6 Controversial Pokemon Games That Deserve A Second Chance

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Summary

  • Pokemon X and Y introduced Mega Evolution, solid graphics, and online functionality, helping them earn a positive reputation post-release.
  • Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, while not perfect remakes, still brought improvements, like new Mega Evolutions, better Gym Leader teams and a colorful 3D environment.
  • Although Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon were more traditional third versions, they still offered some mind-blowing additions like catching Legendary Pokemon via Ultra Wormholes and Episode Rainbow Rocket.

For over two decades now, starting from 1996, the Pokemon video games have brought joy to countless gamers globally with their distinctive pocket monsters, user-friendly RPG systems, and captivating game worlds. Yet, this franchise has seen its fair share of peaks as well as troughs, leading certain releases to stir up debates within the community.

Many Pokemon games have sparked debate for various reasons, yet they still possess numerous commendable aspects that leave fans questioning if they warrant another opportunity. The following titles are all strong Pokemon games that initially received negative feedback upon release, but have since gained a more favorable image among some enthusiasts in recent times.

6. Pokemon X And Y

They’re Easy And Didn’t Add Many New Pokemon, But They Also Introduced Mega Evolution

Following the extraordinary Pokemon Fifth Generation, which numerous fans believe is the peak of the series, the expectations for the subsequent generation became unattainably high. Regrettably, it appeared that they fell short in meeting these lofty standards when they debuted in 2013. Upon their release, Pokemon X and Y were instantly compared to their predecessors and faced criticism because they didn’t possess the same distinctive positive traits.

Indeed, the early Sixth Generation Pokemon games were criticized for being overly simple and featuring a minimal number of new Pokemon, with only 72 in total. However, Pokemon X and Y stood out with the captivating and innovative mechanic of Mega Evolution. Additionally, they boasted impressive 3D graphics for the Nintendo 3DS, an excellent soundtrack, and superior online functionality compared to previous games in the series at that time. It wasn’t until a few years after their initial release that fans truly began to appreciate these games, as subsequent Pokemon titles removed or significantly weakened features like Mega Evolution and their advanced online capabilities.

5. Pokemon Omega Ruby And Alpha Sapphire

Just Because It’s Not The Best Remake Doesn’t Mean That It’s Bad (It’s Actually Pretty Good)

Fans widely regard Pokemon Heartgold and Soulsilver as the ideal Pokemon remakes, a status they’ve earned due to their exceptional quality. However, this excellence has become a challenge for subsequent remakes like Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, which launched in 2014. Long-time Pokemon enthusiasts were disappointed that these remakes of Ruby and Sapphire lacked some of the superior features from their third-generation enhanced game, Pokemon Emerald, such as its improved Pokedex and the legendary Battle Frontier. This criticism was justified given that Heartgold and Soulsilver incorporated content from both Gold, Silver, and Crystal games.

Despite some criticism, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire were exceptional games, meticulously adapting many of the best aspects from the original Hoenn region into a 3D environment, while enhancing them with features such as Mega Evolution, improved character designs, and online connectivity. Interestingly, it appears that the less-than-positive reception of Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl has led fans to appreciate these remakes in a refreshed manner.

4. Pokemon Ultra Sun And Ultra Moon

Not The Third Version Fans Were Expecting, But Still Surprisingly Solid

Over two decades, fans of Pokemon got accustomed to the idea of third versions, which while enhancing several aspects of the initial twin games, essentially offered the same gaming experience for the most part. Titles such as Pokemon Yellow, Emerald, and Platinum illustrate why this approach was widely embraced. Nevertheless, the Fifth Generation revolutionized things when Game Freak introduced Pokemon Black 2 and White 2 – a sequel that seemed like an entirely fresh game instead.

Initially, as the years passed, there was much anticipation for a third edition of the games, Pokemon Sun and Moon. Some enthusiasts expected a direct sequel named Pokemon Sun 2 and Moon 2, while others speculated it would be an exclusive Nintendo Switch game dubbed Pokemon Stars. Consequently, many fans felt let down when Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon were released instead, which turned out to be just another conventional third version with minor alterations and enhancements.

