enough new functionality for fans, as well, these jewels are worth preserving.
Many of the features, like Pokémon-Amie, return to the game, but they managed to make extra subtle tweaks in this remake. Locations and situations have been changed up, capturing monsters is delightfully tweaked with the sneak mechanic, and the pace of the adventure is nice and brisk. While getting Mega Stones is a chore and presentation is still somewhat inconsistent, Game Freak knows once again how to pull off a remake in style.
With its new features, Omega Ruby puts me in good spirits for what the next generation of Pokémon games will bring. It may be easier than past titles, but there are ways to make it a little more difficult if you prefer. A solid entry into the franchise.
Alpha Sapphire and Omega Ruby don't break the mold, but as remakes they improve the experience in every way.
Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire are still good games, even if Hoenn isn't as much fun to explore as later regions in the series. The unique elements like secret bases, the PokeNav and the ability to dress Pikachu up as a luchador are worthwhile additions that make this excursion different enough to the one from back in 2003.