Pokémon X & Y, the sixth generation of the main series which began with Red & Blue, largely stuck to the same formula as every other game in the series. You were tasked with filling a Pokédex, battling eight gyms, becoming the Pokémon League Champion and defeating a nefarious team. Luckily, Game Freak did change some things up, including all new 3D visuals which breathed new life into the handheld games. They also introduced a brand new type into the game, something not done since Gold and Silver were released in 1999 (Japan). Finally, players were also able to customize the main character with skin tones, hairstyles and outfits that could be collected throughout the game.
Those, however, pale in comparison to the best new feature X & Y brought: Mega Evolution. Why was this such a great addition to the series? It totally changed the way players battled and also introduced a smart way to power-up previous Pokémon without creating wacky new permanent evolutions (*cough* Diamond & Pearl).
The strategy added to battles with the Megas is pretty deep, requiring players to choose a souped-up teammate and then pair them with Pokémon that will support them. The Mega Evolutions often gained helpful new abilities, but some also make trainers think about when is the most opportune time to perform the irreversible evolution in battle. Mawile’s Intimidate is great for cutting your opponent’s offensive capabilities, but you aren’t going to want to attack without Mega Mawile’s Sheer Force.
I also think Mega Evolutions are a great step for the series in terms of giving Pokémon introduced in previous generations some love. Mega Beedrill looks amazing, but I’m sure there are those who prefer the original and they aren’t penalized for that. If you were a fan of Rhydon for instance, you may not have been happy that Rhyperior made your old favorite obsolete. It would make no sense to send it in when there’s a better evolved form that exists.
Of course, I’m sure there are those who would disagree with my choice of Mega Evolution being the best feature introduced in Generation VI. Flying around on Mega Latios or Mega Latias, in Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire, is pretty amazing as well. So are the featured I talked about during the introduction. So now why don’t YOU share your favorite Gen VI feature in the comments below!
<3 PJ
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