As a dedicated fan, I’d say that while Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon share similarities with the original Sun and Moon games, they’ve got some jaw-dropping enhancements that set them apart. These upgrades include a smoother gameplay pace, the opportunity to capture Shiny or Legendary Pokemon through Ultra Wormholes, and Episode Rainbow Rocket, an exhilarating tale that brings back villains from across the franchise, culminating in an epic, captivating storyline that every hardcore Pokémon fan should not miss.

3. Pokemon Let’s Go, Pikachu! And Let’s Go, Eevee!

The First Pokemon Game For Nintendo Switch Tried To Appeal To A Broader Audience

Following the disappointment experienced by many Pokemon fans with Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, they began speculating about what would be the first Pokemon game to launch on the Nintendo Switch, as the unique hybrid console had debuted in 2017. Given this, it was only a matter of time before the beloved franchise made its move. Shortly after, the announcements for Pokemon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! arrived.

The remakes sparked instant controversy for several reasons. Firstly, since this marked the second time the First Generation was being re-created, many felt it was unnecessary. Secondly, it became apparent that these games were designed to capitalize on the recent success of Pokemon GO. As tensions escalated, even The Pokemon Company had to issue an official statement clarifying that Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! were not the beginning of a new generation and that they would release a new mainline game for the Switch the following year.

It wasn’t long before fans grew fond of the games Pokemon Let’s Go, Pikachu! And Let’s Go, Eevee!, realizing they were delightful side games rather than the main progression of the Pokemon series. The less complex mechanics made them more enjoyable and addictive for casual players, while features like Master Trainers or enhanced Shiny Hunting kept competitive gamers engaged. To top it off, Partner Pikachu and Partner Eevee were simply too cute and endearing to dislike.

2. Pokemon Sword And Shield

Two Excellent Switch Games, Despite Not Featuring Every Single Pokemon

The debates didn’t stop there, as Pokemon Sword and Shield, launched a year later on the Nintendo Switch, stirred up intense polarization within the franchise. The strife started when it was announced that not all Pokemons created would be accessible in the new Eighth Generation games, which sparked outrage among veteran players. This revelation led to intense scrutiny of every aspect of Sword and Shield, both before and after release, resulting in harsh criticism for its subpar graphics and simplistic narrative.

Regardless of the debates surrounding them, Pokemon Sword and Shield remain exceptional games that shouldn’t bear the stigma they currently have. While not boasting the most visually stunning Switch graphics, they showcase a consistent anime-inspired aesthetic that sets them apart as unique and vibrant. Admittedly, these titles didn’t include every Pokemon, but the 96 new Galar region creatures are among the series’ best designed and executed. The Dynamax and Gigantamax features might not operate like Mega Evolution, but their grandiose and entertaining gimmicks are still a joy to utilize. Furthermore, these games abandoned the traditional third version practice in favor of reasonably priced downloadable expansions that offered plenty of additional content. Thankfully, fans started recognizing the game’s merits following the wane of the National Pokedex controversy.

1. Pokemon Scarlet And Violet

Behind A Slew Of Technical Issues Lies One Of The Most Innovative Pokemon Games

It’s worth noting that the latest mainline installments of the Pokémon series, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, have received much of the criticism they have over the past few years due to their less-than-ideal launch state. These games were plagued with technical issues such as glitches, bugs, and a sluggish frame rate, making them challenging for longtime Pokémon enthusiasts to play comfortably.

It’s regrettable that despite Pokemon Scarlet and Violet boasting numerous commendable qualities, making them among the most remarkable and innovative games within the series, they still face some criticisms. Their open-ended world offers players the flexibility to accomplish all main quests in any desired sequence, while their Terastallization mechanic allows trainers to alter a Pokemon’s type during battle, drastically modifying combat tactics. Moreover, the narrative of Scarlet and Violet ranks among the best presented in a primary Pokemon game since Black and White was released.

Following the significant uproar over the Ninth Generation games subsiding, the dedicated Pokemon enthusiasts ultimately came to admire and cherish them due to their superior aspects. However enjoyable Scarlet and Violet might be, Game Freak and The Pokemon Company should still face criticism for their underwhelming launch. Fortunately, it appears these companies are now learning from their mistakes as Pokemon: Legends Z-A is taking more time than normal to release.

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2025-01-23 07:16