Pokémon Ruby Version (2002)

This is my fourth time playing through a Hoenn game, this time on the back of playing the Generation 8 games as well as White 2 and I'm honestly amazed by how much they got right back in 2002. What satisfies me most is the fact that they got the levels of opposing Pokemon so right; there are very few level/difficulty spikes and every gym/notable battle feels fair and not overly easy. Sure, it's a Pokemon game, so it's not rock-hard, but the fact that opposing Pokemon have coverage moves keeps you on your toes. Regardless, you'll need to do a bit of grinding if you want to be even with the gym leaders/Elite Four/champion, but having played through Hoenn a few times now I can safely say that the only really tiresome points where you'll have to grind is right at the start of the game (to get your new party members up to scracth) and right at the end (for the Elite Four/Champion), the latter takes FOREVER (it has taken me 10 hours to get from a party of level 48 Pokemon to a party of 58 Pokemon in my last two playthroughs).

Aside from the main battles, there are other things to enjoy, such as exploring the interesting Hoenn region which is full of little nooks and crannies containig valuable items and battles so you can earn more EXP so that going off the beaten track is definitely rewarded. It's just a shame that contests aren't more rewarding and are little more than a detailed mini-game (and possibly time-consuming if you really want them to be), although they made these more rewarding in ORAS.

How about what it lacks compared to modern games? Honestly, it's only really the fact that you have to grind as there's no EXP share, although in my experience the later Pokemon games (most notably Generation 6) really struggled to balance the EXP share (it was far too overpowered as it makes your Pokemon very overleveled very quickly), so if you're happy to spend numerous hours grinding over the course of a playthrough, then you'll be even happier with the result (seriously, just listen to some podcasts or something and it's a great way to chill out).

All in all, the Hoenn games have a special place in my heart, not just because of the Hoenn Pokemon (there are plenty of cool and viable ones to choose from), but also because I've always enjoyed playing through the Hoenn games because of the reasons detailed above. If you haven't played them yet, I'd strongly recommend playing through ORAS if possible as they're cheaper and have even more content (just remember to turn the EXP share off!).

I love talking about Pokemon like it is a Mickey Mouse level paragon of Capitalist media that feeds on its own rotting flesh, but actually I just love Pokemon. Playing the old games in concert with the new is how I remember the series' creativity and more genuine elements that set it apart from the Disneys and Marvels of the world.

Ruby started it all for me, but this is a review of Sapphire, which I had never played before and somehow feels like an entirely alien world even though I logged probably hundreds of hours playing its identical twin brother.

Hoenn is the best. Just hard stop. The way the series flowers in this game and gives you the sense you are in a fantasy world with total exploration at your fingertips is truly beautiful. The art has aged beautifully, simple at times but rich and detailed enough to let the imagination run wild. Made just on the cusp of Nintendo realizing their fanbase will one day age, yet still making a world rich for the young mind. So fun so great, a special world to play in.

This is a review of Pokémon Sapphire Version. Not Pokémon Ruby Version or Pokémon Emerald Version. Just clarifying.

Now, this review won't be perfect for a variety of reasons. I'm not well versed in previous Pokémon games. My only exposure to the franchise was through a small bit of Pokémon Red, a few spin-offs, the show, and Pokémon Shield. I'm also not the best in explaining each individual thing about types and stuff like that. The third and final reason is that I did a Nuzlocke of this game (Look it up if you don't know) Which I did successfully complete. But here's my attempt of a review.

Pokémon Sapphire might've gotten me into Pokémon. The game looks stunning for a GBA game and Hoenn is so fun to explore and take in. The music is great and the battle mechanic is really engaging.

This game introduced the 3rd Generation of Pokémon and with that, came a lot of cool Pokémon such as Breloom which is now my favorite Gen 3 Pokémon. In this game, you have a choice of 3 starters (Like most of the games). Mudkip, a water Pokémon, Treeko, a Grass-type Pokémon, and Torchic, a Fire-type Pokémon. I chose Mudkip, which was a good choice. There are a lot of Water Types in Gen 3. Almost too much as Fire-Types are basically kicked in the dirt in this game. The Pokédex is weird in this game due to this imbalance of types which makes me feel bad for people who enjoy Fire-Type.

You get the choice to play as either Brendan (The Male Pokémon Trainer), or May (The Female Pokémon Trainer). Choosing either will only result in your rival being either Brendan or May depending on who you choose.

Like most Pokémon games, there are 8 Gyms you must go to. The goal is to collect those badges in said Gyms and challenge the Elite 4 and become the Pokémon League Champion while foiling Team Aqua's plans of flooding Hoenn. Speaking of Team Aqua, I wish they had more development. The story feels pretty incomplete which I heard is fixed in Emerald as it basically combines the story of Ruby and Sapphire. Also, Kyogre is an awesome legendary and I'd recommend saving a Master Ball for him.

Gen 3 also introduced Double Battles but unfortunately, they are barely used. Also, some gyms really should've had more variety with the Pokémon. This includes the Elite 4. Overall though, the Gyms and the Elite 4 is pretty good.

This Nuzlocke has made me want to casually play more Pokémon games. I'm happy that I'm dipping my toes in this franchise.

(MY TEAM AFTER THE NUZLOCKE. I USED AN EMULATOR)

Would Recommend

4/5

1001 Games - #525

Pros: core Pokemon gameplay retained, plenty of post-game activities, contests add another aspect to training, improved PC system

Cons: contests may not appeal to everyone, still requires long grinding sessions, over-abundance of water-based HMs

Recommendations: a solid entry in the series. I think that the Gen III Pokemon were the best additions since the original 151, which makes the game more enjoyable than some of the newer ones. With an enhanced remake on the way, this game will soon be more-or-less obsolete.