Anticipation for Pokemon Battle Revolution has been high, and that's putting it lightly. I have my copy, so here's how I feel so far.
As we have all found out from screenshots and footage, this game is arguably the best looking Wii software yet. Nintendo struck the perfect balance between realism and the series' trademark animation style with the Pokemon and the people. The only way thy could've possibly made anything look better would be to abandon Pokemon's cartoony look.
Also, for the first time EVER in a standard Pokemon game, the creatures actually make physical contact when battling! It use to be that the attacking Pokemon would make a little motion to indicate an attack, then the camera would swing over to the target and show it reeling and getting damaged. Now, if your Chimchar uses scratch, it gets right up close and personal with the target and actually scratches it! This may sound petty to those of you unfamiliar with the series, but it really does help in a big way.
Controls are spot-on. You simply point at your on-screen command, press A, and there ya go. This really helps streamline the whole experience in the same way the touchscreen helped Diamond and Pearl.
And how about using the DS as a controller? Also very quick and easy. The same controls as in Diamond and Pearl are used, just this time all the action appears on the TV instead of the top screen! There's also very little lag, which is really something considering all the translations your input has to go through.
The sound is great, with different music for each arena. Speaking of different arenas, the announcer's commentary will relate to the environment. For example, if your playing in the waterfall arena, he'll comment on the calming effect the cascading water seems to have on the Pokemon. Sure, it's a tiny little thing, but it gives the game even more of that unique charm.
All the Pokemon cries are intact, which is both good news and bad news. The good news is you'll recognize each screech and growl from your portable adventures. The bad news is the cries are the same thing as we've been hearing for the past nine years, so their quality doesn't exactly translate well to a TV's speakers.
So how about one of this game's most anticipated features, online play? First of all, it's certainly improved over what was released in Japan in December. Most notably, you can actually play one-on-one with perfect strangers. No computer-controlled clones here, just real person VS person battles. So make a note, folks: FRIEND CODES ARE NOT REQUIRED HERE! I've played two matches online so far (Got my ass handed to me both times...), and I've encountered little trouble, except with my second opponent...
When battling foe #2, there was massive lag in between menu selections. I'd click on the Attack button, wait 5 seconds for the attacks to show up, select an attack, and wait another few seconds for that to work. In the first battle, this was not an issue. I'd select a command, wait barely any time at all, and WHAM, I was in business. This can probably be attributed to my opponent's wireless connection strength, so no need to hold anything against Nintendo.
So those are my impressions of Pokemon Battle Revolution thus far! Look forward to a full review later this week! PEACE OUT!
The Duck Has Spoken.
12 comments:
A nice read, but I don't think I'm going to get this. Battling in 3D just doesn't warrant the $50 for me.
But it's nice to see your blog get some attention from GoNintendo.
Although this game is just for battling, it definitely isn't worth my $50. You can get D/P and get a full fledged adventure for $30. Us gamers should take a stand buy not buying half made games like this. If we continue to buy the game, no matter how bad the game is, if we buy games like these, Nintendo will continue releasing them, no matter what we say. I love the idea for a 3D pokemon game, but next time leave out Genius Sonority and Partner up with GameFreak to make a good 3D Adventure RPG.
Is online using Mii Codes like Strikers, or friend codes like the Japanese version? I'd assume they've upgraded to Mii codes...
Nope, it's Friend Codes here, Yoyo.
The Duck Has Spoken.
You know.. you don't have to highlight every fukin' little tidbit in a review. No matter how important you think it is.
@ anonymous:
You know... You don't have to bitch in every single article I work so hard to write, no matter how important you think you are.
The Duck Has Spoken.
I wish more reviewers would include what the game offers to non-DS players. After an hour of playing, the answer I came up with was 'Nuthin'. The box should say "Don't buy this if you don't have a DS with Diamond or Pearl."
I guess I'm a dope for not knowing that ahead of time.
Good review dude.I've been really thinking about buying it for awhile,just not sure.This helped push me towards "buy it".Also the bolding of important stuff in the review was dope.F people who say negative things dude,it was well written.
How is PBR for folks who don't have Pokemon Diamond/Pearl, and aren't already intimately familiar with the various Pokemon's strengths and weaknesses? My seven-year-old is kinda interested in this game, but I'm wondering if it's a good "starter" experience or if I should get one of the DS cards instead.
I like the bolding. If I'm not particularly interested in a paragraph, I can just read the bolded words and get the idea.
Great article, Duck ;)
like the "bolding".
anyway --- i agree with you on the sounds. what the heck is up with that GBA sound??? who the heck at nintendo gave the greenlight on that.
Nice impressions. I will probably buy the game when it gets cheaper but I don't think it's worth the 50 dollar price tag. Can't wait for your full review.
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