Pokemon Emerald Game Comparison

• Release Date: April 28, 2005
• Genre: Role-Playing
• Style: Third-Person 2D RPG
• Similar Games: Digimon: BattleSpirit (Game Boy Advance), Pokémon: FireRed Version (Game Boy Advance), Pokémon: LeafGreen Version (Game Boy Advance)

Game Description

Brave trainers once again face off against wily rivals and hunt for rare, wild pocket monsters in this quest to put a stop to the destructive expansion of Team Magma and Team Aqua. Following a tradition established back in the later days of the original Game Boy, the GBA's Pokémon Emerald is, in essence, an enhanced version of Pokémon: Ruby and Pokémon: Sapphire, with many similar settings and features and the ability to link with either previous game. Emerald is also compatible with the other Pokémon releases in its generation, including Pokémon: FireRed, Pokémon: LeafGreen, and the GameCube's Pokémon Colosseum.

Review: Overall

Nintendo's Pokémon franchise proves once again that it is capable of more remakes than Star Wars. In Pokémon: Emerald Version for Game Boy Advance, players are once again invited to the Hoenn region to catch cute critters in order to win battles, earn badges, and crush the plans of evil teams Aqua and Magma. Not much has changed since Pokémon: Sapphire Version and Ruby Version. The programmers used a more legible font for the dialogue boxes, and they finally added little animations for the Pokémon themselves. Players looking for significant gameplay or visual improvements may want to skip this version, however.

The game starts out the same as the Ruby and Sapphire versions, with Professor Birch introducing the main characters. The player can choose either a male or female protagonist, who this time around is sporting green accessories. Afterwards, the main story arc begins with the player moving to Littleroot Town. After settling in, the player visits Professor Birch, who finds himself cornered by some local wildlife. It's up to the player to save him by choosing one of three starter Pokémon: Torchic, Treecko, or Mudkip. From there the adventure takes off, with only a few new twists and turns along the way.

This game is tailored toward fans of the series. Veteran gamers will probably be disappointed with the same play mechanics as the first title in the franchise. Yet Pokémon fans will love the new caves and events. There is also the opportunity to capture the two legendary Pokémon, Kyogre and Groudon, which were not available in the last version. The ability to trade between games continues to serve collectors well, as they are able to swap creatures with owners of Ruby, Sapphire, LeafGreen, FireRed, and even Pokémon Colosseum. Finally, the Battle Frontier is a new area that challenges the player's skill, luck, and strategy as they battle for even more badges.

Pokémon: Emerald Version proves that the series still has life in it, as long as there are players who simply must "catch 'em all." But don't look for anything in this game that will revolutionize the series in general. At best, think of this game as an expansion pack to the Ruby and Sapphire versions.

Review: Enjoyment

Great for kids and fans, but the familiar action will wear down the veteran gamer's nerves.

Review: Graphics

Bright colors and smooth transitions between screens, but not a significant upgrade from earlier versions.

Review: Sound

Unique sounds for every single creature, but none for the humans.

Review: Replay Value

Great replay for the kids, however older gamers may want to pass.

Review: Documentation

Very detailed and well put together. Pictures and examples coordinate nicely.