DISCLAIMERS:
- the reviewer has not finished the game with 100% completion
- the game was played on the Nintendo 3DS XL using the Omega Ruby version of the game intended for United States audiences
Twelve years after the release of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire for the Game Boy Advance, a complete remake of those games was released for the Nintendo 3DS. Like previous Pokémon remakes, Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are missing many of the features introduced in the third version of that generation, which in this case would be Pokémon Emerald. This review will judge Pokémon Omega Ruby on its own merits.
The basic gameplay of Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire is the standard Pokémon gameplay but in the style of the sixth generation of Pokémon games which began with Pokémon X and Y, meaning new features like Mega Evolution and the severely improved EV training and IV breeding are included. Hoenn is as good as ever, and with the Physical/Special split and expanded movesets Pokémon like the Treecko line are much more viable for use. Mega Evolutions make using other Pokémon The recreation of Hoenn is extremely faithful so the strong area design is mostly intact. The newly introduced soaring feature works well, and allows the player to visit some area unavailable through other means, but once the player acquires the Fly HM it becomes mostly useless. The epilogue of the game which is exclusive to this version of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire provides a well designed scenario that makes this version of the game feel much less redundant. The new Secret Bases are also well designed, if a bit exploitable. At the same time some of the more cryptic and confusing parts of the original Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire return generally unchanged. For Pokémon collectors and battlers this game is particularly useful as a there are many types of Pokémon in this new version of Hoenn, with multiple unexpected additions, and the ease of breeding and EV training in this game easily outmatches all previous Pokémon games.
In terms of sound Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire essentially meets the original version, with the songs being reproduced by an orchestra and the sound effects being generally the same as in Pokémon X and Y. While some of the recreated songs don’t exactly live up to their original versions, the OST of Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire is still quality as a whole. Overall the sound in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire is as good as anyone could have hoped for.
Technically Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are not particularly impressive. While the original Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire ran at 60 FPS, Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire run at 30 FPS with frequent drops. At the same time, the game is a big improvement over Pokémon X and Y visually. Still, there are many impressive moments and the game is overall nice to look at for a 3DS game.
The plot of Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire is generally unchanged from the rather basic plot of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. The only thing here that is interesting at all is how this game justifies the various differences in this depiction of Hoenn compared to the original version and the added epilogue, both of which this review won’t spoil.
Overall Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire is easily worth full price. Although it can be beaten surprisingly quickly (in a sitting) if you know the original and abuse Mega Evolutions, most players will take much longer and those who are able to complete the game that fast are likely more interested by the ease of creating a viable Pokémon legitimately on cartridge. There are plenty of ways to sink a lot of time into this game and they are all surprisingly entertaining.
Overall the reviewer would give this game an 8.5 out of 10.
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