"Disappointing..."

It's hard to believe, but Pokemon has shared my game shelf with games like Grand Theft Auto for years now. What pulled me into the game was the interesting storyline and that you can play it in 10 minute segments, making it more convenient the console games. Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire have successfully defeated a lot of appeal in the Pokemon games with its bland storyline, annoying battles, and lack of any real thinking.

The first thing Ruby did was wreck the storyline. The previous versions kept an interesting storyline with a slight feel of mystery and suspense, but Ruby doesn't. Newbies will like that everything is explained all too well and very little thinking is required. This is especially the case with your main enemy in the game, who is a peppy trainer who gives you items after you (easily) defeat them. Boring...

The battles are also more frustrating, as new moves and new pokemon are introduced. One that really grated on my nerves was Delcatty, who used the same two attacks to put your pokemon to sleep or make it fall in love with Delcatty, both preventing any attack. I don't know if this is a bug or by design, but the only way to defeat it is to strike fast with a pokemon that knows self destruct or a similar one-hit KO move. In other words, trying to beat every trainer is a suicide mission. Another extremely annoying "feature" is the necessity to trade with someone who owns all of the available pokemon on Sapphire to fill up your pokedex. In other words, you're screwed unless you happen to befriend a Pokemon Sapphire owner.

Aside from the irritating battles and boring storyline, the game's graphics and sound are good for the platform. If you're only looking for graphics and sound, though, you may want to go with one of the DS games. Interestingly, the game doesn't make much use of the L and R buttons, unless you have an option enabled from the menu. WARNING: THE NEXT FEW SENTENCES MAY BE A SPOILER: another good feature is the "secret bases", which essentially let you create and decorate your own base with items purchased from specialty dealers. You can trade bases and items with your friends. The basic concept still remains the same: raise your Pokemon and battle Gym trainers until you reach the elite four, where you battle the best trainers in the game.

You'll love this game if you're more interested in an easy to beat game instead of one with a deep and interesting storyline, but I don't. If you truly want to play the Pokemon games, buy the earlier games.

Reviewer's Score: 4/10, Originally Posted: 04/01/08

Game Release: Pokemon Ruby Version (US, 03/18/03)