by Cody Norton
Back in 2003 when Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire first launched, we were introduced to the most vibrant and diverse region of the long running franchise. Even then, with the relatively weak capability of the Gameboy Advance, it managed to create a wonderful world with surprising beauty. Now, thanks to upgraded aesthetics from the 3DS, Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire (Pokémon ORAS) display Hoenn in a fully developed sense. Despite a stupidly simplistic story and the occasionally lacking variety of Pokemon, these remakes succeed through their improved visuals and enjoyable new features.
Lackluster stories and uninteresting characters are often game breakers for other games, but ORAS functions surprisingly well without them. When continuing the story becomes a matter of progression rather than the result of anticipation, there is time to enjoy the redeveloped landscape and updated mechanics. Sneaking has become a thoroughly addicting activity as a result of this and the grind of training becomes virtually unnecessary with the redesigned Exp. Share. Thankfully, activities like the aforementioned DexNav’s Sneaking and Pokémon Contests exist. By at least taking the time to focus on alternative in-game activities, each new accessible area provides excitement even when the story falters.
The successful return of the Pokémon Contest is a testament to this dedication. While it was an entertaining side activity in the original games, the lack of animation and simplistic style left more to be desired. The general setup remains unchanged, but the overhaul of the graphics provides a fresher, more grandiose environment. Combined with the integration of Mega Evolutions and a semi-rival in Lisia, participating in and mastering Pokémon Contests are worth the sometimes-tedious preparation that is required of them.
More than any previous installment, Pokémon ORAS has a clear understanding of the tone and general atmosphere of itself and isn’t afraid to occasionally flaunt it. This installment thrives on an adventurous spirit through the wildly altering terrain of each route and city. From the enclosed mall that is Mauville, to the one-of-a-kind Sootopolis City, the design perfectly encapsulates its location in Hoenn. Through rainforests to the vastly open sea, it is a world that’s different than any other Pokémon game. Hoenn is riddled with the mysteries of ancient Pokémon and new hoop-like gates. You are constantly challenged to delve into and make sense of every little detail. Even the most committed won’t be able to understand all of it. You’ll be left with food for thought, something that’s not often included in games geared for younger audiences. While ORAS could have easily been reworked to include a more entertaining plot, it instead perfects its already fascinating exploration aspects. In the end, those features mean a great deal more than a revamped plot because all stories end, but an adventurous spirit never does.
If this game has any lasting impact on the Pokémon franchise, it will be its introduction of the Soaring mechanic. While the originals took us to the depths of its vast ocean, ORAS brings us to the long-unexplored skies. Even though it’s little more than a cool method of travel and an occasional path to legendary Pokemon, it’s a groundbreaking feature that has boundless potential. Not having to waste a move slot on the relatively useless fly attack or even carry Latios(as) around alleviates the frustration often present in this HM-heavy region. Although there was never an empty void where soaring should have been, it will be an expected norm for future entries.
However, this all isn’t to suggest the game is perfect, as there are some notable disappointments. The nearly entire absence of new mechanics and areas to explore during the story is frustrating. There were multiple times I quite simply zoned out on the dialogue but I still knew exactly where to go because nothing has changed from the originals. Soaring in the sky wasn’t an option until the very end and the multiple mirage spots and the brand new Battle Resort were inaccessible until post-game. For those keener on finishing the plot before exploring the region, you have to endure the most basic of stories. The goal of each game’s villain is undeniably absurd. Yes, Pokémon is a fantasy world with odd villainous organizations wearing silly uniforms but even that can’t justify their desire to flood the land or dry up the sea. It would have been nice to reshape the motives to a more comprehensible ideology.
Additionally, almost no character was fully detailed or explained. Their motives, desires, goals, and fears went virtually unexplored. Wally is one the most intriguing characters Pokémon has generated, yet ORAS does a terrible job examining his transformation from shy kid to an experienced, courageous trainer. It was forgivable in the originals but adding a few additional scenes was needed in this remake. ORAS did a nice job incorporating May/Brendan in additional aspects but they are far less interesting than Wally. It’s unfortunate that the characters weren’t buffed up because even the beautiful graphics couldn’t hold your interest during the several cut-scenes and other dialogue heavy moments.
Although there isn’t an enormous amount of post-game content, Pokémon ORAS’ Delta Episode is the most engaging side quest to ever exist in the Pokémon world, and yes that includes the Battle Frontier. There is a grounded story and the “villain” is far more developed and relatable than anticipated. Centered on the mission of preventing an asteroid from destroying the world, you engage on a quest to collect the necessary supplies. Although no more than a four hour mission, you travel much of the region, meeting multiple characters along the way, until finally making a brief trip to space. By focusing on an unexplored mission with never before seen characters, it’s far more engaging than the already-done Team Aqua/Magma plot. When Pokémon takes the time to develop a story not about conquering the world, it manages to create something spectacular. Unlike the main story, there is a desire to progress because there is curiosity to how this will play out but most importantly, it’s worth the effort in the end.
Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are yet another pair of welcomed remakes into the franchise. Although failing to improve some unexciting aspects, it more than makes up for it with the abundant beauty of the region and various side story activities. The third generation of Pokémon was groundbreaking when it first released, and continues to pave the way into the evermore-exciting world of Pokémon.
